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 Cusco is one of the undisputed highlights of South America, a fascinating blend of pre-columbian and colonial history and contemporary mestizo culture. The former political and religious capital of the Incas: Qosqo (the “Navel of the Earth”), once the hub of the greatest empire ever seen in the Americas where colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins are interspersed with countless hotels, bars and restaurants and almost every central street has remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways. With uncountable ruins in the neighborhood to explore, infinite trekking routes like the famous Inca Trail to Machupicchu, Mt. Salkantay, the remote areas of Choquequirao and Vilcabamba and of course its access to the most important archaeological site in South America: The enigmatic ruins of Machupicchu, Cusco has a wide range of attractions for everyones tastes. MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY: THE MAINSQUARE It is surrounded by the Cathedral, the church of La Compañía de Jesus and the church of El Triunfo. In the archades, you find countless beautiful shops and restaurants for all tastes. THE CATHEDRAL Built in the late 16th and early 17th century, the Cathedral has been completely restored in the last couple of years and is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. It offers amazing altars in renaissance, baroque and neoclassic styles and contains an incredible number of paintings mainly from the Cusco School of Art. QORICANCHA (The suntempel / Santo Domingo Church and Convent) According to chroniclers, this was one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco during Inca times. The interior had entire walls covered with golden plates. It offers the finest Incan stonework that can be found nowadays and is home to the Convent and Temple of Santo Domingo. SACSAYHUAMAN NATIONALPARK Located 2 km northeast of the city of Cusco. The park is composed of 33 archaeological sites, being the most renown the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Nowadays, Incan history comes alive every 24th of June, when the re-enactment of the Sunfestival Inti Raymi is held on the plane of Sacsayhuaman. RECOMMENDED TOURS FROM CUSCO: MACHUPICCHU (1-2 Days) Machu Picchu has been chosen one of the new 7 worldwonders. Most travelers agree that it is the world's most dramatic ruins. Machu Picchu can be visited in 1-2 days from Cusco by train. CITY TOUR (1/2 Day) A beautiful half day tour, visiting the Suntempel Qoricancha and the Cathedral in the city center, followed by an exploration of the Sacsayhuaman park with it’s astonishing archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (1 Day) A full day tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the archaeological sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo and the traditional handicraft market of Pisac. INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICHU (4-5 Days) Known as one of the world’s ten best hikes, the Inca Trail is unparalleled for its ecological diversity and wealth of archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary covers 32,952 hectares, and is home to a network of Inca roads, scores of archaeological sites, ten life zones – from glacial peaks to tropical montane forest – over four hundred species of birds and two hundred species of orchids, as well as the legendary city of Machu Picchu. There are also many fantastic birdwatching trips, river rafting and mountain bike tours that start from Cusco. We will gladly organize the trip of a lifetime for you. Please contact us for customized tours at info@culturasperu.com or check our website: www.culturasperu.com |
Tandapata 354 - San Blas Cusco - Peru +51 84 242206
reservas@encantadaperu.com
reservas@encantadaperu.com
