CUZCO...
The Navel of The World

Cuzco is a city that goes way back in History.

According to legend, was founded somewhere around 11th. or 12th. century by the first Inca Manco Capac, following a mandate from Inti (Sun God).He emerged together with mama Ocllo from the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca.

It became the mystical capital of Tawantinsuyo - Inca Empire - an area that stretched for over 3.000.000 square km. in the 15th. century, under the rule of Inca Pachacutec.

It was the greatest Empire of the American Continent, embracing Peru, Ecuador, and as far as the Ancashmayo river in Pasto, Colombia, to the Maule river in Chile and Tucuman province in Argentina.

The Spanish foundation came later, in 1534, carried out by Francisco Pizarro.
Cuzco is a wonderful combination of colonial Peru and Inca heritage, a city full of historic monuments, relics, myths and legends.
Just to wonder around its main square - Plaza de Armas - will leave you breathless.

It was called Huacaypata - the place of tears or the weeping square - where important historical events took place throughout centuries...

• Incas celebrated here on the 21st. of June the Inti Raymi or Sun Festivity
• Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cuzco
• Tupac Amaru II was executed in 1780.
  Jose Maria Condorcanqui, an Indigenous leader who claimed to be descendant of Tupac Amaru, was beheaded here for starting a rebellion against the Spanish rule

It used to be flanked by Inca palaces, later replaced by religious architecture built upon its foundations.

In fact, several buildings you can visit today are a good example of this...

• The Cathedral: sits on the foundation of the Inca Viracocha's palace
• Santo Domingo Church: was built in 17th. century on the walls of Koricancha or Temple of the Sun
• La Compañía de Jesus: built by the Jesuits in 1570, on the site of Inca Huayna Capac's palace
• El Triunfo: It was the first Crhistian church in Cuzco, built on the site of Suntur Huasi

This amazing city, located in the southeastern Andes at 3.360 meters above sea level, is surrounded by impressive archaeological remains that you can explore by foot or even horseback riding in most cases.

Please give yourself sometime to explore the region and visit...

• Machu Picchu
• Ollantaytambo
• Sacsayhuaman
• Quenko
• Puca Pucara
• Tambo Machai
• The Sacred Valley, including the market towns of Pisac and Chinchero
• Inka Trail

Sacred Valley is the name given to the valley of the Urubamba river, specially between Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
This is actually a pretty good option to establish your base camp in order to explore the area.

If you are nature oriented and want to break away from the crowds and busy life of Cuzco, Sacred Valley is the answer.
You will also be closer to Machu Picchu

Cuzco is also a very important entry point to the jungle and two of the world's most fantastic wildlife sanctuaries..

• Manu Natural Reserve
• Tambopata-Candamo Reserve, in the vicinity of Puerto Maldonado

Alternatively, you could continue your journey to Juliaca-Puno region and Titicaca Lake.

In addition, Cuzco is also one of your best bases in Peru for adventure sports...

• mountain biking
• whitewater rafting in Apurímac and Urubamba rivers
• horseback riding
• paragliding in Sacred Valley
• trekking

Cuzco is called the archaeological capital of America.

A truly unique South America travel experience that will remain with you forever...

How to Get There:

By Air:

From Lima is about 1 hour flight.
You could also fly from Arequipa and Puno.

By Bus:

From Lima to Arequipa following the Pan-American Highway, about 1660 km.
Also through the highlands by Nazca and Abancay.

By Train:

From Arequipa and Puno.

Where to Stay:

The following are middle of the range - 3 Stars accommodation standard...

• Hotel Don Carlos - Av. El Sol 602
• Del Prado Inn - Uriel Garcia 310
• Torre Dorada Residencial - Calle Los Cipreses N-5,, Residencial Huancaro
• Munay Wasi Inn Hotel - Av. Tullumayo 418

Hostels:

• Hostal Casablanca - Calle Teqte Nro 218-A
• The Point Cusco - Meson de la Estrella 172
• Hospedaje Familiar LLipimpac - Limacpampa Chico Nro 400 - 2º
• Hostal Wasichay - Calle Maruri Nº 312

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