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CUSCO |
| *Location,
Altitude, Area and Population
*Brief Historical Outline
*Tourist Attractions
*Climate, Weather and Seasonal Information
*Routes and Means of Access
*Typical and Local Cuisine
*Calendar of Festivities and Tourist Events
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| LOCATION,
ALTITUDE, AREA AND POPULATION |
The
Department of Cusco is located in the southeastern area of Peru and
comprises sections of highland, midland and jungle environments. It
covers an area of 84,140.89 Km2 and has a population of 1,150,000
inhabitants. It is bordered on the north by the Department of Ucayali,
on the east by Madre de Dios, on the southeast and south by Puno and
Arequipa, on the west by Apurimac and Ayacucho and on the northeast
by Junín. The Departmental Capital is the city of Cusco, ancient
capital of the Inca Empire, situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters
above sea level, with an population of approximately 360,000 inhabitants
and known as the archaeological capital of America. Up |
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| HISTORICAL
OUTLINE |
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The
city of Cusco was apparently founded between the XI and XII centuries
by Manco Capac, Ancestor and Chief of the Inca who, according to some
myths, emerged from Lake Titicaca and –according to others-
from a cave some distance away from Cusco. After the establishment
of the Incas in Cusco, it became in time the governmental center of
the four administrative regions –Suyus- that the Inca Empire
was divided into. This vast dominion extended over the present day
territories of southern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and northern
Argentina and Chile. The Inca Empire constituted a well-organized
and structured society. Research and studies have shown the high degree
of knowledge of architecture, hydraulic engineering, medicine and
agriculture that these people possessed. The city was occupied without
resistance by the Spanish Conquistadors. On March 23rd of the year
1534, the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded –atop
the preexisting Inca city- the Spanish City of Cusco -at that time
named Santiago del Cusco- and divided the totality of the urban real
estate and personal property of the inhabitants among his followers
and himself. Soon afterwards, a major rebellion broke out in which
Cusco and the occupying Spaniard usurpers were subjected to an extended
siege. The Spanish eventually triumphed and, with the exception of
a pocket of surviving Inca rebels in Vilcabamba, all local resistance
ceased.
There ensued a period of approximately 250 years during which took
place a great biological and cultural mixture and syncretism, with
interesting and far reaching consequences and results in art, architecture,
literature and music (among others.) In the latter XVIII century,
another series of major native-based rebellions against Spanish rule
took place, the most famous being that one led by Jose Gabriel Condorcanqui
Tupac Amaru II, direct lineal descendant of the last Incas which,
after much bloodshed and cruelty, was eventually suppressed by the
Spanish authorities. When final Independence from Spain was secured
in 1824 –with the collaboration of the local born society of
Spanish descent, who thus assured itself a predominant role and control
in the new Republican government- Cusco enjoyed a momentary period
of resurgence. This lasted briefly, and from the mid XIX century until
the advent of the XX century, Cusco sank into a lethargic state accompanied
by a profound cultural and economic depression. This was further aggravated
by periodic endemic epidemics of yellow fever and typhoid, reducing
the overall population to almost 10% of its former numbers (25,000
vs. 300,000 people) and the native rural Indian population to less
than that.
The arrival of the XX century brought significant changes. The Arequipa-Juliaca
railroad finally reached Cusco, the rubber and wool industries gave
the local economy a boost and the discovery in July of 1911 of the
monumental Ruins of the lost city of Macchu Picchu by Yale Professor
Hiram Bingham definitely projected Cusco back into a position of worldwide
renown. At the internal level, the designation of Philadelphia-born
Prof. Albert Giesecke as Dean of the University of Cusco in 1909 radically
altered the medieval standards of local education and catapulted it
to the forefront of educational modernism, the creation of a modern
archaeological and anthropological native born professional elite,
museums, cultural institutions, etc.
Today, in the dawning years of the XXI century, Cusco –considered
as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere-
is the main tourist center of Peru, proclaimed a Worldwide Human Cultural
Patrimony by UNESCO; as well as an important economic regional center
of Southeastern Peru. But beyond its rich past, thriving present and
promising future, Cusco is symbolic and synonymous with all that is
eternal in mankind: in its dogged preservation and maintenance of
tradition, language and customs; yet without refusal or denial of
the new and the future. Cusco is above all, a symbol of human endurance,
survival and coexistence. Up |
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TOURÍST
ATTRACTIONS
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ATTRACTIONS
IN-TOWN AND NEIGHBORING AREAS |
Plaza
de Armas
Located in the heart of the city of Cusco. Known in Inca times as
Huacaypata (“the place of lament”. Tradition relates
that it was designed by Cusco’s founder, Manco Capac, as the
symbolic center of the empire. There, the rebel leader Tupac Amaru
and his wife Micaela Bastidas were executed by the Spanish in 1781
before the eyes of their children. In present times, it is surrounded
by tourist shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Barrio
de San Blas-The Neighborhood of San Blas Located four blocks
away from the Plaza de Armas, this is most picturesque neighborhood
in Cusco. In it are found the workshops of all the leading artisans
of Cusco, such as Mendívil, Olave and Mérida. It has
recently undergone restoration. It possesses small plazas, winding
streets and a very beautiful church.
Qoricancha
or Sun Temple Located two blocks south of the Plaza de
Armas. The great temple of Qoricancha was erected during the reign
of the Inca Pachacutec. Inside were life sized statues of men and
animals made of gold and silver. These were either melted by the
conquistadors or sent to Spain. In present times it is visited by
thousands of tourists.
Churches
and Convents The most important are the Cathedral, San
Francisco, Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina, San Pedro, Santa Clara,
La Compañía, San Cristóbal, Belén de
Los Reyes, and La Merced. In this last one is kept the famous monstrance,
made in 1720), which weighs 22 kilos and has 1805 diamonds and another
615 precious stones among which are rubies, topazes and emeralds,
set in it.
The
Cathedral: Situated overlooking the Plaza de Armas, erected
on an artificially elevated platform, once the site of a major Inca
Site. The construction was begun in the year 1560 and completed
in 1669.
Sacsayhuamán:
Located at 3600 meters of altitude and 3 km. from the center of
town, this temple complex-turned-military fortress is strategically
situated on a hill overlooking Cusco. The annual festivity of Inti
Raymi is held there on July 24th of each year. It is conformed of
three superimposed sets of zigzagging walls made of gigantic blocks
of stone some of which are 9 meters high, 5 meters wide and weigh
350 tons. The construction involved 20,000 men and took about 50
years to accomplish.
Tambomachay
Located 6 km. from Cusco. And is also known as the Baths of the
Inca. Streams of water cascade through ducts and fountains. It is
presumed that it was devoted to the cult of water.
Puca
Pucara Located close by Tambo Machay. This is a military
fortification with terraces, stairways, passageways, lookout towers.
Along with Sacsayhuaman it came to form part of Cusco’s defense
system. Its name signifies, in Quechua, “the Red Fortress”,
due to the reddish color of the stonework.
Qenqo
Located 4 kilometers northeast of Cusco. It is reputed to have been
an Inca worship site dedicated to the cult of the mother earth.
It is a buttress of limestone upon which have been carved and sculpted
totemic and sacred animal figures, such as the puma. Also, there
are passageways and niches carved inside the rock formation and
a semi circular amphitheater. Surrounding part of its outer perimeter.
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| TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN MACHU PICCHU |
MachuPicchu
(Aguas Calientes):
Located 110 km. from Cusco, this riverside town bears the name of
the nearby world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu. This
village, as its name indicates, also possesses hot springs, with
an average temperature of 42°C, the waters have medicinal properties
and are recommended for treatment of rheumatic ailments. The only
access route to Aguas Calientes is via one of the various train
services between Cusco and Machu Picchu, trip involving about 4
hours of travel. Aguas Calientes possesses numerous hotels and restaurants.
The ruins of Machu Picchu are accessible via bus.
Machu
Picchu Ruins: This celebrated archaeological site was discovered
by Yale Professor Hiram Bingham in July of 1911. It has been catalogued
as World Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO. It lies at an altitude of
2,400 meters above sea level, in the province of Urubamba. Machu
Picchu is a citadel enveloped in mystery, since archaeologists have
not managed to decipher its history and meaning of this kilometer
long city, erected by the Incas in a geographical area filled with
natural wonders, where the highland and jungle come together. Among
the principal features in the citadel can be mentioned:
The
Agricultural Sector: Surrounded by a succession of terraces
of different types and dimensions, which fulfilled two functions:
agriculture and prevention of rain erosion.
The
Urban Sector: It contains the mayor architectural elements
in the city. Here can be observed the talent, dedication and quality
of work of the pre-Hispanic craftsmen and masons. The constructions
are mainly of granite.
The
Upper Cemetery: destined for the interment of priests and
nobles. Close by are found niches where offerings for the dead were
placed.
The
Sun Temple: Semi-circular construction upon a massive rock
outcropping. In this building are seen two trapezoidal windows which
are once thought to have been embedded with gold and precious stones.
The
Intiwatana: Located on an elevation composed of terraces
and platforms that can be reached after climbing a 78 step finely
carved stairway. The Intiwatana fulfilled a calendrical function:
that of measuring time periods (solstices and equinoxes) through
the effects of light and shadow upon the altar. It was, in effect,
a sun dial.
The
Main temple: Located north of the sacred Plaza, close to
the temple of the Three Windows.
The Plazas: These are four, placed in different levels, but all
characterized by showing rectangular forms of classic Inca style,
linked by stone steps embedded into the lateral walls of the terracing.
Huayna
Picchu: “The Young Mountain”, lying at the
northwestern end of the city. The top is reached following a long
and difficult stairway. On the summit there is a small temple from
where an impressive view of the city can be appreciated.
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TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
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El
Valle Sagrado-The Sacred Valley: This has become one of the
main tourist centers in Peru. Along with possessing a great historical
richness, the Urubamba River Region offer an infinity of possibilities
for tourist activities. hikes, thermal springs, river rafting, kayaking,
hangliding, horseback riding, mountaineering, etc.
Pisaq. An important archaeological complex located 32 km. northwest of Cusco
at an altitude of 2,950 meters above sea level. Several hundred meters
below it lies the Spanish colonial town of the same name. The “Inca”
Pisaq is one of the monumental remains of greatest beauty in the entire
valley and must have been, in its day, a place of great importance.
It is surrounded by spectacular scenery and the quality of its stonework
is unequalled except for some of the finer constructions in Cusco
and Machu Picchu. It is also a favorite visiting place for tourists
because of its colonial Church and its traditional Indian Sunday Market.
Ollantaytambo.
Located at the opposite end of the valley, 80 kilometers from Cusco
and lying at an altitude of 2,750 meters above sea level. This is
a place unique in that the archaeological site and the contemporary
town are all one and mixed together. The archaeological complex of
Ollantaytambo was a military, agricultural and religious administrative
Inca center. It was also once a rival city of Cusco until defeated
and conquered by the latter. Some of the constructions are megalithic
in structure. The population continues to dwell within the large stone
enclosures that their ancestors did. The thatched roofing has been
replaced by clay tiles but al else remains very much the same. The
streets maintain their original Inca denominations but there is also
electricity and running water.
Chinchero.
Located 30 km. north of Cusco, lying at an altitude of 3,762 meters
above sea level, accessible via a paved roadway. This is a town of
Inca origin. The prominent view from it is that of the snow capped
peak of Chicón (5,750 meters above sea level) which lies on
the opposite side of the Urubamba Canyon. The name is thought to originate
from the Quechua word “Sinchi”, meaning “strong
man”, or “warrior.” Chinchero possesses a rich cultural
heritage. It preserves the original Inca urban layout and pattern
of streets and plazas. It also has a beautiful colonial Church built
upon the original foundations of an Inca Palace and boasts a very
colorful Sunday market where the native inhabitants from the surrounding
countryside gather bringing their handicrafts and produce for sale
or barter.
Maras
y Las Salineras de Maras y Moray-Maras, The Salt Mines and
Moray: Located 37 km. north of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,600 meters
lies the Colonial Town of Maras. Once a place of considerable importance,
as attested by its elaborately carved doorways and lintels bearing
noble escutcheons and arms. It was renowned for the fineness of its
stone masons as well as for the salt mines lying a few kilometers
below it, exploited since pre-Inca times. A few kilometers beyond
Maras lies the archaeological site of moray, unique for its circular
amphitheaters of terracing, thought to once have been an agricultural
experimental site used by the Incas to develop improved strains of
crops. |
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| TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN THE SOUTHERN SECTOR |
Andahuaylillas Located 35 km. southeast of Cusco,
at an altitude of 3,198 meters above sea level. Perfectly preserved
Colonial Village with a grandly decorated XVII Church, surnamed
the ”Sistine Chapel of the Andes”.
Pickillacta.
Located 45 km. southeast of Cusco, at 3350 meters above sea level,
it is the only proven major pre-Inca archaeological site in the
area. It was once an administrative center of the Wari civilization
(700 A.D.). It is roughly rectangular and spreads over a 63-hectare
surface of a broad hill slope. Surrounded by very high walls, it
possesses many buildings, streets and great quantity of storehouses.
Raqchi.
Continuing along the southeastern route from Cusco, on kilometer
125 of the Cusco-Puno highway lies the village of Raqchi, at an
altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. Evidence indicates that
Raqchi was a town composed of multiple constructions intended for
a multiplicity of uses: canchas (enclosures), wayranas (buildings
with three walls), qolqas (storehouses), and various niches, water
fountains and worship sites. It was probably an important stopping
point on the road to the southern sector of the empire, known as
Collasuyo. The remains of the great temple of Wiracocha are considered
the main archaeological remain in the Raqchi complex
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TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CORDILLERA VILCABAMBA |
Choquequirao.
Spectacular, distant, solitary and forgotten. Choquequirao lies at
an altitude of 3,085 meters above sea level, atop a rock outcropping
overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Apurimac River, within the Province
of La Convención in the Department of Cusco. Three physical
characteristics of the its location and surrounding environment contributed
to its becoming for over 40 years into the last stronghold and bastion
of Inca resistance, long after the Spanish had already taken full
possession of Cusco and most of Peru, following the unsuccessful rebellion
of 1536. Judging by its two storied residences, its many aqueducts,
water conduits, fountains and admirable “flowering” terraces,
Choquequirao was probably built during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec
in the XV century and is comparable only to Machu Picchu. Choquequirao
is divided into nine sectors and the stone structures cluster into
small neighborhoods. Upon its main plaza is found the principal temple
and the residences of the nobility. Researchers have concluded that
Choquequirao represented a mayor religious, political and economic
center, as well as a commercial link between jungle, highland and
coast. The true greatness of Choquequirao is yet to be revealed, for
only 30% of the 1,810 hectares that the complex encompasses, have
so far been uncovered from the dense vegetation that has covered it
for centuries. The archaeological and historical value of Choquequirao
(from the Quechua “Chuki” –Gold, and Quirao –
Cradle) is complemented by its magnificent natural setting with a
biodiversity of its own, including relatively close contact and views
of species like the Andean Condor and the seldom seen Spectacled Bear.
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CLIMATE,
WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION |
There
are two clearly marked seasons. The Rainy and the Dry. The rainy Season
lasts from November to mid April. The Dry season thereon. In the highlands
the Mean annual temperature is 11° C and in the jungle over 25°C.
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| ROUTES
AND MEANS OF ACCESS |
OVERLAND:
FROM LIMA. There are two routes to reach the City of Cusco:
1) Lima- Arequipa - Cusco (1494 Km.) with a duration of approximately
24 hours by car; and, 2) Lima-Nazca-Puquio-Abancay-Cuzco (1105km)
with a duration of 18-20 horas.
AIR TRAVEL: are daily flights between Lima and
Cusco (1 hour). There are also flight to and from Arequipa and Puerto
Maldonado (30 minutes). Up
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| TYPICAL
AND LOCAL CUISINE |
In
a city so full of traditions as Cusco, the cuisine is a great part of
the tourist atmosphere. Among the better known specialties there are
the Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed hot pepper, with peanuts, green beans, a
boiled egg and baked potatoes.): the Puchero (a soup based on mutton
shank and head, bacon and currants along with cabbage, beans and rice).
Other dishes include Guinea pig, Cheese Pepián and the ubiquitous
Adobo de Chancho. For drinking, nothing better than the local Cerveza
cuzqueña, Chicha de Jora and Sugar Cane Spirits (Aguardiente). UP |
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CALENDAR
OF FESTIVITIES AND TOURIST EVENTS |
January
20th. Chiaraje. An ancestral male initiation and prowess
ritual to determine the strongest and the ablest. Held between various
villages in the highland sectors.
June
1st Corpus Christi
June
18th and 19th. Festivity of Qoyllur Rit’i
June
24th Inti Raymi, the ancestral festivity of the Sun.
July
15th and 16th: The Festivity of the Virgen del Carmen (Mamacha
Carmen) in Paucartambo. In honor of the Patroness of the Village
of Paucartambo
November
1st and 2nd: All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day. As
throughout all of Peru, families visit their dead relatives in the
cemeteries bringing with them specially baked bred loaves (Guaguas)
in the shape of dolls representing babies.
December
24th Santuranticuy A popular fair where artisans from various
regions display and sell their work. Up
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