6 things to see in Cusco
Yes, Machu Picchu is on the wish list of many travelers. To get there, it is common to go to Cusco that is the place from which many tours to the Inca city that World Heritage took place.
Even in a position of support, the city of Cusco also has its charms. In this text, I will address some attractions of the city that I visited with Joel (husband) in December 2018.
1. Convent of Santo Domingo and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Right on my first day I went to this curious building in the heart of the city. It cost 15 soles to enter. In times of hegemony of the Inca civilization, the place was the religious center of Cusco.
The construction of the convent comes with colonization. Soon, the place gathers traces of the Spanish colonization, through the catholic symbols, and the Inca civilization.
You will visit preserved rooms of the Convent of Santo Domingo very close to rooms with elements of Inca religious rituals.
2. Plaza de Armas (Arms Square)
This is the main postcard of Cusco. Besides being a beautiful place, occasionally there are cultural presentations and fairs.
Visitation of tourists to the church is permitted, except during Masses.
Also, in the vicinity of the Plaza de Armas there are many restaurants.
3. Street Art
Walking through the streets, you will see artwork and feel like taking out your camera and recording. An example of this is the History of Cusco Mural by Juan Bravo Vizcarra, located on Avenida El Sol.
4. San Pedro Market
In this place you will find products that are part of the daily life of the people of Cusco. Everything is in one place: clothes, herbs, meats…
Some aromas were too intense. Sometimes I left a certain area because the smell was too much for me. That being said, go with an open mind and allow yourself to know a place frequented by the natives.
5. Archaeological sites: Tambomachay, Puka-Pukara, Q’enqo and Sacsayhuaman
You can visit these four archiological sites in one day. In fact, we only spent one morning. In December 2018, tickets cost 70 soles and included admission for all. There are many tour companies in Cusco that offer packages to go on the spot. However, Joel and I took an uber. This driver offered to drive us from one place to another for 90 soles. We like the idea, because we could stay as long as we wanted in each place.
A. Tambomachay
We went straight to Tambomachay, because there we bought the tickets. According to tradition, the place is known as Ñusta bath. There are two aqueducts that carry water throughout the year.
B. Puka-Pukara
Second stop. According to tradition, this place was a type of barracks and lodging, where the Incas used to shelter before visiting the bathing places in Tambomachay.
C. Q’enqo
Although much of the structure was lost during the colonial period, the site was composed of very important sanctuaries for the Incas.
It is presumed that the site also housed an astronomical observatory and an amphitheater for public presentations.
D. Sacsayhuaman
It is estimated that this archaeological site was built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is assumed that the site was built for military purposes; to be a fortress.
From there, the view of the city of Cusco is incomparable!
6. Ccori Vicuña Textiles
On the way between the archaeological sites, the uber driver suggested a stop at a place where alpaca hair clothes were produced. In this place, a lady taught us the difference between a synthetic material and one made with the animal’s hair. She also showed how the clothes were dyed.
In closing, the nice lady allowed us to go to the back of the property where the alpacas grazed quietly on the edge of a lake.
Extra tip:
In the city there are great lodging options at very affordable prices. I stayed before and after the Salkantay Trekking at Casa Real Hoteles. They did everything to make our time in Cusco stress-free. They stored part of our luggage while we were on the trail, they paid our taxi to the airport … We recommend!
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