Cusco (also known as Cuzco), is an impressive former Incan capital perched high in the Andes in south-eastern Peru. The Incas aptly called the city the “navel of the world” and, sitting at a dizzying elevation of 3,400 m (11,200 ft), you can see why. A fascinating and vibrant city, the Cusco you see today is built of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings. When an earthquake struck in 1950 it destroyed over a third of all the city’s structures. Read more about Cusco here
Planning a trip to Cusco?
Check out all the best places to stay, eat, drink, shop and visit in Cusco in the following categories:
- Cusco Sleep
- Cusco Eat
- Cusco Nightlife
- Cusco Shop
- Cusco Things to Do
- Best of Cusco
- Cusco Getting There and Away
Cusco Quick Facts
- Altitude – 3,400m (11,200 feet).
- Local delicacy – guinea pig (known as ‘cuy’ in Spanish).
- Capital of the ancient Incan Empire until 1532.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
- Cusco is also known as Cuzco or Q’osqo.
- The city of Cusco was built in the shape of a Puma which was a sacred animal for the Incas.
- Cusco has one of the highest UV light levels in the world!
