Cusco historic capital of the Incas


Cusco (also spelled Cuzco, and in the local Quechua language as Qusqu IPA: ['qos.qo]) is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley) of the Andes mountain range. It's the capital of the Cusco Region as well as the Cusco Province. The city has a population of about 300,000, triple the figure of 20 years ago and it's altitude is around 3,300 m (10,800 ft). Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca empire.

Cuzco is surrounded by impressive archeological remains such as the citadel of Machu Picchu, the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Ollantaytambo compound and picturesque towns such as Pisaq, Calca and Yucay, which still preserve the traditions of their ancestors.

Just off the Plaza de Armas the narrow streets of Cusco
Other places to explore in the intriguing city of Cusco Peru include the Plaza de Armas. In Inca times it was not only the exact center of the empire but was twice as large as it is now. The plaza was surfaced with white sand mixed with shell, bits of gold, silver and coral. The church, La Compania, with its intricate interior, finely carved balconies and altars covered in gold leaf, was started in 1571 and took nearly 100 years to complete, in part due to the damage in the 1650 earthquake. A fine collection of art, which flourished from the 16th century through 18th centuries is found at the Museum of Religious Art on Calle Palacio. Once the palace of Roca Inca this now Moorish building has complicated carvings on its doors and balconies.

The San Blas area of Cusco is a good place to get away from the crowds. Hang out for a cup of coffee along with generously filled sandwiches or browse some of the small galleries and interesting shops. The small streets and pathways means no manic drivers so it's possible to take a leisurely stroll, unlike other parts of the town. I particularly enjoy this part of Cusco. It's got a pretty white church and a lot of small galleries and craft workshops, including several where you can watch the artists and craftspeople at work.

There is a very relaxing atmosphere in the square. It's worth the climb up the small streets to get there, although especially when first arriving, the high altitude might mean having to stop quite a few times along the way to catch your breath. But there are several interesting shops on the way, so take your time and look around.

Sacred Valley - 45 minutes from Cusco
Around 45 minute bus ride from The Sacred Valley of the Incas, is the Vilcanota/Urubamba River valley. It is located about 10 miles north of Cusco Peru, and extends northwest through Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This entire region, highlighted by Cusco, was the heart of the Inca civilization from the 14th to the 15th centuries, there are numerous impressive ruins. Many of the villagers in this valley live life today much the same as they did prior to the Spanish Conquest in 1532.

There are many interesting towns of Pisaq, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and and Chinchero. In every town you can find pre-Hispanic archaeological ruins, which were built by different Incas and, used as citadels or resting places. Perfect places to buy handmade goods.

Pisac


Located 30 km from the city of Cusco, approximately 45 minutes by bus. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays there are crafts fairs in the town's main square, with the participation of artisans from the town who maintain a constant productive activity throughout the year.
Busy and interesting market at Pisac in the Sacred Valley
Nine km from the town of Pisac, high in the mountains, you can find the home of people who live in the Andes in the midst of cultivated terraces and the Inca constructions containing 6 citadels. From this beautiful architecture you can view an entire history of the area.


Urubamba


Located 78km from Cusco via Pisaq and 57km via Chinchero, it's located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and is known as the "Pearl of the Vilcanota" with beautiful countrysides and a healthy climate, located at the foot of the majestic snow-capped peak Chicón.
Urubamba, the archaeological capital of Peru, has many possibilities for activities, especially adventure hikes because of its natural beauty. In the rain season there is an abundance of seasonal fruit. The area was also a pre-Hispanic agricultural center.


Chincheros


A former Inca agricultural center, this district of the province of Urubamba is made up of 10 "Ayllus" or indigenous communities. Located at 3,762 meters above sea level, Chinchero is 28 km down a modem highway from Cusco. It possesses a beautiful Andean landscape and is surrounded by the year-round snow capped peaks of Chicón, Wequey Willca, (commonly called Calle Puna Sillo or Veronica). The current town of Chinchero is a blend of Andean and Hispanic architecture and is also home to a unique archaeological complex, with the remains of buildings, places of worship, and terraces for crops.

Ollantaytambo


Is a very interesting town because they still keep the old ways of living, the amazing irrigation systems. Eeven though they have modern restaurant and hotels, all of them get their water supplies by this irrigation system. Up on the mountain you can see the gorgeous monolites made out of granito rosado or pink stone. Another feature of the town is the narrow roads drawn on a perfect straight lines and, just like old times, they still keep their acqueducts located on the middle of the road. All these streets have kept their Inca names and even the people from this town still dress on their old costums. It is located at 3025 metres above the sea level; the weather is dry and humid, depending on the seasons. The temperature varies between 11º and 16ºC


Trails of the Spirit facilitates Sketching Workshop Adventures in Peru and Ireland

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