The city of Cusco is one of the most popular places in all of Peru. From its narrow streets to its incredible architecture, there are many things to enjoy in this incredible destination. Cusco is different from any city in the world since its architecture is a clear mix between colonial times and Inca architecture. But this is not the only thing it has to offer, from incredible archaeological sites to a culture without parallel. Join us together with the experts of Cusco Peru Travel to know some of the best reasons to visit Cusco.
The main reasons why you should visit Cusco
The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist attractions in Peru and one of the main reasons why tourists visit Cusco. The wonder of the world is one of the top places tourists seek to check off their bucket list. And it is not surprising as it is one of the most incredible places in all of South America. The great Inca citadel is so coveted by tourists that it is better to book months in advance. We could consider the citadel as the pinnacle of the tourist experience and one of the best tourist attractions in Cusco.
There is no other place in the world where Llamas and Alpacas dominate the streets and fields like in Cusco. A photo with them can be reason enough to visit Cusco. In the same way, you have nothing to worry about, since these are not wild and are usually tied. These cute animals have become an attraction in themselves and a large part of the culture that surrounds Cusco.
The Cusco inhabitants are very proud of their culture and traditions. Those who continue the customs of their Inca descendants choose to dress in a mix of modern and traditional styles. You can see how older people choose to choose the Chullo, Poncho, and other characteristic elements of the Inca culture. While the youngest choose to wear sportswear and their clothes are much more casual. If you plan to visit Cusco, don’t forget to bring some chullos or ponchos back home.
Just walking around the city is one of the great reasons to visit Cusco. You can notice how most buildings have foundations or bases of Inca constructions and colonial architectural finishes. In general, you can see the great mix of influences between the Old Inca Empire and the emerging Republic.
Another great reason to visit Cusco is its extensive and rich culture. The general culture of Cusco could be defined as a mixture of traditions that converged in the culture we live in today. One of the great pieces of evidence of this great mix of influences is religion, where Inca and Christian beliefs merge and coexist in syncretism. But culture can also be appreciated in the Cusco nightlife, where the city takes on other colors and people enjoy life.
The city of Cusco is not only rich in traditional and cultural nuances. It also has a great history behind that goes back thousands of years before the arrival of the conquerors. The city of Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and was considered the center of the universe. It was once the home of the emperor, and as you wander down the streets you can still appreciate some important historical buildings in Cusco. If you are going to visit Cusco, don’t miss out on its incredible museums and archaeological sites.
But architecture and history are not the only things that Cusco has to offer. The wide variety of dishes and gastronomic delights that you can enjoy in the Imperial City will take your breath away. In Cusco, there is no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. All its traditional foods, such as guinea pigs or Cuys, are a delicacy for newcomers. Try alpaca burgers, or experience the traditional Andean dishes such as Pachamanca. If this is not enough, try your luck with the Ceviche cusqueño that uses freshwater fish. You can choose to experience the city in one of the many culinary experiences in Cusco.
The landscapes and views that the city and its surroundings have to offer are other reasons to visit Cusco. After you tour the city, dare to go to the Sacsayhuaman viewpoint, where you can have a panoramic view of the city and some incredible hills. There are infinite options for landscapes and sceneries where you can take photos and enjoy the fresh air. From Cusco‘s Plaza de Armas, you can choose to have a drink in some of the wonderful restaurants in Cusco where you can appreciate some views of the city.
Undeniably, Cusco is a paradise for memories and souvenirs. You will find that there is no shortage of cute trinkets and beautiful textiles to take home with family and friends. Cusco is also home to a large number of alpaca and even vicugna products, and the price is about one-third of what you see at home or in other parts of Peru. Make sure to reserve at least two days to explore the different markets in the imperial city
“CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN SO YOU CAN SEE THE WORLD, NOT SO THE WORLD CAN SEE YOU.”
As you can appreciate, the beauty of Cusco cannot be summed up in a single article. We believe that the incomparable beauty of the Imperial City can only be appreciated in person. So if you are looking to learn from some of our incredible tours, we recommend that you consult with our qualified advisors. We will be waiting together with the experts from Cusco Peru Travel for your arrival in Peru.
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