Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
1 Day from $ USD 100.00
City Tour Lima
Lima, is the capital of Peru, also known as “City of Kings”, for its colonial architecture, is a mixture of antiquity with modernity, in which we can find various tourist activities, which we can enjoy to the fullest.
Creativity and flavors a wonderful proposal of inputs and 10 million limeños proud of their cuisine, which is the result of this great combination, Lima has become the gastronomic capital of Peru and Latin America, Tourists from around the world come to this city come to this city to know the Peruvian cuisine and taste and try their authentic dishes an explosion of flavors, colors and aromas, Welcome to Lima the capital of Peru is constantly moving the historic center is an architectural jewel its colonial buildings will make you travel in time.
In Lima the sea is part of the landscape, the beaches are an oblique stop for surfers and ocean lovers. Districts like Barranco constantly attract tourists for its colorful streets, for the tradition that is breathed in every corner and for its location.
At present the city of Lima has become one of the most preferred destinations in this part of the continent, to know the Peruvian Culture and its Gastronomy is one of the main reasons why one visits the city of Lima, along with this is to make a short trip to the “Paracas National Reserve”, Sandboarding in the Huacachina (Ica City) and finally make a flight over the Nazca Lines.
For this reason it is important for every traveler to take a Lima City Tour with a reliable and safe travel agency.
“Come and enjoy the city of Lima and its charm”.
You will be picked up from your hotel and first taken to the remains of two pre-Inca sites, Naupallaqta, dating from the fourth century called Sacred Town by the Incas and Huaca Huallmarca a pyramid which is typical for pre-Inca constructions along the Peruvian Coast.
From here you will be taken to the Historical Downtown area of Lima which includes the Plaza San Martín with the statue of the Liberator of the same name, the Main Square and the surrounding buildings like the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Presidential Palace, Town Hall, the Desamparados train station from where “the highest train journey in the world” leaves, and the Colonial-style houses with their balconies along the old streets Lima.
In the old center we visit two buildings, the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva where there is beautiful collection objects made from silver, gold, ceramics and textiles. This is all pre-Columbian which means from before the Spanish arrived. The second building we visit in the historical center is the San Francisco Convent. Here we find a good collection of Colonial Art. We also visit the Choir Hall and the Monks’ Library and the visit in the convent finishes with a visit to the Catacombs.
The City tour takes you now from the Historical Center to the modern suburbs of San Isidro where there is the Golf Club and Olive Park and to Miraflores where there is the brand new Larco Mar shopping /entertainment complex and from where there are very beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean.
1, Easy
There are different types of tourist activities that we can find and perform in the city of Lima, for example, the “City tour in Lima” is a classic that every traveler must perform, where we visit the Plaza Mayor of Lima, the Cathedral of Lima, the Church of San Francisco, the catacombs and see the beautiful old mansions, we can enjoy the tasty culinary food based on seafood dishes from the Peruvian coast.
Plaza Mayor: (Colonial Lima) in the main square of Lima you can appreciate more than fifty monuments, colonial buildings and highlighting the Paseo de la Republica, Plaza San Martin, and Plaza Mayor in this beautiful place we will observe the Cathedral, Government Palace and the Municipal Palace as well as the visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its Catacombs.
Huaca Pucllana Pyramid: (Ancestral Lima) Also called the great pyramid you can appreciate a panoramic view in the Huaca Pucllana, pre-Inca temple of the IV century A.D. This pyramid has 7 platforms, and on each platform has an L-shaped square, it is very striking how it was built.
Monastery of San Francisco and Catacombs: Under the church of San Francisco in the city of Lima, there is a catacomb in which are deposited the bones of an estimated 70,000 people, some of them arranged in a decorative way. These catacombs were rediscovered in 1943 and it is believed that they may be connected through subway passages with the cathedral and other local churches, a unique experience for all visitors.
Museo del Banco Central de Reserva: Visit the Museo del Banco Central de Reserva, admiring the display of ancient Peruvian cultures, with a select exhibition of objects from the Oro Cohen collection.
The museum has three exhibition areas, the archeology room, where you will find ceramics, textiles, gold and wood pieces from the Vicus, Moche, Chancay, Inca, Lambayeque, Nazca, Chimu and Chavin cultures.
The Manuel Moreyra Loredo Art Gallery, where different tendencies, schools and techniques of Peruvian painters of the XIX, XX and XXI centuries can be found.
The Popular Arts Room where textiles, cloaks, flasks, ceramics, and other items representing the different regions of Peru are displayed.
Modern Lima (Contemporary): Visit the most traditional residential areas of Lima, El Olivar de San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.
After a full day of activities and visiting the different places, you can enjoy an exquisite dinner.
Note: *Museum of the Central Reserve Bank, closed to the public Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Monday closed all day.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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