CUSCO Travel Information

The Archeological capital of the Americas sublimely combines the Inca Legacy with Spanish colonial architecture. history puts Manco Capac founding the city of Cusco around 1,100 A.D. legend says that in the beginning the land was in darkness and the great Lord Sun took pity on these wretched creatures an sent to earth his own son, Manco Capac, to spread civilization and enlightment. The goddess Moon sent her daughter Mama Ocllo to be his bride. They appeared on earth emerging from the waters of Lake Titicca. Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo began along odyssey searching for the place where to found their kingdom. At length they came to a fertile valley where Manco Capac repeating the test assigned by the Sun, plunged his golden staff into the ground, this time it sank deep into the soil and disappeared, where they found their capital and called it Cusco "Navel of earth"

WHAT TO SEE:
The best place start exploring Cusco is perhaps the Plaza de Arma (Main Square), the center of solemn parades and great assemblies since Inca times. The Cathedral, built on the place where once stood the palace of Inca Viracocha, mixes Spanish Renaissance architecture with beautiful stone-work. It construction began in 1580and took approximately one century to complete. Among its many treasure are nearly 400 paintings including those of the "School of Cusco" a very particular style developed by the blending of Inca and Spanish cultures. The single piece of the main altar is completely covered with silver plates. Of the many sides altars, a very popular among cusquenos is that of the lord of Earthquakes, blackened by the innumerable votive candles lit over the centuries. Two other churches are attached to the Cathedral, Jesus Marie, to the left and El Triunfo, the oldest in Cusco dating back to 1536. The complex and is open for visiting from 10:00 am to 12:00pm and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. 
    La Compania Church, also in the Plaza de Armas, built in 1571 by the Jesuits at the time of the foundation of Inca Wayna Capac's palace (the last ruler of the unconquered empire). The church was destroyed by the 1650 earthquake, beginning immediately a magnificent reconstruction, resulting in the most ornate and splendid church in Cusco. 
    Museum of Religious Art, displays  fine collection of colonial artifacts and paintings of the "School of Cusco". The building was constructed on the site of Inca Roca's palace. Just outside is the Twelve Angled Stone, an example of Inca architecture advancement that continue to amaze the world, the twelve corner-angler fit perfectly all surrounding blocks. The stones were positioned without the use of mortar and have withstood centuries and earthquakes. 
    Santa Domingo Church and Convent, the most remarkable characteristic of this building is that is was built using some of the Inca walls of the fabulous Koricancha "temple of the supreme God Sun" that colonial chronicles described as having the inner walls covered with gold plates to reflect the sun's rays entering though windows specially positioned for that purpose.
    San Blas Church, a small adobe building that holds a carving masterpiece, the renowned pulpit of San Blas, work of Indian craftsmen on a massive single piece of wood which is said to be the finest wood-caving piece in the world. Around the church are the houses of the most popular families of hand crafters of Cusco. Visit the medieval and the Olave family.
    La Merced Church and Convent, dating back to the 17th Century. It has a small museum with the best colonial painting in Cusco, a variety of lavish religious objects including the four feet high gold monstrance, covered with precious stones an two large pearls in the shape of mermaid. Also within the city the colonial churches of San Francisco, Santa Catalina, Santa Clara, San Pedro, Santa Teresa, and San Antonio Abad and the beautiful colonial houses of "La Casa de los Cuatro Busto", "The Admiral's Palace", "House of Marquis of Valleumbroso",  among others. 

ALTITUDE
The city of Cusco is at 11,150 feet above sea level. In order to speed acclimatization rest fo a couple hours after you arrival by plane from Lima. Avoid alcoholic beverages and eat lightly the first day. 

CLIMATE
April to September (winter) is usually sunny and dry with temperatures varying from freezing at night to comfortable during the day as long as you do niot stay on the shade. January to March is known as the rainy season, January to March is know as the rainy season, January and February are the wettest, with comfortable temperatures during the day and slightly cool at night. BEST TIME TO VISIT IS APRIL TO SEPTEMBER

Cusco Weather and Climate Chart - Cusco, Peru, PE