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Spanish in Lima and Cusco. Spanish language courses in Peru
Cusco: Things
To See & Do In & Around Cusco
There
are many different things to see and do in and around Cusco,
Peru. The following information just highlights a few options.
Needless to say there are many other great things to see and
do.
The Plaza de Armas
The heart of any city or town in Cusco is
the Plaza de Armas. The Plaza de Armas in Cusco is an especially
beautiful square surrounded by some beautiful examples of
Spanish colonial architecture. Many of these building now
house bars, restaurants, shops and tour companies. Additionally
there are many locals selling some great hand made items.
The two most important buildings on the Plaza
de Armas is the Cathedral and the La Compañia Church.
Of the two the most interesting is the Cathedral. Take a tour
of walk around on your own. The Cathedral has some beautiful
architecture plus also contains some interesting artwork.
Around the Plaza de Armas you can walk down
some alleys and marvel at the stonework of the Incas. The
most famous alley is called Loretto, and both sides of the
alley have Inca stonework.
The Cathedral
Legend says that the Cathedral was constructed
on the site of the palace of the Inca ruler Viracocha. The
art collection inside is said to constitute some of the finest
examples of Spanish colonial art in South America.
Inside the work on the altar is rather impressive.
Constructed in a baroque style, this altar is made out of
pure silver.
Take your time to enjoy this architecture
masterpiece. You will not be disappointed.
The Koricancha
Just a few minutes walk from the Plaza de
Armas is the Santo Domingo Monastery. This monastery was build
on top of the Koricancha, which was the most important Inca
religious site in Cusco. The quality of Inca construction
was so good, that the Spaniards were unable to take it completely
down. As a result they simply built the monastery using the
foundations and many of the walls of the Inca site. This alone
makes the building an interesting one to visit.
Archaeological Museum
This museum is located in the Admiral's Palace,
a magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture. Currently
the museum contains a great collection of items from around
Peru. Some of the most interesting items include pieces from
Inca and pre-Inca groups from around Cusco and the Lake Titicaca
areas. Additionally you will find items from the Wari along
with some excellent examples of pottery and textiles. We recommend
stopping by this museum.
Outside Of Cusco
Ollantaytambo
The Sacred Valley of the Inca is a popular
destination for visitors to Cusco. At one end of the valley
lies the interesting Inca site of Ollantaytambo. Take some
time to stroll through this site. The Inca were famous for
their construction techniques, and the stonework at this site
is absolutely amazing. Additionally much of the original town
is in place. This means you can get a feel for what an Inca
town looked like.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological
site in South America. It is a must see. Not seeing Machu
Picchu is like going to Egypt and not seeing the pyramids.
The buildings in the site are well maintained and interesting
to stroll through. You can really get a feel for what an Inca
town must have looked like. It is however the location of
the ruins deep within the Andes that really makes this place
special. Located on the crest of a mountain, surrounded by
a river valley and then the Andes themselves makes Machu Picchu
an incredible place to visit.
Trains take visitors daily to this site.
Some of the more adventurous will hike the Inca Trail to get
to Machu Picchu.
Site
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