Cusco – The Heart of Inca History

Cusco is a city where multiple civilizations have literally been built atop one another. As the former capital of the Inca Empire and later the center of Spanish colonial power, the city boasts a unique architectural heritage, where precisely cut Inca walls form the foundations for colonial-era churches and palaces. In the historic center around Plaza de Armas, you'll find iconic landmarks like Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha, the former Temple of the Sun, which vividly illustrates the meeting of two worlds. Overlooking the city is Sacsayhuamán, an impressive ceremonial fortress with massive stone blocks assembled without mortar. The steep streets and small squares of the San Blas neighborhood are known for local artisans and studios, while the San Pedro Market offers an authentic glimpse into daily life with Andean produce and traditional dishes. Cusco’s high-altitude location in the Andes gives it a distinctive atmosphere and also makes it the natural gateway for trips to the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. The combination of vibrant culture, world-class archaeology, and spectacular surroundings makes Cusco one of South America's most significant travel destinations.