Cusco

Cusco Region, Peru

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Cusco is the historic capital of the former Inca Empire and now the capital of the Cusco Region in southeastern Peru, sitting high in the Andes at about 3,400 meters above sea level.

It was developed by the Inca ruler Pachacutec into a highly organized ceremonial and administrative center laid out in the shape of a puma, with the main plaza at its heart, and later became a key colonial city where Spaniards built Baroque churches and mansions over Inca stone foundations.

Today Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mix of finely carved Inca walls, colorful colonial buildings, and vibrant Quechua‑Spanish culture, serving as the main gateway for visitors heading to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city has a cool, dry‑season climate, a lively center around the Plaza de Armas, and a strong local food scene, while also preserving traditional festivals, crafts, and indigenous Andean ways of life.