The city of Cusco was once known as the foremost city in the Inca empire and it remains the oldest inhabited city in the continent. Few people will visit Peru without stopping to visit this historical city. Cusco finds its home in the Southeastern part of Peru and is located close to the Urubamba Valley in the gorgeous Andes Mountains range. The city's population has more than trippled in the past 20 years. People just seem to be drawn to the mystery here and can't bring themselves to ever leave.
Cusco was once ruled by the Inca but today it is a home to tourism. The Inca empire was essentially the city of Cusco and there are those that believe that the creation of the city was planned to be an effigy that found itself shaped like a puma which they believe to be a sacred animal. Enormous Inca-built walls fall along narrow cobblestone streets and come together to form the foundations of buildings, old and new. Ancient treasures are guarded inside churches and mansions here under tight eye. The city is called the archeological capital due to the fact there is not another place in the continent that you can tour ruins of incredible culture and history.
Spaniards came to the area in November of 1533 and gave the Inca empire the name of Cusco. Many buildings there have been built after the invasion of Hispanics and have a remarkable influence of Spanish and Inca architecture balanced together. These building are a must see for anyone with an appreciation of architectural history.
Cusco not only offers magnificent temples and old ruins but also beautiful landscape and an interesting mix of people. This is the cultural capital of the continent. For those that love history, this city is a tourist destination that you must see. It is even more than just a great historical city though. For people that love adventure, the Inca Trail has some of the best trekking around. The city offers hang gliding through the gorgeous mountains and rafting or kayaking on the mighty Urubamba river. If that is not enough, there is also plenty of horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and plenty of paragliding.
The city is a tourist destination that welcomes in over one million visitors per year. Cusco has a dry season lasting from April until October and the wet season lasts from November through March. It does frost and hail here occasionally but it has not snowed since June of 1911. It is also interesting to note that Cusco is the one spot on earth where the ultraviolet light is at its highest level.
Whether you are going to Cusco to travel through ruins and temples, learn about the Inca Empire or want to participate in some of the city's wonderful outdoor adventure, you will not be disappointed . The people will welcome you into their culture and into their homes and share their thoughts and wisdom on mythology. There is a reason over one million people per year visit this historical city and keep coming back for more.