The city of Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire that covered the entire Tahuantinsuyo and different countries, it is located in the Peruvian Andes, it is known mainly for Machu Picchu.
In 1983 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is considered the Rome of America mainly due to the large number of monuments that this magnificent city has.
The word Cusco comes from the Quechua word: Qusqu or Qosqo which has the meaning of “center” or “navel”, due to its high location and its large network of roads that connects with different countries.
The altitude of Cusco is 3399 meters above sea level, as for the climate of Cusco it is generally dry between the months of April and October, with sunny days, cold and frosty nights, and other rainy weather from November to March.
Although you can travel all year round, the most recommended time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season from April to October, since the rainy season is from November to December. The busiest time in Cusco is from June to August.
The Inti Raymi (festival of the sun) is the most important religious festival in Cusco since Inca times where the Sun God (Inti) is worshiped. The celebration began with the winter solstice, in the month of June (the month in which the sun moves further from the earth) and lasted 15 days in which they performed sacrifices and different dances.
Currently, this religious festivity is held every June 24, it consists of making a theatrical performance of the people of Cusco, where people from Cusco, Peruvians and people from all over the world come together for this magical and magnificent event. Where you can see one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations in this part of the world.
The Chiriuchu that in Quechua means cold food or cold plate; This is the flagship dish of the city of Cusco, this stew is still from the Inca period, where products from the coast, mountains and jungle are combined. As ingredients it has: guinea pig, cocha yuyo, chicken, jerky (dried meat), cheese, toasted corn, black pudding, chili and corn torreja.
HOW TO GET TO CUSCO FROM LIMA
It is time to decide on the transport that suits us best and also fits our budget. For example, traveling by bus is the most economical way since air travel can be more expensive.
LIMA CUSCO BY BUS: This trip lasts from 18 to 21 hours, visiting Lima Nazca and Abancay.
LIMA CUSCO BY PLANE: This trip lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, (there are several airline options eg. Latam , sky , etc.
QORIKANCHA
SACSAYHUAMAN
THIS ITS DEFINITELY AN UNMISSABLE PLACE
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We were recommended this company by our neighbor. Ruben/Juan was great with questions and provided a lot of valuable information as I was planning parts on my own instead using a set tour, partially due to wanting to climb one of the optional peaks which you need to book months in advance. We then hit a snag with my wife’s passport and Ruben happily rearranged the tour for us even though we gave last minute notice.
Our tour guide Wagner met us where the bus dropped us of (can be arranged to pick up from your hotel as well), and we spent the next two hours learning a lot about the history of the site and he took us away from the crowds, and accommodated our photos requests. After we hung around and explored on our own until it was time to leave….
Traveler:
FANTASTIC!!! From start to finish! Amazing Andean Adventures was in charge for our entire 8 day trip to Peru. Every detail and pick up was perfect. Every driver and guide was great! Thank you Kivin and Joaquin for finding my camera!
There was one special guide that we will never forget. Dany met us at our hotel in Agnes Calientes and was very patient as our train was late arriving. His knowledge of the history and culture of the Incans made the tour of Machu Picchu come alive! We were fortunate to have Dany for two days, always upbeat, helpful, fun, and competent. The Cusco City Tour was also amazing with the continuing history making us feel like we were actually there in the time of the Inca rule. Magical…
Traveler:
We traveled to Cusco this December with a three day private tour planned with Danny. My mom had done a similar tour with Danny and recommended him/amazing andean adventures to us! Our three day adventure was pretty much perfect; danny was always early to meet us, super friendly, with great english and tons of knowledge to share about the ruins and inca historical sites we visited. He even made the rain clear up so we could get a perfect view of machu picchu after our hike. On day one we went from our hotel to various destinations in sacred valley, which I worked with the company to plan so that we would hit all the spots I wanted to. They were helpful and accommodating in building a highly individualized itinerary…
Traveler: