Cusco, Peru: Churches, Incan Ruins & More

Scenes of Cusco. Photos by Bruno Furnari and Amy Allcock.

Cusco (also spelled Cuzco or Qosqo) is a historic city in southeastern Peru, about an hour by air from Lima. It is situated in the Huatanay Valley ( the "Sacred Valley") of the Andes mountains, about 3,490 m (11,444 ft) above sea level. The city has a population of about 300 000, which is triple the population it contained just 20 years ago.

The gateway to the imperial city of Machu Picchu, Cusco is one of the undisputed highlights of South America. Cusco's beautiful natural setting, colorful festivals, sheer number of sights – unparalleled in Peru – and abundant (and affordable) tourist amenities make it the top destination in Peru and one of the most exciting places in South America.

Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco has a stately and historic city center filled with cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and building foundations laid by the Incas more than 500 years ago. All this history is enlivened by locals and the throngs of travelers who have made it a base for South American adventures.

	Cusco Map A detailed, interactive city map of Cusco.
	The Boleto Turistico Info on the "tourist ticket" that can save money on museums and attractions.
	Cusco Hotels Book the Cusco hotel of your choice at Expedia.
	Cusco Hotel Reviews Unbiased hotel reviews and price comparisons on hotels in Cusco.
	Cusco Travel Forum Travel advice and insider tips on Cusco from fellow travelers.

	Cusco Cathedral This splendid Baroque-style cathedral was built on the foundations of the palace of the Inca Wirachocha in Cusco. Construction began in 1550 using stones looted from the Sacsayhuamn fortress.
	Koricancha and Santo Domingo The combined sacred sites of Temple of the Sun at Koricancha (also Qoricancha or Qorickancha) and the Convent of Santo Domingo vividly illustrate ancient Andean culture's collision with Western Europe.
	La Compañía de Jesús Church The elegant Church of the Society of Jesus rivals the cathedral in grandeur. Like the cathedral, it was also built on the site of an important ancient palace, that of the Inca Huayna Cpac.
	La Merced Church and Convent Erected in 1536 and rebuilt in 1680 after the great earthquake, this Minor Basilica and convent has a beautiful facade, fine cloisters, and two famous conquistadors buried in the crypt.
	Museo de Arte Religioso Housed in a handsome colonial palace formerly belonging to the archbishop, the Museum of Religious Art contains a variety of colonial religious paintings.
	Museo Inka The main draw of this archaeological museum is its collection of Inca mummies. The museum is housed in a splendid colonial mansion, which was built over an Inca palace.
	San Blas Church This simple adobe church contains an ornate 17th-century pulpit considered one of the jewels of colonial art in the Americas. It is hewn from a single tree trunk and dominated by the triumphant figure of Christ.
	Santa Catalina Convent and Museum The Monasterio y Museo de Arte de Santa Catalina was built between 1601 and 1610 over the ruins of the ancient Acllawasi, the "House of the Sun Virgins." It has fine frescoes and a good collection of paintings.