Category: Cusco

Peru is a megadiverse country of incredible scenic beauty: from the desert shores of the Pacific to the impenetrable and wild rainforests, passing through the majestic snow-capped Andes and the stunning Rainbow Mountains.

The other fascinating side of Peru is rich in history, important archaeological sites, Inca ruins (not forgetting the emblematic Machu Picchu), colonial cities, and a long and ancient culinary tradition.

Peru is a fertile country whose people have always respected and honored the “Pacha Mama,” Mother Earth, who continues to provide sweet and delicious foods, even superfoods. Some of them have become world famous and have appeared on tables all over the world.

Andean Cuisine

Peru is a great place to eat and, thanks to the enormous variety and high quality of the food prepared, it is not difficult to find dishes to suit all tastes. Peruvian cuisine offers an abundance of healthy foods rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Andean dishes are usually good, tasty, and sustainable. Peruvian superfoods are not a novelty but have been cultivated in the Andes since ancient times. They are part of a long tradition extending worldwide because they represent a true culinary and earthly treasure.

About 45 products are grown in this region, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and fish. The “Superfoods Peru” brand was born from these ideas.

Superfoods of Peru

The most famous superfoods of Peru are undoubtedly quinoa, avocados, sweet potatoes, cocoa, and grapes. Here are the most mysterious ones with original names:

Peruvian maca is an ancient plant that grows in the high Andes, between 3,500 and 4,500 meters above sea level.

Maca root is a natural tonic powder that stabilizes blood pressure, reduces stress and fatigue, helps the brain produce energy, and provides vitality and stamina. It provides protein, minerals, vitamins, calcium, and iron.

Camu Camu is a small fruit from the Peruvian Amazon and contains a lot of vitamin C, more than oranges and lemons. It helps strengthen the immune system, skin, and eyes. It also appears to help stabilize mood in patients with anxiety and depression. It is used in powder form.
Sasha inch, whose seeds are one of the world’s most important sources of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids (even more than oily fish). Sacha inch oil helps people with irritable bowel syndrome and rich liver problems, reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), and regulates blood pressure.

What to eat in Peru

Peruvian cuisine is a beautiful blend of Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian cuisine. In 2015, Lima named the world capital of gastronomy.

Here, fish is one of the main ingredients, and ceviche is a national pride; it is a dish of raw fish and seafood cut into small pieces and marinated in lemon, onion, and chili pepper. Other typical dishes are tiradito, a gutless version of ceviche, and Parihuela, a delicious seafood soup.

There are many restaurants in Lima, from the best to the less famous and lonely, and many cocktail bars where you can enjoy a pisco sour. Lima is becoming an increasingly fashionable city.

Meat is another critical component of Peruvian cuisine, especially in the interior. A popular dish in Peru is fried chicken, which you can enjoy in one of the many picturesque Pollerias.

If you are brave enough, try cuy, roasted, stuffed, or fried. Other typical Peruvian dishes include roast pork rump, soups, and thousands of potato dishes, which come in more than 3,000 varieties in Peru.

Rice is also an essential part of Andean cuisine and is cooked in many different ways: chifa with vegetables, meat, or fish, and Tako Tako, which, together with black beans, is a delicious and nutritious dish is also inexpensive.

Huchuy Qosqo (Qaqyaqawana)

Huchuy Qosqo Peru receives the name in Quechua: Cusco small appellation received in the early 20th century; precisely because of its architectural resemblance to the city of Cusco.

In the Inca stage, it has been known as Qaqyaqawana or Qaqyaqawana, a Quechua word, which refers to “from where the rays are observed,” executed along the storms. On August 19, 2003, it was proclaimed a Cultural Heritage Site of the country.

Huchuy Qosqo Location

This archaeological area is located on a small plain at an altitude of 3670 m.s.n.m in the upper third of the mountain, in the municipality of Lamay, Calca province, 50 km north of Cusco.

Its location is privileged; like Machu Picchu, its constructions stretch over Urubamba or the Yucay Valley. From where you can appreciate the other side of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the endless snow caves, its pure beauty like the Pitusiray snow cave and beyond the city of Calca. The average temperature varies between 11 °C and 17 °C.

History of Huchuy Qosqo

In his second chronicle, “Lord of the Incas” by Pedro de Cieza de León, he says that Wiracocha, the eighth Inca ruler, built the palaces of Huchuy Qosqo. Who decided to leave Cusco to seek refuge in the area of the Chanca invasion when his son Tupac Inca Yupanqui (Pachacútec) ruled the Inca resistance.

The Spanish chronicler Juan de Betanzos asserted that ten years after leaving power to Pachacútec or Inca Yupanqui, Wiracocha spent his last days in the Valley of Qaqyaqawana, dying at the age of eighty.

What was it about Huchuy Qosqo?

Its constructions and remains found in the area are believed to have been an administrative and military center around Pisaq, with numerous buildings.

In this area, it is possible to observe Inca constructions with acceptable and perfect stone structures and grain deposits called Qolcas, located below the main enclosure of Huchuy Qosqo; this storage system is useful for food storage and preservation, as this area is an important agricultural center for maize production.

Construction of Huchuy Qosqo

Wiracocha and his descendants needed a lot of workers for the construction. Therefore, the citizens of the Inca Empire were obliged under the mit’a system to contribute to the construction work of the Huchuy Qosqo together with other specialists and artisans. Royal lands also serve as large field palaces and, at times, as fortifications to defend against rivals.

In Huchuy Qosqo, one of the most beautiful architectural works of the Inca Empire is displayed, where several architectural structures, made with great ingenuity and wisdom, mixed with lithium material, adobe, and clay for their construction. The walls with a slight interior slope withstand telluric movement, the rawness of time, and the inevitable passage of time; they are proof of their high technology and knowledge of these constructions.

The construction of the enclosures has a slight internal trend, which guarantees better behavior during earthquakes. As can be observed, the «windows» are trapezoidal, slightly wider at the top and broader at the bottom; the opening is closed by a stone lintel, whose length opens between 4 to 5 rows of stones.

Buildings in Huchuy Qosqo

One of the most outstanding characteristics of Huchuy Qosqo is the location of the set on a slope towards the natural slope of the mountain; the result is very aesthetic. Among its buildings, you will find:

A “Kallanka is of great importance to house the Inca officials; it is at least 40 to 50 feet long. All three are famous buildings, one with three floors, two floors of carved stone, and high adobe, while the other preserves an adobe-based structure.

The third building was originally a rectangular-based structure of large adobe bricks, probably intended as a place for imperial women to learn their work; In addition to large terraces and cliffs, a huge square and a large Inca gate that served perfectly as a gate to control the passage of the city.

The water supply at the site is an irrigation canal built by the Incas, lined with perfectly connected rocks to prevent water leaks of about 800 meters and several small irrigation reservoirs.

When the Spanish arrived, they used the site as a farm and demolished other Inca structures to build the most significant reservoir we see today.

How to get to Huchuy Qosqo?

To get to the Huchuy Qosqo Trek Review archaeological complex, it is necessary to hike through three different paths:

Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo

The first is a 2-day, 1-night trek through ancient Inca trails, crossing mountain trails and walking near beautiful lagoons with views of the snow-capped mountains of the Andes; This tour begins at 3,800 meters above sea level in Tambomachay, the highest point is at 4,300 meters above sea level and ends at 2,800 meters above sea level.

Chinchero – Huchuy Qosqo

The second route goes through Chinchero, starting in Taucca, a town in the beautiful Piuray Lake, an average of 3 hours of walking, during which you can see the lagoons shine, on it ducks, hallmates and llamas grazing that look very impressive, until reaching its Andes.

Lamay – Huchuy Qosqo

Another route on foot is going up from the town of Lamay, which takes about 2 hours of walking through a narrow and steep path. It is impossible not to experience the absolute beauty of the architecture and to think of the landscape of the Sacred Valley; it is strange that we still cannot explain how the Incas developed such detailed architectural techniques.

Maras and Moray are two of the most visited points in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The salt mines of Maras and the archaeological zone of Moray have become two areas of great interest for tourists, thanks to their beautiful landscapes that make anyone fall in love.

The vast majority of people who decide to visit these places do so on tour from Cusco, although if you have more time, you can easily do it on your own, both from Cusco itself and other important places such as Ollantaytambo. And here I will tell you in detail how to do it.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to visit these two beautiful places in the Sacred Valley: how to get there, what you can do, costs, and more.

Let’s get started

As such, the area where tourists can be is not very large. First, you will come across a first viewpoint (from which the pools are seen on a broader plane), and after going down some stairs, you will be as close as possible. That is allowed in the collections.

Note: If you wish, you can take a walk around the small town of Maras; it is tiny but quite beautiful with its cobbled streets and adobe houses.

When to visit the Salineras de Maras

The salt mines receive tourism all year round, although if you visit them during the rainy season (from December to March), the color of the pools is darker thanks to the water and the earth.

The best thing to do is to go in the dry season (from April to November) to have a better climate so that it doesn’t rain and to be able to observe the pink/white color much more present.

Tourist places of Cusco – Plaza de Armas area

It is the area of the heart of the city. This is where most tourist and commercial activity is concentrated.

I highly recommend a Free Tour to learn about this area’s history. A guide will explain the most emblematic sites and their details, which is worthwhile.

Click here to book the tour of Cusco for FREE

Cusco Cathedral

Dominating the Plaza de Armas, the monumental Cathedral, built in 1550, is one of the city’s main attractions.

According to theory and legend, the bigger and more imposing the building, the greater the faith. With soaring ceilings, baroque paintings, huge oil paintings, and gold and silver altars, the Cathedral seems to achieve its purpose.

Moray Archaeological Zone

The archaeological complex of Moray is famous for its terraces, or circular terraces, resembling a crater or an Inca amphitheater.

This place was one of the leading agricultural research centers of the Inca empire. The different climates and floors on the terraces were built to make it possible to plant various products, and scientists still marvel at this impressive technology.
Things to do in Moray

As such, the archaeological zone is not too large, although I recommend going through it calmly if possible. Upon entering, you will see an area with railings to appreciate the beautiful views towards the leading circular platforms; then, you will have to go down some stairs to visit (be careful because they are steep).

On average, in an hour, you can visit calmly.

When to visit Moray

Like the salt mines of Maras, the archaeological zone of Moray can be visited all year round. Again, I would be cautious during the rainy season because the surrounding area is a very dirt track. However, you also have the “advantage” of seeing everything greener now.

Entrance cost: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (you must take it to enter or buy it directly there).

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Plaza de Armas

With benches, small grassy gardens, and splendid views, the beautiful colonial Plaza de Armas of Cusco invites you to see it calmly and spend some time here.

According to the belief, this is the center of the Inca empire, Tawantinsuyo (the four corners of the earth). Today you will find the epicenter of tourism in the city.

It is worth sitting down to admire its beautiful portals all around. I recommend you to see it at all hours, just before sunset. The light gives it an excellent way, creating one of the iconic views of Cusco.

Church of the Company of Jesus

The Jesuits built the church in the 17th century and intended it to be the most splendid church in Cusco. The rivalry and the “beauty” contest were so rude that even the pope at the time had to intervene.

Today, you will find a beautiful church, the main altar leaves you speechless, and you can climb its towers and have spectacular views of the square. I highly recommended to visit it.

Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena

The Monastery of Santa Catalina was founded in 1601 in Arequipa, but it was soon transferred to Cusco due to several tremors.

It has paintings from the Cusco school, clothing, and various items, but the main thing is to see what life was like for the nuns cloistered here. The place has a bit of a “gloomy” air, thanks to the lighting and the architecture itself, but it is interesting to learn more about this time and theme.

Tourist places of Cusco – Area north of the Plaza de Arma

To the north and behind the Cathedral, west and east respectively (on average for three blocks), is this city section where you will find many shops, restaurants, and fascinating museums.

Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

In this museum, you will find a vast collection of pre-Columbian art items from the 13th to the 16th centuries, the vast majority in the form of ceramics, jewelry, and engravings. The exhibited artifacts were made by the Huari, Nasca, and some also from the Inca cultures.

Inca Museum

As its central jewel, this archaeological museum exhibits a collection of eight Inca mummies and various objects, such as weapons and ceramics from the same culture.

A visit is highly recommended if you want to know more about the unique Inca culture. It is located in an old colonial house from Cusco, giving the visitors a great plus.

Church of San Cristobal

To the west and going up the peculiar street called “La Resbalosa” (which, as its name says, you have to go up calmly because it is also very steep), you will arrive directly at the Church of San Cristóbal.

This simple but beautiful church is an adobe structure with a single nave; inside, you can find several paintings and altarpieces.

Here you will also see the square and the viewpoint of San Cristóbal, where the bell tower is located and is well worth climbing (they offer one of the best views of Cusco).

Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco

This building often goes unnoticed by tourists, as it is in a corner that is not very visible, but if you look up, you will come across a beautiful wooden balcony, and it will be difficult not to pay attention to it.

This site serves the Archdiocese of Cusco and has been the residence and office of the Archbishop for a long time. You will find a small museum with religious art and a series of 17th-century paintings that show the processions of Corpus Christi stand out.

It is worth it if you have time and go through it here; it is best to hire a guide to explain everything in detail.

Stone of the 12 angles

As its name says, this stone has 12 angles (which makes it peculiar). It is a 2-meter stone block from the Inca culture that is part of a palace located on Hatun Rumiyoq street called the Inca Roca palace.

The stone is an example of the impressive construction skills that the Incas had; it was widespread for them to introduce stones with 12 or more angles into their buildings.

Kusicancha

This was a residential housing area in the original Inca city, built in a grid layout (called a Cancha) with houses facing the central courtyards.
The name means happy enclosure; unfortunately, the Spanish destroyed many of those original houses in the conquest.

Qorikancha

This place can be translated as a “golden court” since it was covered by gold leaf walls, which the Spanish later stole.
The temple had many divinities inside, but in different niches, and the main one was the God of the Sun or Inti.

Church and Monastery of La Merced

Rebuilt in the 17th century, this monastery has two sets of beautiful portals and a colonial fountain in the center, as well as several spectacular murals that portray the life of the founder of the Mercedarian order.

Regional Historical Museum

This museum is one of the most visited in Cusco and has a bit of everything. From Inca works of art, paintings from the Cusco school, pre-Inca artifacts, Jesuit sculptures, and more.

Museum of Contemporary Art

It is located on the premises of various government offices. You can visit some rooms with varied works, including many contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Church and Convent of San Francisco

The San Francisco Monumental Complex is a true jewel of colonial art in its various expressions; it is imposing, and you will find a museum, catacombs, a library, paintings, and many more fascinating objects.

Church of Santa Clara

Austere on the outside, this fantastic 1588 church on the inside wins its price for the most eccentric. Built-in an ancient Inca style, it is an excellent example of the Spanish’s importance in attracting people to the Catholic faith.

Thousands of mirrors decorate the interior of this church; the legend says that they were placed to encourage the locals to go to mass or church. There is a small museum inside.

Central Market of San Pedro

Probably the most famous market in Cusco is this. Here you will be able to find a place that is already an attraction in the city, and it is highly recommended that you visit it at least once.

This is the oldest market in the city and is an ideal place to go for breakfast (don’t miss having juice or a smoothie made from local fruits).

Church of St. Peter

Stones from Inca ruins were used to build this church, known for its ornately engraved pulpit.
It is close to the market of the same name and worth visiting if you are near it; it has a magnificent baroque main altar.

Church and Small Square of San Blas

The small square in San Blas has a simple but beautiful church; inside is a jewel of colonial art in America (a pulpit of San Blas carved in cedar ).
It is well worth being able to enter the church to see it. In the square you can sit down to rest, around there are several shops and cafes.

You can climb higher to have beautiful city views; the lights give it extraordinary magic at night.

Hilario Mendivil Museum

This place is the home of one of the most important religious artists of the 20th century in Peru, Hilario Mendivil.

If you are interested in Cusco religious art and iconography, it is an excellent stop to learn more about this family and their art.

Admission is free, but voluntary cooperation is appreciated to maintain this place.

Sacsayhuaman

The impressive archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán began to be built in the 1440s, during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec; what most attracts the attention of this place are its constructions made with enormous stones of many tons that makes us think how they were placed there.

White Christ

On one side of the Sacsayhuaman is the white structure of the figure of Christ; its open arms represent the Catholic protection over the city.

Q’enko

Q’enko is a small but exciting archeological zone; its name means “zigzag” thanks to the channels in this way engraved in the stone, most likely used for rituals or sacrifices.

Pukapukara

Archaeological complex Puka Pukara archaeologists believe this complex was a fort; its name means “red stone” thanks to the fact that the stones take on this color at twilight. Not much is known about this place. However, some sources maintain that it was built during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec.

From places of art and culture to nature and high mountains. From Andean constellations to delicious local foods, this list of 10 things to do in Cusco, handpicked by locals, will ensure you have a complete experience. For this reason, in collaboration with the experts Inka Time Tours (Cusqueños residents), we bring you a small article about the best tourist places in Cusco if you visit the capital and do not miss anything of this beautiful city.

MACHU PICCHU

One of the new seven wonders of the world. Visiting the incredible Inca citadel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. La Inca City is intact to this day. To get there, you can follow the ancient Inca pilgrimage route, the Inca Trail.

However, if you prefer a more luxurious tour with more amenities, you can take the many scenic trains to Machu Picchu. Whatever you decide, both options allow you to enjoy the magical Inca citadel.

THE SAN BLAS NEIGHBORHOOD

The San Blas neighborhood of Cusco should be on your must-see list. Located on a hill behind the Cathedral of Cusco, this unique place is a famous tourist center for local tourists and newly arrived foreigners, where one can relax, eat and have a cold beer. Known as the neighborhood of local artists, this neighborhood has a small square surrounded by restaurants and bars frequented by foreigners eager to learn about local life in Cusco.

There will be many vegetarian restaurants, art workshops, souvenir shops, bars, and more, without forgetting the viewpoint that offers an impressive view of the historic center of Cusco, located behind the main square of San Blas. Years ago, this was a meeting place for local youth.

The most striking feature of Plaza San Blas is the church. It’s pretty plain from the outside. But inside, you’ll find one of Cusco’s top attractions: the intricately designed Baroque wooden pulpit. There are many myths about its creation, and there are audio guides that tell you more about some of them. If you are looking for places to visit in Cusco, San Blas is a must!

THE TEMPLE OF THE CORICANCHA

From the square, walk along Avenida Sol in a north-south direction, and you will arrive at the Coricancha complex, also known as the Santo Domingo Convent. It was the most important temple of the Inca Empire: the House of the Sun. All the walls were once covered with a thin slab of solid gold, while the entrances and niches present heavy golden statues.

When the Spanish arrived in Cusco in 1533, they marveled at the gold covering the temple’s walls. Of course, they dismantled it, built the city’s cathedral with its stone, and built the current Monastery of Santo Domingo on its foundations. Fortunately, today you will find that the foundations of the Incas have remained unchanged… In short, admiring its architecture is one of Cusco’s best free activities to offer its visitors.

THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

If you know that China has the only rainbow mountain in the world, then you are wrong; Cusco has its peak too! Due to climate change and global warming, the snow that covers the mountain has melted, revealing a colorful scene before the eyes of the people of Pitumarcan.

More specifically, the Rainbow Mountain is a mineralized mountain with many different shades, like a zebra, from orange to green, located on Cerro Vinincunca at 2,500 m above sea level, belonging to the Pitumarca District region, Province of Canchis, Department of Cusco. (Yes, the division also includes Machu Picchu) 100 km southeast of Cusco.

To get there you have to take a bus from Cusco to Pitumarca (3 hours of travel), then start a walk of about 3 hours and finally arrive at the incredible Monte de Colores. We recommend this tour through a company; you won’t regret it!

STREET 5 OF THE SEVEN SHEEP

This picturesque alley is the most instagrammable street in Cusco. It is five blocks north of the main square in Cusco and is very walkable. The path is decorated with beautiful flower pots hanging on the white walls on both sides. Well-lacquered balconies and doors complement this enchanting setting. The street goes from the end of Pumacurco street to the end of Choquechaca street (Sapaantiana Aqueduct) and connects them.

In colonial times, many women went down from the Pumacurco road to the Sapantiana Aqueduct (Choquechaca River) to wash rags and baskets, along with their flocks of sheep, which they later took to graze. Over time, the inhabitants of Cusco identified this alley as “Borreguitos” (The Lambs). Many years later, due to its proximity to other streets, they renamed it “Siete Borreguitos” (Seven Lambs), earning it the nickname “Seven”. . Without forgetting the most important hotels in Cusco, such as the Marriott, Hilton, Monasterio or the Nazarena Palace nearby. This road will be a mandatory stop on your trip to Cusco.

AQUEDUCT OF SAPANTIANA

For many years, visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas has been one of Cusco’s best things. Located 73 kilometers from the city, the area is considered sacred because the Incas found their fertile land for agriculture, a wonderfully warm climate, and crystalline rivers like El Vilcanota. In addition, the Sacred Valley consists of 5 main Inca attractions: PISAC, OLLANTAYTAMBO, CHINCHERO, MARAS, and MORAY.

QOSQO NATIVE ART CENTER

Now they have a constant flow of search and rescue dances, typical of others that the Incas left for the towns of the city and the Andes. The cultural group offers a theatrical show every night with 20 indigenous dances from Cusco and the Andes. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and Lasting 1.5 hours in the private theater; visitors can enjoy the dancers’ music, dance, and costumes. Without a doubt, this is a must on your trip to Cusco. The value of the entrance ticket is included in the city’s General Tourist Card. Coincidentally, it costs $37, is valid for ten days, and you can buy it at the City of Cusco offices at Avenida el Sol Nº 103.

HUMANTAY LAKE

At 4,200 meters above sea level, the Humantay lagoon is another natural jewel that climate change and global warming have revealed to the world. The lagoon froze entirely in the 1980s, but gradually the polar cap melted to become the current lagoon. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the natural beauty of the snow in which it was born. It is located on Cerro Humantay, a small snow-capped peak at the foot of the famous Cerro Salkantay. This lagoon is located near the first camp of Soraypampa (beginning of the Salkantay trek) in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco. Exactly 123 kilometers from the ancient Inca capital. To get there, you have to take the transport from Cusco to Mollepata (3 hours), then take the vehicle back to Soraypampa (50 minutes), and finally start the trip to Humantay (1 hour). Again, we recommend you take advantage of this experience through a travel agency.

As you will see, there is much to do in Cusco, many of which are entirely free. So there are no excuses for enjoying this magical city full of history and culture. We hope that together with Inka Time Tours, we have been of help to you. Don’t forget that there is much more to do in the beautiful Imperial City. These are just a few examples that both local and foreign tourists have in common. If you want to know more about the different city tours, you can contact our qualified advisors. Our team of qualified advisors will be happy to help you.