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You are here: Hotels & Destinations > Cusco

Cusco

The terrain in Cusco is steep, combining fertile inter-Andean valleys with impressive mountains that descend to the rim of the jungle where the temperature rises and the landscape is transformed through a variety of vegetation. The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, was placed on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1983. This magical city also has an exciting nightlife with cafes, restaurants, and bars for all tastes. There are also the towns of Písac, Maras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, which are spread throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The way of getting to the citadel is by following one of the Inca Trails, a spectacular network of pathways that snake their way among the snow covered mountains, rivers, and overwhelming countryside. This is one of the best trekking routes in the world, since scattered throughout it, you find remarkable archaeological sites and areas rich in unique plant and animal species.
The enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu, the most important and beautiful legacy of the ancient Peruvian, is part of the Historic Sanctuary of the same name, which is also one of the few places in the Americas placed on both the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists by UNESCO. It is located high on top of a mountain and complements the exuberant nature that surrounds it, creating a one of a kind place in the world.

ALTITUDE
Capital: Cusco (3399 masl / 11.156 fasl)
Altitude: Lowest point: 532 masl / 1745 fasl (Pilcopata)
Highest point: 4801 masl / 15.751 fasl (Suyckutambo)

CLIMATE
The city has a semi-dry and cold climate. The annual average maximum temperature is 19.6ºC (67.3ºF) and the minimum is 4.2ºC (39.6ºF). The rainy season starts in November and ends in March, and it is the time when the mountains are covered in green. Between June and July is the time of the intense cold (heladas) even with occasional snowfalls.

Cusco City Attractions
Main Square, Cusco
During the Inca Empire, the square was called Huacaypata, a Quechua word meaning “place of tears” or “meeting place”. It was an important ceremonial spot where the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun was celebrated every year. It is also the place where Franciso Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. After the Spanish arrived, the plaza changed. They erected stone arches and built the structures that surround it today.

Cathedral of Cusco
The building went through two construction stages: first, the Chapel of the Triumph was built on top of what used to be the temple Suntar Wasi (House of God); later, the cathedral itself was built over the remains of the palace of Inca Wiracocha. A Renaissance building in its majority, the interior decoration is rich in cedar and alder woodcarvings. The choir and the pulpit stand out for their beauty. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Sun. and Holidays 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Templo de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Company of Jesus Christ)
The original building was raised in 1571 on the grounds of the ancient palace of Inca Huayna Cápac, the Amarucancha. After the earthquake of 1650, it was rebuilt around 1688. The design and the facade are examples of Andean Baroque. The retable style entrance is decorated with medium size towers and the stonewalls are carefully worked. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Sun. and Holidays 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Barrio de San Blas (San Blas Neighbourhood):
It is one of the most picturesque areas in all of Cusco. It is called T’oqokachi or Salt Hole and is characterized by narrow, steep streets and beautiful Colonial houses. It is also known as the Artisans Neighbourhood. In San Blas many families accommodate guests in their homes. 4 blocks from the Main Square

Church of San Blas:
Founded in 1560 during the Colonial period, it features a masterpiece in its wood carved Baroque pulpit, attributed to the Indigenous artist, Diego Quispe Tito. Plaza San Blas. Visiting hours: Mon. – Wed. and Fri. – Sun. 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Mon. Sun. 2:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Church and Convent of La Merced:
The Baroque church was built between 1657 and 1680. The sacristy holds its most precious treasure: an impressive gold and gemstones encrusted monstrance, 1,3 meters / 3 feet high and of 22 kilos. It is crowned with one large mermaid shaped pearl, considered the second largest in the world. Calle Mantas. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo / Koricancha:
The Koricancha was one of the most impressive buildings of Inca Cusco according to the historians: the glowing gilding of the interior walls illuminated what used to be the main temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. The Spanish built the church and Dominican convent on top of the original structure around 1534 but they collapsed during the earthquake of 1650 and were rebuilt around 1681. The convent possesses an art gallery of valuable seventeenth and eighteenth century canvasses. Plaza Intipampa, corner of Avenida El Sol and Calle Santo Domingo. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 8:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. and Sun. 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Church and Convent of Santa Catalina:
These two buildings were raised in 1605 on what used to be the Acllahuasi or House of the Chosen Women (acllas were women designated to accomplish special tasks for the Inca). The architecture is late Renaissance and is characterized by the Roman arches and the traces of original construction. There is also an exhibition room for murals, fine metal works, textiles, sculptures, and altarpieces. Calle Santa Catalina Angosta. Visiting hours: Mass times

Santa Catalina Museum:
Here they exhibit paintings, textiles, woodcarvings, and Colonial altarpieces. The best among them are Diego Quispe Tito’s paintings, the Arcade carpet, and religious ornaments made of gold and silver threads. Calle Santa Catalina Angosta. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. and Fri. 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Church and Convent of San Francisco:
Founded in 1645, it has two façades and a single, old Spanish style stone tower. The monumental painting, 12 x 9 meters / 39 x 30 feet, by Juan Espinoza de los Monteros relating the genealogy of the Franciscan family is the highlight of the convent. Plaza San Francisco. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Palacio Arzobispal y Piedra de los Doce Ángulos
(Archbishop’s House and the Twelve-Angle Stone):
This Vice-royal building with Arabic influence was raised on the foundations of the palace of Inca Roca. Presently, it is the main centre of the Museum of Religious Art. On Calle Hatunrumiyoc, the old Inca wall that was part of the Inca Roca palace and demonstrates the admirable construction skill of the Inca in terms of polished and perfectly placed stones. The most remarkable part is the “Twelve-Angle Stone”, famous for the perfect work and assembling of its angles. Intersection of Calle Hatunrumiyoc and Jiron Herrajes. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 8:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Palacio del Almirante (Admiral’s Palace):
It is an old mansion, which today is the site of the Inca Museum. It contains an important archaeological collection that includes ceramic, fine metal, and textile pieces as well as mummies. Calle Cuesta del Almirante 153. Visiting hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Sat. and holidays 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

House of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega:
Born on April 12, 1539, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was the son of the Spanish Captain Garcilaso de la Vega y Vargas and the Cusco princess, Chimpu Ocllo. He is the author of two works, “Comentarios Reales” (Royal Commentaries) and “La Florida del Inca” (The Inca Flower), both motivated by the necessity to recover the history of the Inca Empire. The house is the current location of the Regional Historical Museum that contains a collection of canvasses from the Cusco School. Calle Heladeros. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Larco Museum of Pre-Colombian Art:
The mansion that shelters the museum was Kancha Inca in 1450, the house of the Conquistador Alonso Díaz in 1580, the home of Count de la Cabrera in 1850, and was completely restored to become the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art in June 2003. In its 11 rooms, 450 works of art are displayed that date from 1250 B.C. to 1532 A.D. These were selected from a group of 45.000 objects belonging to the collection of the Larco Archaeological Museum in Lima. Plaza Nazarenas 231. Telephone: (084) 23-3210 (084) 23-3210. Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. and holidays 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Complex:
The area contains thirty-three archaeological sites. The most famous is Fort Sacsayhuaman. It might well have been a religious structure, but for its location and style, the Spanish and the historians believe it was a military construction. The most important temple in Hanan Qosqo or Upper Cusco might have been located there, dedicated to Andean cosmology and to the worship of the Inti (sun), the Quilla (moon), Chaska (stars), Illapa (ray), and other divinities. It is described as massive for the size of some of its stones, which weigh between 90 and 120 tons. This is also the stage of the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun every 24th June. 2 km / 1 mile northeast of Cusco (10 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. and holidays 7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Qenko Archaeological Complex:
The Qenko or “labyrinth” might date from around 1500 A.D. It is considered a holy place where ceremonies honoring the sun, moon, and the stars used to take place. 3 km / 2 miles northwest of Cusco (15 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. – Sun. and holidays 7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Pukapukara Archaeological Complex:
The complex contains several rooms, inner plazas, aqueducts, vantage points, and pathways. It might have served as a tambo or rest and lodging area. According to the tale, each time the Inca was able to go to Tambomachay, he would be accompanied by a large cortège, which stayed at Pukapukara. It is also called a fort because of its fortified-city appearance. 7 km / 4 miles northeast of Cusco (30 minutes by car or 2 hours on foot)

Tambomachay Archaeological complex:
Tambomachay might have fulfilled an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the land. Some scholars believe it was built around 1500 A.D., closely linked with Pukapukara. The area covers about one hectare, and was made out of polygonal shaped set limestone. 8 km / 4 miles northwest of Cusco (35 minutes by car)

Awanakancha South American Camelids Theme Park:
Camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas are to be seen there in their native environment. They also demonstrate how to make clothing from the wool fibers of the animals. In addition, you can see native flowers and some Inca-built agricultural terraces. 23 km / 14 miles from Cusco in the district of Taray. Telephone: (084) 23-1473 (084) 23-1473. Email: capexca@awanacancha.com Website: www.awanakancha.com

Provinces of the Department of Cusco:

Acomayo: The 4 lakes route
It is situated in the Upper Vilcanota River. Lake Pomacanchi is the first on the circuit. Its maximum depth is 140 meters / 459 feet. Around the lake, you will find grassy plains, some medicinal plant species (totora, mirimi, etc.) and fish (trouts, silver fish, huitas, ccarachis, ch’iñis, and carps). The next lake, named Acopia, is small and is located close to the village of the same name. The flora and fauna are nearly identical to those of Pomacanchi. The third one is Asnaqocha, Quechua for “bad smelling lake”, and possesses little vegetation and animal life. It is the highest on the circuit (3750 masl / 12.303 fasl). The last lake of the route is Lake Pampamarca, home to a large variety of wildlife like flamingos and ducks due to the amount of totora reeds around its shores. Sport fishing is especially popular there. 107 km / 66 miles from Cusco (2 hours by car) to the town of Pomacanchi then drive 3 km / 1 mile farther to Lake Pomacanchi (10 minutes by car).

Yanaoca (Province of Canas):
Canas: Q'eswachaka Hanging Bridge
This 33 meters long and 1-meter (3-feet) wide bridge is the perfect spot to see the Apurimac River Canyon in all its splendor. Every second Sunday of June, about 1000 local people come to weave it with braided straw of ichu grass and chachacomo, a process that takes three days. The task, which predates the Incas, uses traditional techniques and is executed in the framework of ritual ceremonies and dances performed by the family members of the area. The bridgework finishes on the fourth day giving way to singing and dancing. 110 km / 68 miles southeast of Cusco to Combapata (1 hour and 30 minutes by car). From there, travel another 31 km / 19 miles to the hanging bridge (45 minutes by car)

Sicuani (Province of Canchis)
Raqchi (3485 masl /11.434 fasl):
A small town of farmers and potters, which social organization has adapted to a new experimental tourism program.
Raqchi Archaeological Complex
Built in the fifteenth century, it is considered by the historians to be one of the most audacious Inca constructions. The remarkable Wiracocha temple, 100 meters (328 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide is made of adobe walls built on top of volcanic stone foundations. The complex also includes a residential area made for the Inca nobles and dozens of circular warehouses to store food. 117 km / 73 miles from Cusco (2 hours by car)

Quillabamba:
At 1050 masl / 3445 fasl, the capital of the province is an important trade centre in the Lares and La Convencion Valleys. The main economic activities are the growing of coca leaves, coffee, cacao, and fruit. The city was founded on July 25, 1857. The valley microclimate makes it an ideal location for sports. 210 km / 130 miles northwest of Cusco (6 hours by bus)

Tres Cruces:
Tres Cruces is a natural lookout located on the edge of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. This place is famous for the so-called “white ray” phenomenon that occurs when the sun rises over the horizon during the winter solstice (June, July). The light shines through the humid atmosphere and is distorted as if going through a prism. The effect causes three suns to appear, one of them seems to be jumping from one side to the other. 109 km / 68 miles southeast of Cusco, take the partially tarred highway (3 hours by car) to the Paucartambo from where you must travel 45 km / 28 miles to the Tres Cruces Lookout (2 hours and 30 minutes by 4x4 vehicles on a rough road)

Urcos (Province of Quispicanchi)
Tourist Attractions

Village of Oropesa:
Oropesa is traditionally known as the “Land of Bread”. People maintain several homemade ovens dedicated to the baking the flavorful country bread called “chutas”. 24 km / 15 miles southwest of Cusco (30 minutes by car)

Pikillacta:
This is a pre-Inca city which cultural height was reached between 800 A.D. and 1100 A.D. in the period corresponding to the Huari regional confederation. It constituted the doorway to the Sacred City of the Incas. It features long, straight streets and big, rectangular city blocks full of buildings. It is surrounded by walls and there are spherical buildings in the western part. The flagstone and mud mortared walls are high and their foundations taper as they rise. 30 km / 19 miles south of Cusco (45 minutes by car)

Temple of Andahuaylillas:
Known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, it was built in 1580 and features a simple façade contrasted by the Baroque interior with its gilded altars, walls, paintings, and polychromatic ceilings. 36 km / 22 miles from Cusco (1 hour by car)

Tipon Archaeological Complex (3316 masl / 10879 fasl):
According to legends, Tipon is one of the royal gardens that Wiracocha ordered to be built. It is made up of twelve terraces flanked by perfectly polished stonewalls and enormous agricultural terraces, canals, and decorative waterfalls that, along with the native flowers of the area, offers the visitor a stunning vision. The site is composed of different sectors: Tipon itself, Intiwatana, Pukutuyuj and Pucará, Cruz Moqo, the cemetery of Pitopujio, Hatun Wayq´o, among others. 25 km / 16 miles southeast of Cusco (45 minutes by car) on the tarred Cusco – Puno highway, taking the turnoff near kilometer marker 20,5.