1.- INTRODUCTION
It is important to understand the importance that this city had as the capital of the Inca civilization, why visit Cusco Peru represents time travel. This city was founded in the XVII century being the central point of all the extensive territory of the Tawantinsuyo, the name comes from a Quechua word that means “navel of the world” and this is because the city was not only the political and administrative center, but it was also the center of the Andean belief in the spiritual and cultural aspect.
It is also important to understand that this city as an administrative center was the starting point of the great network of roads known as Qhapaqñan that connected one town to another, for this reason this network of roads has throughout its extensive territory multiple archaeological centers that were used as resting points before reaching the destination, those who traveled these roads were mainly Inca messengers, the chaskis.
For centuries it was considered the most important city where the main god of the culture, the Sun God, was worshipped. However, upon the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532, this was also one of the first cities to be taken and later became the main point of the colony until they moved the central base to the city of Lima where it was established as the capital city until after the republican era in 1821, when the independence of Peru was declared.
2.- MAIN REASONS WHY VISIT CUSCO PERU
2.1.- Main Square or Plaza de Armas
An infallible way to be able to locate yourself in a new city is undoubtedly to arrive at its main square which is also the center of the city. Throughout history this square has been one of the reasons why visit Cusco Peru because it is undoubtedly a witness of how history has been changing over time. From seeing the birth of a culture that became one of the most influential in Latin America to seeing it fall by foreign conquerors, what is certain is that it is currently the heart of the city. From here begin many of the services and guided tours to the many places around Cusco. Of course it also highlights the architecture that surrounds the same square, starting from the set of arches that gives the European style to the imposing churches of immense size as is the case of the Cathedral of Cusco that took about 100 years to finish construction, besides being one of the largest is also the most important religious construction of colonial times that remains in the city. Another of the imposing churches is the Compañía de Jesus, in both cases were built on ancient Inca temples to impose the superiority of power between the European culture to the Andean, to enjoy this view during the day or at sunset is considered one of the main reasons why visit Cusco Peru.
2.2.- Historical architecture
Another essential aspect of why visit Cusco Peru is to appreciate the architecture of the city. You don’t need to be an expert on the subject, just have an open mind to discover and learn how such incredible buildings were made by the ingenuity of man. There are some places that are more impressive because of the dimensions, this is the case of the most important Inca temple of the culture, the temple of the sun or Qoricancha, stands out among many constructions by the background, according to the chronicles of account that this place was completely adorned by pieces of gold and that upon the arrival of the Spanish was completely looted and at the same time destroyed and then build the temple of Santo Domingo that until today remain standing with the intention of showing the importance and superiority of European culture. Today what remains of the Inca construction is the lower masonry (walls) that still prevail with the distinctiveness of the passage of time having the most rustic structure at the base simulating human settlements prior to the Incas and the finest at the top, thus simulating a timeline of cultural presence.
Of course there is an option for everyone, in many cases the main reason why visit Cusco is to get to know the neighborhood of artisans, San Blas because it is one of the places that best contains the essence of culture and history to the point that its appearance has not changed over the last few hundred years, preserves the narrow streets, colonial and historic houses allowing the visit of tourists can be more comfortable, here certainly highlights much craft workshops where art pieces are made distinguishing mainly the Merida, Olave and Mendivil families.
3.- Archaeological remains
It is important that you understand why visit Cusco Peru has changed the way of seeing things for many travelers, this is mainly due to the mixture of cultures that has allowed a tradition to be maintained for generations, part of this tradition is the legacy left by ancient cultures such as the Incas who in the surroundings of Cusco established extremely important places that are now considered historical points, some of these are:
3.1.- Saqsayhuaman
Many travelers have known about this place thanks to photos on social networks so it became one of the essential places why visit Cusco Peru, for a long time it was considered as a fortress because of the large size of rocks that can be seen at a glance however with the passage of time is determined that this place was used in a multifunctional way because they found storage, religious, military and administrative enclosures, today is one of the main archaeological centers that you can know personally or in the company of a travel agency.
3.2.- Qenqo
Catalogued as a ceremonial place, the archaeological center of Qenqo is still a complete mystery, although many associate it with a place used for the mummification process of noble people due to the elements found in the lower area. The truth is that being so close to Saqsayhuaman represents a very important point functionally linked to funerary activities.
3.3.- Puka Pukara
Established as a control point for all the people who sought to reach the city of Cusco through the roads of Qhapacñan, what makes this archaeological center particular is undoubtedly that in the afternoon the last rays of the sun cause a change of color in its walls giving it a reddish tone similar to brick for this reason it is called the red fortress.
3.4.- Tambomachay
Within the Andean belief it was believed that water was the source of life of all that is known for this reason is that this element was so appreciated to the point of establishing places of worship as in the case of the archaeological center of Tambomachay, here stand out the constructions in the form of water fountains through which runs channel that throughout the year has the same frequency, even today it is unknown what its origin is.
4.- Preserving history in Museums
For history enthusiasts looking to learn more about the culture this aspect becomes one of the main reasons why visit Cusco, there are a lot of places where historical pieces are preserved in a very careful way in order to study and preserve them so they are not lost or become commercialized. Some of the main museums provide information about the elements found in the same place as is the case of the site museum of Qoricancha, where many samples of the elements found during the excavations are exhibited, of course there are also others that provide much more general information and are also better known as is the case of the Inca museum. This one in particular has the distinction of being a journey through time because it contains important information from the first human settlements that lived in this area, through the arrival of the Incas and how was their development process, the arrival of the Spanish and the conquest to the Republican era and finally the independence of Peru, every minute inside will be amazing and unique.
| “I followed my heart and ended up at the airport boarding a flight to Peru.” |
5.- GATEWAY TO MACHU PICCHU
Something you did not know is that you must necessarily get to visit Cusco, why visit Cusco represents the main point of entry to continue your journey to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, is the main nexus from where all tours and guided tours begin, of course Machu Picchu is no exception although there are several ways to get there mostly always start from Cusco, some of these options are:
5.1.- Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the most popular traditional version known worldwide to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu, a journey through the trail through the mountains allows you to enjoy a coexistence with local people, camping experiences, tasting Andean food and the possibility of being able to reach the Inca city as one of the first groups to be able to travel, In its traditional version has a duration of 4 days and in its short version of only 2, something important you have to know about this is that you can only make this experience in the company of an authorized travel agency, take into account that spaces are limited per day so you must have a reservation at least six months in advance.
5.2.- Salkantay
This is considered as option B when you do not find availability on the Inca Trail, of course this version is slightly different because instead of just walking a trail through mountains in this case you start at the base of an imposing snow-capped mountain to advance over five days to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. As you advance on this trail you will feel the change of microclimates that exist from the high snowy mountains to the hot jungle where the Inca city is located, unlike the traditional Inca Trail and this experience can be done on your own, however we always recommend having the company of a guide experience on the road that can help you follow the right path.
5.3.- Train Journey
This is the most traditional version and suitable for everyone, what makes it distinctive are the categories of trains that exist from a very standard version that is mainly used as transportation, through the panoramic considered as a journey meaning makes reach the exclusive version in which every moment is a unique experience where you include food and full services plus an entertainment show on board, this is available throughout the year however you must consider that in high season between June and August spaces are more limited due to the large influx of travelers.
6.- HISTORICAL EVENTS
“During the Inca culture, the city of Cusco was so special that in reality it was only inhabited by very few people who were chosen directly by the Inca ruler, this is the reason why when the Spaniards arrived they found it without protection because it was a sacred city that no one entered.”
7.- USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
7.1.- Language
We know that the Spanish language is one of the most complicated to master worldwide and during this trip you could practice it, this is one reason why visit Cusco Peru becomes a great idea because in the city the main language is Spanish while many people still practice their mother tongue which is Quechua, however do not worry there are many tourist places where people have specialized and already know how to speak English or another language so you will not have much complication when communicating, however we recommend you to learn some basic words in Spanish that will allow you to communicate and request information if you need it.
7.2.- Sun Festival
Among your list of the main reasons why visit Cusco during 2025 you should definitely participate in the most important festival of the year, the Inti Raymi is a celebration where they pay homage to the main god of the culture, the sun. This happens every June 24th of each year and has limited spaces for those who seek to be part of this great ceremony, between colorful dances can be seen as a tradition that has been inherited for generations despite what the culture is no longer.
7.3.- San Pedro Market
Catalogued as the most important and popular healing marker of the city, the San Pedro market is considered one of the main axes where culture is shared and different Andean elements from souvenirs, food, medicinal plants and even Andean medicines can be obtained. The San Pedro market always has an option to offer you no matter what you are looking for, it is quite close to the main square so it is impossible to get lost just remember that it is better if you visit it in the morning because in the afternoon it closes and the area is not completely safe.
7.4.- Best time to visit
Being in the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cusco has a very changeable climate to the point that it can start the day with an impressive sun and end with a very strong rain. For this reason if you are looking for a more stable climate and without so many changes we recommend you to come to visit the city in the dry season that occurs between May and October because it is also the time of damage in which the rains are much less frequent.
When someone asks you, why visit Cusco? You answer, why not? Cusco offers you an endless number of incredible options that you can participate in, from unique landscapes to experiences with a culture that is still alive. Auri Peru wants you to live an unforgettable experience and not just another vacation in a new place, contact us and let us design a visit tailored to your needs.
“Happy people don’t talk bad about others, they talk about traveling the world.”
