Why go to cusco

In fact, nearly 3. But where are people going in Peru? While there is plenty to see and do in the country, almost every visitor has one stop in common: Cusco. Cusco is the most popular tourist destination in Peru for a reason. In fact, there are many reasons. Keep reading to learn why you should visit Cusco on your next South American vacation! Machu Picchu is a must-visit location for anyone traveling in Peru.

Okay, so Cusco may not have the modern shopping malls that can be found in Lima, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and other South American metropolises, but Cusco is in many ways a much better and more wonderful location in which to shop, with everything from high-end boutique stores trading in handmade alpaca clothing, to a countless selection of artesan crafts markets.

The San Pedro market is also a must-see shopping destination in Cusco, the highlight being the exotic mix of traditional Andean food stalls selling homemade goods including potatoes, Andean cheese, and meat not for those with an easily upset stomach! Cusco has the feel of a magical city, and walking amongst its labyrinthine cobbled passageways, Inca streets, and colonial-era mansions is like walking back in time. The city has a lovely relaxed vibe about it, and one of the best things to do in the city is to find a coffee shop overlooking the central plaza, sit, relax, and people watch.

Cusco holds the unofficial title as the Archaeological Capital of the Americas, and rightly so — the city and the surrounding area are steeped in history and archaeology. Street parades, processions, festivals and parties of one type or another, whether religious or otherwise, are a regular feature of life in Cusco, and they help provide an additional splash of colour to this vibrant place.

Of all the festivals, Inti Raymi is probably the most famous. This was an Inca festival that took place in Cusco to celebrate the winter solstice, and the festival is still celebrated today in certain parts of South America, with Cusco being the best place to experience the festivities.

Cusquenos are a very proud people, descendants of the Incas. There are also magnificent churches made of stones from destroyed Inca temples. The narrow streets and corridors are one of the defining characteristics of Inca city planning. The plaza is surrounded by colonial style buildings, many with Inca rock foundations, and is anchored by two stunning churches.

Grab an Inca Cola, sit in the plaza and soak up the beauty. The city of Cusco was once the capital of the Inca empire and considered the center of the universe. It was the home of emperors and its rich cultural history is still palpable as you walk its streets.

Where else in the world do llamas and alpaca just run wild in a major city? This confluence is no better represented than the famous painting of the last supper, with a cuy guinea pig as the main dish on the table. Christian and Inca beliefs merge and live side by side.

Being so close to the jungle, Cusco has no shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from as well as its traditional foods like alpaca and cuy. And shop. Being able to know the square is reason enough to visit Cusco.

Most tours in Peru usually start in the main square. So it is a great idea to get to know this important site. And the Plaza is surrounded by some buildings that are worth a visit.

First of all, there are some impressive buildings to appreciate around the main Plaza. One of them is the Cathedral of Cusco, which started in and took almost a hundred years to finish. The Cathedral is the main church in Cusco and one of the best examples of colonial architecture in the city.

Also, the church has an impressive collection of Spanish art that deserves your attention. The church is built on the foundations of the palace of Huayna Capac, one of those last Incas. The church was built by the Jesuits, and work began in The best example of Inca architecture in Cusco is the Coricancha. The Coricancha was once considered the richest and most popular temple in Cusco.

In the time of the Incas, it was completely covered in gold sheets. The temple featured many life-size gold figures. Today all that remains is the masonry that is still visible.

All the gold and precious stones and metal were taken by the Spanish. Who later built the Church of Santo Domingo on the same site as the temple. Being able to visit Cusco without exploring this place is a waste of time. If you move away from the main square towards the neighborhood of San Blas and you will see the angle ston e. This is said to be the only stone found with so many angles. Besides, it is an example of the great masonry skill of the Incas. Continue past the stone up a steep hill and you will reach the small village of San Blas.

This also has a charming little church that features an ornate gold altar. The church is worth visiting for its beautiful entrance and facade. Also, San Blas has many excellent restaurants to sample the local cuisine. On a Cusco city tour, you will surely travel outside of the city to the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman.