This is the page about Cuzco, the Imperial City of The Incas.
Cuzco: city in southern Peru, capital of Cuzco
Department, in the valley of the Huatanay River, about 3415 m (about
11,211 ft) above sea level.
Cuzco or Cusco, is called also the "The
Archaeological Capital of America", was the capital of the fabled Inca
Empire. Most striking in Cuzco is the superimposition and intermingling
of three cultures; the native Qhechua Indian, the conquering
Colonial Spanish and the modern. Cuzco's main square known
as the Huacaypata in Inca times, was the site of many celebrations
and is still an ideal meeting place. The Cathedral and La Compania,
two of Cuzco's Colonial churches, frame the plaza. Other important
Colonial churchs are Santo Domingo (the Inca KoriKancha),
the convent of Santa Catalina (Site of the Inca Acliawasi, or residence
of the Chosen Women), and San Blas, in the artist's quarter.
The principal industries of the city are tanning, brewing, sugar
refining, chocolate production, and the manufacture of cotton goods.
Cuzco is the seat the National University of San Antonio Abad (1962).
The city contains many remains of Inca times, including the famous
Inca temple of the sun; parts of the Inca wall that once surrounded
the city; and numerous doorways, arches, and building walls.
Many of the present-day houses, usually of adobe with red tile roofs, have
remains of Inca stonework for their foundations. Among buildings
dating from the Spanish occupation are the Renaissance cathedral,
built at the beginning of the 17th century, and the prefecture,
formerly the palace of the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro. Although much of the city was destroyed
by an earthquake in 1950, the historic sites have been restored.
A visit to Cuzco without a visit to legendary
Machu Picchu will be
unthinkable. Trains depart daily to Machu Picchu. There is also very
interesting to hike and camp on the Inca trail, a three to four day
trek. Daily trips to Ollantaytambo and Pisac should be given a thought.
Sacsayhuaman, the massive Inca fortress overlooking the city of Cuzco
is also spectacular. Pisac and Chinchero have remains of Inca ruins
plus a lot of handicrafts.
Additional Images from Cuzco and suburbs:
Image of Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco
Image of Inka's ruins in Cuzco
