Cusco Overview
Located in the Huatanay River Valley in the Southern portion of Peru, Cusco is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas. Surrounded by mountains reaching 6,000 feet and higher, this is the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere and is identified as the "cradle of the Inca civilization."
A city that mixes the past mysterious indigenous culture of the Incan civilization with modernity, Cusco serves as the archaeological capital of not only Peru, but all of the Americas. It is a city opened up to the entire world, with ruins preserved in their traditional structure. The heart of the Incan empire during the 14th and 15th centuries, Cusco was the capital and biggest city of the empire, and today serves as the most visited tourist city in the country of Peru.
Taken by the Spanish in the 1500s, Cusco today offers a unique blend of architecture that reflects the dominance of both Spanish and Incan culture. Although a developed urbanized city, the people of Cusco preserve their culture by renewing and celebrating its same festivals and customs today.
But, cultural history is not all that Cusco has to offer. The historical richness of the city is reinforced by the Incan ruins that remain preserved. Of all the ruins, the citadel at Macchu Pichu is highly acclaimed, and considered a Cultural Heritage Site of the World for its beauty.
A town of pure archaeological genius and perfection, stones seem to insert themselves perfectly throughout the town, leaving the tourist amazed for hours. However, it is not only the world renowned sites that are worth visiting, but the streets alone are carved beautifully. From roads, to monuments and churches, to museums, and archaeological remains, Cusco is truly a city that one can not afford to miss.
The once beating heart of the Incan Empire, Cusco today serves as the archaeological heart of the Americas, offering wonder and natural beauty around every curve. Not only the city itself, but its proximity to other Incan remains and remnants of Andean culture as well as priceless tourist attractions make Cusco the place to visit when planning a trip to Peru.
Take a trip to South Peru, and get a glimpse into the culture of the mysterious, yet intriguing "Cult of the Sun" and stand in a city that has modernized with the passing of time, but preserves its roots to prove that the past and present can co-exist and provide the world with historical, cultural, and natural beauty.
Map of Cusco
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