Cusco Map

Description:

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Description:

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Cusco (also spelled Cuzco) is a city in southeastern Peru, located in the Cusco Region. Situated at an elevation of approximately 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, it serves as the capital of the Cusco Region and Province. The city has a population of about 440,000 and is renowned for being the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

The city's historical significance is evident in its architecture, which features a unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influences. The ancient Inca capital was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Plaza de Armas, the main square, serves as the city's central hub and showcases significant colonial architecture, including the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. The most notable Inca site within the city is Qurikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, upon which the Spanish built the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo.

Cusco functions as the primary gateway to various significant archaeological sites, most notably Machu Picchu, which lies approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the city. The city is also the starting point for the Sacred Valley, a region that contains numerous important Inca ruins, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. The surrounding area features the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán, an enormous walled complex constructed of massive stones, demonstrating the Incas' advanced architectural and engineering capabilities.

The city's economy is primarily driven by tourism, with millions of visitors annually exploring its historical sites, museums, and cultural attractions. Cusco's airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, serves as a major hub for tourists visiting the region. The city maintains its indigenous culture through various festivals and traditions, with the most famous being Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, celebrated annually on June 24.

Modern Cusco features a subtropical highland climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to March. Despite its high altitude, temperatures remain relatively mild throughout the year, with average daily temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C).

The Facts:
Region: Cusco.
Population: ~ 440,000.
Main sights: Ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Qurikancha (the Temple of the Sun), Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Templo de la Sagrada Familia, Arco de Santa Clara, Basilica of La Merced, Plaza de Armas de Cusco, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Museo de Arte Precolombino.