Cuzco!
- Michael_sgrant
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
At over 11,000ft high, get used to the altitude as you explore the ancient capital of the Incas with me...
The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco: discover the origins of the city, when it was founded by the indigenous Inca civilization. Walk along Cusco's streets, head to the Plaza de San Francisco, where you’ll see its spectacular botanical garden filled with plants native to the Andes region. Get lost in the San Pedro Market, the perfect place for an initiation into local cuisine! Don’t forget of course the Plaza de Armas: it's here that you can find the Cathedral and the Iglesia de Compañía de Jesús – built on the site of ancient Inca ruins.
Plaza De Armas: Cuzco Cathedral & Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús:
The focal point to Cuzco. If you don’t know Peru by know then you’ll soon come to understand that in the centre of every city you’ll find a main square, often where you’ll find the cathedral and some important churches, Cuzco is no different. In it’s Plaza de Armas you’ll find the Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús. Fore more about the church click here: The Society of Jesus - Visit Cusco, Peru (rutadelbarrocoandino.com)
(Left) Catedral de Cuzco (Centre) Plaza de Armas, (Right) Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús
Qoricancha:
This beautiful temple can be known as Coricancha, Qoricancha, Qorikancha or Koricancha and it was one of the most important and most sacred temples of the Inca empire. Its ruins are located in Santo Domingo Plaza in Cuzco. When the Spanish arrived in Cuzco they destroyed most of Qoricancha, and the Santo Domingo Church was built on the foundations and the remaining walls of the temple, preserving only a small part of its indigenous beauty. It was a sacred place where appreciation was shown for Inti, the Inca Sun God. Now you can enter and admire it up close...
Mirador de San Blas & San Cristobal:
The city of Cuzco lies at an elevation of 3450m (11,318ft), you definitely need time to acclimatise to the high altitude! And if that wasn’t enough, the city is surrounded by huge mountains, and if you’re feeling up for it, there are plenty of viewpoints all around to get an amazing view of the city, such as Mirador de San Blas and Mirador de San Cristobal.
Calle Siete Borreguitos:
The streets of Cuzco I must admit are absolutely stunning, from the neighbourhood of San Blas to one of the better known streets, Calle Siete Borreguitos, all are picture perfect. Whether you use a map or get lost, the streets here definitely don’t disappoint…
Saqsaywaman:
Overlooking Cuzco, visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán (Quechua word meaning satisfied falcon), one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire; admire the precision of the engineering used and delve into the history of what was once the greatest civilization in America pre-Columbian. Admire its harmonious carved stone structures make its construction process something difficult for visitors to imagine and explain. This complex, which occupies an area of 3,000 hectares, would have required the work of 25,000 men -among architects, astronomers, engineers, stonecutters and stone transporters. According to archaeological studies, it is estimated that its construction took more than 90 years from 1350AD. Ordered by the Inca Pachacútec, and would have been completed in the 16th century by his successor, Túpac Inca Yupanqui. There are 3 towers are located on the walls in zigzag. They are called Muyucmarca, Paucamarca and Sallaqmarca. It is known that in this place there was abundant water. Even now we can see the aqueducts.
Muyucmarca: Also known as ‘La torre de Cahuide’. It is a huge building (today there is only the base) with an important historical value. It is known that the Inca general Titu Cusi Huallpa (also called Cahuide) jumped from the highest part to avoid being taken prisoner by the Spanish during the Incan resistance of 1536.
Paucamarca: The remains of this tower are located east of the archaeological site. According to the chroniclers, they served to store water. It is currently covered in dirt and is likely to have a square shape.
Sallaqmarca: The remains of this tower are located in the centre of Sacsayhuaman. It interconnected with the other towers by tunnels. At present, only the foundations of the towers remain, since they were destroyed by the Spaniards during the colony.
Just a heads up, it’s a bit of a hike to reach here but you can always cheat and get a taxi up. Also, this is one of the only places that is cash only! For more information, visit:
Head further outside the city, explore the areas surrounding Cuzco, venture further and visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas…
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