Exploring Cusco: The Ancient City Where Inca and Spanish Cultures Intersect
Nestled in an Andean basin at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), Cusco is Peru’s ancient capital. Once the thriving heart of the Inca Empire, its name means ‘navel’ (center of the world) in Quechua. This city is far more than just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu; it boasts a profound and rich charm of its own.
After its conquest by the Spanish in the 16th century, colonial-style buildings were erected directly on the foundations of exquisite Inca stonework, creating a unique urban landscape where two distinct cultures converge. This guide will highlight the essential ‘Cusco tourist attractions’ that every traveler must visit, covering the best times to go, deep historical insights, and practical local tips (such as pickpocketing prevention) that go beyond what you’d find in a typical guidebook.
Plaza de Armas
📍 Address: Cusco, 08000, Peru
The starting point for any Cusco tour, this plaza has served as the city’s central hub since the Inca Empire. Surrounded by beautiful colonial-style cathedrals and churches, it’s a place where you can truly feel the intersection of Inca and Spanish history in the air.
During the day, locals in traditional attire walk around with alpacas, while backpackers relax in cafes under the sun. On festival days, such as the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in June, parades fill the streets, and the entire city is enveloped in a joyful, vibrant atmosphere.
What you absolutely must not miss here is the ‘night view’. As lights illuminate the houses built on the slopes of the bowl-shaped basin, you can enjoy a magical ‘upward-gazing night view’ that feels like staring up at a starry sky. The area around the plaza is relatively safe at night, with tourist police patrolling. However, the roads surrounding the plaza can be busy, and crossing can be tricky, so it’s safest to cross when locals do.
Cusco Cathedral
📍 Address: F2MC+85M Cusco, 08002, Peru
Facing the Plaza de Armas, this cathedral boasts a magnificent Renaissance-style facade. It was built by the Spanish, starting in 1559 and taking about 100 years to complete, on the demolished site of a temple dedicated to Viracocha, the Inca creator god.
The interior (photography prohibited) is adorned with opulent altars and Catholic religious paintings. A must-see here is ‘The Last Supper,’ painted by Marcos Zapata of the Cusco School. Astonishingly, the main dish depicted in the center of the table is ‘cuy’ (guinea pig), a traditional Andean delicacy. This artwork is a fascinating historical testament to the fusion of Christianity with indigenous culture.
The entrance fee is 40 soles (credit card payment accepted), which might seem a bit high, but its historical value makes it well worth it. Be aware that tourist entry is restricted during morning mass from 7 AM to 10 AM, so it’s best to visit after 10 AM. Even just admiring the exterior’s intricate symmetrical decoration is worthwhile, but if you wish to delve into the profound history of South America, be sure to step inside.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
📍 Address: Santo Domingo s/n, Cusco 08002, Peru
During the Inca Empire, this was the most important temple, known as ‘Qorikancha’ (Quechua for ‘Golden Courtyard’), its walls reportedly covered entirely with gold sheets. After the Spanish conquest, the gold was looted, the temple destroyed, and the Santo Domingo Church was built on its foundations.
Ironically, during subsequent major earthquakes, the Spanish-built church above collapsed, while the Inca stone foundations remained steadfast. Walking through the cloisters and courtyards, you can experience a peculiar space where the dark, precisely fitted Inca stonework—so tight a razor blade cannot pass between stones—coexists with the arches of Spanish colonial architecture.
The entrance fee is 20 soles (cash only; an additional 5 soles is required to access the rooftop). Simply looking around might not convey its full grandeur, so it’s highly recommended to hire a private guide (around 30 soles) near the entrance to explain its significance. This will deepen your understanding of the Incas’ astonishing architectural prowess and the harshness of history.
Twelve Angled Stone
📍 Address: C. Hatunrumiyoc 480, Cusco 08002, Peru
Just a short walk from Cusco Cathedral, quietly embedded in the wall along ‘Hatunrumiyoc Street,’ is the famous ‘Twelve Angled Stone,’ exuding a distinct presence.
This stone is a masterpiece of Inca masonry, renowned for its robust, earthquake-resistant construction, built entirely without mortar. While theories abound regarding its 12 angles – some suggest it represents the 12 months of the year, others the 12 Inca emperors – the way this complex polygonal stone interlocks perfectly with its surrounding stones, like a puzzle, is nothing short of miraculous.
As a popular photo spot on a narrow street, it can get crowded during the day, but visitors typically snap photos when a gap appears, rather than forming a line. Along the wall, you’ll find other unique stone constructions, including stones with rounded corners and decagonal stones. It’s also recommended to step back a bit and admire the entire wall from a distance. (Note: Touching the stones directly is prohibited to protect the ruins.)
Mercado Central de San Pedro (San Pedro Market)
📍 Address: Thupaq Amaru 477, Cusco 08002, Peru
This enormous market is the kitchen of Cusco’s citizens and a place where travelers can fully immerse themselves in local vibrancy and exotic charm. You’ll find colorful alpaca products like pouches and keychains, often at more reasonable prices than in shops around the main plaza. Especially on Sundays, numerous stalls spill out beyond the market, and haggling with the vendors (‘abuelitas’) is part of the fun of shopping.
Deeper inside the market, you’ll discover stands selling fresh fruit juices, a distinctively aromatic meat section with hanging cuts, and a bustling food court frequented by locals. It’s an irresistible place for anyone eager to try authentic Peruvian local food.
However, one thing you absolutely must be vigilant about here is ‘pickpocketing’. Popular eateries serving famous chicken soup, for example, often have very little space between seats, leading to frequent incidents where wallets or phones are stolen as people brush past from behind. Bags without zippers or valuables attached externally with carabiners are prime targets. When enjoying your meal, choose a seat against a wall where no one can pass behind you, or ensure your valuables are securely hidden inside your clothing. Take thorough anti-theft measures.
Deep Tips for Enjoying Your Cusco Trip
As Cusco is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), ‘altitude sickness’ is a concern immediately upon arrival. If you’ve flown in directly from a low-altitude area like Lima, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities on your first day. Instead, relax in a cafe around the Plaza de Armas, sip coca tea, and allow your body to acclimatize gradually. Portable oxygen bottles are also available at local pharmacies, so it’s crucial not to push yourself if you feel any discomfort.
Regarding safety, the area around Plaza de Armas is generally safe due to frequent patrols by tourist police. However, in dimly lit alleys at night or crowded places like San Pedro Market, the risk of pickpocketing and bag snatching increases. By meticulously managing your valuables, taking precautions against altitude sickness, and maintaining a strong awareness of your surroundings, your stay in Cusco is sure to be an unforgettable and wonderful experience. Immerse yourself fully in this miraculous city where the spirit of the Incas blends with colonial beauty.
