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| Cusco · Cuzco | ||
| province | Cusco | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 428.450 (2017) | |
| height | 3,399 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Cusco (often also Cuzco written) is the capital of the eponymous province in the Andean highlands of Peru. Approx. 320,000 people live in the city, which is at an altitude of 3300 m.
background
Cusco or Cuzco has been a member since 1983 UNESCO world cultural heritage
Cusco means the center of the world. From 1200 until shortly before the end of the Inca Empire, Cusco was its capital. In 1532 Pizarro captured the Inca ruler Atahualpa, marched to Cusco and destroyed almost all buildings in 1533. When the Indians rebelled in 1535, the Spaniards found it difficult to maintain their position. Pizarro withdrew to Lima, an earthquake in 1650 destroyed the Spanish buildings of Cusco and the city had lost its importance. After the discovery of Machu Picchu it became the tourist center of Peru.
getting there
By plane
There are domestic flights to Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). International: via Lima.
By train
- Of Puno at the Lake Titicaca runs a railway line. This is still one of the highest railway lines in the world today.
- A railway line (narrow gauge) also goes from Cusco Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This line overcomes the incline in time consuming Zigzag curves and not as usual in serpentines.
By bus
Bus e.g. from Puno approx. 7 hours or Lima 20 hours
In the street
mobility
Dynamic cardsTourist Attractions
In Cusco or from Cusco you can start numerous excursions. One week is enough to see all the interesting sights.
The local excursion providers sometimes promise more than they ultimately offer, and these offers often lack the time for some sights to look at them properly.
Anyone who travels to Peru must have seen this city, even if it is a pity that only a fraction of the former capital of the Incas has been preserved.
Important sights:
- Plaza de Armas. Already in the Inca times the center and originally surrounded by temples and palaces.
- Iglesia de Jesús Maria y José and Iglesia El Triunfo. The east side of the square is dominated by the massive looking cathedral, built from the remains of the Inca walls. These include the Iglesia de Jesús Maria y José and Iglesia El Triunfo. The cathedral is adorned with numerous pictures by indigenous artists. One of them is that Lord's Supper of da Vinci modeled on. Instead of bread and wine, there is corn beer (chicha) and roasted guinea pigs!
- La Compañia de Jesús. On the south-east side of the Plaza de Armas is the church of La Compañia de Jesús, whose proportions are more pleasing than the cathedral.
- La Universidad. Next to it is the building of the old university, La Universidad, which houses the natural history museum.
- Convento de Santo Domingo. In the historical core of Cusco stands on the walls of the Inca temple Koricancha the Convento de Santo Domingo.
- La Merced. Church and monastery on Plazoleta Espinar.
- El Cabildo. The old town hall on Plaza del Regocijo.
- Barrio de San Blas. The artists' quarter.
activities
Very touristy and a bit more expensive than other cities in Peru.
shop
The normal caution against pickpockets etc. is certainly a matter of course in such places.
- Mercado Central, Santa Ana.- There is (almost) everything here, from exotic fruits to good (and comparatively inexpensive) souvenirs, everything the local heart desires as well as good cafes and cakes. You can also rummage around the square.
kitchen
nightlife
- - Small and relaxed bar with live Dj's. Located less than 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas.
accommodation
- Novotel Cusco, Calle San Augustin 239.- One of the upscale houses with a stylish inner courtyard, is only 5 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas. Tel .: (51) 84/581033
security
health
For newcomers, the Altitude sickness or Soroche could be a problem. When the first symptoms such as headache, dizziness or nausea appear, one should try to inhale more oxygen. At the reception of the hotels they have advice, some houses have their own oxygen cylinder, which they provide.
A commonly used remedy is tea Coca leaves. Don't worry, it is said that you would have to drink several hundred cups to reach a dangerous dose. But it has been proven to help.
Practical advice
trips
Numerous tours start from Cusco, e.g. on the Inca Trail or into the Andes.
- Sacsayhuaman. The Inca fortress is located on a hill above the city. Stones weighing over 100 tons are used in its walls. From here you also have a wonderful view of the city.
- 2 Sacsayhuamán (Saksaywaman)
- Kenko. The archaeological sites are on the road from Sacsayhuaman to Pisac.
- Puca Pucará. The red fortress is also on the road to Pisac.
- Tambo Machay. Or called the Incas' bath, it contains a spring that the Incas used as sacred water.
- Urubamba Valley. The Sacred Valley of the Incas.
literature
Web links
- http://www.cusco.gob.pe/ - Official website of Cusco
