Cusco is a magical city filled with history and beauty. From the stunning churches in the Plaza de Armas to the Incan ruins and the gorgeous landscape of the Sacred Valley, this is treasured spot that should not be missed.

Cusco Basic Facts
Area or Surface: 71,892 km².

Main Resources: corn, barley, quinoa, tea and coffee, gold.

Population: 1,097,000 inhabitants. The capital is Cusco and has approximately 300,000 inhabitants.

Number of Provinces and Districts: 13 provinces and 107 districts.

Date of Department Foundation: April 26, 1822.

Weather: The rainy season runs from May to September.

History
The fame achieved by archeological Cusco can be found well before the Inca Age. Cusco dates back about 1000 years before Christ when the Marcavalle culture was in force. From there, Chamepata began. The history of the contemporary culture of Pucara in Puno was lost until the Waris conquered the zone, including it in the Wari's Empire. After the Waris, the region re-established itself, first with the Killke Culture and then with the Incas.

In the past, Cusco represented the center of Incan civilization. It was the capital of the Andean state of Tahuantinsuyo. According to legend, it was founded by Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo between the 11th and 12th centuries. Later, due to an order by Spaniard Francisco Pizarro, this city was founded again in March 23, 1534.

Tourism
Cusco is considered to be the archaeological capital of America. It was nicknamed the "World's Navel" by the Incas. It is now the first cultural center of Peru and has been proclaimed as "Humankind's Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO.

Cusco's beauty and history make this a haven for tourists. Throughout the city there are important archaeological monuments like the Sacsayhuaman's Fortress, Kenko, Tambomachay's Baths, Pisac's terraces, and Ollantaytambo's Fortress. And of course we can't forget Machu Picchu, which was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and now known as "the Capital of America" or "Eternal City".

The large number of museums and churches has made Cusco the most important tourist area in Peru. The Inca Trail also offers an amazing look at the beauty of the terrain surrounding Machu Picchu.