+1 801 386 7277
+51 84 225 183
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+1 801 386 7277
+51 84 225 183
info@culturalimmersion.org
EN
ES
Cusco is the capital of the Cusco Region and the Cusco Province.
After the arrival of the Spanish in 1533, Francisco Pizarro, arriving in 1534, changed the name from Qosqo (Quechua, the old language of the Incas) to Cusco.
As the Capital of the Incan Empire, which was stretched from Colombia to Chile, the city of Cusco has played an important role in Peru throughout history and to the present day. Though the Spaniards came and attempted to cover much of the Inca archaeology, they were wise in leaving many of the foundations as those have withstood not only the test of time but also natural disasters, remaining as a symbol of the once great empire.
Due to the incredible infrastructure the Incas developed, i.e. trade systems, highways, etc., the Spanish, who colonized the area, utilized Cusco as its main base of operations in Peru. Centrally located, it gave the Spanish an opportunity to settle comfortably, create productive trade routes and spread Christianity throughout the Andean communities, creating a political and religious epicenter.
Today, Cusco (World heritage site since 1983) is a thriving city with the highest rate of tourism in the country. Incredible architecture, delicious food, a rich history and its proximity to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and several other Incan ruins make Cusco a perfect launching point for several of Perus most famous attractions.
Cusco, 724 miles (1165km) from Lima and 388 miles (625km) from Arequipa, is located in the Huatanay river valley in the Andes mountain range at 3,399m above sea level (11,151ft). Surrounded by the Vilcabamba mountain range and alongside the Sacred Valley, Cusco was an important agricultural center for the Incas. Still today, the terraced mountainsides are evidence of the role agriculture plays in the area, while the snowcapped mountains of Ausangate and Salkantay lend an air of variety to the generally green surroundings.
The Peruvian Andes has two main seasons: The rain season and the dry season. The rainy season occurs during the summer months of November to March, while the dry season is passing during the winter months of April to October. During the dry season, you can expect blue skies as rain is virtually unheard of at this time; however, when the sun moves behind the clouds or after sunset, it can get bitterly cold. Packing warm clothing and dressing in layers is a must for the area. Even during the rainy season, most days will exhibit some sunshine, so while youll want a rain jacket and umbrella; the temperatures are still very comfortable and the days enjoyable.
Cusco is easily reached by plane and bus throughout Peru, e.g. from Lima, Arequipa or Puno. Travelling from Puno, the Andean Explorer train is a very luxurious option.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is a single runway airport that is located in the middle of Cuscos urban area. It serves the city with flights from and to Lima, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado and Arequipa. The airport is a short taxi ride from the city center (around 15 soles). Departure taxes are now included in the ticket price, however, it is still good to check with your travel agent to be sure.
From Puno, you may opt to take either a direct bus or a tourist bus, such as provided by Turismo Mer. From Lima or Arequipa, you can either take Cruz Del Sur, Ormeño or Tepsa, which guarantees you a safe and quite comfortable trip.
The approximate travel times are:
Lima: 22hrs
Puno: 8hrs
Arequipa: 10hrs
Walking the streets of Cusco is not only easy, but the best way to see the sites, admiring the architecture of its cathedrals, plazas and combination of Spanish colonial design with the flawless Inca stonework. As there are plenty of hills around the periphery of Cusco, these can be easily traversed with a taxi if youre not up to the challenge of walking everywhere. Rarely should you pay any more than 3-4 soles ($1-1.50) for a taxi anywhere around town. Always be sure to settle on the price before entering the taxi as they do not run with meters. Tipping a taxi driver is not necessary.
The Mercado Central is probably the best place to head for those looking to explore the variety of goods that are produced in Peru. It has recently been smartened up and is now pedestrianized making it a pleasant place for a stroll and a browse. On offer are exotic meats, tropical fruits and vegetables. For the more adventurous eater, some of the best street food can be found in this market. Be warned though these fineries can easily lead to an upset stomach.
Cusco is also well-known for its weaving and textile arts. There are various suppliers of such products and particularly of quality Alpaca wares. A few of the best are Alpaca 111 (Plaza Recocijo 202, Cusco - Tel. (084) 243-233), Alpaca 3 (CalleRuinas 472, Cusco - Tel. (084) 226-101) and Mon Repos (Portal de Panes 139, Plaza de Armas, (084) 251600) which all feature beautifully soft alpaca clothing such as shawls, sweatshirts and jackets.
Handicrafts stores are plentiful in Cusco, selling a range of artisan items the best place to catch these is at the Centro Artisanal Cusco, located at the end of Avenida El Sol. This is the biggest handicrafts market in the city. It has a large number of vendors, selling various souvenirs such as alpaca textiles and clothing with beautiful and vivid colors. For more artwork head to the Plaza San Blas and the surrounding streets which are sprawling with paintings, ceramics and handicrafts produced by local artists. There are also art galleries and crafts workshops, where travelers can sometimes catch a glimpse of the artists in action.
Drinking only bottled water is a good idea. There are two types of water you can buy: sin gas, meaning un-carbonated, normal water, and con gas which is carbonated. Make sure to eat in good restaurants and buy fruits from quality supermarkets. If you buy fruit from a street market, take extra care to wash it very thoroughly before eating it. Important note: Peruvian tap water is not potable. It is fine to use for teeth-brushing and cooking (provided it is boiled), but should not be ingested directly from the tap.
Many travelers are affected by the high altitude in the city. It is best to avoid caffeine, smoking, or alcohol as this will amplify the effect of dehydration that altitude often induces be sure to drink lots of water as well. Munching on coca leaves or drinking coca tea is a good remedy for soroche (Altitude sickness). Medication is also available from all good pharmacies.
While petty theft is the most common offense committed against tourists, a healthy dose of common sense does everyone good. As in any big city, do not flaunt expensive belongings such as cameras, portable media players (ipods) or cellular phones. A few simple precautions can make life a lot easier. A sensible practice is to only carry with you what you will be likely to spend during the day, and keep the rest of your valuables, including documents, back at the hotel in your room safe. If you wish you carry our credit card be sure to leave another one in the safe, just in case.
Known in Inca times as Huacaypata, or the Warriors Square, this was the scene of many key events in the history of Cusco. Today it is the bustling center of the city with many of the key services, hotels and restaurants. On one side of the Plaza the Cathedral is located. It was the first Spanish cathedral in the city and built on the foundation of the Inca Viracoccha.
Also known as Temple of Inti (Inti = god of the sun, it) was the most significant temple in Incan Cusco and is a masterpiece of Incan architecture. Blocks of carved granite, perfectly fit into one another, are demonstrating the superior technology of the Incas. In its days, the walls were adorned in gold and silver in honor of the sun and showing the wealth and exemplary abilities of the Incas. Its location is also important as it is thought to connect the huacas (objects of spiritual importance) of the area. Today, the 17th century Convento de Santo Domingo sits atop the stones of Qoricancha.
Just north of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is another imposing example of Inca architecture. The ceremonial center was for years thought to be a military fortress, but upon further investigation, it is thought to be a temple to the sun, and until today it is used as the central celebration spot for Inti Raymi on June 24th. The slabs used to build the center are so seamless that it is impossible to fit a piece of paper in between any two blocks, despite the fact they are a variety of various shapes and sizes.
Another set of ruins located just outside of Cusco is Qenko, which means 'zigzag, and it appears to have functioned as an amphitheater. The temple gets its name from the number of channels that criss-cross the stone work.
Stretching up a hill and overlooking the city is the charming and beautiful San Blas district. Offering some of the best views of the city, the alleyways set like a maze, provide some of the best meandering opportunities in Cusco. As you wander through the streets, every twist is filled with sun-filled plazas, quaint churches, coffee shops, galleries and restaurants. The district has something of a bohemian reputation, with many of the trendier hang outs in the city being found here. An afternoon or evening in San Blas is highly recommended; visitors can expect to plunge into a diverse mix of Andean and modern artistic culture.
Plaza de las Nazarenas
Tel:+51 84 233210
Housed in the former home of a 16th century conquistador, this pre-Columbian art museum displays a fantastic collection of over 450 pieces, with some pieces dating back to 1250 BC. Including works of gold, silver and jewelry amongst others, the museum is unique in approach to displaying its incredible works, looking more like a contemporary art gallery than a stodgy historical museum, allowing visitors a much more intimate and modern relationship with these historical works of art.
Cuesta del Almirante 103
Also known as the Archaeological Museum of Cusco, the museum is exceptionally well laid out, using the space well to display the development of civilization in the Andes and Peru. The main draw of this archaeological museum is its collection of Inca mummies, but the entire facility is Cusco's best introduction to pre-Columbian Andean culture, including the rich cultures that thrived before the Incas.
Herrajes
This museum is a fresh look at the artistic heritage of Cusco, with local modern artists making various interpretations of their city. The first and third rooms both display artwork that has been directly influenced by Cusco; city scenes; historic images; Inca architecture; while the second room is dedicated to other influences, and has markedly more abstract pieces. There is also a small courtyard that has exhibits native masks and models of various buildings in Cusco.
Calle Garcilaso 210
Tel: +51 84 24 47 65
Learn about the history of cacao, the cacao tree and cacao in Peru. The ChocoMuseo has its own artisanal chocolate factory which makes chocolate from organic Peruvian cacao beans. Finally, the ChocoMuseo offers chocolate workshops to make your own chocolate and cacao farm tours to see how real life in a plantation is. A unique experience for the whole family!
Allyu
Divina Comedia
El Truco
Cicciolina
Inkanto
La Retama
Pachapapa
This is a feast to honor the patron saint of Cusco. There are great festivities such as folkloric dances and feasts of local food and fruit.
Carnavale is celebrated in Cusco in typical Andean fashion with solemn traditions and processions taking center stage, lit up with the expected dash of color, music and dancing and of course, everyone is a target during the water fights.
Late March/early April. Acolorful procession held on the Monday prior to Easter, remembering the historic Peruvian earthquake of 1650, by parading a brown skinned Christ around the Plaza
Various religious events are held on all of the hillsides around the city
Early May.A Catholic event where crosses are carried around the city and its nearby communities and placed on the surrounding hills of the city
May/June.A traditional Andean festival, taking place each year at the very base of the Ausangate, where blocks of ice are carried for many miles and literally thousands of visitors enjoy the festivities
important religious festival featuring events and processions based at Cusco's cathedral, on the 9th Thursday following Easter
The number one event in Cusco, celebrated by the whole city and featuring a re-enactment of Saqsaywaman's Inca winter solstice festival, street dancing and much pageantry, around the Qoricancha Temple and the Plaza de Armas
Various religious events staged throughout Peru
Celebrated throughout Peru
Known as the Day of the Virgin typical dances are performed throughout the Plaza and a traditional feast of chiriuchu (roasted cuy and chicken) is typical fare. A bullfight is held the following day.
Last Sunday of August. Held at Sacsayhuaman, this is an ancient festival to celebrate boys passing into manhood
Throughout October
A religious event and national holiday throughout Peru
A festive family celebration, being particularly lively around the Sierra
Lively religious parades honoring the Virgin Mary
A major crafts fair held in central Cusco, at the Plaza de Armas, offering the perfect place to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts