World Traveler

Cuzco and the surrounding area are one of the most popular destinations for most travelers and tourists to Peru. The city itself has many cultural and outdoor attractions, while the relatively close city of the Incas, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist sites.

Cuzco
The city itself, once one of the grandest in the Inca empire, is now one of the most popular of the Peruvian tourist empire. This strange dichotomy is clear even in the architecture of the city; one cannot help but be struck by the strange juxtaposition of ancient structures to new and trendy restaurants and hotels. Cuzco has a rich and complex history, of which I am only beginning to understand. Most notably, the legend of the founding of the city states that the famous Inca ruler Manco Capac created Cuzco on orders from the gods.

As is normal with most Peruvian cities, the Plaza de Armas is the best starting point for exploring. In Inca times and presently, the central square was the epicenter of activity. The plaza is fairly safe to walk around, and most of the alleyways are quite beautiful. Some of the best cafes and restaurants in town are located along these streets. The Museo de Historia Natural lies just off the plaza, and has an interesting array of local artifacts and extensive flora and fauna exhibits. Although touring the museum won’t take long, it is a nice way to learn more about the natural environment around Cuzco.

Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
This church is located on the edge of the Plaza de Armas and is also quite close to the aforementioned museum. Originally constructed in the mid 1500s, the imposing structure that stands today actually dates from a century after the initial construction due to natural disaster in the early 1600s. This is one of the city’s most elaborate churches, and a tour will take you through the fascinating underground catacombs and throughout the structure itself.

La Catedral
Also located on the outskirts of the central plaza, the cathedral is actually an enormous repository of colonial-era art. Many paintings are located on the walls of the structure itself, most notably the oldest surviving painting in Cuzco, depicting the great earthquake of 1650 that brought down the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. The crucifix being carried by the frightened population in the work can actually be seen in the cathedral. The original wooden altar is still on display. If you are fortunate enough to schedule your travels during a religious holiday or cultural festival, the cathedral is often the focus of such seasonal activity. Otherwise, local worshippers attend regularly in the morning.

Museo Inka
A brisk walk uphill from the plaza into barrio San Blas will bring you to this small but visit-worthy museum. Housed in a spectacular home from the 1600s, the museum has the best local artifacts and information available on the Inca empire. The rooms of the ornate house hold an amazing amount of jewelry, pottery, other artwork, metal work, and mummies, and local weavers are often performing their mysterious craft in the courtyard. Museo de Arte Precolombino is located with another beautiful mansion, although dating from the late Spanish colonial era. The museum has several great exhibits on many of the country’s ancient civilizations, including the Nazca.

Qorikancha
South of the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be rewarded with the Inca ruins of Qorikancha in the barrio Avenida el Sol. The remnants of the one of the most spectacular Inca temples still remain here. In ancient times, the temple located here was literally lined with gold sheets, and many religious rites appear to have take place here. The visitor center and available tours should be one of your top priorities while visiting Cuzco. The church currently located on this site is Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The church is quite interesting in that colonial paintings are still well-preserved on the outside walls while the remains of the Inca temple are still visible inside. The Museo del Sitio de Qorikancha is also worth a brief visit to get more information on the site.

Much like Arequipa, Cuzco offers a stunning array of exciting outoor activities. The famous (or infamous) Inca Trail is what many experienced hikers travel to the area for. We recommend talking with an established travel agency about the available routes along the trail, the experience and equipment necessary for the journey, and the time required. The best time of year to attempt the Trail is from about June till August, during the height of the dry season. Clouds and mist dominate the routes much of the time throughout the year. Andean Treks is a local established business that has some of the best guides and nicest equipment for the journey. White-water rafting is another draw for many outdoor adventurers. The Rio Urubamba offers a relatively safe trip as well as a chance to see some significant Inca ruins. There are many more challenging routes and tours available, and Amazonas Explorer is a good agency to find professional guides and tours for more difficult routes.

Come back soon! We’ll continue our discussion of Cuzco’s amazing outdoor offerings and activities tomorrow!

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