Qori Treks

5 Attractions Around Cusco


Every traveller in Peru is certain to spend time in Cusco, the captivating former capital of the Incan empire.

A destination in its own right due to its historical importance in South America, beguiling blend of cobblestone streets, colonial period architecture and that unmistakable Peruvian street spirit, Cusco’s designation as the gateway to the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu simply further underscores its enduring popularity.

We have now visited Cusco twice during our own South American adventures, and came away with distinctly different impressions each time – and that’s why we’re sharing our advice on how you really should spend your time there and our own thoughts on the very best things to do in Cusco.

Here we have compiled a list of top five places you must visit on your trip to Cusco.

 

#1. Qorikancha ​

Koricancha (often spelled Coricancha) was the ‘the centrepiece of the Incan empire’ and considered the holiest site in Incan mythology, but its golden glory was tarnished by two key events in the history of Peru. Firstly, when the Spanish demanded a ransom for the release of the kidnapped Incan emperor Atahualpa, much of the temple’s gold and silver (legend says that it was covered in an incredible amount) were stripped, melted, and used to pay. The conquistadors, true to colonial form, then reneged on the emperor’s release and murdered him.

Once the Spanish proceeded to take Cusco, they chose to destroy most of the revered Incan site and stripped it of any remaining gold. The final act to underpin the power shift? The building of a church upon Koriancha’s foundations, which you can still find and visit next door (named the church and convent of Santo Domingo).

It is the remains of Koricancha which continue to act as an important link to the Incans, and a key place to visit in order to understand them and the clash of two civilisations, with one’s temple built atop the other in a very unsubtle metaphor for conquest.

#2. San Blas Neigbourhood ​

The “San Blas neighborhood ” is the heart of the city of Cusco; each one of its streets, loaded with the energy of the people who visit it, reveal its fabulous history, some stops that should do if you pass through this neighborhood of artists and craftsmen, reveal in a graphic and artistic way the history and culture of one of the most incredible colonial cities that exist. The people who have been in this neighborhood say that San Blas at night, burns; people fall surrendered to the mysteries and energy of its stone streets. There are many restaurants and bars where you can eat, drink and enjoy great music and the company of people from all over the world.

#3. San Pedro Market

If you are only visiting Peru for a short time and looking to experience some of the authentic vibe, then we highly recommend that you make a beeline for this market and the streets surrounding it. If you’ve grown up, like us, in a place where stuff is purchased in a sanitized and strip-lighted supermarket, then this market alone will be an experience for all your senses.

Within a touristic city, markets like this have remained undeniably local.
Get a smoothie from the alley of identical smoothie ladies, marvel at the fresh produce, enjoy a great value lunch amongst the hubbub of locals, and brave the stench and stains of the butchers aisle. After you’re done, a walk up the hectic Tres Cruces street will offer some of your best insights into day-to-day life in Cusco as well.

Other Cusco markets to visit include daily Mercado Wanchaq and the Baratillo Market on Saturdays.

#4. Cristo Blanco

Cristo Blanco (White Christ) in Cusco was built in 1945 by a group of Christian Palestinians, out of gratitude to the city for having accepted them when they were seeking refuge in Cusco in 1945. The White Christ is located on a mountain and provides a nice view over the city of Cusco and its surroundings.

#5. Ovalo Pachacuteq

Monumento Inca Pachacutec (The Pachacutec Monument), is a 11.5 metres tall bronze statue set atop a 22.40 metre stone tower, about a 25 minute walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Arams. It was built in 1991, and formed part of a wider historical reflection leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Spanish Invasion of Peru.

The base of the monument houses a museum which honours Inca Pachacutec and takes visitors through the history of his empire, Tawantinsuyo. The second floor depicts the vancestral coming forth from the Earth of the first Incas, while the third shows how they transformed the Andean world. The fourth floor is about Pachacutec’s consolidation of power in Cusco, and his vision of the city (which was designed to resemble a puma). The fifth floor deals with his death, and immediate repercussions, while the sixth floor deals with his lasting legacy.

At the top of the tower, visitors can walk outside onto the viewing deck for 360 degree views across Cusco


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