Written by:
peru.travel
Monday, July 6, 2020
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Visiting Cusco is taking a trip back in time in the history of Peru. Its close combination and historical influence of two worlds - the Inca and the Spanish - have left a special mark on their cultural identity that continues to this day.
This valuable and unique inheritance has made this city not only recognized by Unesco as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but has also earned it to become a tourist engine of Peru and to be the main welcome letter for thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Here are six important destinations to include on your next trip to the ‘navel of the world’.
The wonderful Sacsayhuaman fortress
Considered as the greatest architectural work of the Inca Empire -according to the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega-, this archaeological site is one of the main attractions that you should visit upon your arrival in Cusco.
This complex, located just 2 km away from the city of Cusco, serves as the starting point in the journey through Inca history and reveals the impressive engineering and precision techniques that characterized this civilization and that arouses the admiration of its visitors.
Sacsayhuamán is located 2 km from the city of Cusco. Credit: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.
There are two theories regarding its function. Some say it was a military fortress and others that it was a ceremonial center used to commemorate the Inca victories as a demonstration of power and greatness. With its two large esplanades, Sacsayhuaman is today a recreation center for locals and a location for celebration of traditional festivities such as the Inti Raymi.
The Cathedral
It is one of the most representative examples of colonial architecture in the city. Located in front of the Plaza de Armas, it is a Baroque and Renaissance style building made up of a main temple and two chapels. Inside you can appreciate a majestic altar carved in granite, works of art carved in silver and a valuable canvas collection from the Cusco school.
The Coricancha
Known as the Golden Temple, this enclosure was the main sanctuary of the Incas. It was built during the reign of Pachacutec (1471-1493) and according to historians it was one of the buildings that most amazed the Spanish conquerors for its beauty, magnificence and finesse.
Today, it is possible to appreciate part of this charming temple, particularly inside its halls and walls. In addition, the Coricancha is home to the Archaeological Museum of Cusco where you will find relics of the Inca past and models that reveal the impressive construction the Coricancha was during the Inca era.
Coricancha was built during the reign of the Inca Pachacútec (1471-1493). Credit: Renzo Tasso / PromPerú.
Mirador Cristo Blanco
The viewpoint is located at the Pukamoqo Hill -at 5 km from the city- and it is the perfect plan to contemplate and be astonished the spectacular view of the entire city of Cusco and be captivated by its beautiful landscape. The place is accompanied by a huge statue of the Cristo Blanco (White Christ), built in 1945.
The San Blas neighbourhood
For those looking for a moment of distraction on the streets of Cusco, the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas is the right place to spend the afternoon walking through its cobbled passages.
Located a few blocks away from the Plaza de Armas and surrounded by old colonial houses and countless handicraft workshops, this neighborhood attracts for its great offers of artistic expressions. Even during the Inca times, San Blas was also a popular district for craftsmen.
Historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Considered as one of the most visited archaeological complexes in the world and one of the 7 modern wonders, Machu Picchu is also the main tourist attraction in Peru. With nearly 1.5 million national and foreign tourist visits per year, this Inca citadel is a must-see during your trip to Cusco.
Its mysterious origin, surprising location and marvelous landscape make the visit to this historical jewel an experience that will forever remain engraved in the eyes of its visitors. One last thing, the best time to visit the sanctuary is from April to November, the dry season.+
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