Cusco

The Incas believed Cusco to be a dwelling place of the Gods and it is certainly one of the most interesting cities in the Peruvian Andes. The name in Quechua (the native tongue of the area) means 'navel of the world'.

Its unique colonial architecture, set amongst the solid grandeur of Inca stonework, highlights the city’s fascinating past, as do the city’s museums. A wide range of handicrafts, including fine silverwork with Inca and colonial motifs, sculptures of holy figures, beautiful textiles and clothes made from alpaca, llama and vicuña wool, are available from the many shops. The Plaza de Armas, San Blas and the Cathedral are well worth a visit, as well as the Museums of Religious Arts, History, Inca Culture, and Colonial Arts.

There are also a wealth of archaeological and historical
sites on the outskirts of Cusco leading towards the Sacred Valley, such as Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Korikancha, Tambo Machay and Q’enko.