Cusco General Information
The city of cusco is the historical capital of Peru, the country's tourism center, and the ancient capital of the inca empire, the city's unique heritage is preserved in the cyclopean stone walls and foundations of the numerous inca buildings and monuments cusco was originally named Qosqo in Incan times, which means Navel of the Earth in the native Quechua language. Indeed, Cusco's geographical location was at the center of the monumental Inkan Empire, and it was from here that all roads deported to the four regions of the Inka civilization called Tawantinsuyo. The regions included Chinchaysuyu, Antisuyu, Qollasuyu and Contisuyu. From the colonial era, cusco inherited important religious constructions, many of which were built on top of original Inkan foundations. And in the XVI and XVII centuries Cusco was the melting pot from where the Cusqueña School of painting and sculpture radiated all over the world.
The founding of Cusco is attributed to Manqo Qhapaq, the first Inka. The city was originally created in the shape of a puma (an Inkan deity) and was built around a tremendous central square the auqaypata, part of which is today's Plaza de Armas. In ancient time, Cusco consisted of two zones: the Hanan Qosqo (High Zone) and the Hurin Qosqo (Low Zone) the city's remarkable buildings were constructed from huge stone blocks, perfectly joined together, in true polygonal construction. Ultimately, the foundations of these sturdy buildings were used by the Spanish, who built palaces and churches over them. This mestizo mix of architecture and culture gives Cusco its unique world image today.
Cusco was declared part of the cultural patrimony of the world by UNESCO in 1983.
Top Tours in Cusco
Many are the top tours in Cusco, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
