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Located in the Huatanay River Valley in the Southern portion of
Peru, Cusco is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas.
Surrounded by mountains reaching 6,000 feet and higher, this is the
oldest city in the Western Hemisphere and is identified as the
"cradle of the Inca civilization."
A city that mixes the past mysterious indigenous culture of the
Incan civilization with modernity, Cusco serves as the
archaeological capital of not only Peru, but all of the Americas. It
is a city opened up to the entire world, with ruins preserved in
their traditional structure. The heart of the Incan empire during
the 14th and 15th centuries, Cusco was the capital and biggest city
of the Empire, and today serves as the most visited tourist city in
the country of Peru.
Taken by the Spanish in the 1500s, Cusco today offers a unique blend
of architecture that reflects the dominance of both Spanish and
Incan culture. Although a developed urbanized city, the people of
Cusco preserve their culture by renewing and celebrating its same
festivals and customs today.
 But,
cultural history is not all that Cusco has to offer. The historical
richness of the city is reinforced by the Incan ruins that remain
preserved. Of all the ruins, the citadel at Machu Picchu is highly
acclaimed, and considered a Cultural Heritage Site of the World for
its beauty.
A town of
pure archaeological genius and perfection, stones seem to insert
themselves perfectly throughout the town, leaving the tourist amazed
for hours. However, it is not only the world renowned sites that are
worth visiting, but the streets alone are carved beautifully. From
roads, to monuments and churches, to museums, and archaeological
remains, Cusco is truly a city that one
can not afford to miss.
The once beating heart of the Incan Empire, Cusco today serves as
the archaeological heart of the Americas, offering wonder and
natural beauty around every curve. Not only the city itself, but its
proximity to other Incan remains and remnants of Andean culture as
well as priceless tourist attractions make Cusco the place to visit
when planning a trip to Peru.
Take a trip to South Peru, and get a glimpse into the culture of the
mysterious, yet intriguing "Cult of the Sun" and stand in a city
that has modernized with the passing of time, but preserves its
roots to prove that the past and present can co-exist and provide
the world with historical, cultural, and natural beauty.
Fast facts:
The region surrounding Cuzco has a surface
of some
71,892 KM˛. It's main natural resources are
corn,
barley, quinoa, tea and coffee. In mining, the most outstanding
mineral is gold.
Population:
1,097,000 inhabitants. Cuzco, its capital, has 93,187 inhabitants.
Number of Provinces and Districts:
13 provinces and 107 districts.
Date of Foundation:
As
department, April 26th, 1822. |
