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The city of Cusco is considered the
“archeological capital of the world” and the “cultural father of
humanity”. It was the capital of the great Incan empire. During
the peak of its magnificance, it was as well the capital of
Tahuantinsuyo, the governmental center for extensive territories
that today encompass Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and
Peru.
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As the
religious, cultural, military, political and administrative
center, it was the greatest urban metropolis of the Andean
world. Even the name “Cusco” derives from “qosqo”, a word in the
Quechua language meaning, literally, “center of the world”.
Still today, Cusco is considered as such. In this beautiful city
and in the empire of which it was the capital, existed a culture
reknown for its developments in agriculture, architecture, and
astronomy. Above all, it is recognized for being a completely
ecological culture.
Nowadays, a major destination for tourists throughout the world,
this rapidly growing city has become one of the most important
in South America.
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MAIN ATTRACTIONS.
LA PLAZA DE ARMAS. |
Cusco´s Plaza de Armas was designed as the symbolic center of
the empire, following the tradition of its founder, Inca Manco
Cāpac. The Quechua name was Huacaypata, meaning “place for
weeping”. According to historians, it was so named because this
was where public executions took place. The plaza was also a
place for people to pray to the sun for rain, abundant harvests
and prosperity for the empire. In this main square was
considered the “Huaca Mayor”, or sacred place of the great
heirarchy.
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SACSAYHUAMÁN.
Only five minutes from the Plaza de Armas one finds the
archeological park of Sacsayhuamān. It had once been a military
fortress. As well, it served as a temple for ceremonial
purposes. Visitors will be able to view giant stone structures
whose method of construction has yet to be explained. Found also
is the Temple of the Moon and other important sites. Each year
on June 24th (the beginning of the Incan new year) is held the
ceremony of Inti Raymi, or Fiesta of the Sun.
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TAMBOMACHAY.
Following the route of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one
finds the archeological site of Tambomachay. In Incan times this
place served as a spot where people could bathe and rest
themselves. It is constructed entirely in the form of a
stairway. According to historians it also served as a place to
worship the element of water.
PUCA PUCARA.
Puca Pucara served as a fortification for guarding the
sacred city from invaders. Here are found large towers,
observation platforms and niches. The watchtowers were used not
just for military purposes but also as a lookout for travelers.
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KENCCO.
This is a construction built
in the style of an amphitheater.
Here are found canals, passageways and places of worship. In its
center one can find a large monolith that according to some is a
phallic symbol and according to others is the image of an Andean
puma, considered a sacred animal. It is interesting to note that
in this site exists carved rock which the Incas used to divine
the future for the coming year. |
SAN BLAS.
A few blocks from Plaza de Armas is found the neighborhood
of San Blas. It is known as an area for artists because for many
years there have been established here the best Cusquenean art
schools. Here also is found the church of San Blas that is
famous for its beauty and for its wooden pulpit constructed over
four hundred years ago. During the day it is an active
commercial center. A wide variety of restaurants and
entertainment make for a lively night life.
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Qorikancha Temple.
This temple, whose
Quechuan name means “place of gold”, was constructed by the Inca
Pachacutec in honor and praise of the sun, the principal Incan
divinity. Qorikancha is located in the heart of the city. One
can marvel at remarkable murals as well as beautiful
constructions built in the imperial style.
Churches and Convents
Cusco boasts numerous
churches and convents that date back to colonial times. Some of
the most outstanding art works from this epic are found at these
churches:
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La Catedral, la
Compaņia of Jesus, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina,
San Pedro, Santa Clara, San Sebastiān, San Cristōbal. Also there
is La Merced in which is found the “Custodia”, a monstrance of
gold jewelry which weighs 22 kilos and has nearly two thousand
diamonds as well as 650 additional precious stones. The value of
these art works in Cusco´s churches is incalcuable owing to
their importance. The city of Cusco is endowed with these
beautiful art works which inspired the development of art
schools in the city. |
Grand Colonial Homes.
During colonial times, Cusco was a very important city
that hosted upper class families who built impressive
residences. Those of special interest include the house of
the four statues, the Concha house, the house of the
Buenavista marquises, the Garcilaso house, and the palace of
the admirals, among others. For twenty years, important
restoration projects have put a high value on many of these
city properties on which are built institutions, museums and
hotels.
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MACHUPICCHU.
Machupicchu was officially discovered in
1911 by Hiram Bingham, although its existence was known much
earlier. It is located on a jungle road in the county of Cusco.
It is considered the most important tourist attraction of the
region owing to its imposing construction. Its purpose continues
to be a mystery unrevealed to all. It is considered a center of
planning and rest. It was magnificently constructed in an
inaccessible area deep within the mountains. Machupicchu is
deemed as one of the marvels of the ancient world.
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| Machupicchu
is now open to visitors every day of the year and is the most
toured monument in Peru. Services have reached a comfortable
level of quality. Many visitors come to Peru exclusively to take
in this magnificent, archeological site.
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Incan Sacred Valley.
Sacred Valley is formed in the basin of the Urubama and
Vilcanota rivers. The rivers’ course frames many important
archeological sites. Along the banks one can find the town of
Chinchero where there is a county arts and crafts fair as well
as an archeological site formed by terraces.
Pisaq was given the same name relating to the archeological
site there. Here it is possible to appreciate in all their
magnificence the terraces developed by the Incas.
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Yucay and Urubamba are two peaceful destinations which
originally served as resting places. Here it is possible to find
beautiful landscapes and smaller archeological sites. Following
the road into the town of Ollantaytambo, one encounters a very
important site with the same name. At this place was fought one
of the last battles between the Incas and the Spanish invaders.
In Ollantaytambo stands out the presence of the Incan remains
belonging to the Huari culture which existed in pre-Incan times.
OROPESA.
This is a picturesque town located to the south of Cusco.
Because the town is involved principally in the production of
bread, it has become known as the “city of bread”.
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PIKILLACTA.
Pikillacta is a site that dates back to an age preceding the
Inca. It contains the most notable remains left by the people of
the Huari culture in this region. It is a walled city that has
high buildings and constructions for civic use. It served as a
stronghold and storage facility. Surrounding this site are also
constructions which served as living quarters for the Huari.
Very near Pikillacta is found Huacarpay lake which, together
with the nearby Urcos lake, constitutes the last remainder of
millenial times---the bottom of the sea.
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ANDAHUAYLILLAS.
Andahuaylillas possesses an exceptionally
good climate which makes this place very attractive. In this
town is found a chapel known as the “Sistine Chapel of Peru”
because of its beautiful painting and murals. Built in 1850,
this chapel is adorned with paintings on the ceilings similar to
the murals in Rome´s Sistine Chapel. In Andahuaylillas are
beautiful landscapes which make for delightful outings in the
countryside.
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TIPON.
In the southern zone of Andahuaylillas we find the site,
Tipķn. In Quechua the name means “sparkle” or “water flow”. Here
there is a large water temple built in the style of terraces,
walls and steps that harbor beautiful fountains of crystal water
originating from nearby snow-capped mountains. We will see
irrigation canals which the Incas constructed with such mastery
that even today they continue to be used. Water has flowed
through this sanctuary for more than five hundred years. It is
said that anyone who bathes in these waters will be purified.
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Cusco office address:
Jr. Ricardo Palma A-1. Urb. Santa Mónica Cusco - Perú.
www.cabildoviajes.com
E Mail: cabildotravel@hotmail.com
Fax: 051-84-245475
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