Where to go Cusco?
Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to strolling through the charming streets of the historic center, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply enjoying the stunning landscapes, Cusco promises unforgettable experiences.
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the cultural heart of Cusco. In Inca times, the square was known as Huacaypata and served as the main stage for the most important rituals of the Inca Empire. Today, the Plaza de Armas showcases the city’s unique hybrid architecture, where pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern histories intertwine. The plaza is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon, people-watching while adjusting to the altitude.
SAN BLAS NEIGHBORHOOD
The picturesque Plazoleta San Blas is home to the San Blas Church and a charming collection of whitewashed adobe buildings adorned with cobalt blue balconies and red-tiled roofs. This area is the heart of Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood, which has been a hub for artisans since the time of the Inca Empire. Today, it continues to be the preferred residence of local artists who open their workshops to visitors eager to explore their religious sculptures, gold and silver metalwork, woodwork, and more.
CUSCO CATHEDRAL
The history of colonial Cusco is closely tied to its churches, with none being more iconic than the Cusco Cathedral. It was built on the site of an Inca palace, using stones from both the palace and Sacsayhuaman. Construction of the church began in 1560 and was completed nearly a century later in 1656. Inside, visitors can find numerous works from the renowned Escuela Cuzqueña (School of Religious Art), including a painting of the Last Supper, attributed to the native artist Marcos Zapata, which depicts a traditional Andean plate of cuy (guinea pig) on the table.
QORICANCHA
Santo Domingo Church encloses one of Cusco’s most impressive Inca ruins, the Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun. According to chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, it was the largest and most opulent temple in all of South America, filled with gold, silver, and precious jewels. Inca oral traditions suggest that the temple, dedicated to the worship of Inti, the sun god, was built during the reign of Manco Capac in the 12th century, atop a pre-existing temple. Starting in 1536, Santo Domingo Church was constructed over the ruins of the Coricancha, though tantalizing remnants of the former Inca temple were preserved. The most intriguing feature is a beautifully crafted semicircular wall, visible from Avenida El Sol.
SACSAYHUAMAN
The Sacsayhuaman ruins are perched on a hill overlooking Cusco, rising in front of a vast esplanade the size of four football fields. The original Inca-built walls were 10 feet (3 meters) taller. On the topmost platform stood three circular towers. The immense scale of Sacsayhuaman’s zigzagging, terraced walls will leave you in awe, especially when you realize they represent just a fraction of the original site.
INKA MUSEUM
Santo Domingo Church encloses one of Cusco’s most impressive Inca ruins, the Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun. According to chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, it was the largest and most opulent temple in all of South America, filled with gold, silver, and precious jewels. Inca oral traditions suggest that the temple, dedicated to the worship of Inti, the sun god, was built during the reign of Manco Capac in the 12th century, atop a pre-existing temple. Starting in 1536, Santo Domingo Church was constructed over the ruins of the Coricancha, though tantalizing remnants of the former Inca temple were preserved. The most intriguing feature is a beautifully crafted semicircular wall, visible from Avenida El Sol.
SAN PEDRO MARKET
Mercado de San Pedro has gained popularity with foreign visitors, but it remains an excellent place to observe daily life in Cusco. Among the sights you’ll encounter are locals enjoying lunch at their favorite restaurant-kiosks and vendors selling towers of fruits and vegetables, wheels of cheese, and alpaca-knit sweaters. If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, remember that it’s customary to barter at the market (when no price tag is displayed) and negotiate the price down a few soles.
