The UNESCO placed the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1983; definitely, Cusco is one of the most important destinations in Peru. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cusco was the political and religious capital of the Incas, the hub of the greatest empire ever seen in the Americas and a place of pilgrimage for all those who worshipped the sun god, Inti. With many Incan buildings waiting for you to discover them among its stoned streets, ones like the Koricancha and the palace of Inca Roca as well as Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Christ. In addition, you can visit the charming neighborhood of San Blas where the most talented artisans have set up their workshops. The magical city of Cusco also has an exciting nightlife with cafes, restaurants, and bars for all tastes. Just ten minutes away from the city, there are impressive archeological sites like the Sacsayhuaman fortress, Qenko, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, Inca buildings made completely with stone.
You can visit also the towns of Pisaq, Maras & Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, which are located throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one hour from Cusco. From the Ollantaytambo town, it is possible to catch the train to Machu Picchu. Another 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 landscape. This is one of the best trekking routes in the world; you will find remarkable archeological sites and areas plentiful in unique plant and animal species.
The enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu (Now one of the new 7th wonders of the world), the most important and magnificence 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 one of a kind place in the world. Machu Picchu has lost none of its mystery in the ninety years since its discovery. |