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The city of Cusco is one of Peru's most important – and most visited – travel destinations, and for good reason: this was the heart of the Inca Empire, a place where all the myth and legend of ancient Andean societies found its most visible and lasting. And that legacy is everywhere in the great ruins of the city and huge stone walls that remain standing until this day, in nearby villages have been inhabited for many centuries and in the faces of the people speaking Quechua – people who have seen empires come and go, while their culture and traditions are still as vibrant as ever.

But what you will not read in most guides is that everything is not necessarily the most popular in popular tourist hotspots. Cusco is a city flooded by foreign visitors who come to experience impressive architecture of the city and its proximity to Peru's other major draw cards, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Cusco is struggling under pressure from its own popularity and is very important that visitors are aware of their impact on the city, environment and culture they are visiting. This covers the obvious: try to limit its environmental impact and not worsen the congestion problem by compressing the entire city in taxis or small tour buses, ask before taking any photo and do not be surprised if the subject expects a sun or two in return.

But we also try to learn a little about culture you are visiting before you arrive. Understand that Andean indigenous communities are often more conservative than Hispanics and western Peru, and that for them, many of the sights to see in reality are deeply sacred sites.

Your Peru Guide: Cusco Highlights in Pictures

The Plaza de Armas is the colonial center of Cusco, dominated by the cathedral and various churches. The Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, well worth a visit, especially Cathedral of the art collection of the Cuzco School, a mixture of indigenous and European influences that culture represents the assimilation that took place here after of conquest.

Saqsaywaman ruins sit on a hill looking down over the city and are built of massive stone blocks and impressive fortifications, making everyone take the place originally was a military fortress. But recent findings have suggested that the site was at least as important as a spiritual center. Nevertheless, The stepped design of the walls are still recognizable as the fearsome tiger teeth to replicate its original intention.

The neighborhood of San Blas is lifted away the center of a steep slope, and home to a maze of cobbled streets, small squares and original colonial architecture. San Blas becomes even more the atmosphere of the night when the bars in the area come alive. Live music and drinks offers can be found in virtually any of the popular bars around the KM 0. They all tried, tested and recommended.

Visiting Tips

Cusco is a city of high altitude. More than 3,300 feet. And that means air is very thin for us, the inhabitants of the sea level, which can take several days to adjust. Indeed, it is advisable to work their way to this point and visit some of the first sights of Peru slightly lower – Arequipa and the Sacred Valley is ideal. If you fly directly to Cusco from Lima, wait at least a hint of mountain sickness (altitude sickness) which can cause lethargy, headaches and vomiting. Do not strain yourself, do not overdo it (especially alcohol) and not hesitate to try a mouthful of coca leaves, or at least a little of coca leaf tea, which really helps.

Most visitors to Cusco feel compelled to invest in the tourist ticket (tourist ticket) required for most museums and other attractions. The ticket is expensive however, and although it is valid for ten days, most visitors staying in Cusco for a few days just not getting full value. Only buy if you want to visit all the places that are included, taking into account that some of the best museums and other attractions (Qorikancha ruins, the Cathedral, the Museum of Pre-Columbian and Inca Museum) are not included.

Saying that, the nearby ruins of Saqsaywaman and most tourist attractions in the Sacred Valley are enough safety pins, and all are included in the ticket, so the choice is yours.

This guide to Cusco was written by an expert Peru guide at Your Peru Guide. Have some more questions? Need additional information? Visit the Your Peru Guide Peru Travel Clinic for free, independent and customised advice!

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