Cusco
Ancient Andean capital
Cusco, also spelled Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru that sits high in the Andes at over 11,000 feet elevation.
It served as the capital of the Inca Empire and remains rich with archaeological sites, including the nearby Machu Picchu.
Today Cusco is a major tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending Spanish colonial architecture with ancient Incan stonework.
The city functions as a gateway for travelers exploring Peru's mountainous interior.
Incan sanctuary in Peru
- SacsayhuamánIncan megalithic complex
- Inca TrailHistoric Andean hiking route
- TawantinsuyuQuechua name for realm
- MorayScottish administrative region
Cultural arm of UN
- World HeritageUNESCO-protected significant sites
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- hostelShared traveler lodging
porter · llama · alpaca · souvenir · textiles · pisco sour · ceviche
Originating in a region
Bishop's principal church
- Spanish conquestIberian imperial expansion westward
- PizarroConquistador of Peru
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- Santo DomingoDominican Republic capital
cobblestones · archways · balconies · monasteries · churches
Andean national seat
- La PazBolivia's administrative capital
- LhasaTibet's administrative center
- BogotáColombia's capital city
- acclimatizationAdjusting to new conditions
Machu Picchu
Incan sanctuary in Peru
- SacsayhuamánIncan megalithic complex
- Inca TrailHistoric Andean hiking route
- TawantinsuyuQuechua name for realm
UNESCO
Cultural arm of UN
- World HeritageUNESCO-protected significant sites
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
hostel · porter · llama · alpaca · souvenir · textiles · pisco sour · ceviche
indigenous
Originating in a region
cathedral
Bishop's principal church
- Spanish conquestIberian imperial expansion westward
- PizarroConquistador of Peru
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
Santo Domingo · cobblestones · archways · balconies · monasteries · churches
Quito
Andean national seat
- Inca cultureMachu Picchu, quipu, sun worship, terrace farming, chicha
- highland settlementsalpine village, mountain town, hill station, Appalachian town, Lhasa
- Latin American TownsOaxaca, Cartagena, Medellin, Antigua, Tulum
- Peru PlacesLima, Trujillo
- Hispanic WorldSpain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru
- Latin AmericaArgentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Cuba