High up in the Peruvian Andes lies Cusco, former center of the Inca Empire. While travelers are likely to use the city as a launching point for Machu Picchu – Peru’s largest tourist attraction – Cusco is well-worth a visit in itself. Take time to acclimate and experience the mix of Incan and Spanish influences that define the now tourist-centric city. Backpackers flock to Cusco year round, making it a welcome refuge.
Plaza de Armas
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is the cultural center of the city. Lining the plaza are restaurants, bars, and coffee shops – many with a great view of the city – perfect for spending an afternoon people-watching and acclimating to Cusco’s elevation. At the center of the plaza lies a manicured garden and intricate statue of Incan ruler Pachacuti. Those willing to venture from the sun-soaked benches will appreciate a tour of Cusco’s massive cathedral, complete with a trip into the crypts. The cathedral, a symbol of the Spanish conquest, contains a unique Peruvian touch in the replica of Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’: a guinea pig (cuy) appears on one of the plates.
San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is truly a spectacle to behold, filled with fruit, vegetable and meat stands, as well as 30 freshly-squeezed juice stalls. The lack of refrigeration means that products are displayed open-air, and that the freshest items are sold in the morning, meaning that those intending to buy anything should arrive early. For lunch, the market hosts a number of empanada and tamale vendors, as well as food stalls that serve menú – a two-course meal – for around S/.5. Those struggling with the altitude will want to pick up a bag of coca leaves to suck on.
Paddy’s Irish Pub
Stop in for a drink at Paddy’s: the highest Irish-owned pub in the world. Ex-pats and backpackers fill Paddy’s to enjoy imported European beer (including Guinness!) and watch rugby, football, or American football. Homesick travelers will appreciate the pub’s burgers and sandwiches, as well as their Irish favorites including shepherd’s pie. Centrally located on the corner of the plaza, Paddy’s serves as a spot for a celebratory drink after a trek to Machu Picchu, and a good place to meet people for the solo traveler.
Dare To Try Cuy
Although diners may be squeamish at the site of guinea pig at their table, cuy is a Peruvian delicacy that carries historical and regional importance. The dish appears in the aforementioned Last Supper copy hanging in the cathedral, and has provided a cheap livestock alternative for centuries. The Cusco variety of cuy is typically roasted, meaning that the guinea pig is particularly palatable and carries a similarity to duck or rabbit meat. Although home to several cuyerías – restaurants specializing in cuy – the best option is Pachapappa, an open-air restaurant that cooks the dish in a wood-fired clay oven. For the faint of heart, try alpaca steak, another delicacy served throughout the city.
Experience Cusco’s Nightlife
Cusco is the party capital of Peru and supports one of the liveliest nightlifes in South America. Cheap hostels near the plaza encourage masses of backpackers to descend upon the many bars and clubs surrounding the square. After partying until dawn, enjoy pizza at Ukuku’s late-night pizza bar, or order food from Cusco’s many street vendors that stay out to cater to the post-bar crowd.
Planetarium
For the Inca, astronomy played a huge role in day-to-day life, influencing planting and harvesting of crops, religious ceremonies and architecture. The Inca calendar was detailed and accurate, evident from the position of buildings to coincide with solstices. The wonders of such phenomena are explored at the Cusco Planetarium, where visitors learn about Inca astronomy and conduct star-gazing of their own. Family-owned and operated, the planetarium is located near Sacsayhuaman, offering stunning views of the stars from Cusco’s high elevation. For a proper introduction into a vital part of the Andean world, the planetarium is unmissable.
Sacsayhuaman
A 45-minute walk from the city center, this ancient Inca site is worth the trek for both the stunning views of Cusco and the incredible stonework. Sacsayhuaman (easily remembered by its pronunciation ‘sexy woman’) was a religious site as well as the scene of a bloody battle between Inca forces and the Spanish conquistadors. Hire a guide for a small fee, or purchase a city tour that includes the site for a complete explanation of the history of Sacsayhuaman. Valuable as a precursor to Machu Picchu and sites in the surrounding Sacred Valley, a walk to Sacsayhuaman also includes a glimpse of Cristo Blanco – the massive statue of Christ that stands above the city.
San Blas District
The artisan neighborhood of San Blas is notable for its architecture and quaint shops. Just a short walk from the plaza, the terrain becomes steep on the way up to San Blas Plaza. The Inca road Hatunrumiyoc is a remnant of the city’s past and a remarkable cobble-stone construction that leads through the neighborhood. Small boutique shops and galleries line the streets, making for more authentic gifts or souvenirs than the trinkets found in the Plaza de Armas. The San Blas Plaza contains picturesque Iglesia San Blas, as well as homey shops and restaurants.
Koricancha (Sun Temple)
Korikancha is the embodiment of the intertwining Spanish and Incan influences in Cusco. Once lined with lavish gold sheets, this Inca Temple of the Sun was ransacked and destroyed by the Spanish before they built the Church of Santo Domingo on top of the ruins. Today, the contrast between the church and temple foundation is striking, making for one of the more interesting sites in Cusco. Visitors can walk through the Spanish and Inca sections and take in the once-spectacular garden. What was once the region’s holiest site now serves as a testament to the brutal conquest of indigenous people and the effects thereafter.
Inca Museum
Before visiting the many archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, learn about the empire’s history at the massive Inca Museum. Run by Cusco’s San Antonio Abad University, this huge artifact collection is housed in the equally-impressive colonial home of a Spanish admiral. Twenty-four exhibition rooms are filled with information dating from pre-Inca societies to the height of the Inca Empire to Spanish conquest. The museum’s mummified bodies are a highlight, as well as the courtyard where Andean women weave textiles. Although information is provided in both English and Spanish, hiring a guide for a small fee is advisable, as it makes the huge museum manageable.
Source: theculturetrip.com
