Should you visit Cusco? Inspiration of Cusco.

Reading this material will give you a clear understanding of Cusco. Where is this city located, its climatic features, how long the tourist season lasts. It will acquaint you with the main tourist sites of this region, including the famous  Machu Picchu   complex, which in 2007 was included in the list of the seven wonders of the world.

Inspiration of Cusco.

Peru is the ancient cities of the Indians with mysterious structures, the green hell of the virgin jungle, the deepest canyon in the world, the alpine lake and many other wonders of nature.

The best time to visit Cusco Peru is from April to October, when there is no rain in the mountains. Most tourists tend to get into the country at this time. There are fewer tourists during the rainy season.

Tourists travel to Peru always with great pleasure (by the way, according to opinion polls, the level of tourist satisfaction with the state of Peru is 95%). But apart from the capital city of Lima, is Cusco worth a visit?

Cuzco is one of the most popular cities in Peru.

Cuzco, located in the province of the same name, is the largest and most visited city in the state of Peru, in turn located in South America.

Cuzco is unique and distinctive. In terms of its popularity, it is undoubtedly one of the first among all cities in Peru. It attracts the entire flow of tourists (numbering over 1.5 million people a year) who intend to visit the attraction of  Machu Picchu   or take a walk along the Inca trail.

Some go to Cusco without even visiting the city of Lima. But in vain, because it is necessary for acclimatization purposes, because the altitude of Lima is lower than Cusco, which is 3400 meters above sea level.

The city of Cusco is very bright and mysterious. It was once the capital of the ancient Inca empire. At one time, he was not even touched by the conquistadors, but he managed to maintain his status influence and unique charm. When visiting this city, either from surprise, or from the height (more than 3000 above sea level), it literally takes your breath away, and someone may even start to feel dizzy.

“So is it worth visiting Cusco?” Some tourists will ask themselves. It is definitely worth looking even at its buildings! The architecture of the city is represented by buildings that have survived from ancient times. And even those that were built later have the same style as the ancient counterparts. Walking the streets of the city, looking over the more ancient buildings and comparing them with modern houses, you involuntarily notice how professionally the Incas mastered the skill of stone processing. After all, many skillfully worked stones are simply not comparable with the samples of our times.

When comparing the two foundations, there is a masonry technique of modern specialists - with large gaps between the stones. And as a comparison - the stones of the Incas, maximally matched and fitted to each other in such a way that the impression of a relief monolith is created. And some houses even boast several different types of stone masonry.

Excursion programs in Cusco.

Do you know how many days you have to spend in Cuzco? The answer is simple: “Exactly as much as you may need to visit all its attractions. And this is at least a week.

In fact, the entire territory of Cusco can be divided into three parts: coastal zone, jungle and mountains.

If you are still wondering: When to go to Cusco? - then the best time would be the season from early May to late October. It is this time that is considered tourist or it is also called dry. Because Cusco is located in the mountains, like Machu Picchu, then in all other months there is often torrential rainfall.

Thermometer bars in the dry season show +25 in the afternoon. And at night the temperature drops to +4, so warm clothes will be very useful. One of the important points is that local hotels do not have central heating and there are frequent problems with hot water supply. For the convenience of tourists, they are given heaters, warm blankets and tea.

Are you still wondering whether to visit Cusco? Further information will completely dispel all your doubts.

It takes just one day to get to know the city. The starting point of Cusco can be considered its main square - Plaza de Armas, on the territory of which there is a cathedral and a monument erected in honor of the 9th ruler of the great Inca empire. During the years of his rule of the state, the empire made a sharp rise in development, multiplying the territory of its lands.

The most important thing is that the road to  Machu Picchu   runs through Cuzco. In addition, the urban district itself is full of attractions that should be paid attention to:

• These are the destroyed citadels;
• And ceremonial buildings;
• And a garden laboratory;
• And a mysterious salt marsh;
• And a variety of museums.

One interesting feature when visiting attractions is that it is impossible to purchase a ticket for only one place. A similar trick was used by the Ministry of Culture to provide more profit. Tickets for viewing local attractions can be used only during a certain period, they have their own number of visits, and also differ in cost. You should be aware that the ticket is issued for one surname, and upon its presentation, an identity card is required.

About the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

This is a separate type of tickets, the timely purchase of which (especially during the tourist season) is also worth considering in advance, because there is a limit on the number of visitors, both to the ancient city of the Incas, and to two neighboring mountains: Huayna Picchu and Montaña. The availability of free tickets can be tracked online on the official site of attractions. A personal ticket must be presented before entering the territory of the facility.

Major tourist sites in Cusco.

How many days should you spend in Cuzco? - The answer to this question has already been asked above, however, further I would like to add a little.

Temples, ancient settlements, fortresses, places with gorgeous nature, thermal springs, etc. - here is an incomplete list of objects located right in the city itself, or near it. You can, as they say, gallop across Europe, or you can really feel the energy of each tourist attraction, plunge into yourself and absorb the atmosphere of those times. And this, of course, can take more than one week.

Now let's mentally transfer to Cusco and tell about all the places recommended for tourists to visit in more detail.

Sacsayhuaman complex.

Located 2 km (walking distance) from the city center. The road goes constantly uphill. At present, the complex, erected many years ago, which had a religious and military purpose, has retained only 20% of its original form. Over time, back in those days, the huge boulders from which the citadels were built were dismantled for the construction of residential quarters in the city of Cuzco. The Incas perceived the city in the form of a panther, and Sacsayhuaman served as its head. 22 simply huge boulders were the teeth of an incredible size of a black cat.

Coricancha

Korikancha is the most important temple of the empire and was erected in honor of Bor Ra. Located right in Cusco. Under Spanish rule, it was known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. On a guided tour of the temple, you will learn about the fundamental purposes of the beliefs of this ancient people, as well as about the earthly, underground and heavenly kingdoms.

Kenko

Kenko - (from the word qenqo - zigzag), a ruin complex in the form of a zigzag. It is somewhat similar to an amphitheater due to its semicircular shape. Until now, no one knows what the true purpose of this strange structure was. According to experts, it was something like an altar, sanctuary or portal to the realm of the dead.

Pukapukara

Pukapukara translates as Red Fortress. And this name is fully justified by the stones of a red hue, from which the structure was erected. The complex was for administrative and military purposes, but first of all tourists appreciate its beauty, because the complex is located at an altitude of 3700 m above sea level and it is very beautiful there.

Tambomachai

Tambomachai - the so-called Temple of Water, including elite baths, which were used by the rulers of the Incas. But, unfortunately, it is forbidden to swim in them.

Pisac Inca ruins

Pisac, located 33 km from Cusco. This is a whole city where weaving and knitting masters live. Many of them are famous for having developed their own distinctive dyeing systems for fabric and wool products.

The archaeological complex of the same name is located at the top - in the mountains and occupies almost their very peaks. Among the Incas, it was believed that status people were supposed to live high in the mountains, while ordinary people lived in the valleys. In Ancient Pisak, we can contemplate agricultural terraces, which cannot be said at all by their literally futuristic appearance.

The burial ceremony was also a local custom. For these purposes, a special mountain was allocated, in which vessels with the ashes of the dead were buried.

Pisac ruins Inca terraces

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Visit of Pisac Inca ruins

Should you visit Machu Picchu?

It is for the sake of visiting the Lost City or City among the Clouds (as this name is translated) everyone wants to get there. The ancient settlement is located at an elevation of 2400 m above sea level in the valley of the Urubamba River. Its complex has about two hundred buildings. The main buildings were built from huge boulders, selected in strict accordance with each other. According to historians, about 1200 people lived there.

At the very beginning,  Machu Picchu   was visited by archaeologists, historians and experts on the Inca culture. But, in the midst of the 90s, this place gained great popularity. And since 2007, this object has been added to the list of the seven wonders of the world and has gained frenzied popularity among tourists.

It is not a problem to find there a guide-tour guide who speaks your language, because there are accompanying persons who speak any language of the world.

At the entrance to this mysterious object, you must present a ticket purchased in advance and an identity document. All movements inside take place in accordance with certain rules and regulations. The flow of tourists is so dense that if you were not able to see something, you will need to get out and then go to the object again.

Machu Picchu has an energy that cannot be compared with any other place: you are immersed in a peculiar atmosphere of ancient times and for a while you feel like a participant in the events of the past. And what surrounds you simply cannot be expressed in words: beautiful, majestic, at the same time evokes a feeling of delight and at the same time instills some kind of calmness and pacification.

The residents of Peru took such care of the comfortable stay of tourists at the facility that they even placed special signs in places where the best quality photographs will be obtained. However, even photos taken “in the wrong place” surprise with excellent quality: correct lighting, tone saturation and contrast.

In the mornings, fog often appears in Machu Picchu, which makes the object even more piquant.

Is it better to travel by train or on foot along the trail?

If you were taken to  Machu Picchu   by car, then back, under favorable circumstances, you can try walking. So, if time permits, then it is quite possible to walk. But, it is better not by the steps, but to walk along the highway, admiring the wonderful landscapes. After all, the jungle will surround on all sides, and you will meet rare birds and colorful parrots. At the same time, you should not worry about safety: the track is busy and the threat to meet predatory animals is minimal. Therefore, feel free to go on a hike, if time permits before the departure of the train.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the compelling reasons to visit Cusco, Peru, and what unique experiences does the city offer to travelers?

Cusco offers a rich blend of Inca history, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural experiences. Unique experiences include exploring ancient ruins like Sacsayhuamán, experiencing traditional markets, and using Cusco as a gateway to Machu Picchu.

Visit of the Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu Peru

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