A2Z Languages - Cusco, Peru - Sites of Interest

Within Cusco

Plaza de Armas

This pleasant square is in the same position as the main square of Inca Cusco, although it is only half the size, with the original square including what is now Plaza Regocijo. The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by many attractive colonial buildings, where there are now bars, restaurants and shops. However, it is the Cathedral and the Iglesia de La Compañía, which are the highlights of the square. Some Inca walls remain, notably those of the palace of Pachacutec which were found in the Roma restaurant on the plaza's western corner. The quiet pedestrian alleyway of Loreto, both sides of which have Inca walls, is a pleasant means of access to the plaza.

The Cathedral

It is said to be built on the site of the Inca Viracocha’s palace. It is a fine church with a good collection of religious paintings, and it is worth taking a guided tour. The Cathedral is included in city tours offered by most travel agencies, which also include the four nearby ruins and the temple of Qorikancha. The Cathedral was under restoration from 1997 to 2002. Among the highlights in the Cathedral are the altar used in the procession of Corpus Christi, with an image of St James on a horse stamping on a sinner with remarkably Indian features. The base of the altar weighs 2 ½ tonnes, and is solid silver. The main altar in the Cathedral is highly baroque and is also solid silver, weighing 3 tonnes. One of the most famous images in the Cathedral is that of the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the earthquakes). This image of Christ was said to have calmed the major earthquake of 1650, and every Easter Monday it is paraded through the streets of the city. The Señor de Los Temblores has dark skin, which many claim was to help the indigenous population identify with the Catholic faith. However, another version is that the Christ was originally white, but candle smoke has tainted the wood.

Inca ruins at Coricancha

The most interesting, and important, building in Cusco is the colonial monastery of Santo Domingo, built on the foundations of Qorikancha (courtyard of gold), the most important religious site in the Inca Empire. Although the colonial monastery and church are interesting, it is the remains of the Inca buildings that are the true attraction. This was the location of the most important temples in all of the Inca Empire, which included the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, Temple of Thunder and Lightening, Temple of the Rainbow and temples to various stars. Originally, the temples were covered in gold and silver, and there were many jewels throughout the buildings. There was an enormous gold disc, representing the sun, which was used to reflect the rays of the sun into the Temple of the Sun. This must have been an incredible sight, especially as the sun reflected off all the golden surfaces that previously covered the walls. Most of the gold and silver objects were removed from the temples when the Spanish were collecting the ransom for Atahuallpa’s release, and were later melted down, destroying the amazing pieces forever. However, it is said that the Incas in Cusco did not hand over the giant sun disk, which is to this day hidden away somewhere in Peru. In addition to all the temples, there was a ceremonial garden by Qorikancha. It is said that this contained representations of crops in gold and silver. Today, a silver cob of corn can be seen in the nearby museum.

Archaeological Museum

The Museum contains a fine archaeological collection from all over Peru. It is housed in the Admiral’s Palace, although the building has been expanded with a modern section. The museum has a very good section on the pre-Inca cultures in the Lake Titicaca and Cusco areas, and has some exquisite Wari turquoise mini-sculptures found at Pikillaqta. The section on the Inca culture is very good, and there are some wonderful photos of Machu Picchu when it wasfirst rediscovered. The ceramics collection is good, as are the bone sculptures, and there are a few textiles, although not in great condition. There is also a post-conquest section with some fine colonial furniture.
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Around Cusco

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is an attractive town at the far end of the Sacred Valley. The paved road ends here, although it is possible to continue down an unpaved road for a few kilometres. The road to Quillabamba also passes through here. The train to Machu Picchu passes through Ollantaytambo, and all trains stop here. The modern town is built on the base of the old Inca town, and the streets and blocks of the town are the same as those of the original Inca town. The town has given itself the title ‘the living Inca town’, and it almost certainly contains the best examples of Inca buildings still in use, although they have been modified somewhat. The first metre or more of the walls of most of the houses behind the Plaza are original Inca walls, and many of the doorframes are original Inca doorframes. Wandering around this part of the town gives the best example of what an Inca town must really have been like.

Macchu Picchu

This is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. During the busy, dry-season months of June to September, up to 1000 people a day come to visit the Lost City of the Incas, as Machu Picchu is popularly known. Despite this huge tourist influx, the site manages to retain its air of grandeur and mystery and is considered a must for all visitors to Peru. The site is open daily from 7.30 am to 5 pm, so watching dawn or dusk in Machu Picchu is difficult unless you arrive via the Inca Trail and camp at Intipunku. Because the site is surrounded high mountains, you can see sunrise and sunset over the ruins during visiting hours, though its already broad daylight when the sun comes up over the surrounding mountains. The changes in color and light early and late in the day are very beautiful.

The Inca Trail

This is the best known and most popular hike on the continent and is walked by thousands of people every year. The Inca Trail itself climbs steeply up along the south bank of the Llullucha River. After a walk of about 30 minutes, the river forks. Continue up the left fork for about 500 meters, then cross the river on a log bridge. There are several flat campsites on both sides of the bridge. The area is known as 'three white stones'. This site is usually the first camp for most people who start from Km88 in the morning. If you arrive without a previously organized truck, there are several options. You can hike with what you can carry on your back or you can hire porters, guides and cooks from an adventure travel agency in Cusco. Many budget travelers hire just one porter to carry a pack and this is inexpensive. You should carry a stove (wood is scarce), a sleeping pad and warm bag, and a tent or other protection from the rain. All this equipment can be rented inexpensively in Cusco. Also bring insect repellent, sun block lotion, water purification tablets or iodine and basic first-aid supplies. Although the total distance is only 33 km, there are three high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches a height of 4200 meters The trail is often steep, so don't be lulled into a false sense of security by the relatively short distance. Hike prepared.

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