Cusco Vacations, Cusco Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide
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Cusco Vacation Guide
The ancient capital of the Incan Empire and a World Heritage Site since 1983, Cusco—or Cuzco as it is commonly known—is a Peruvian city in the Urubamba region of the Andes Mountains nestled up around 11,000 feet. While it might have been the headquarters for a major empire in the past, the city is almost completely dominated by the tourist industry these days, and it could be described as the classic tourist trap in every since of the word. There’s plenty to see and do in terms of history and beauty, but it’s tainted by the overwhelming feeling that you are in the middle of a very touristy version of what it could have been at one point in time.
Still, despite the obvious tourist nature of the place, there is no better headquarters for beginning your exploration of Machu Picchu or any of the other various Incan sites throughout the region. In addition, the Spanish occupation over the centuries has also left its mark in many of the colonial buildings left behind, preserved in all their architectural splendor. And when combined with the indigenous population’s culture makes for a heady blend of ancient, colonial, and modern.
The majority of visitors to Cusco come here for one thing: the Incan ruins. And that’s definitely the main selling point of this region of South America. There city has close access to Machu Picchu, which is considered one of the most—if not the most—spectacular ruins on the planet. But there are also plenty of galleries and museums throughout the city itself, and the food and atmosphere cannot be matched. Plus, as a major city, transportation is easy to arrange, and you can quickly head out into the surrounding countryside for some more cultural activities away from the main tourist attractions. Just remember to plan ahead, because you can’t really see and experience all there is to do around Cusco in just a few days; you need at least a week or two.
Still, despite the obvious tourist nature of the place, there is no better headquarters for beginning your exploration of Machu Picchu or any of the other various Incan sites throughout the region. In addition, the Spanish occupation over the centuries has also left its mark in many of the colonial buildings left behind, preserved in all their architectural splendor. And when combined with the indigenous population’s culture makes for a heady blend of ancient, colonial, and modern.
The majority of visitors to Cusco come here for one thing: the Incan ruins. And that’s definitely the main selling point of this region of South America. There city has close access to Machu Picchu, which is considered one of the most—if not the most—spectacular ruins on the planet. But there are also plenty of galleries and museums throughout the city itself, and the food and atmosphere cannot be matched. Plus, as a major city, transportation is easy to arrange, and you can quickly head out into the surrounding countryside for some more cultural activities away from the main tourist attractions. Just remember to plan ahead, because you can’t really see and experience all there is to do around Cusco in just a few days; you need at least a week or two.
Popular Hotels in Cusco
Cusco Travel Blogs
Nov 21, 2007 – Nov 22, 2007
Cusco, Peru -›
Sacsayhuamán (also known as Saksaq Waman) is an Inca walled complex near the old city of Cusco, It’s also the place where the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) takes places every year on June 24th. But I will not talk about Sacsayhuamán or the Inti Raymi this time. Th…
Jul 12, 2009 – Aug 17, 2009
Lima, Peru -› Ayacucho, Peru -› …
To relax
from the Inka Trail we stayed another day in the hospitable city of Cusco. My
troubles from the first days in Cusco all but forgotten. We did a cheap city
tour to see some extra sights that we might have missed. Minor sights in and
around Cusco:
Qorikancha.
Th…
Aug 10, 2005 – Aug 22, 2005
Lima, Peru -› Cusco, Peru -› …
Finally sleeping in a confortable bett. Nobody waking you up at 5am! Taking a great warm shower and as much time as you want... So good! ;)
After having a delicious breakfast, Matt & me went to downtown. Today would be our last day in Cusco. So we wanted to explore the city. We haven´t done …
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