Cusco is a high Andean city located in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley. It is a city rich in history, with a present population of approximately 300, 000 people. It is a high altitude city, located at around 3,500 meters above sea level. It is the historic capital of the Inka Empire, and its name comes from the Quechua, Qosqo, meaning belly button, or center of the world.
It is believed that Cusco was built in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal of the Inkas.
Cusco´s rich history is evident today, as one can walk down the streets and view Inka walls, stairs and arches that are still standing. The Inka were renowoned for their amazing stonework, in which large stones were fit together very closely without the use of mortar or cement. This civilization did not have the wheel, so their accomplishments in this regard are considered more than extraordinary.
Cusco has many beautiful old buildings, churches and convents that were constructed by the Spanish conquistadors after their arrival in the 16th century, many over the foundations of the original Inka buildings. Some of these edifices incorporated parts of Inka walls and other architectural features. It is a city rich in art and sculpture. Its main plaza, the Plaza de Armas is flanked by two renowned churches, the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of San Francisco.
Cusco is the gateway to one of the most famed ruins in the world, Machupicchu, which was brought to the attention of the western world by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It has recently been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It is located in the middle of a cloud forest setting and part of its beauty is its harmonious relationship to its surroundings.
It was built in approximately 1450 by the Inka Pachacutec and abandoned less than 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors, as the Inka empire succumbed to the destruction of their great empire. It was never discovered and ravaged by the Spaniards, although it is located only 50 miles from Cusco.
Its construction consists of the same ashlar style that can be seen in Cusco, where blocks of stone were carved to fit together very tightly. Not even a knife can be inserted between these closely fitting stones in many cases. It is speculated that the huge stone blocks were placed by hundreds of men pushing them up inclined planes.
These days, many tourists walk the ancient stone roads of the Inka Trail every year to arrive at Machupicchu. Traditionally, they spend several days exploring Cusco before undertaking this somewhat arduous but highly rewarding trek, which ends with the enthrallment of arriving at Machupicchu on foot, with a splendid view of the ancient citadel spread out below. |
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