Latin America - Peru - Cusco

The Historical Capital of Peru

(photos of August 2008)

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Cusco, "navel of the world"

The city of Cusco (often spelled Cuzco) (map) was seen by the Incas as the "home of the gods" and the "navel of the world". From the 13th century to 1532, Cusco served as capital of the Inca Empire. In 1533, Spanish conquistador Pizarro occupied Cusco, beginning a period of colonial construction that resulted in today's fascinating mix of Inca and Spanish cultures. Today, Peru calls Cusco its Historical Capital. Cusco is described at Wikipedia. Cusco is a usual stop on the way to Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas", illustrated here.

Cusco is located in a long valley at an altitude of 3,300 m or 10,800 ft, shown in the following scrollable panorama. A characteristic feature of the city and the region is its red tile roofs.

The twin flags above mark the Plaza de Armas (map), the beautiful main square of Cusco, shown in the scrollable panoramas below. The first panorama was taken from the Compañía de Jesus Church and shows the Cathedral of Cusco at right. In the second panorama, taken atop the long steps, the Compañía de Jesus Church is at left and the Cathedral of Cusco at right.

The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by attractive arcades of shops and restaurants.

The cobblestone streets of Cusco offer delightful sights and experiences.

Handicrafts and photo opportunities abound.

Sacsayhuamán

Dominating Cusco and its valley is the walled Inca complex of Sacsayhuamán (map), described at Wikipedia. The white statue of Christ is the same visible in the first panorama above.