Cusco
Destination Overview
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is a living museum where elegant Spanish colonial architecture is built directly upon massive, meticulously carved Incan stone foundations. Once the thriving capital of the mighty Inca Empire, this UNESCO World Heritage site is now a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub. It serves as the ultimate starting point for adventures into the Sacred Valley and the cloud forests beyond. With its winding cobblestone streets, world-class Andean gastronomy, and an undeniable spiritual energy, Cusco offers an immersive journey into a culture that continues to thrive among breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.
Main tourist attractions
Machu Picchu: The undisputed crown jewel of the Andes and a New Wonder of the World. This awe-inspiring 15th-century citadel is dramatically perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas: A stunning stretch of fertile land featuring the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the ancient salt mines of Maras, and the monumental fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Cusco Historic Center & Sacsayhuaman: The heart of the city features the bustling Plaza de Armas and the golden Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), all watched over by the colossal stone walls of the Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) & Humantay Lake: Premier high-altitude day treks that reward adventurers with surreal, multi-colored mineral slopes and crystal-clear, turquoise glacial waters.
