Located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the heart of the Andes mountains, is the dynamic and historic city of Cusco Peru. Cusco, which is also spelled Cuzco, is the famed capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and it has served as a travelers’ mecca for 100's of years. Though Cuzco Peru was the center of the Inca Empire for a relatively short time, relics and imprints from the great civilization remain to this day, melding into a modern world that seems unable to change the unique character of the city. When you visit Cusco, you feel as if you’ve been transported to another dimension of sorts. Perhaps that is partly due to the altitude’s effect on your body and mind. If you are flying here and haven’t yet adjusted to the Andes Mountains, prepare to spend the better part of your first day simply lounging around or lying in bed with altitude sickness. While that seems wholly uncharming, there are natural means by which to ease your symptoms.
At one of the outdoor Cusco markets, you can inquire with the indigenous peoples about the coca and muña leaves, both of which when chewed or steeped as tea help to alleviate altitude sickness. These leaves emit a short-lived buzz of sorts that will likely have you giggling a bit. Stay at the right Cusco hotel, and you can have the tea delivered to your room as need be. Ah, but Cusco is more than just Inca relics and magic leaves, or is it? Sure, there is a hearty Spanish colonial feel to the city as well, but with modern day descendants of the Inca still pulling llamas through the historic heart of town, it’s hard to think that the Spanish occupation was just a minor glitch in the progression of Inca history. The arrival of Pizarro and other Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century did mark an end to the Inca Empire, but the Spanish may not be the only cause of blame. Smallpox and a fueling Inca civil war of sorts helped to make conquering Cusco easier for the Spanish, and the cathedrals and churches they left behind are among the attractions you are rewarded with when it comes to Cusco Travel. The baroque main cathedral in the central tourist gathering spot of the Plaza de Armas is one of Cusco’s most impressive architectural structures. But perhaps even more fascinating when it comes to Cusco architecture are the surviving walls from the Inca. These walls were, and are, so strong that the Spanish often chose to simply build on top of them instead of destroy them. As if the stone streets and the city’s “living museum” feel were not enough, seeing these hundreds of years old stone walls as you make your way about town is truly a treat. And, to think that the Inca used no mortar to bind the rocks of these walls.
Cusco Peru is a city that is perfect for travelers.
It is a jump-off point for excursions on the Inca
Trail and to nearby Machu
Picchu, as well as other places of interest in southern
Peru, and the communal traveler feel here may be stronger
than anywhere else in the world. Cusco is a busy city,
thriving in fact, and traffic can be a hassle to negotiate.
If you are thinking of renting
a car in Peru, find a place to park it once you arrive
and opt instead to get around by foot. You never know
what you might encounter exploring town by way of your
own two legs. Perhaps you will meet locals who will key
you in to the hottest nightlife spots, or maybe you will
get a chance to have your picture taken with an Inca descendant
and his or her llama. Just make sure to politely ask before
taking pictures of the local and indigenous people, as
well as offer a small and modest monetary gift. The friendly
nature and disposition of the indigenous population in
Cusco Peru will surely make a mark on your soul that you
will carry with you for life. Cusco travel allows you
to meet fascinating Amerindians who weave and handcraft
some of the most unique goods you will find anywhere.
Shopping in Cuzco Peru is another of the joys of Cusco
travel, as is taking advantage of the great Cusco dining
options. After all, haven’t you always wanted to
try guinea pig? You can in Cuzco Peru. If guinea pig doesn’t
make your preferred menu, which is understandable, there
are plenty of other options to choose from, as the city’s
blend of international eateries is among the best of any
South American city.
So, we’ve merely scratched the surface when it
comes to Cusco travel information and Cusco history, but
this is one of those places you truly have to experience
to fully understand. Booking an informative Cusco tour
is a good idea if you wish to gain some added insight
during your Cusco travel excursion, and simply taking
your own walking Cusco tour with a good guide book in
hand can make for a most pleasant experience. If you have
enough time during your Cusco travel window to visit the
city’s neighborhood of San Blas, it is highly recommended
you do so. San Blas is a funky sort of district, boasting
some pretty unique cafes and artsy galleries, as well
as one of the best boutique Cusco hotels. The shops found
here are among the most interesting to visit in all of
Peru, and you can often observe some shop owners or workers
executing their crafts. A custom-made item at one of these
shops is sure to make a great gift, if not for somebody
special, than for yourself indeed. Cuzco Peru is a very
special place worthy of spending time at for any traveler.
Many people will stop here before heading to Machu Picchu,
or to other points of interest located within Peru’s
Sacred Valley. The markets
at towns like Chinchero and Pisac
are top considerations besides the mystical Machu Picchu
ruins, as is the town of Ollantaytambo.
Cuzco Peru. When it comes to traveling, it simply doesn’t get any better or more authentic. Plan your trip to Cusco now and thank yourself for the rest of your life.
