Discovering Cusco and its Treasures

Cusco is not just a city, it is a doorway to the past of the Inca Empire and one of the most amazing regions of Peru. This corner of the Andes, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, keeps within its stone streets, grand landscapes, and old temples, the living heart of one of the most important cultures in pre-Columbian history.

In this blog, we invite you to discover the treasures of Cusco, exploring from the mysterious city of Machu Picchu to the towns that still keep the Inca heritage in their daily traditions. We also travel through the colorful markets, the old festivals like Inti Raymi, the unique tastes of its food, and the archaeological sites that can be visited nearby.

Every place, every corner of Cusco, tells a story: that of the greatness of a civilization, the fight against the conquest, and the mixing of cultures that today shapes a unique identity. Here, history is not read in books, it is breathed in the air, felt in the ground, and heard in the voices of its people. So, without more waiting, come with us to know Cusco and discover all the incredible wonders that this region holds.

About the City of Cusco

Seen as the belly button of the world, the city of Cusco is much more than a tourist place: it's a living story, a place full of history and mystery. Located more than 10,800 feet above sea level, in the middle of the Andes mountains, this city was the capital of Tahuantinsuyo, the huge Inca empire that stretched from Colombia to Chile.

Cusco was the political, religious and cultural center of a civilization known for its advanced building, its skill in farming at high altitudes, and its complete view of the world. When the Spanish came in the 16th century, many Inca temples and palaces were destroyed or changed, leading to a mixed style of building that still amazes today with its beauty and strength.

Walking through the historic center of Cusco is like walking through an outdoor museum, with Inca walls along the streets and colonial churches in its squares, narrow streets with names in Quechua, and squares that are still used for old rituals. Among the must-see places are the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), Hatun Rumiyoc Street with the famous 12 angled stone, and traditional neighborhoods like San Blas, known for its artisans' workshops.

Best things to see here: Amazing nature and remains of the Inca Empire

Cusco has some of the most stunning views on the continent and old treasures that show the greatness of the Incas. From ruins high in the mountains to lakes with blue-green water, this region amazes you everywhere you go. Here are the best things to see that no traveler should miss:

Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas

Machu Picchu, is the brightest jewel of the Inca legacy. Found for the world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, this holy city, built high on a mountain more than 7,800 feet high, was an important place for ceremonies and watching the stars. Its buildings, with farming terraces, temples, and places to watch the sky, are amazing because of how well they fit into the Andes scenery.

Fun fact: Even today, no one knows for sure its real purpose. Some think it was a religious sanctuary, others a royal home. What is for sure is that its mysterious energy charms everyone who visits it.

Sacred Valley of the Incas: Nature, history, and rural life

This valley, next to the Vilcanota (or Urubamba) River, was seen as holy by the Incas because of its good soil and beauty. Along its Andean views are old cities, farming terraces, traditional markets, and communities that still keep old customs.

Some of the best places are Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but there are also towns like Chinchero or Yucay, where you can see a more real Cusco. The valley is great for taking the best pictures, learning about its deep history, enjoying nature, and seeing the rural life of the Andes.

Mountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca): The rainbow of the Andes

The Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca, is a natural sight that looks like it came out of a painting. Its stripes of colors (from minerals in the ground) stretch over 16,400 feet high, making it one of the most popular places in Cusco in recent years.

Interesting fact: This mountain was covered in snow until just a few decades ago. It was the slow melting of the ice that showed its colorful view, making it a recent and amazing tourist spot.

Humantay Lagoon: A turquoise mirror between mountains

Humantay Lagoon is a hidden paradise in the Andes, located at the foot of the huge Salkantay snow-capped mountain. At over 13,700 feet high, its strong turquoise color is different from the white of the peaks and the green of the hills, creating a picture-perfect scene.

The trip to the lagoon involves a hard walk, but the reward when you arrive is breathtaking. It is also a ceremonial place, where many travelers leave gifts for the Pachamama as a sign of respect and thanks.

Maras and Moray: Farming Skill and Ancient Salt Mines

In Maras are the famous salt mines, a group of more than 3,000 pools built like steps where salt has been taken out by hand since before the Incas. Seeing how the salty water comes out of the mountain and turns into white crystals under the sun is simply amazing.

A few miles away is Moray, an Inca farming lab made of round terraces that go down like a crater. Studies show that each level has a different small climate, which let the Incas try out crops and change plants to grow at different heights.

Inca Towns in the Cusco Region

Beyond the big ruins, Cusco keeps towns where the Inca heritage is not just in the stone, but also in everyday life. In these places, time seems to have stopped, and every street, market, and hill tells old stories. Among them, Ollantaytambo and Pisac are two living jewels of the Andean heritage.

Ollantaytambo: Fortress of the Tahuantinsuyo

Ollantaytambo is one of the few towns in Cusco that still keeps its original Inca town plan. Located at the end of the Sacred Valley, this place was both an administrative and religious center and a strategic military fortress. The huge terraces that go up the mountain, known as the Fortress of Ollantaytambo, were the site of one of the few Inca victories against the Spanish conquerors. From the top, the views of the valley are amazing, and you can still see ceremonial areas, water fountains and walls made of stone.

Fun Fact: Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for the train to Machu Picchu and the famous Inca Trail. Many travelers choose to spend the night here before continuing their adventure to the citadel.

On the other hand, not everything in this place is ruins. Its town is full of life, with stone streets, clear water channels, and a community that keeps Andean customs alive. It is a perfect place to see and experience the living traditions of the area and make your experience more real.

Pisac: Ruins in the Heights and Living Tradition in the Valley

Just 20 miles from the city of Cusco is Pisac, a town that surprises for two reasons: its impressive old complex located high on a mountain and its lively traditional market in the heart of the town.

The ruins of Pisac include temples, houses, farming terraces and an old Inca cemetery. The location is not by chance; from there, the eastern entrance to the Sacred Valley was controlled, and worship was given to the sun and nature. On the other hand, in the town, a colorful market is held every day where crafts, textiles, ceramics and local products are sold. It is a perfect chance to talk with the local people and buy unique souvenirs.

Fun Fact: The farming terraces of Pisac were used not only to grow crops but also to prevent landslides on the side of the mountain. Just another example of Inca ecological wisdom.

Attractions Near the Imperial City

Around the city of Cusco, there are places that hold the greatness of the Inca past and the contrasts of the colonial time. Just a few miles from the historic center, there are amazing religious buildings, sacred temples, and towns where the voices of old civilizations still echo. These are the must-see stops near the capital of Tahuantinsuyo:

Sacsayhuamán: Ceremonial Fortress

Located north of the city, Sacsayhuaman is one of the great works of Inca building. Its huge stone walls (some weighing over 100 tons) were put together with exact precision and without the use of tools.

Although many know it as a fortress, it is believed that it was also an important ceremonial and astronomical center. Its zigzag design represents the head of the puma, a symbolic animal for the Incas, and was part of the sacred layout of the city of Cusco, whose outline was in the shape of this feline.

Interesting fact: Every year, the Inti Raymi, the great festival of the sun, is celebrated in Sacsayhuamán, bringing back the traditions of the Inca empire in front of thousands of spectators.

Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo Convent

Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun god (Inti). Its walls were covered in gold sheets, and inside there were statues of gods, sacred gardens, and astronomical altars.

After the conquest, the Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent on top of its structure, clearly symbolizing the layering of cultures that characterizes Cusco. Despite earthquakes and the passage of time, the Inca foundations remain intact, while the colonial buildings have required multiple restorations.

Interesting fact: According to the writers of that time, the Qoricancha was so bright because of the gold that it was said to light up even in the dark.

Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha

About 75 miles southeast of Cusco is Raqchi, an amazing old site ruled by the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the tallest and most special buildings of the Inca empire.

This temple, with a huge middle wall made of mud bricks held up by columns, was for Wiracocha, the god who created the universe. The place also has living areas, food storage (colcas), and a ceremony area, making it a place for many uses.

Fun Fact: Raqchi is in a good spot on the old road that connected Cusco with the high plains, working as a key place to get supplies and rest for Inca travelers.

Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of America

This small town, located in the South Valley of Cusco (just like where we are now!), has one of the treasures of Peruvian colonial art: the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” because of its many murals, golden ceilings, and baroque altarpieces.

Built on an old Inca holy place, this church shows the mix of religions that was part of the process of teaching Christianity in the Andes. The difference between its plain outside and its inside full of art is truly striking.

Most Important Traditional Festivals: The Inti Raymi

In Cusco, traditions are not just remembered, they are lived. And among all of them, the Inti Raymi has a special place, not just because it is old, but because of its deep spiritual and cultural meaning. This celebration, which happens every June 24th, is a tribute to Inti, the Sun god, and marks the winter solstice in the Andes, the start of the new solar year for the native people.

An old celebration brought back to life

During the best time of the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi was the most important ceremony of the year. Thousands of people came to Cusco from all parts of the Inca land to honor the Sun and thank it for the crops. They did rituals, dances, symbolic sacrifices, and offerings.

After the Spanish took over, the Church stopped the celebration, but it was never forgotten. In 1944, it was made again as a historical show in the Quechua language and since then it has become very strong, becoming one of the biggest cultural shows in Latin America.

How is Inti Raymi celebrated today?

The modern celebration of Inti Raymi happens in three places:

• Qoricancha: There, they greet the sun with a ceremony that starts the day.
• Plaza de Armas of Cusco: The Inca, with his followers, appears with music and dances.
• Sacsayhuamán: The most important part, where they show the big ritual of the sun, with a show that includes songs, dances, speeches, and acting out the sacrifice of a llama.

Every year, this celebration brings together thousands of people, locals and visitors from all over the world, who see a tradition that is still alive, full of symbols, pride, and cultural identity.

It's a great time to be in Cusco! If you're here on June 24th, 2025, you'll be able to experience this amazing festival firsthand.

Cusco Food

Cusco is not only known for its views and old buildings, but also for its tasty food. Its cooking is a feast of flavors that mixes with the local ingredients of the area. Also, because of where it is and its different weathers, the Cusco region grows many kinds of potatoes, corn, chili peppers, grains like quinoa, and meats like alpaca or guinea pig. The local cooking has kept these old ingredients, using them in dishes that surprise with their taste and their history.

Famous Dishes of Cusco

• Chiri Uchu: This is the special dish for the Corpus Christi festival. It means "cold chili" in Quechua and is a mix of cold ingredients like guinea pig, chicken, sausage, toasted corn, fish eggs, cheese, seaweed, and hot pepper. It's a real tribute to the many different foods of Peru.
• Cuy al horno (Baked Guinea Pig): One of the oldest and most well-known dishes of the Andes. It is cooked whole, browned in a wood oven, and served with potatoes and chili peppers. Even though it might seem strange to many, its cooking is part of rituals and family celebrations.
• Adobo cusqueño (Cusco Pork Stew): A stew of pork cooked slowly in chicha de jora (fermented corn drink), ají panca (a type of chili pepper), and herbs. It is served hot in the morning, especially on Sundays, and is great for fighting the Andean cold.
• Chicharrón cusqueño (Cusco Fried Pork): A must-try dish in the region, especially in places like Saylla. It is made with pieces of pork cooked in their own fat until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is served with large corn kernels, boiled potato, and sometimes a tomato and onion salsa. Its smoky flavor and crunchy texture make it a local favorite.

Traditional Drinks and Desserts

• Chicha de jora: An old drink made from fermented corn. It was the ceremonial drink of the Incas and is still drunk today at parties and traditional gatherings.
• Ponche de habas (Broad Bean Punch): Typical of the cold Cusco mornings, this thick and sweet punch is made with broad bean flour, cloves, and cinnamon, perfect for starting the day with energy.
• Dulce de calabaza (Pumpkin Sweet): Baked with honey or unrefined cane sugar, it is a traditional dessert in the towns near Cusco, especially during festivals.