Here are my good tips for visiting Cuzco in 2 days (We ourselves spent 3 days there but 2 would have been enough for us, it all depends on what you are looking for!). Cusco is the third largest metropolis on our trip after Lima and Arequipa. We immediately feel good in this very lively, very touristy city. It is an ideal stop before reaching the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu .
We find civilization again but a little too much for our taste. I already miss the calm of the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Here it is the happiness of shopping lovers. It's impossible not to find souvenirs to bring back: Small tourist items of all kinds or very pretty alpaca (and baby alpaca) sweaters but at unattractive prices.
You will also have the choice between numerous bars and restaurants of all categories. We ate very well (see some addresses of restaurants in Cuzco below). The rich architectural heritage is one of the great attractions of Cuzco: Between the former Inca capital and the beautiful colonial city of the Hispanic era, its past is revealed throughout the city.
To visit in Cusco
The Inca walls
Former capital of the Inca empire on which it was rebuilt, the city is full of vestiges of this era. In each street we can clearly see the ancient Inca walls which have become the basis of modern constructions.
The Plaza de Armas
The funny thing is that in Peru, the main square of every town and village is called the same thing. Cusco is no exception!
city's
entertainment are concentrated Bars and restaurants occupy the 1st floor of the buildings. We have a breathtaking view to contemplate the cathedral and the hubbub of the city while sipping a coffee. I could stay there for hours!
The cathedral
Built upon the arrival of Pizzaro to show the omnipotence of the Catholic religion, it is built with stones taken from the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman.
Some beautiful paintings are to be discovered.
Company of Jesus
Don't miss the visit to the immense and imposing altarpiece in wood and gold in baroque style. It measures more than 20m high.
Qoricancha: the temple of the sun
Today it is rather the Santo Domingo convent that you are visiting.
The Spanish razed the temple (one of the most sacred places in the Inca Empire) and used it as the foundations once again for the convent.
You can clearly see the Inca remains when visiting the building (foundation and some rooms of the temple). At the entrance, an exhibition room presents the history of the building and gives details on the Inca civilization.
San Blas
It is a peaceful neighborhood located on one of the hills above the Plaza de Armas. However, it is very close to the bustling hustle and bustle of the city center. I found a lot of charm in its little sloping streets (more or less gentle!) with colorful murals, flowered ... It's also the ideal place to find craft shops, trendy cafes ... It's enough to get lost there to make great discoveries. Don't also miss the covered market, much smaller than the large central market but much more authentic.
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
General Presentation
Accessible on foot in 30 minutes via the alleys that climb above the San Blas , it is an unmissable site for anyone interested in Inca civilization. Some believe that the city of Cusco was built in the shape of a puma with the fortress as its head. The site, which overlooks the city of Cusco, was built by the famous Inca Pachacutec . It consists of 2 hills:
- the fortress itself with its 3 rows of zigzag walls at the top of which were 3 towers.
- The hill identified as the throne of the Inca.
- The open space between these 2 hills which was to be used for different religious events.
The Visit
mystical place , which still retains certain mysteries. I advise you, to not miss anything of the visit, to take a guide at the entrance to the site (but unfortunately most only speak Spanish). The explanations about the origin of this sacred place are extremely interesting and make this place even more extraordinary. It is the gigantic stones forming the surrounding walls of the fortress which impress when you arrive at the site.
Some measure more than 5m high and weigh several hundred kilos. Like the base of the ancient walls of Cuzco's houses, each stone is cut to fit with those around it. There is not a space and no cement. Historians and scientists are still trying to solve the riddle of its construction. It’s a real feat in any case and we feel very small at the foot of these walls.
To learn more about the full story of Sacsayhuaman, take a look at Jessica Bontemps' website .
Before leaving, don't miss the panoramic view of the city and Christ located not far away.
Machu Picchu Museum
It is a small museum in a very beautiful colonial house which is worth the visit alone. We walk through around ten rooms spread over 2 floors with lots of explanations on the geography of the Machu Picchu and the daily life of the Incas.
Everything is very well documented with films and objects found during the excavations. It's a very good introduction before leaving for Aguas caliente.
I particularly liked, in one of the rooms, black and white photos of the discovery of Machu Picchu: Hiram Bingham , explorer who discovered the site in 1911, posing proudly in front of the ruins in the jungle.
In practice
The San Pedro market:
This is the place not to be missed if you want to eat cheap and local: Sit down at one of the many food stands, sharing a bench with the Peruvians who are having lunch. Very nice. We tasted chicken soup and papas rellenas (typical dish: potato croquette stuffed with minced meat and onions)
Chocolate Museum
It's not to be missed either... even if it's more of a shop than a museum but many tastings are possible and you will find very good chocolate to bring back and some alcoholic drinks (taste the pisco macerated with cocoa beans). cocoa or chili pepper).
Where to sleep in Cusco?
For the hotel, I don't really have a favorite address but the San Blas district is in my opinion preferred: 5 minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas, there is nevertheless a lot of calm in these decorated streets many murals and dotted with very nice little shops and cafes.
Where to eat in Cusco?
Patchapapa : our favorite address in Cusco where we have returned several times. We eat in a large covered courtyard and in the evening the soft lighting and the harp player give this place a very pleasant atmosphere. We enjoy typical Peruvian dishes very well cooked….and I still remember their delicious Pisco sours!
For more details, you can consult the general article on this trip !
