The city of Cuzco (meaning Navel of the world in quechua) was the capital of the Incan Empire and was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983. Incan monuments are littered throughout the city and without a doubt some of the most impressive in Peru.

It is a beautiful city with well-preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history. The city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst.
The original Inca city, said to have been founded in the 11th century, was sacked by Pizarro in 1535. There are still remains, however, of the palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. The Inca building remains and foundations have proved to be stronger than the foundations built in present-day Peru. Among the most noteworthy buildings of the city is the cathedral of Santo Domingo.

The major nearby Inca sites are Pachacuti’s presumed winter home, Machu Picchu, which can be reached on foot by a Inca trail or by train; the "fortress" at Ollantaytambo; and the "fortress" of Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro’s men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca.
Other less-visited ruins ruins include: Inca Wasi, the highest of all Inca sites at 3,980 m (13,134 ft); Old Vilcabamba the capital of the Inca after the capture of Cusco; the Sculpture Garden at Chulquipalta as well as Huillca Raccay, Patallacta, Choquequirao, Moray and many others.
Farther up in the valley, at 2 900 m.a.s.l., near the reaches of Huayna Picchu, is located the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Tourist interests

Plaza de Armas . During Incas times, its name was "Huacaypata" a Quechua word signifying “Place of lamentation or meeting place. It was an important ceremonial site where the Inti Raymi or Sun Festival was celebrated every year. It is also the place where Francisco Pizarro declared the conquest of Cuzco. The place was transformed alter the arrival of the Spaniards; stone arcades were built, as well as the building still surrounding the place today.

La Merced Monastery. One of the most spectacular monasteries in the city. Has a decent museum with a spectacular 1.3m high solid gold monstrance, a church, and the convent itself, which is one of the best architectural edifices in the city.

Qoricancha. A 16th century Dominican convent built on top of an older Inca palace. The site is worth several hours of your time, and is one of the best in Cuzco, containing both Catholic and Inca heritage with stunning views of the surrounding area.

Plaza San Blas. One of the most picturesque areas of Cuzco. Called "T’oqokachi or the “Salt cavity", it is known for its very steep and narrow streets, and for its beautiful colonial houses. It is recognized as the Artisans Quarters. On Hatunrumiyoc, street there is a beautiful Inca wall that used to be kart of the Inca Roc castle, a proof of the Inca talent for polishing and setting stone. In this structure you will find the "Twelve corner stone", famous for its perfect shape and setting.

The archaeological Complex of Pukapukara. The Complex includes numerous enclosure, interior courts, aqueducts, towers and trails; it is believed to be a “tambo” or a resting place with lodgings. Supposedly, every time that the Inca decided to go to Tambomachay, he did so accompanied by a large entourage that would spend the night in Pukapukara. The complex owes its name, “fortress” to its fortified appearance.

The archaeological Complex of Qenko. To the East of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko (spelled in the past: Qenqo, or Quenko, or Quenqo) is a gigantic promontory formed of two big rocks (Qenqo Grand and Qenqo Little) inscribed with different letters. The name means “labyrinth”, “zigzag”, or “towers”. It was a sanctuary, a huaca or important adoration place in the Inca state as suggest it the presence of a Intihuatana (place of veneration of the sun) and of little winding canals believed to transport the chicha (fermented corn drink) or blood, during the rituals. The throne, and the hall of sacrifices, that are located in the subterranean chambers. The low humidity level has kept the ruins well preserved, even after all these years.

The archaeological Complex of Tambomachay. Tambomachay surprises by its architecture: platforms, openings and waterfalls. The aqueducts bring the same amount of water to the bathes year round, but its origin is still a mystery. Tambomachay seems to have ad an important religious function, related to water and the rejuvenation of the earth. It is estimated to have been build around 1 500 A.D., and believed to be a royal bath. The Inca ruler came periodically to this place, leaving part of his followers at the nearly Pukapukara. The site reaches approximately, a surface area of half an acre. Every year in August, the locals gather around the site and perform ceremonial acts, worshipping the water. At Tambomachay, you will find a liturgical 3 level fountain built with perfectly carved unequal shaped rocks, without the usage of mortar. A site well-worth seeing!