Cusco, often regarded as the gateway to Machu Picchu, is much more than just a stopover on your journey to the iconic Inca citadel. This historic city, nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, was once the thriving capital of the Inca Empire, known as Tahuantinsuyo. The name Cusco (or Qusqu/Qosqo in Quechua) translates to “navel of the world,” symbolizing its role as the political, cultural, and spiritual hub of the Inca civilization.
The city itself is a mesmerizing blend of ancient Inca and colonial Spanish architecture. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you'll encounter remnants of the city's illustrious past, from the meticulously crafted stone walls of Inca temples to grand colonial churches built atop them. The juxtaposition of these two eras is a testament to Cusco's rich and layered history.
Surrounded by verdant valleys and dramatic mountain ranges, Cusco is also a gateway to numerous other attractions, including the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán, and the vibrant town of Pisac. The Urubamba River, which flows through the Sacred Valley, adds to the region's stunning natural beauty and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures such as rafting and hiking.
But Cusco is not just about its past; it is a living city where traditions and modernity coexist. Festivals, often rooted in Inca and Catholic traditions, fill the city's calendar, with Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, being the most famous. The local cuisine, featuring dishes like ceviche, alpaca, and guinea pig, offers a delicious introduction to Andean flavors.
In Cusco, every corner tells a story, whether it’s through the vibrant markets where you can find traditional textiles and crafts, or the lively streets where you’ll hear Quechua spoken alongside Spanish. It's a place where history, culture, and nature converge, making it an essential destination for any traveler to Peru.
The story of Cusco, often referred to as the “navel of the world,” is a fascinating blend of legend, power, and resilience. According to ancient lore, the region was first inhabited by the Tampus, a people believed to be among the first Quechua speakers. The city itself was founded around 1200 AD by the first Inca, Manco Cápac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo. They named the city Qosqo, a reflection of its destined role as the center of the Inca world.
Cusco truly began to rise in prominence under the rule of the 9th Inca, Pachacutec Yupanqui (1438-1471). He transformed the city into a bustling cultural and economic hub, expanding the Inca Empire across the Andes. Under his leadership, impressive agricultural terraces and complex irrigation systems were built, ensuring the city’s prosperity. These feats of engineering, alongside the construction of monumental structures, positioned Cusco as the heart of the Inca civilization.
Pachacutec’s legacy continued with his son, Tupac Yupanqui, who extended the empire's reach from present-day Ecuador to Chile. Under his rule, Cusco attracted thinkers, artists, and leaders from across the empire, further solidifying its status as a center of power and culture.
The empire reached its zenith under the 11th Inca, Huayna Cápac, who ruled until 1525. However, his death triggered a civil war between his sons, Atahualpa and Huáscar, which weakened the empire just as the Spanish conquistadors arrived. In 1533, Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa and seized Cusco, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. The conquistadors looted the city, melted down its treasures, and built colonial structures atop the ruins of Inca temples.
Despite the conquest, Cusco remained a symbol of Inca resistance. In 1536, Manco Inca, a puppet ruler installed by the Spanish, led a massive uprising against the conquistadors, laying siege to Cusco with an army of over 100,000 men. The rebellion nearly succeeded but was ultimately crushed, leading to the near-total destruction of the city.
The city faced further devastation in 1650 when a powerful earthquake struck, destroying much of what had been rebuilt. However, the earthquake revealed the ancient Inca foundations beneath the colonial buildings, including the impressive Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which had been hidden under the Church of Santo Domingo.
Cusco’s importance waned until the early 20th century when the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 reignited interest in the city. Cusco became a key destination for travelers eager to explore the rich history of the Inca civilization. This resurgence was tempered by another earthquake in 1950, which destroyed much of the city once again but also brought the city’s Inca past to light, as ancient structures re-emerged from the rubble.
In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Cusco was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, it stands as a living museum, where the echoes of its storied past blend seamlessly with the vibrancy of modern life, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its ancient streets, grand plazas, and awe-inspiring ruins.
Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire, is believed to have been established around 1100 AD. Over the centuries, it has flourished into a vibrant hub, now home to approximately 275,000 residents, most of whom speak Quechua, the language of the Incas. The city proudly carries its original name, Qosqo, in Quechua, a testament to its enduring cultural heritage.
Cusco, the gateway to Peru's rich history, is adorned with a stunning array of sights that make it one of the most captivating destinations in the world. Located in the heart of the Andes, Cusco is more than just a city; it's a living museum where ancient traditions and colonial heritage blend seamlessly. The city itself is perched at 3,399 meters above sea level, in the southeastern region of Peru, and serves as the historical capital of the country.
Cusco is revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas. Its Quechua name, Qosqo, translates to "The Earth's Navel," symbolizing its central role in the world of the Inca Empire. Though it predates the Inca civilization, Cusco rose to prominence under the Incas as the epicenter of their vast empire. The Spanish later founded their version of the city in 1534, transforming Cusco into a hub of cultural and religious activity. The city became the seat of the first Bishop of South America and hosted the renowned Cusco School of Art, which produced some of the finest works of colonial art in the world.
Cusco's importance lies in its unique fusion of the ancient and the modern. The city's architecture reflects this blend, with Inca stone walls forming the foundations for Spanish colonial structures. The Coricancha, once the most sacred temple dedicated to the Sun God Inti, is now topped by the Convent of Santo Domingo, illustrating the layers of history that define Cusco. The Cathedral and La Merced Church are other significant colonial legacies that stand as testaments to the city's historical depth.
Cusco's sights are a tapestry of Inca and colonial wonders. The Sacred Valley, once the heart of Inca agriculture, is renowned for its fertile lands, particularly for corn production. The San Blas district, known as "El Barrio de los Artesanos," is a vibrant neighborhood where traditional crafts are still alive. Nearby, the town of Paucartambo offers a glimpse into Andean culture that has remained unchanged for centuries.
The city itself is a treasure trove of historical landmarks. Walking through Cusco, you'll encounter the famous 12-angled stone, a marvel of Inca masonry, as well as the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, an immense fortress overlooking the city. The complex of Ollantaytambo and the towns of Pisaq and Calca offer further insights into the Inca way of life. And, of course, no visit to Cusco would be complete without a journey to Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
Beyond these well-known sites, Cusco is surrounded by lesser-known but equally fascinating places like Choquequirao, Qenko, Tambomachay, Vilcabamba, and Espiritu Pampa. Each of these sites is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the Inca's unparalleled skill in stone construction. These cities once served as political, religious, and administrative centers, cementing Cusco's role as the heart of the Inca Empire.
Cusco is strategically located in the Andes, a mountain range that stretches across the western edge of South America. This high-altitude city is situated in the southeastern part of Peru, making it a vital connection between the country's various cultural and natural regions. Cusco's location not only made it the center of the Inca Empire but also ensures its place as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Peru.
Nestled in the Andes at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level, Cusco holds the prestigious title of the Historical Capital of Peru. This city is not just a relic of the past but an architectural marvel, standing shoulder to shoulder with other significant sites like the ruins of Choquequirao, Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu. Cusco served as the political, religious, and administrative center of the Inca civilization, showcasing the remarkable stonework that defines Incan architecture.
Machu PicchuT Travel Agency offers the best itineraries for Peru tours, including popular destinations such as the Inca Trail and the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
