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Tourism in Cusco
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There is no better place in South-America to see the Inca culture than the Cusco region, in South Peru.
All these marvelous landscapes in Peru, in its mountains, valleys, canyons and rivers that are connected through Inca Trails all converge in Cusco. The region is riddled with awesome structures from the Inca Empire and Pre-Inca eras, like the Wari or Tihuanaco culture.
Many of the rural communities, in cusco still conserve many ancestral traditions that have been mixed in time with the customs that were imposed by the Spanish colonizer. They add extra spice to the cultural expressions that are clearly visible in Cusco.
The most important tourist attractions of the region are the inca city of Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, the first two being recognized as Cultural World Heritage Sites by Unesco. On top of that, the region has several other destinations that have turned Cusco in a major destination where many travelers easily dedicate over a week of their vacation.
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The city of Cusco is considered the Archeological Capital of South-America. It was the biggest city of the Inca Empire or "Tahuantinsuyo" that at its height occupied most of today´s Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, and the north of Argentina and Chile. For that reason it was also one of the most important cities of the Spanish colonization.
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Today the city exhibits a unique fusion of Inca constructions with colonial styles. Everywhere on its streets you can see the Inca walls, on top of which the Spanish built their chuches and monuments when they submitted the indigenous population.
A perfect example of this mixture of styles can be admired in the Koricancha temple, an ancient inca temple that was dedicated to the Sun God, and on top of which the Spanish constructed the Santa Catalina Church and its convent. The historic centre of Cusco is very enchanting, and also has a many restaurants, pubs, bars and a vivid nightlife.
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The archeological site of Sacsayhuaman is only 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city of Cusco. It has a total extension of 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) and contains important Inca remains.
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It will take you about 3 hours to walk through the main attractions, including the sites of Sacsayhumán, Quenco, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, all of which have their particular charm. The site of Sacsayhuaman is also where the anual Inti Raymi or Sun Festival takes place in June.
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The Sacred Valley is close to the city of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba, surrounded by the Andean mountain range of Southern Peru. It was of major importance for the Inca Culture, as the place where the Inca retired during summer and the priests performed their rituals. It has very fertile lands and a benevolent climate for agricultural production, where until today you can admire many perfectly preserved terraces that are still in use by the local population.
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The Sacred Valley´s geography includes valleys, canyons, and rivers, surrounded by wonderful mountain tops, and riddled with awesome Inca remains like Ollantaytambo, Pisac or Moray. It also harbors several pictures Andean villages like Maras, Huayllabamba, Yucay or Chinchero.
It is also the perfect area for adventure sports. You can go rafting, kayaking, hiking or horse riding among others. Imagine, all of this is in a spiritual and religious land where simply admiring the sky or the sacred Andean mountains is already a delight!
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Machu Picchu is the most visited destination of Peru, and has been inspiring more and more visitors every year. In 2007 it was elected in an internet poll of more than 100 million people as on of the new seven world wonders, which enhanced its status as one of the top archeological destination in the world.
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The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has a total extension of more than 32,592 hectares (80,536 acres) within the Sacred Valley. It not only contains the city of Machu Picchu, with its perfectly polished dry-stone walls, but also the Inca Trails that lead there, and the natural reserve with many endemic flowers and birds.
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Choquequirao
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Choquequirao is often referred to as the sister city of Machu Picchu. It bears quite a bit of similarity in its constructions, architecture, distribution and dimensions. It is on the left side of the Apurimac River, in the shadows of the snowcapped Choquequirao mountain, in the Salcantay mountain range. It´s stunning in size and location, and doesn´t receive that many visitors due to its location.
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It´s quite an adventure to get to the site. The only possible way is on foot, possibly assisted by mules. It´s a 30 km. (18.6 mi.) trail from the road to Abancay, in Apurimac, through solitary landscapes, surrounded by nature. It usually takes two or three days to complete the trekking. The lack of easy access roads makes it less visited than Machu Picchu, but it´s perfect for hikers who want to visit an awesome site without the crowds.
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Vilcabamba
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The valley of Vilcabamba and the district with the same name was the last pocket of resistance by the Incas after the Cusco fell into the hands of the Spanish conquistadores.
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The area has an enormous biodiversity and numerous archeological remains of Inca and Pre-Inca cultures that are not very well known, but nevertheless of great historic value. Some of these hidden gems are Espíritu Pampa, Rosaspata, Choquepalta and Yuracrumi. Choquequirao, sometimes called the True Lost City of the Incas is also in this area.
The Vilcabamba mountain range reaches heights of 6000 m. (19,680 ft.) and is at the border of the frontier between the regions of Cusco and Apurímac, in South Peru. The whole area is quite spectacular and perfect for those adventurers who like to hike in areas without running into tourists.
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The Southern Valley of Cusco combines great landscapes with colorful Andean villages and hides several impressive Inca structures like Tipón or Raqchi, as well as remains of the Pre-Inca Wari cultures in Pikillacta. Many of the villages have original colonial churches, the most famous one is the chapel of Andahuyalillas, that is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
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Paucartambo
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The province of Paucartambo is partially in the National Reserve of Manu, which means it has a climate that is similar to the jungle. The village of Paucartambo has a spectacular view from its Tres Cruces viewpoint on the archeological remains of Watoqto and Ninamarca.
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Paucartambo is also known for its colorful festivity of the Virgin Carmen en July. Many dancers and Andean musicians go through the village accompanying the statue of their patron saint, who they affectionately call “mamacha”.
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¿How to get to Cusco?
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Being the major tourist destination of the country, Cusco is easily accessible by air and by road, even more since the construction of the new Interoceanic Road. It is part of every touristic route in the South of Peru.
Cusco has a regional airport that can be reached from Lima, Juliaca (Puno), or Arequipa and is often used as connection to Puerto Maldonado (Manu National Reserve) or Ayacucho.
By road Cusco has had excellent connections for years with Puno and Arequipa (both through Juliaca). With the construction of the Interoceanic Roads in 2010-2011, Cusco now also has an excellent connection with Nazca (passing through Abancay, Apurimac) and Puerto Maldonado. For your convenience we have made a map of the important touristic routes so you can better plan your trip.
Finally, Cusco can also be reached by train from Puno (or Juliaca). The route is very special, starting at the borders of Lake Titicaca, going through the altiplano and desolate areas. The service is very good, but prices have gone up steadily due to its success. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
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Hotel Qalasaya
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Region: PUNO
Detalle: Edificio de 11 pisos con servicio de ascensor...
Fecha: 15/05/2011
Categoria
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Precio desde:
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US $72.60
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