"The "special" shine in Cusco" a Cusco Travel Page by richiecdisc

Cusco has a lineage unlike few cities in the world. Considered the most beautiful city in South America, it not only is the central travel hub of the continent but also is the oldest continuously inhabited city. Add to this, it’s near mythic associations with the Inca culture, close proximity to the continents number one attraction, Machu Picchu, and trek, the Inca Trail, and you have all the makings of a cannot miss attraction. But, all this fame and fortune has come at a price. The tourist infrastructure is beyond complete and anything you want, you can find here. All that but the simple ability to sit in the admittedly gorgeous Plaza de Armas without being nearly accosted by people trying to sell you something. And I mean, sit. They literally come up to you and not only make an attempt to sell you something, but never give up. Even after securing a hard to find bench in the park, it is the strong willed that could remain and listen to their shameless banter. Cusco does have one saving grace however. You can escape this madness by simply walking out of the main square and into the narrow cobbled paths that lead to the hilly areas surrounding the city center. It is here that one can sense just why Cusco became so popular in the first place. It is a timeless gem and it can only be hoped that those in control of the city’s destiny realize that tourists come not only to see an ancient civilization’s roots, but also to relax as anyone would on what is essentially their holiday. Everyone going to Peru is bound to come to Cusco, but if it remains as it is, the advice is to see it and go on your way quickly and experience more authentic and less aggressively minded Peruvian cities.