The hotspots you must visit in Cusco
The South American country of Peru is a destination that takes the breath away from travelers. Of all the destinations in Peru, Cusco should be at the top of your list of must-see destinations. This vibrant city is steeped in history and tradition and is home to some of the country’s top attractions. In this blog post, we’re going to show you the top five things to do in Cusco that you don’t want to miss.
It’s a major tourist destination due to its proximity to Machu Picchu, the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Cusco is also known for its Spanish colonial architecture, lively traditional festivals, and vibrant nightlife. The city has several museums showcasing the history and culture of the region and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. With a mild subtropical climate, Cusco is a hub for many travelers who want to explore Inca ruins, go trekking in the nearby mountains, and experience the city’s cosmopolitan vibrancy.
Cusco city
Cusco City Sightseeing, San Pedro Market, Cathedral and Qorikancha Temple
former capital of the Inca Empire. The city is called Cusco, meaning “navel,” because it was thought to be the center of the world.
Plaza de ArmasCusco’s main square
A square surrounded by representative buildings of the Renaissance architecture style with a Baroque exterior and a Flemish Revival interior, it is a typical colonial square built by the Spaniards. The buildings are characterized by the use of Incan foundations, which were known for their sturdiness and were mixed and matched to prepare for frequent earthquakes. The main square is beautiful during the day, but the night view of Cusco’s main square after sunset is one of the most beautiful in Peru.
Cusco Cathedral
Said to have been built on the site of the Viracocha temple, where sacred ceremonies were held during the Inca Empire, construction began in 1550 and took about 100 years to complete. The main cathedral is flanked by two churches, the Church of Jesús Maria on the left and the Church of El Traunfo on the right, which was the first church in Cuzco, built in 1536. On the roof of the cathedral hangs the largest bell in South America, dating from 1689.
The main altarpiece inside the cathedral is famous for being made of 300 tons of silver, and among the nearly 400 religious paintings that adorn the cathedral is the Last Supper, painted by mestizo painter Marcos Zapata. Unusually, the sacrament depicted in this painting is a “cuy” dish, known as a specialty of Cuzco.
glesia de la Compania de Jesus La Compania de Jesús Church
One of the two churches responsible for the beautiful scenery of the main square, this church was built on the site of the palace of the Inca king Waynaqapac. It’s known for its beautiful altar and interior decorations, so it’s worth a visit to see it.
Machu Picchu
Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Cusco region of Peru, about 50 miles northwest of the city of Cusco. Located on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes Mountains, the ruins are believed to have been constructed around 1450 AD. Machu Picchu is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South America and an important aspect of Inca culture and history.
The structure and layout of Machu Picchu are extremely complex, with terraced platforms, plazas, temples, staircases, and more connected by narrow passageways. One of the most notable features is the Intihuatana, an impressive stone pyramid located in the center of the ruins.
Sacred Valley Tour
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour
Located in the Andes Mountains, this former center of the Inca Empire is filled with stunning natural landscapes, including archaeological sites and traditional villages. The Sacred Valley is a lush valley located between two of South America’s most important mountain ranges, Vilcabamba and Urubamba. It is located in the Cusco region of Peru and is considered one of the most sacred places in Inca culture.
Moray
Moray and Salinera de Maras Half Day
The MoraY is an archaeological site that is famous for its circular staircase. The site was used by the Incas for farming, as evidenced by the drainage system located on the steps.
Because they were carved out of the mountain, the top and bottom terraces have different temperatures and microclimates, creating ideal conditions for growing different crops in one place and being an important agricultural base for the Incas.
Maras Salt Mines
Maras Salt Mines, Moray & Chinchero Textiles
The Maras Salt Mines are an ancient salt mine located in the Peruvian Andes. Despite being an ancient salt mine, salt is still harvested here. It consists of thousands of small salt pans that are used to produce salt.
The Maras salt mines were formed thousands of years ago by the interaction between salt water and fresh water. Freshwater and groundwater descending from the high mountainous regions of the Andes Mountains flowed into the underground salt fields, and as the groundwater passed through the underground salt layers, the salt was leached out.The Maras region of Peru harvests salt using the same principle as salt mines in the ocean.
The Maras salt mines have traditionally been used for salt production in Peru’s alpine regions and have a history of salt production that dates back thousands of years, as well as cultural significance. Today, you can still see local people producing salt from the mine and processing it using traditional methods.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca (Day Trip) Uros & Taquile Islands
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is located in the Andes Mountains on the border of Peru and Bolivia, about 72 kilometers from Cusco, Peru. The lake covers an area of 8,400 square kilometers and has numerous islands, the most well-known of which are Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna.
The lake is known for its unique cultural and natural significance. It is considered a sacred place by many local cultures and is the site of many traditional fishing practices and religious ceremonies. The lake is home to several species of endemic aquatic life and is used for tourism, recreation, and irrigation.
Ollantaytambo
Pisac Inca Town, Artisan Market and Ollantaytambo Full-Day Tour from Cusco
Ollantaytambo is said to be a fortress built by the Incas against the Spanish army. It is another highlight of the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo has large temples and ceremonial sites, including well-preserved stone staircases and structures. The massive stone staircase is intimidating and you wonder if you can climb it, but it’s worth it. It doesn’t take as long as you think, and the views are amazing.
Located between the central highlands of Peru and Pisac, Ollantaytambo was an important strategic location for the Incas to defend their empire from outside invaders. It’s especially famous for being the site of the Battle of Ollantaytambo, the last stand of the Inca Empire.
For many reasons, Ollantaytambo is considered an important symbol of the Inca civilization, and even in modern times, many tourists and researchers visit the site to explore its history and culture.
Pisac
Pisac Inca Town, Artisan Market and Ollantaytambo Full-Day Tour from Cusco
Pisac is an ancient city built during the Inca Empire, with various structures such as dwellings, agricultural terraces, temples, fortifications, and more. Pisac, in particular, was an important religious center for the Inca civilization. There are several temples and altars in the city, the most famous of which is the giant rock known as the Devil’s Rock. The rock was used for Inca religious ceremonies and rituals.
Tip: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the Pisac market is held, and it’s a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Crafts, clothing, groceries, herbs, and more are sold, and it’s a great way to experience the local culture.
Cerro Colorado Vinicunca
Rainbow Mountain in One Day
An alpine hill with colorful terrain that means “rainbow mountain” in Quechua.
Located about 150 kilometers southeast of Cusco, this new tourist area was discovered just a few years ago and has quickly become a must-see attraction. It’s an alpine hill with colorful terrain at around 5,000 meters above sea level and is named Vinikunca, which means “rainbow mountain” in Quechua. There is no public transportation, so you can only get there by tour, which is a long journey that takes about 15 hours.
You’ll need to dress warmly in winter, regardless of the season, as the mountain is over 5,000 meters above sea level, and we recommend sneakers rather than sandals and hiking boots rather than sneakers, as you’ll be walking on dirt paths for long periods of time.
Travelers who are not yet fully acclimatized to the altitude may find it difficult, so it’s best to sign up for a tour when you’re fully acclimatized. During the winter months of January and February, it is recommended that you check the weather conditions in the area beforehand, as it can be very snowy in the Vinikunca region and you may not be able to see the colorful sights.
This is a great experience that gives you a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes and is a must-do for travelers to Cusco.
