Cuzco and The Sacred ValleyCuzco means 'Navel of the earth' in Quechua and was the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Located in the heart of the Andes, at 3400m, the city has a curious character. Its narrow cobbled streets, colonial architecture and friendly people are obvious, but it is the huge Inca walls of intricately laid stone that pay testimony to the civilisation that 500 years ago controlled most of the continent and today characterise Cuzco. The Spaniards attempted to eradicate every trace of the empire by dismantling Inca palaces and building on top of the foundation walls; when earthquakes shook the city however, the colonial walls came crashing down leaving the Inca stonework perfectly intact. Cuzco's Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful in the world with two dominant churches. The area surrounding Cuzco is rich in Inca and Pre-Inca ruins. The impressive Inca military architecture of Sacsayhuman, strategically zigzagging across a hill above Cuzco, Quenqo with its limestone formations and carvings depicting mythical beings, and Tambomachay, the Inca baths consisting of fine stonework, aqueducts, and waterfalls fed by hot and cold springs. The Sacred ValleyThe Urubamba valley, also known as the Sacred Valley, is a short distance away from Cuzco and has plenty to offer the visitor with its fertile soil, Inca sites, whitewater rivers, colourful markets and hiking trails. The small town of Pisac and its nearby ruins are of note, where the Amerindian market is one of the most colourful and interesting in South America, and the views over the valley from the ruins are spectacular. The ancient site of Ollyantaytambo is a vast complex comprising of huge, monolithic carved blocks and an irrigation system. Machu Picchu is the culmination of Inca sites in this most sacred of valleys. To fully appreciate the city and surrounding area a minimum of 4 days is needed. TO SEE AND DO IN CUZCOBelow are some of the attractions that Cuzco and the surrounding area have to offer giving you the choice of what you would like to see and do. In Cuzco The Cathedral: situated in the Plaza de Armas, construction began in 1560 and it was consecrated in 1669. A curious feature and reflecting Inca influence is the painting of the Last Supper with guinea pig as the main dish! Like Lima's Cathedral, it has had Gothic, Mannerist-Renaissance and Baroque influences. La Compania de Jesus: the second of Cuzco's churches situated in its Plaza de Armas, built in Baroque style over the palace of Inca Huayna Capac. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1650 it was rebuilt in renaissance style in 1668. Santa Domingo/Koricancha: this Dominican church and convent was built on the remarkable curved-wall foundations of the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun or place of gold), which was once covered in gold and was the principle Inca religious building in Cuzco, dedicated to the worship of the sun. La Merced: this building was almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1650. Its doorways are still in the Mannerist style. Inca Museum: built on Inca foundations its exhibits include, carved ceremonial goblets, weavings, mummies, silver and gold figurines, as well as Inca weapons and tools.Outside Cuzco Archaeological sites: in the immediate area surrounding Cuzco there are several fascinating ruins, the most popular are Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo and Tambomachay. All are accessible either by foot or a short taxi ride and can be combined into a half day guided visit. Urubamba Valley: also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas and just 45 minutes out of Cuzco, the Urubamba valley is an excellent location for short hikes, whitewater rafting (class III rapids) and horse riding. Pisac: a picturesque town and an important archaeological site, Pisac is the gateway to the Sacred Valley. It comprises of both the old and the new (from the colonial era). To reach the site requires an uphill walk through spectacular Inca terracing, whilst inside the site are splendid Inca walls, several lookout towers, a sundial, various enclosures and storage areas built of fine stonework. The town of Pisac is best known today for its outstanding market, where locals and gringos alike barter over goods. Ollantaytambo: a town of Inca origin. The design and foundations of the majority of its buildings date from the Inca era when it was a strategic military, religious and agricultural centre. It was, in addition, the dramatic staging post for an attempted, but ultimately unsuccessful rebellion by the Incas against the Spanish after they were first conquered.
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