About Cusco – The Archaeological Capital of the Americas

Located in the south eastern Andes Mountains, Cusco sits at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level (11,000 ft.). Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and is the gateway to the sanctuary-city of Machupicchu. Indeed, Cusco is one of the most spectacular highlights of South America.

Stately and historic, with stone streets and buildings that are built on Incan foundations laid down more than five centuries ago, Cusco is a mecca for South American adventurers and tourists, yet the city is one of those rare places able to preserve its unique character despite its prominence in international tourism.

The Incas made "Q'osqo" (meaning "navel of the world" in Quechua) the religious, political, military, and cultural centre of their empire. Today, Cusco is a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian and colonial history and contemporary culture, and the city thrives as one of the most vibrant destinations in South America.

COST OF LIVING

Peru is an inexpensive place to live for most westerners. Food, transportation, clothes, and accommodation are all much less than what most people would pay in their home country. Telecommunication services, entertainment, and tourism are more in the range of prices typical to western countries although still tend to be somewhat cheaper.

      Some typical prices in Cusco (€):
      Shared flat (including electricity and water): €85.00 to €200.00
      Private flat (including electricity and water): €150.00 to €250.00
      Lunch in a restaurant: €0.75 to €10.00
      Bottle of Beer at a bar: €0.75 to €2.25


GETTING AROUND CUSCO

Cusco does NOT have comprehensive public transport. Most people walk or take taxis. “Combis” (shared mini vans) are available, but most visitors to Cusco will not find these comfortable or efficient. That said, Cusco is a small city, and walking in the warm sun is not something to be missed. As well, taxis are regulated – from 6:00am to 10:00pm taxis can charge only S/. 2.00 (€0.50) to go anywhere in the city; and S/. 3.00 (€0.75) between 10:00pm and 6:00am.

EATING OUT

Cusco has excellent food – all relatively inexpensive and some VERY inexpensive. Indeed, in Cusco, it is possible to get a 3-course lunch plus drink for as little as S/. 3.00 (€0.75). By eating in local restaurants, visitors can enjoy good food at very low prices, though caution is always advised, as food handling is different in developing countries compared to Europe or the U.S.

SHOPPING

In Cusco you will be able to buy excellent souvenirs as well as world-class alpaca wool products (sweaters, blankets, etc.) and traditional Inca textiles still produced by hand. Cusco and the surrounding villages are also famous for there handicraft markets. There are also open-air markets for great fruit and vegetables.

NIGHTLIFE

Most clubs and bars in Cusco are concentrated around the Plaza de Armas and in the San Blas district. Cusco has a lively nightlife with very good clubs and a wide variety of bars, including a couple of good foreign-owned Irish and English pubs. Cusco also has some good places to relax and listen to either traditional or modern music.

Although Cusco is generally safe, it pays to be vigilant, especially when leaving clubs or bars late at night. You should never walk alone at night, and you should be very careful with your valuables.

HISTORY

Cusco is full of history, tradition, and legend. Indeed, it is often difficult to know where facts end and myths begin. Archeological records show that the region was occupied by other advanced cultures prior to the Incas, and carbon dating shows inhabitants in the area as early as 20,000 BC.

Cusco was inhabited by small local ethnic groups without significant urban, religious or political development, until around 750 AD. At this time, the Wari culture from the Ayacucho region (north of Cusco) took control of the area. The Wari introduced many modern changes including religion, tax, and political systems, and began the creation of the "highway network," which was later used and expanded by the Incas. For unknown reasons, the Wari civilization disappeared around 1000 AD, and multiple migratory tribes lived in the region until the Inca state was established around 1250 AD.

In 1531, Francisco Pizarro and his Spanish Conquistadors were in Northern Ecuador and moving south, and by the middle of 1532 Pizarro arrived in Peru. The Conquistadors ambushed and captured the Inca ruler (Atahuallpa), and proceeded to kill thousands of Incas. The Incas were in terrified awe of the Conquistadors' superior weaponry and skilled horseback riding. Incan blood was ruthlessly let as the Spanish slaughtered Incan warriors armed only with spears and arrows.

In 1535, Pizarro founded the new capital in Lima to more easily maintain links with Spain. In Cusco, all the Incan riches of gold and silver were gone and many of the Incan buildings had been razed to the ground with churches and Spanish-style homes built in their place. However, today, visitors to Cusco can see that the Spanish builders never equalled the mighty Incan architects and masons.

On the 28th of July 1821, the Peruvian people achieved what the Incan armies had failed to do and won their independence from Spain. Cusco remained a peaceful city until the "discovery" of Machupicchu in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham; although proud Peruvians will remind you that the local people knew the ancient sanctuary-city was there all the time. Nevertheless, Cusco's own history and archeological wealth, and its proximity to Machupicchu, created the influx of adventure seekers and tourists that form the economic base of Cusco today.