A must-visit destination of Peru is Cusco. Normally, people will travel to Lima for a day or two, and fly to Cusco the next day. Why? Because this is the historic capital of Peru. So historic that the whole city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Further, the ever so famous bucket list entry of Machu Picchu can be found here. A mix of Inca and Spanish culture, this city serves as base for unique architecture experience and world-class food making it truly a living empire to date. Here are some popular things to see in Cusco:
Ancient City of Machu Picchu
You can arrive at the site either by taking the train to Aguas Calientes or by hiking there over several days. This famous wonder is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. It is the most popular icon of the Inca civilization – which sat undisturbed and hidden high in the Andes until it was discovered by a Spanish conqueror. Did you know that Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981, followed by a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 declaration together with the city of Cusco.
Plaza de Armas
The main square in Cusco where you can see a lot of restaurants, coffee shops and beer taverns with colonial architectural buildings and religious temples to match. This Peruvian square is one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
Visit Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Koricancha
The Church/Convent of Santo Domingo and Koricancha are one in the same, proving the overlap between the Incas and its Spanish colonization. Koricancha was once the Inca Temple of the Sun (the most important temple of the capital) but was destroyed by the Spanish during their occupation. In its place, they built the Iglesia De Santo Domingo. It is best to see this place with a guide, so you’ll learn more about its rich and incredible history.
Around San Blas Neighbourhood
This street with steep and narrow cobblestone streets are filled with random shops and restaurants perfect for tourists to spend the day, afternoon or night. You can find restaurants with a view overlooking the whole of the city. Captivating!
Sacred Valley Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Tour
From Cusco, one has to travel approximately 2 hours north to see the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo. The visit to the ruins is worth a day’s trip. If you get the usual local tours, the first stop is usually Chinchero, a typical Andean Indian village where you see Peruvian women, some mothers carrying their babies in a truly fascinating way. Others feature a demonstration of their local produce, giving you a taste and feel of the native way of life.
Experience Cusco, Peru with Expressmiles Travel and Tours! Email us at expressmiles@yahoo.com or phone us via landlines (+632) 681 9299, (+632) 681 9912 or (+632) 681 6483 or via mobile phones (+63) 917 5087500 and (+63) 998 532 5944.
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