Cusco

Yauri

Santiago

Wanchaq

Sicuani

Santa Ana

Calca

Urubamba

Pangoa

Anta

Urcos

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built during the 15th century and is considered one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world.

The site is located on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley and was abandoned after the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. It was not rediscovered until 1911, when American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it while searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba.

Machu Picchu is divided into two main sections: the agricultural and urban sectors. The agricultural sector is made up of terraced fields and irrigation canals that were used to grow crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The urban sector is made up of temples, palaces, and houses that were built from large stone blocks that were carved to fit together perfectly without the use of mortar.

Some of the most notable structures at Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have served as a solar clock or calendar.

Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is visited by millions of tourists every year. Its remote location and the mystery surrounding its purpose and abandonment have made it a fascinating and enduring symbol of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a natural geological formation located in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It is known for its vibrant colors, which include shades of red, green, yellow, and blue, and is considered a sacred site by the local indigenous people. The Rainbow Mountain is located in the Cusco region and can be reached after a challenging hike from the nearby town of Cusco. The hike takes about 5-6 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, as well as the colorful Rainbow Mountain itself. The Rainbow Mountain has become a popular tourist destination in recent years and is considered one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the world.

Rainbow mountain (Vinicunca)

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, commonly known as the Cusco Cathedral, dominates the Plaza de Armas in the historic heart of Cusco, Peru. With its grand façade, richly decorated chapels, and impressive collection of colonial art, it is both a religious sanctuary and a cultural treasure. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the historic center of Cusco, the cathedral is one of the most important monuments in the Andes.

Construction began in 1559 on the foundations of the Inca palace of Viracocha, symbolizing the blending—and often tension—between Inca and Spanish cultures. It took nearly a century to complete, finally consecrated in 1654. Built primarily from red sandstone sourced from the nearby Sacsayhuamán fortress, the cathedral reflects Spanish Renaissance architecture with Gothic and Baroque influences. It also incorporates indigenous artistry, making it a fusion of cultures.

Interesting Facts
- The cathedral consists of three churches: the main Cathedral, El Triunfo (the first Christian church built in Cusco), and La Sagrada Familia.
- Inside, it houses an extraordinary collection of colonial religious art, including works from the famous Cusco School of Art, where indigenous painters incorporated Andean themes into Catholic iconography.
- One of the most notable works is Marcos Zapata’s Last Supper, which uniquely depicts Christ and the Apostles dining on cuy (guinea pig), a traditional Andean dish.
- The cathedral’s main altar, covered in silver, and its massive cedar choir stalls, intricately carved, are highlights of the interior.
- A significant artifact is the black Christ of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores), Cusco’s patron saint, believed to have stopped a devastating earthquake in 1650.

Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for quiet reflection, or during mass for a spiritual experience.
- Tickets: Entry usually requires a Boleto Religioso (Religious Ticket), which includes access to nearby churches.
- Photography Tip: Exterior shots are best taken from the Plaza de Armas, especially at night when the cathedral is beautifully lit. Interior photography is often restricted.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with a stroll through Plaza de Armas, the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), and Cusco’s winding colonial streets.
- Cultural Note: The cathedral plays a central role during Corpus Christi, one of Cusco’s grandest festivals.

Cusco Cathedral

Salineras de Maras, also known as the Maras Salt Mines, is a historic salt-extraction site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco Region, Peru. The salt mines consist of a series of pools fed by a natural spring, which is believed to have been used by the Incas for salt production as early as the 13th century. Today, the site is still in use and operated by local families who extract salt using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors to the Salineras de Maras can observe the salt-extraction process and purchase locally-made salt products. The site is also known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by the Andes mountains, and is often included in tours of the Sacred Valley.

Salineras de Maras

Moray is an Incan archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 50 km northwest of the city of Cusco. It is a unique and impressive complex of circular terraces, believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas.

The terraces at Moray are built into a natural depression in the earth, and they are concentric, with the largest terrace measuring about 150 meters in diameter and the smallest only 30 meters. The terraces were built to take advantage of microclimates created by the varying temperatures and exposure to the sun, with the temperature at the bottom of the terraces being about 15 degrees Celsius higher than the top terrace. It is thought that the Incas used the terraces to study the effects of different environmental conditions on crops, such as potatoes, maize and quinoa.

The site also includes a complex system of drainage channels that prevented water from accumulating on the terraces during the rainy season, which allowed the Incas to conduct experiments year-round. The terraces at Moray are a testament to the Inca's engineering prowess and their advanced understanding of agriculture.

Today, Moray is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to appreciate the Inca's impressive work and the stunning views of the surrounding Andean Mountains.

Cuzco Department

Cities in Cuzco Department