Cusco City Tour: Best places to visit on foot
Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. A city tour is a great way to see the main sights of Cusco and learn about its history and culture. The tour includes a visit to the main square or Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun known as Qoricancha, and the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. By taking a city tour you will also have the opportunity to walk through the narrow streets of the old city and visit the traditional markets.
The best places to meet people in Cusco are the main square and the traditional markets. The square is the center of city life, where you can watch the locals doing their daily business and see the beautiful colonial architecture of churches and other buildings. The markets are a great place to buy souvenirs and try traditional Peruvian food. You can also find handcrafted goods, such as textiles, jewelry and pottery.
Cusco’s Main Square
The main square of Cusco, Peru, is a beautiful historical place. The square, officially known as Plaza de Armas, has been the center of the city since Inca times. It is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in Cusco, such as the Cathedral and the Palace of the Governors.
The plaza was originally built by the Incas and has suffered several changes over the centuries. In the early 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors built a fountain. In the 19th century, it was redesigned to resemble a European-style plaza. Today, the Plaza de Armas is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and it is the perfect place to enjoy the sights of Cusco and immerse yourself in the city’s history.
Cusco Cathedral
The Cusco Cathedral is a colonial building located in the city right in front of the Plaza de Armas. It was built in the 16th century on the site of the former Inca palace of Viracocha. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco.
The cathedral is a mix of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It has a Latin cross floor plan with a nave and two aisles. The façade of the Cathedral is ornately decorated with carved stone and stucco. The interior of the Cathedral is decorated with richly painted wooden altars and a large pipe organ. It has a lot of historical and architectural significance and it is one of the oldest Cathedrals in America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coricancha or Temple of the Sun
Qoricancha is a temple located in the historical center of Cusco. It was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and was dedicated to worship the sun god Inti. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the city and is a very popular tourist destination once you are in Cusco.
The temple was constructed by applying techniques that are unique to the Inca civilization. The walls were made of stone and adobe bricks and were decorated with gold. The roof was made of thatch and had an opening in the center that allowed the sun to shine through. The temple was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century and was rebuilt as a Catholic church. Today, this beautiful place is open to visitors so they can see the remains of the Inca temple as well as the colonial church.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is an Incan ruin located just outside of Cusco, Peru. It is a large complex made up of enormous stone walls, some of which are over 30 feet high and weigh over 200 tons. The stones were cut and fitted together without the use of mortar, and the complex was built in the 15th century.
Sacsayhuaman was the site of the Incan emperor Pachacuti’s defeat of the Chankas, and it was also the site of a battle between the Spanish and the Incas in the 16th century. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include several courtyards, temples, and towers.As its name states, the twelve-angled stone is a stone block of the Inca culture that has twelve angles. It’s part of a palace located on Hatun Rumiyoq street, in the city of Cuzco and it’s known for its great finish and perfect borders, typical of Inca architecture and currently considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru. The stone is part of the headquarters of the Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco, which was previously the residence of Inca Roca, the sixth sovereign of the Curacazgo of Cuzco.
As its name states, the twelve-angled stone is a stone block of the Inca culture that has twelve angles. It’s part of a palace located on Hatun Rumiyoq street, in the city of Cuzco and it’s known for its great finish and perfect borders, typical of Inca architecture and currently considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru. The stone is part of the headquarters of the Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco, which was previously the residence of Inca Roca, the sixth sovereign of the Curacazgo of Cuzco.
The stone is constantly visited because it is a great example of Inca knowledge in construction. The stone is believed to have been cut and shaped using only stone tools. It is an incredible feat of engineering and a testimony to the skill of the Inca stonemasons. There are other stones with the same or more vertices but the stone of the 12 angles is the most famous.
San Blas Market
San Blas Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cusco. Every day, thousands of people visit the market to buy souvenirs, try local food, and find unique gifts. The market is located in the historic center of Cusco, near the Plaza de Armas. Visitors can find a wide variety of goods for sale, including traditional Peruvian textiles, jewelry, and pottery. Many of the vendors at San Blas Market are from indigenous communities, and the market is a great place to learn about Peruvian culture and find authentic handmade goods.
These are just a few of the incredible places you can visit in Cusco by foot. The Imperial City is filled with history and you can find many great sights in it. On your next visit to Cusco, you can enjoy our package Machu Picchu and a Cusco City Tour, and get to know the best of Cusco.
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