The city of Cusco is conveniently located in the Inca Heartland so that day excursions to many sites in the Sacred Valley such as Machu Picchu are easily accessible. However, it’s important to take the time to acclimate to the altitude before running off to sightsee. Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 ft (3,400m) and the risk for altitude sickness is known to occur as low as 8,000 ft (2,500m).
Tourists come to Cusco not only because of its proximity to Machu Picchu but also because it’s a charming city with an important history.
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca people and considered the ‘navel of the world’. You can find vestiges of these ancient civilizations buried below the new buildings. Some have gone to great lengths to preserve these artifacts and put them on display. One such example is the JW Marriott, which was built atop an old monastery and has retained some of the original architecture. It’s possible to get a short tour of the foundations and see the Inca and even Pre-Inca construction, which was once on that very site.
Our time in Cusco was limited but we made the most of it by visiting some of Cusco’s main attractions. Many were easily accessible on foot from Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas.
Indigenous people dressed in traditional clothing can be seen at many attractions throughout the Sacred Valley and in the city center of Cusco. They pose for tourists in exchange of a small donation.
Must-see places in Cusco
Convent of Santo Domingo
Our first stop was to the Convent of Santo Domingo which was built on top of an Inca temple dedicated to the sun god, Inti.
Inside we saw some Inca vestiges as well as religious paintings representing traditional Christian scenes but with a touch of local culture.
Our guide pointed out how the native artists included some of their beliefs in various religious paintings. The golden crowns represented the Inca sun god, Inti; the large dress of the Virgin Mary was shaped like a mountain reminiscent of the Andeans mountains or Pachamama, Mother Earth; and the moon shown in silver illustrated Mama Killa, Mother Moon.
Plaza de Armas Area
Next we made our way to the Plaza de Armas, where we visited the square’s two impressive churches: the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús). There are also many shops below the colonial arcades around the square. During our visit we were lucky enough to see a parade with musicians and dancers go by.
Cusco’s majestic cathedral houses an unusual representation of The Last Supper. The painting by Marcos Zapata, a Peruvian artist, showcases the 12 apostles dinning on cui (guinea pig), a local delicacy. Other highlights include the cedar choir and silver altar. This Roman Catholic church was built between 1560-1654 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The other church, flanking the square, with an ornate façade is the Iglesia de la Compañía. A visit inside will reward you with a birds’ eye view of Plaza de Armas. Also the cedar altar covered in gold leaf is quite impressive. Inside, guides are available to give tourists a 30-minute tour for a small tip.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and her explanations greatly enhanced our visit. She explained how here too the native artists included Pachamama and other Inca elements in their representation of the Virgin Mary. She also showed us where to stand to be able to hear someone whispering near another wall and it really worked!
Museo Inka
This museum is devoted to Inca artifacts and is housed inside the old Admiral’s Palace. The Museo Rafael Larco Herrera in Lima had a lot more to see, but this museum is ideal for a quick look at diverse Andeans artifacts. The replicas of important Inca sites are quite impressive and also nice to see.
Must-see archeological sites around Cusco
Sacsayhuaman
The archeological complex of Sacsayhuaman is located just a short drive away from Cusco. The complex includes a temple dedicated to the sun god, Inti.
The Incas used Sacsayhuaman for ceremonies and as a storage depot, but it also served as a fortress. The ramparts’ huge stones were placed in a zigzag pattern for a most imposing look. And you will notice how well the stones fit together without mortar, this is typical of Inca construction.
Hiking past the three large terraces up to the top of the hill will reward you with an incredible view of the city of Cusco down in the valley below.
Q’enco Archaeological Complex
Qenco is an ancient megalithic site where you can see the remains of an old Inca temple. The temple is inside a cave-like enclosure made from a natural rock formation. This was a holy site where sacrifices and the process of mummification took place.
Tambomachay
Tambomachay is an archeological site associated with the Inca civilization. Its purpose is nebulous, but some believe that it was used by the Incas as a place to worship water because of the presence of numerous canals, waterfalls and aqueducts. Others think that it served as a military outpost to guard the city of Cusco. The Spaniards also referred to this site as the Bath of the Inca.
Puka Pukara Archaeological Complex
Puka Pukara is an archeological site where you can see the ruins of an old military fort. This military post was built to protect the city of Cusco and the Inca Empire.
Conclusion
We thoroughly enjoyed all the interesting attractions that we visited in and around Cusco. This was our last stop before returning to Lima after an amazing adventure in Peru’s Sacred Valley. From Cusco it’s also possible to visit Machu Picchu as a day trip but we think that you should dedicate at least two full day to explore the Lost City of the Incas.
Related Posts:
- Visiting Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
- Top Attractions to Visit in Lima, Peru
- Discovering Northern Peru