1.- ALL ABOUT CUSCO MAIN SQUARE
Of all the places in the world, Cusco Main Square is one of the main points of history that everyone wants to know during their trip to Peru. It contains history, culture and tradition that is not only kept alive in its buildings but also in the people who live there as this is inherited for generations. Of course, when you visit Cusco Main Square you will notice it immediately.
The Cusco Main Square is located in the center of the city so it is also the meeting point for everyone whether travelers or locals, thanks to this the city of Cusco is considered a cosmopolitan center where different cultures meet. Something that characterizes a lot the Cusco Main Square is that the same Spanish style is surrounded by arches or portals that over time and use were changing names thus giving its origin that we know today, some of the most famous portals within the Main square Cusco Peru are:
- Portal Carnes
- Flour Portal
- Bread Portal
- Confectionery Portal
- Portal of Commerce
- Company Portal
- Carrizos Portal
- Belen Portal
Culturally the Cusco Main Square is also a very important point of festivity all years has been the place where ceremonies of the Inca culture are celebrated as the Huarachukuy which is the initiation for young men and the Inti Raymi which is the most important festival of the Inca culture. The Cusco Main Square is a cultural hub in more than one aspect that is available to all visitors passing through the city of Cusco, is easily visited both day, afternoon and even at night has a different charm.
2.- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CUSCO MAIN SQUARE
Traditionally the origin of the Main square Cusco Peru focuses on the origin of the Incas, this culture also has its own origin with the myth of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, a couple who left Lake Titicaca in the direction of a fertile land to restore their culture, it is said that after having traveled hundreds of miles they reached a valley where Manco Capac sank a gold bar and gave rise to one of the most important civilizations in history. At the same time, there is also the story of four brothers who left from the Tamputocu hill and began their trek to the valley of Cusco, although both myths are quite popular, many historians agree that the most accurate is that of the four Ayar brothers.
For the Incas everything related to their belief and religion was extremely sacred, it is for this reason that the Cusco Main Square had to have unique details that when appreciated denoted the importance is for this reason that the Inca ruler ordered to bring sand from the Peruvian coast so that the land could be more suitable. Around this square there were important palaces such as that of Pachacutec the Inca who reformed the land and gave it the image we have today.
Its original name mentioned in chronicles is Aucaypata, which when translated into our language is the place of the Warrior. Another version mentions that this place was known as Huacapata which means sacred place, however a last version mentions something much more coherent according to Victor Angles who mentions that the entire territory of the ancient Main square Cusco Peru was divided into two parts, what we know today as the Cusco Main Square was originally the sector of Huacaypata or place of crying because many of the ceremonies or rituals could influence such nostalgia within the participants that caused tears and in parallel is where families saw their loved ones leave for war and the second sector was what we know today as the rejoicing square that was named Cusipata a place of joy.
Of course the image of Cusco Main Square has changed over time, with the arrival of the Spaniards many of the buildings were destroyed and on them were built religious temples or colonial mansions that still exist, in some cases these places became popular museums like the Inca museum or the Garcilaso De la Vega house that you can easily visit.
3.- HISTORY’S SPECTATOR
“Cusco Peru Main Square has witnessed many important events in history, from the arrival of the Spaniards, war between cultures and even executions made by the colony to rebels seeking freedom, it is undoubtedly a storyteller that is interpreted at every step you take.”
4.- ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS IN THE CUSCO MAIN SQUARE
4.1.- Cusco Cathedral
At present it is the most important religious construction of the entire Main square Cusco Peru, but its history goes back centuries since the arrival of the Spaniards to the Inca capital. Built in the sixteenth century at the beginning of 1559 and completed in 1654 this church was made with stones brought from the upper part of the city (Saqsayhuaman) and built on the remains of the palace of the Inca Wiracocha shows at a glance the superiority that existed between the Catholic belief and the Andean.
Unlike other churches, the cathedral of Cusco has a direct connection with two other churches (Church of Triumph and Holy Family) with which it has a direct relationship, plus of course inside it contains an impressive collection of art paintings, altarpieces and other Cusquenian style. One of these pieces of art that stands out above the rest is undoubtedly the adaptation of the famous painting of Leonardo Da Vincci, the last supper to an Andean style because in the center of the painting you can see a guinea pig, there are also other very famous as the virgin of Bethlehem, the earthquake of 1650 and others. Currently it is not only a place of religious worship, but also a tourist attraction that everyone who passes through the Cusco Peru Main Square can visit.
4.2.- Church of the Society of Jesus
It is the second most important religious building around the Cusco Main Square; this church was founded by the Jesuit order in 1571, after the construction of the cathedral. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive expressions of baroque art in the city and for all visitors who come to Cusco Peru Main Square for the first time is a moment of impression. Its construction was done over an ancient Inca temple known as Amarucancha which was also part of the palace of the Inca Huayna Capac and although during 1650 was partially destroyed by the earthquake that happened then was rebuilt by the Jesuit order that used this place to evangelize the Andean population. Nowadays it is also a historical building and at the same time a tourist attraction that represents the combination of two cultures.
5.- INFORMATION ABOUT CLIMATE AND ALTITUDE
In general you can visit Cusco Peru Main Square at any time of the year however there is always a difference between the 2 seasons that exist:
5.1.- Dry season
It is the best season in which you can plan your trip to the Inca capital, it occurs from May to October and is where the weather is enjoyed in a more stable manner without sudden changes in addition to the presence of rain is very low. This season is also ideal not only for visiting the Cusco Main Square, but also for adventure activities such as paragliding or hiking activities such as the traditional Inca Trail or its alternate version of the Salkantay. The problem with this season is that it is also the favorite season for many travelers which means that availability is easily exhausted. If you are looking for a unique experience we recommend this season with the condition that you can book your trip at least six months in advance.
5.2.- Rainy Season
This is the season in which the weather is much more unstable, there is more rain and as such the weather is a little colder. However, every cloud has a silver lining, this season is when the natural destinations show all their splendor, with a more intense and striking color which also provides a unique experience for nature tourism and some activities such as rafting where rivers have a greater volume and provide a better experience. This season takes place from November to March.
6.- INTERESTING PLACES NEAR THE CUSCO MAIN SQUARE
The Cusco Peru Main Square is a traditional place where you can find historical places but not only that there are also some places that are in the surroundings that are worth visiting, some of the main places that will adequately complement your visit to Cusco Main Square are:
- The Inca Museum
- Temple of the Sun – Qoricancha
- Church of La Merced
- San Francisco Square
- Temple of San Francisco
- 7 culebrillas street
- Viewpoint of San Blas
- Mirador de San Cristóbal
- Chocomuseum
7.- CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Culturally the catholic religion is a way of life that is part of the people who live in the city, from a young age they get involved in the celebrations that take place throughout the years and this has caused the celebrations in the city to increase. Some of the main festivities that you can enjoy in your next trip are without a doubt:
- Corpus Christi
- Holy Week
- Procession of the Lord of the Tremors
- Virgin of Carmen
- Procession of the Lord of the Miracles
- Patron saint celebrations
- Velacuy Cross
8.- EXPLORING THE CUSCO MAIN SQUARE
8.1.- Statue of Pachacuti
Something that stands out from the Cusco Main Square at first sight is the statue that is on the central pool. This image represents the Inca ruler Pachacuteq who carried out the reformation of the whole civilization. He carried out great planning in constructions and directed the Inca empire to its best moment making it gain more territory and power over the surrounding towns. To him are attributed many of the constructions that were in Cusco as the Qoricancha, Ollantaytambo and many of the parts of the Inca Trail.
| “If you want to go far… TRAVEL.” |
8.2.- Restaurants around Cusco Main Square
Something very popular nowadays in Cusco Main Square is undoubtedly the amount of tourist restaurants that there are, from many food options and themes you will find one that meets your expectations not only in food but also in delicious cocktails. Although of course one of the main dishes that is sought after by many travelers is the guinea pig, lomo saltado, aji de gallina and others. Some of the best places you can go to are:
- Papachos
- Limo
- Morena Peruvian Kitchen
- Ceviche
- Chicha by Gaston Acurio
- Tunupa Plaza de Armas
- Calle del Medio
We know you are excited to know destinations like Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu but we recommend you to take a moment off in Cusco Main Square, it will be the best way to connect with the Inca culture and your best partner will be Auri Peru who can organize an experience of unique emotions for you. Contact us and discover everything we can design for you.
“I’d rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff.”
