Cusco is located in the southern center of the Peruvian territory, it is divided between mountainous areas and the Amazon jungle. It is well-known for being the heart of the Tahuantinsuyu Empire, a considerable part of the Andes was controlled politically, religiously and administratively during the XV and XVI centuries. The city is a sample of the convergence of two completely different cultures, Andean and Hispanic, over the centuries achieved a cultural Syncretism embodied in the architecture of its buildings, customs, folklore, religious celebrations and art. The feeling is unspeakable, the mysticism that engulfs you from its history, getting full of energy, walking through remote places and enjoying the nightlife. The only thing you will crave is not to leave ever.
WHAT MAKES CUSCO SO SPECIAL?
MONUMENTS: This journey will connect you with the pre-Inca and Inca times, its monuments are perfect lacework of enormous stones without using any mortar that astounds the entire world. The must-see sites that you should not miss are: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Pikillaqta, Tipón, among others. And we cannot fail to mention one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machupicchu. This World Heritage Site was a political, administrative and religious center during the Tahuantinsuyu Empire. Its enclosures and the mountain range surrounding makes it a unique scenery that enfolds every person. On the other hand, the colonial and republican times are reflected in the facades of the old houses, nunneries, temples, museums, the detail of the door and window frames leave you breathless.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: If you enjoy being in contact with nature and landscapes, you have many choices, you can choose to do ecotourism, hike the mountains surrounded by the different communities, particularly the Inca Trail of four or five days or the Short Inca Trail, release adrenaline doing active sports such as kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, paragliding, cycling. Cusco delights you with endless activities and attractions to be discovered.
CULTURE AND FOLKLORE: Cusco is characterized by maintaining and keeping practicing their customs since ancient times, and it can be appreciated in their traditions, clothing, food and typical beverages. It can be seen in the celebrations for Holy Week, the feast in honor of Taytacha de los Temblores (The Lord of the Earthquakes), considered the Sworn Patron Saint of the city. Another expression of major importance is the festival of the Inti Raymi, the celebration in honor of the sun god, the highest deity of the Incas. In August, the farmers perform a payment to the mother earth, as this could be the beginning of the new year in the Andes, among others. If you would like to live these experiences, plan your trip for these special dates.
KINDNESS OF THE PEOPLE OF CUSCO: The Cusco man stands out for the good treatment given to people, this is reflected in his/her actions and coziness.
CRAFTSMANSHIP: Handicraft in Cusco is a millennial labor, each handmade piece made in the workshops is a know-how passed down from generation to generation. It is an inheritance continuously enriched by the artisan’s imagination, it has a magical-religious or utilitarian value. It can be seen in textiles, using fibers of plants and animals such as alpaca and vicuna; ceramics, the potters make replicas of Inca and European artifacts; goldsmithing, they use gold and silver metals to make high-quality pieces and design; leather work; wood and stone carving; imagery and other works of art makes it one of the richest in Peru.
CUISINE: Cusco is a major destination in Peru, it is not only synonymous with archaeological sites, history, mysticism. It also has a wide variety of food, highlights its typical meals made with local products. You cannot miss tasting these traditional dishes such as roasted guinea pig or cuy al palo, chicharrón cusqueño, lechón (suckling pig), chiri uchu, chairo soup, among others. If you come to Cusco, and would like to get to know this marvelous place, do it by tasting its dishes.
