"The center of the Empire" a Cusco Travel Page by SirRichard

Cuzco (also known as Cusco) was the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo, what we know as "Inca Empire", though this word Inca means "king", so is used wrong when refering to that culture. This empire was spread from nowadays Colombia to Chile, all along the Andes and reached its peak in the 15th century, just before Spanish "conquerors" arrived in 1531 and extinguished it.

Anyway, if you wanna visit the (let's call it) INCA culture, Cuzco should be your basecamp. From here you can visit the ruins of the Sacre Valley, Machu Picchu and some remains you will find around the town.

Cuzco's heart is the "Plaza de Armas" where you can find the Cathedral and the "Compañía de Jesús" church, among other remarkable buildings. Cuzco's historical center can be visited by foot, but there are many slopes and stairs, so take it easy.

As Cuzco is located at 3.326 meters above the sea level, if you arrive by plane, you must count on 2-3 days to get used to altitude. In those days, you have to take it easy, real slow. Otherwise, you will suffer "soroche", the altitude sickness.
I spent 2 days here before starting the Inca Trail. Had a little headache on those 2 days, but the 3rd day I was in gear again, ready for the trekking! Drinking or chewing coca leaves may help though...