"Cusco - 'The navel of the Earth'" Cusco by al2401

Cusco Travel Guide: 1,061 reviews and 2,272 photos

Plaza de Armas and Cathedral - Cusco - Cusco
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral - Cusco

In the 12th century, as legend has it, the first Inca Manco was directed by the sun god Inti to found the qosq'o or 'navel of the earth'. The city flourished especially under the hands of the ninth Inca Pachacutec but was lost to the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro on the murder of the 12th Inca Atahualpa.

This fascinating city has an interesting meld of Inca and Colonial architecture with colonial buildings built on remains of Inca walls. It is easy to explore with most roads leading to the Plaza de Armas.

Cusco is situated at 3,300 metres above sea level and you will need to aclimatise to the altitude. For exploring the city the best way is to take a taxi (extremely cheap) to a high point such as St Cristobal or San Blas and wander downhill at leisure.

  • Last visit to Cusco: Oct 2011
  • Intro Updated Dec 22, 2011
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Reviews (29)

Pisco Sour - Cusco Pisco Sour Local Customs (2)

A Pisco Sour is a cocktail containing pisco (8 parts), lemon or lime juice (4 parts), egg whites 1, simple syrup (3... more travel advice

- Cusco Ladies Football Local Customs (2)

Footbal (soccer) is the primary sport in Peru and not only for the menfolk. On the way to Ollantaytambo one weekend we... more travel advice

La Raya Pass - Cusco La Raya Pass Things to Do (22)

At 4335 metres above sea level, La Raya Pass is the highest point on the road from Cusco to Puno. It is also where you... more travel advice

Andahuaylillas Church - Cusco Take the Tourist Bus from Cusco to Puno Things to Do (22)

The trip from Cusco to Puno by road takes about 7 hours if you drive non-stop. If you take the tourist bus the trip... more travel advice

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