About Cusco

The Cusco city is located in the heart of the Andes range, surrounded by mountains and fertile valleys; located at 3400 meters high, and was the place where flourished the largest pre-Hispanic civilization in America, “The Incas”.

The Inca Empire was founded by the mythical sovereign Manco Capac; and he was succeeded by other kings like the famous Pachacutek who initiated the expansion of the empire in the year 1438. Reached its greatest splendor in the second decade of the sixteenth century with the Inca king Huayna Capac. The Incas had a short existence, but left traces of a glorious past. That is still possible to see in their stone constructions like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, The Temple of Koricancha and others, that are a living testimony to his greatness.

Upon the arrival of the Spaniards in 1533, they found an empire divided because of the bloody fratricidal war between the heirs of the royal throne. Even so the conquerors did not hide their amazement and admiration to see the greatness of Cusco, the great capital of the empire with its temples full of wealth and royal palaces built with extraordinary perfection. Gradually its treasures were plundered and destroyed their temples to build on its foundation Christian churches, convents and palaces with Spanish influence turning the Cusco city in a colonial town.

Today Cusco is a cosmopolitan city as it was in the past, visitors from all over the world come to see the magnificent buildings and cities built on top of the mountain in perfect harmony with nature. Also to feel and experience the magic of this ancient city.

• Region: Cusco
• Capital of the Department: The city of Cusco (3350 m / 10990 ft.)
• Location: Located in the central zone and South East of the Peru.
• Extension: 71,891 km².
• Total population: 1 171.403 inhabitants (2007 Census).
• Administrative Division: 13 provinces.
• Languages: Spanish and Quechua (native language).

Tourist Tickets in Cusco

The tourist ticket includes 16 remarkable attractions to be visited in the Cusco city and Sacred Valley. Cosituc: Is the institution responsible for the collection,...

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Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

(Español) Desde cualquier parte del mundo usted puede reservar con anticipación su entrada a Machu Picchu y Huaynapicchu en la siguiente página www.machupicchu.gob.pe solo...

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Feast and festivals of Cusco

The Cusco city has multiple festivities throughout the year, and the most important are: January 6: Feast at Ollantaytambo (recreation of the three wisemen)...

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Trains to Machupicchu

Machu Picchu is located at 112 km from the city of Cusco, at 2490 meters above sea level, in the high jungle. And the...

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Tips to Travel to Cusco

Useful Tips to Enjoy Your Trip in Cusco Consider planning your trip in advance, due of the tourism high season from May to October...

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Cusco Gastronomy

The Peruvian Andean cousine has a lot of diversity. Many of the main dishes have pre-Hispanic origins, some dishes appeared in colonial and republican...

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Weather and Geography in Cusco

The geography of the Cusco Department is varied and its relief presents high mountains, Andean plateaus, and streams that descend to fertile valleys crossed...

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How to get to Cusco?

To get to Cusco city, you have to bear in mind the type of transport to get to Peru country. The traditional way is...

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