CUSCO AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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Cusco, commonly known as the navel of the world by the Incas and local contemporaries alike, declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO, is today home to one of the 7 modern wonders of the world–Machu Picchu. Cusco was the capital of the Empire of the Incas, the largest civilization in the Pre-Columbian America and a state comparable to the historical empires of the world. It was the administrative, political and military center of an empire that dominated most of south america, including parts of Ecuador and Colombia to the north, all of Peru, parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina from early in the 13th century until the Spanish conquered it in the the mid 16th century. Cusco sits at the southern end knot of the highest tropical mountain range in the world–The Andes. At 3,400 meters or 11,200 feet above sea level, this marvel to humanity is visited by 2 million tourist yearly. Cusco was found in 2006 to be the spot on Earth with the highest ultraviolet light level.

It is here where the Incas covered their palaces with sheets of gold, which was so abundant at the time, that rocks like the turquoise from the city of Arequipa to the south west where more valuable in the trading markets. Some of the gold artifacts and other objects were taken abroad to Spain, which in turn became an international powerhouse. Luckily, a lot of gold and treasures unknown to man still remain in Peru. It is believed that the gold found in the churches of Peru alone would pay for its national debt.

Main Inca sights – See Slideshow below

Sacsayhuaman:

The Pre-Inca Killke culture built this massive walled complex in 1100 AD. This magestic fortress overlooks the capital and consists of 4 main walls that zigzag across a plateau that is also home to 3 structures that we will visit by horse on a 5 km loop:

Qengo:

Sacred Amphitheater, human sacrifice and center of worship of the Puma (a pre-inca and Inca symbol of war)

Pucapucara:

Red fortress built in the XI century to protect the Water temple of Tambomachay, cituated 7 km. from the capital of Cusco.

Tambomachay:

The water temple, apparently built by Inca Tupac Yupanqui. A series of aqueducts that have the same flow all year round. the main source of this water still unknown, these are believed to be the Inca baths.

Main sights in the city – See Slideshow Below

Barrio de San Blas

This neighborhood housing artisans, workshops and craft shops, is one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Its streets are steep and narrow with old houses built by the Spanish over important Inca foundations. It has an attractive square and the oldest parish church in Cuzco, built in 1563, which has a carved wooden pulpit considered the epitome of Colonial era woodwork in Cuzco.

Calle Hatun Rumiyuq

This street is the most visited by tourists. On the street Hatun Rumiyoq ("Of the Old Rock") was the palace of Inca Roca, which was converted to the Archbishop's residence. Along this street that runs from the Plaza de Armas to the Barrio de San Blas, one can see the Stone of Twelve Angles, which is viewed as marvel of ancient stonework and has become emblematic of the city's history.

Qoricancha and Convent of Santo Domingo

The Qoricancha (Quri Kancha) was the most important sanctuary dedicated to the Sun god Inti at the time of the Inca Empire. This temple was named the site of gold because all its walls were covered with gold leaf by the Incas. With this structure as a foundation, colonists built the Convent of Santo Domingo, in the Renaissance style. The building, with one baroque tower, exceeds the height of many other buildings in this city.

Church of la Compañía

This church, whose construction was initiated by the Jesuits in 1576 on the foundations of the Amarucancha or the palace of the Inca Huayna Capac, is considered one of the best examples of colonial baroque style on the American continents. Its façade is carved in stone and its main altar is made of carved wood covered with gold leaf. It was built over an underground chapel. This church has a valuable collection of colonial paintings of the Cusco School.

Convent and Church of la Merced

Its foundation dates from 1536. The first complex was destroyed by the earthquake of 1650 and the rebuilding of the church and convent was completed in 1675. Its cloisters of Baroque Renaissance style, choir stalls, colonial paintings and wood carvings are highlights of a visit to this church, now a popular museum and tourist attraction. Also on view is an elaborate monstrance made of gold and gemstones which weighs 22 kilos and is 130 cm (51.18 in) in height.

Cathedral

The first cathedral built in Cuzco is the Iglesia del Triunfo, built in 1539 on the foundations of the Palace of Viracocha Inca. Today, this church is an auxiliary chapel of the Cathedral. The main basilica cathedral of the city was built between 1560 and 1664. Stone was used as the main material, which was extracted from nearby quarries, although some blocks of red granite were taken from the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. This great cathedral presents late-Gothic, Baroque and plateresque interiors and has one of the most outstanding examples of colonial goldwork. Its carved wooden altars are also important. The city developed a distinctive style of painting known as the "Cuzco School", and the cathedral houses a major collection of local artists of the time. The cathedral is known for a Cuzco School painting of the Last Supper depicting Jesus and the twelve apostles feasting on guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy.

Food

As headquarters to the Inca Empire, Cuzco was an important agricultural region. It was a natural reserve for thousands of native Peruvian species, including around 2,000 varieties of potato cultivated by the people. Recently many fusion and neo-Andean restaurants have developed in Cuzco, in which the cuisine is prepared with modern techniques and incorporates a blend of traditional Andean and international ingredients. Also, a cacao and chocolate museum, ChocoMuseo, recently opened in the center of the city. The purpose of this place is to teach people about Peruvian cacao and also the whole process to make artisanal chocolate