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CUSCO
CUSCO
Former capital city and main tourist attraction in Peru, Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Take time to acclimate and experience the mix of Incan and Spanish influences that define the now tourist-centric city.
PLACES TO VISIT
1.MACHU PICCHU
The sacred cities 12 acres of temples, aqueducts and gardens was obscured by the Incas from the Spaniards during the Spanish conquest. Start your journey at the House of Terrace Caretaker and Funeral Rock then head to the Temple of Sun and the Temple of Three Windows, finally visit the Temple of the Condor – the symbol of heaven in the Inca cosmos.
2.LA COMPANIA
The Jesuit church was built in the 16th century but was badly damaged in 1650 by a earthquake. Finally rebuilt in the 1660’s the church was a source of considerable controversy because of its grandeur. The beautiful cathedral was built with a ornate façade and features magnificent gold altarpiece studded with polychrome statues.
3.MUSEO INKA
The museum focus on the culture of the Incas, to the conquest and its impact on Peruvian cultures. On exhibit is collections of ceramics, textiles, metal and gold work, jewelry, mummies and skulls that show an early surgical method of trepanning. The 450 carved and painted wood cups known as queros are also on display. During the tourist season local weavers sell their impressive work in the courtyard.
4.LIGLESIA DE LA A MERCED
The church is considered the third most important colonial church in Cusco. The sacristy, a gold monstrance set with precious stones and a gaint pearl is the church most precious treasure. A carved choir and 18th century painting based on the life of San Pedro Nolasco as well as outstanding lunettes picturing scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary can be seen inside the church. The two-story cloister is especially beautiful.
5.MOON TEMPLE
At the bottom of Cerro Blanco outside of Trujillo the Moon Temple remains of the Moche-period is open to visitors. In the few interior rooms and a small part of a much larger complex standing you can see uncovered alters, brilliant frescoes, skeletons of sacrificial victims and ceramics by archaeologists. Both the Moon Temple and Sun Temple are quite weathered and worn from centuries of neglect.
6.PLANETARIUM CUSCO
The city of Cusco is an enchanting playground of mysterious Inca ruins during daytime. During night time the city is bathed in a soft yellow light which illuminates the colonial sights. The lights give way to gaping black sky and consuming canopy of stars which canvasses the peaks of the Andes on the outskirts of the city.
7.TRUJILLO PLAZA DE ARMAS
The square has been the heart of Cusco from the time of the Inca Empire. The cathedral on the northeast side of the square is the main attraction. The church of Jesus Maria and El Triunfo is on both sides of the cathedral. Southeast is the church of La Compania and on the other sides of the square are lined with colonial arcades. At nighttime the buildings are lit with spotlights with people strolling around.
8.SAN BLAS DISTRICT
The district is notable for its architecture and quaint shops. As a remnant of the city’s past the Inca road Hatunrumiyoc and the remarkable cobble-stone construction leads through the neighborhood with small boutiques, shops and galleries lining the streets.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- San Francisco Church and Monastery
- Barrio de San Blas
- Museo de Arte Precolombino
- Museo Casa Concha
- Cusco Historic Center
- Belmond Hiram Bingham
- Aguas Calientes
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Pisac Indina Market
- Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca
- Raqch’i
- Cathedral of Santo Domingo
- Sacsayhuanman
- Cristo BlancoIglesia de San Blas
- Archbishop Palace
- The Twelve Angled Stone
- Maras Salt Evaporation Ponds
- Santo Domingo and CoricanchaInca Walls
- Korikancha – Sun Temple
- San Pedro Market
- Choco Museo
- Moray
The best way to get around in Cusco is by bus, taxi, car, motorcycle or foot.
The best time to visit Cusco is in between the rainy seasons. April, May, September, October, and even November are excellent times to visit.