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Pilgrimage to Lord of Huanca

Every year, on September 14, thousands of devotees from Peru and some countries such as Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile go on peregrination to the Santuary of Huanca to receive the blessing of the Lord of Huanca.

This is a religious annual pilgrimage to the Santuary of the Señor de Huanca. Many people walk to the Sanctuary, to ask for wishes to the Lord of Huanca. Often people will bring their new cars to be blessed. It is possible to walk there on six hours from Huaccoto or take buses from Coliseo Cerrado, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.

HISTORY OF SEÑOR DE HUANCA

In 1675, Diego Quispe who was an Indian escaped from the Yasos mine where he had suffered abuse. He hid from his master in a cave, and it is said that this place was illuminated by the presence of God. As soon as the priests of Our Lady of Mercy heard the story, they sent an artist from the Cusquenian School to paint an image of the Lord in the place where it had been seen.

The Wakas or indigenous sacred sites colonized by Catholicism. Among this large rock circulates water from underground springs of the Sacred Apus, now it considered holy and miraculous water.

Live t

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Haywarikuy 2016

OFFERING TO THE PACHAMAMA

Offering ceremony to the Pachamama is of ancient origin as part of a system of reciprocity that the ancestors had with the spiritual world, whose purpose is to return to Mother Earth what has been given, this ceremony is performed the entire month of August.

The rituals are destined to the Apus (masculine aspect of nature) and to the Pachamama (feminine aspect of nature), the breaking of this reciprocity would break the harmony in the natural, social and religious systems.

The person conducting the ceremony is the "altomisayoq" or "yatiri", who claim to have supernatural powers and communication with the spirit world. They offer an offering called "despacho" after asking for permission tend a table and between prayers, the assistants make their prayers, making wishes with great faith for personal benefit, of people and issues which they consider important.

PROGRAM OF HAYWARIKUY 2016

Date: Friday, August 26

Time: from 4:00 pm

Location: San Blas Square

Organizers: Municipal Company of Celebrations of the Cusco (EMUFEC)

Participates: Association of Artists and Craftsmen of the traditional neighborhood of San Blas

Source: EMUFEC

Enjoy the Haywaikuy 2016 through one of our Peru Travel Packages 

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Mistura 2016

THE LARGEST FOOD FAIR IN LATIN AMERICA

Peru has a great diversity of ingredientes and cuisines, mixture of races and cultures, we are a party of flavors where people from all our regions gather to celebrate, sharing the best of our food.

MILLENARY CUISINES ARRIVE TO MISTURA 2016

Mistura prepares to be the great host of the millenary cuisines around the world. Among its novelties, the fair will include an international pavilion with the participation of India, Morocco and Mexico, countries with a great culinary culture. They promise to delight us with their dishes and ingredients as well as their culture, dances and parties. This year there’s more Mistura for all with the millenary cuisines!

The ninth edition of Mistura, gastronomic fair, will be held from 2 to 11 September in Lima. It’s the peruvian cuisine party, ten days of taste and color from all peruvian regions; a show-window to the world of our rich biodiversity and peruvian gastronomy as a locomotive for inclusive development. You are all invited!

MISTURA’S GRAND MARKET

Mistura’’s Grand Market is the heart of the fair. This space congregates hundreds of farmers from all peruvian regions, to show with pride the great diversity of products that have made of our gastronomy one of the most outstanding around the world. This time, to celebrate the International Year of Legume, we bring our powerful ‘menestras’ and invite peruvian chefs who will cook delicious dishes in the Kitchen of the Gran Market.

BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR MISTURA 2016

PRESALE

From Monday to Wednesday: S/. 13.00 (S/. 7.00 for kids)

From Thursday to Sunday: S/. 18.00 (S/. 8.00 for kids)

REGULAR PRICE

From Monday to Wednesday: S/. 17.00 (S/. 9.00 for kids)

From Thursday to Sunday: S/. 26.00 (S/. 11.00 for kids)

Source: Mistura.pe

Enjoy of Misture 2016 through one of our Peru Travel Packages

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National Holidays 2016 in Cusco

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN CUSCO

Cusco develop a general program to celebrate the National Independence Day with a series of military activities, school parades, concerts, food festivals, serenades, burning castles and others.

CIVIC MILITARY PARADE

The Municipal Company of Celebrations of Cusco, develop a series of activities which aim to create a patriotic atmosphere; so that EMUFEC conjunction with the Regional Directorate of Education, Education Management Unit and 5th Mountain Brigade of Cusco scheduled the school parades with the participation of the primary and secondary levels, as well as the higher institutes.

These parades are held in the Plaza de Armas, at the end of the parades, the first places are awarded with corresponding pennants, the winners will participate the next day in the Military Civic Parade which also involved the armed forces, police and military.

FESTIVAL CELEBRATES CUSCO PERU

Parallel to the parades takes place a food and music festival in the Regocijo square from noon, with presentation of musical artists, dances of Peru and the best of Peruvian food accompanied by typical drinks.

Source: EMUFEC

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Great Kacharpari for Celebrations of Cusco 2016

CELEBRATE TOGETHER THE GREAT KACHARPARI FOR THE FEASTS OF CUSCO

A musical show and festival of typical dishes announces the Municipal Company of Festivities of Cusco (EMUFEC) for this Sunday July 3 from 9 in the morning on the Regocijo square the occasion of the traditional "Karcharpari" or farewell to the jubilee celebrations 2016, activity which officially conclude the activities in honor of our imperial city of Cusco, yet started on 27 April.

Meanwhile, in the Plaza Mayor the Qosqo Native Art Center, as part of the General program developed by EMUFEC, will offer a colorful parade of dances immediately after the ceremony of hoisting the national flag and flag of Cusco, activity decked out perfectly with the Kacharpari.

In the Regocijo square, EMUFEC will adapt a special platform which will accommodate the artists and groups that will be presented in this celebration, with the stellar performance of the Group "15"

EMUFEC, invites all the Cusquenian population and visitors to participate in this event which will give appointment our artistic and gastronomic expressions.

Source: EMUFEC

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Parade of the Provinces of Cusco 2016

PARADE OF THE PROVINCES OF CUSCO 2016 IN TRIBUTE TO IMMORTAL CUSCO

Date: Wednesday June 22, 2016

Hour: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco

ORDER OF PARADE:

Province of Acomayo

Province of Anta

Province of Calca

Province of Canas

Province of Canchis

Province of Chumbivilcas

Province of La Convención

Province of Espinar

Province of Paruro

Province of Paucartambo

Province of Quispicanchi

Province of Urubamba

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I International Festival Cusco Mijunas 2016

RHYTHM, FLAVOR AND COLOR IN THE QOSQO

With the best groupings of the moment: Jambao of Argentina, Adolescents Orchestra of Venezuela, Charly Cardona and the successes of Niche Group from Colombia, Ariel Pucheta original voice of Ráfaga, Yoga of Bolivia. For Peru the Grouping Lérida, and the best national and local artists; and the best gastronomy, with the top 10 restaurants of Peru, the top ten restaurants of Cusco; games, fun and more.

Dates: From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 of June 2016.

Location: Fair field of Technological Institute Tupac Amaru

General Entrance until 13:00: S/. 10.00

General Entrance after 13:00: S/. 25.00

PRESENTATION PROGRAM OF THE ARTISTS

JUNE 24

Jambao

Adolescentes

Yoga

Agua Bella

Rossy War

Ada

Estudiantina Peru

Embajadores Criollos

JUNE 25

Adolescents (Proyect A)

Embajadores Criollos

Katy Jara

Pintura Roja

Qeromarka

Estudiantina Peru

Arco Iris

JUNE 26

Ráfaga (Ariel Pucheta)

Lerida

Pintura Roja

Grupo Alegría

Grupo Génesis

Estudiantina Perú

Embajadores Criollos

Corali

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Expo Huancaro 2016

"Integrating the South Macro Region"

Location: Fair Field of Huancaro - Santiago - Cusco

Days: From June 22 to July 3, 2016

FAIR OF HUANCARO 2016

This event has the purpose of promote and revalue the cultural artistic expressions of the region of Cusco and neighboring regions, which also will participate with their cultural traditions, producers and entrepreneurs.

Expo Huancaro 2016 will be held from June 22 to July 3. It has been allocated a specific date in which each region will be receptioned by the provinces with a show of dance, music, exhibition of products and typical gastronomy.

The general entrance in busiest days will be S/. 10.00 soles and children under 12 are exempt from payment; being the general entrance all other days of S/. 8.00 soles.

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Festidanzas Andinas 2016

DANCE FESTIVAL OF THE ANDEAN UNIVERSITY OF CUSCO 2016

The Andean University of Cusco, is an institution of higher level that generates relevant knowledge and technology, professional way leaders, with human quality, social responsibility, ethics and identified with their culture.

The Direction of Social Responsibility and University Extension, in order to promote among students, multiculturalism and richness of cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity, and dissemination of our Andean culture through dances, invites to the contest " Festidanzas Andinas 2016 ".

Participants: Schools Professional of the Andean University of Cusco

Date: Wednesday June 15

Time: 14:00

Location: Gated Coliseum House of Youth

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Great Cusquenian Night 2016

Celebrate the Feasts of Cusco 2016 with musical artists:

Pelo D'ambrosio

Amaru Group

Gualberto Apaza

Puro Sentimiento

and local artists

Date: Friday June 17, 2016

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Garden of the Cusquenian Beer

Free entrance

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Cusco Night Light and Sound 2016

NIGHT LIGHT AND SOUND

The Cusquenian sky dazzles with fireworks show that for more than 30 minutes illuminates the imperial sky, before the show local, national and foreign groups of musical artists presented, this event takes place in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, where around 80 thousand people assist.

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 2016:

Date: Saturday, June 18, 2016

Time: 17:00

Location: Plaza de Armas of Cusco

Night of Lights and Sound 2016, on this occasion presented to the Symphony Orchestra of Cusco with more than 50 musicians of great level harmonize their fine instruments with lovely voices of Damaris and Saywa who will perform a magical symphony that will delight the thousands of assistants.

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Cultural Window of Cusco June 2016

Organize your cultural calendar of June with the "Cultural Window of Cusco" ...

UNTIL JUNE 26

EXHIBITION "HUEPETUHE - HAWAPI 2016"

Location: Room 1, Room 2 and Room ZERO of Qoricancha Museum - Convent of Santo Domingo

UNTIL JUNE 30

INDIVIDUAL PAINTING EXHIBITION "SPACE BETWEEN MOMENTS"

By: Dario Jara Morante

Location: Gallery ICPNA Cusco

Free entrance

FROM 1 TO JUNE 15

Ceramic Exhibition "Contexts"

By: Irwin Ferrandiz Antonio Castro

Organizers: Directorate Decentralized Culture Cusco

Location: Temporary Exhibition Room of the Regional Historical Museum - House Garcilaso

Free entrance

View complete details at Cultural Window of Cusco June 2016 

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General programming of the Feasts of Cusco 2016

See General programming of the Festival of Cusco 2016 in full window

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

WEDNESDAY JUNE 01, 2016

07:00 GENERAL FEATHERING OF CITY WITH FLAG OF CUZCO - SETTLEMENT OF FACADES

Promotes : Municipal Government of Cusco

09:00 PARADE OF DANCES AND PRINTS TRADITIONALIST

Organized : School "Sacred Heart of Jesus"Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

THURSDAY JUNE 02, 2016

15:00 EIGHTH OF TRADITIONAL FEAST OF CUSQUENIAN CORPUS CHRISTI

Organized : Archbishop of Cusco

Involved : Parishes and stewardships of the Province of Cusco

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

19:00 STAGING OF PRINTS "CUSQUENIAN CORPUS CHRISTI"

Organized : School of St. Ana - Municipal Government of Cusco - Tourism Management, Education and Sports

Place : Municipal Andino Theatre "Daniel Estrada Perez" (Meson de la Estrella 149).

FRIDAY JUNE 10, 2016

09:00 PARADE OF DANCES TYPICAL CUSCO OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE INITIAL LEVEL

Organized : UGEL Cusco EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2016

09:00 PARADE OF GLOBAL UNIVERSITY IN TRIBUTE TO CUSCO

Organized : Global University

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

10:00 PARADE OF AUSTRAL PERUVIAN UNIVERSITY: "HAIL TO CUSCO"

Organized : Peruvian University Austral - Cusco

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Sponsored by : EMUFEC S.A.

18:00 GALA PRESENTATION OF UNIVERSITY DANCES CENTER

Organized : National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco - Social Projection Unit

Place : Municipal Andino Theatre "Daniel Estrada Perez" (Meson de la Estrella 149).

18:00 "GREETINGS FROM THE COLLASUYO TO CUSCO IN YOUR MONTH JUBILEE" (PARADE OF DANCERS OF CAPORALES)

Organized : Caporales Association of Cusco.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

19:00 GALA NIGHT IN HOMAGE TO THE ANCIENT CITY OF CUSCO

Organized : Qosqo Native Art Center

Place : Municipal Andino Theatre "Daniel Estrada Perez" (Meson de la Estrella 149).

SUNDAY JUNE 12, 2016

11:00 PARADE OF CENTERS ELDERLY ESSALUD

Organized : Healthcare Network management ESSalud Cusco.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

11:45 PARADE OF MARKETS AND MALLS

Organized : Municipal Government of Cusco - Sub Management of Commerce, Industry and Crafts

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

12:30 PARADE OF PROGRAMS SOUP KITCHENS AND GLASS OF MILK - SALUTE TO CUSCO

Organized : Municipal Government of Cusco - Sub Management of Food Programs and Glass of Milk.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

MONDAY JUNE 13, 2016

9:00 PARADE OF DANCES TYPICAL CUSCO BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF PRIMARY LEVEL

Organized : UGEL Cusco and EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

TUESDAY JUNE 14, 2016

9:00 PARADE OF DANCES TYPICAL CUSCO BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF SECONDARY LEVEL

Organized : UGEL Cusco and EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 15, 2016

9:00 PARADE OF DANCES TYPICAL CUSCO BY THE NON-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTES HIGHER

Organized : Regional Directorate of Education of Cusco

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Sponsored by : EMUFEC S.A.

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2016

09:00 PARADE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITY ANDINA OF CUSCO IN TRIBUTE TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF TAWANTINSUYO

Organized : Andina Private University of Cusco

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Sponsored by : EMUFEC S.A.

FRIDAY JUNE 17, 2016

10:00 PARADE OF HAIL TO THE PRIVATE UNIVERSITY CUSCO "ALAS PERUVIAN"

Organized : Private University "Alas Peruanas".Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

13:00 RIDE OF COMPARSAS AND ALLEGORIES

Organized : I.E. "Inca Garcilaso de la Vega".

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

16:00 CONCERT OF ELENCOS OF THE HIGHER INSTITUTE OF MUSIC "LEANDRO ALVIÑA MIRANDA"

Organized : Higher Institute of Public Music "Leandro Alviña Miranda"

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

18:00 MUSICAL EVENT: "THE CUSQUENIAN NIGHT"

Organized : Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism - DIRCETUR Cusco.

Place : Tupac Amaru Square (Wanchaq).

SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2016

09:00 PARADE AND PRESENTATION OF GIANTS ALLEGORIES ANDINAS

Organized : High School Autonomous of Fine Arts "Diego Quispe Tito"

Place : El Sol Avenue and Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

18:00 "NIGHT OF LIGHT AND SOUND"

Organized : EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2016

11:00 PARADE OF UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OF THE ANDES - SUBSIDIARY CUSCO, SALUTE TO THE CITY OF INKAS

Organized : Technological University of the Andes (UTEA).

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Sponsored by : EMUFEC S.A.

MONDAY JUNE 20, 2016

8:30 COMPARSAS PARADE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANTHONY THE ABBOT IN CUZCO IN TRIBUTE TO CUSCO

Organized : UNSAAC

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2016

09:00 PARADE OF THE PROVINCES OF CUSCO IN TRIBUTE TO THE IMPERIAL CITY

Organized : Municipal Government of Cusco and EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2016

CIVIC PARADE IN HONOR TO CUSCO

09:30 BEGINNING OF THE GREAT CIVIC PARADE - SPECIAL PROGRAM

Organized : Municipal Government of Cusco and EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

FRIDAY JUNE 24, 2016

09:00 Evocation of the INTI RAYMI – SUN PARTY

Organized : Municipal Government of Cusco and EMUFEC S.A.

Place : Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

09:00 Beginning Temple of Qoricancha (El Sol Avenue).

10:30 Ceremony Hawqaypata Square (Plaza de Armas of Cusco).

13:30 Central ceremony. Esplanade of Chukipampa, Saqsaywaman.

SATURDAY JUNE 25, 2016

10:00 CULTURAL EVENT: "GREETINGS FROM THE TAWANTINSUYO - TAWANTINSUYO NAPAYKUYKI"

Organized : Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism - DIRCETUR Cusco

Place : Stadium of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Free entrance

10:00 CULTURAL EVENT: "GASTRONOMIC FESTIVAL OF CUSQUENIAN MEALS"

Organized : Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism - DIRCETUR CuscoPlace : Stadium of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Free entrance

SUNDAY JUNE 26, 2016

14:30 EXHIBITION MATH OF CIENCIANO WITH PERFORMANCE OF FOOTBALL PLAYER RONALDINHO VERSUS SPORTING CRISTAL

Organized : Club Cienciano of Cusco

Place : Stadium of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

SUNDAY JULY 03, 2016

10:00 KACHARPARI OF THE JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF CUSCO - GASTRONOMIC FESTIVAL

Organized : EMUFEC S.A

Place : Square of San Francisco.

11:00 CUSQUENIAN PARADE

Organized : Qosqo Native Art Center

Involved : Folk Institutions of Cusco

Place : Main streets of the city.

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Traditional Gastronomic Festival of Chiriuchu 2016

CHIRIUCHU

The Chiriuchu is an emblematic dish of the feast of Corpus Christi, this pottage dates from the time of the Incas and the colony, Chiriuchu meaning Chiri = cold and uchu = chili pepper.

This plate has the ingredients as boiled chicken, baked cuy, charqui or chalona, accompanied with delicious tortillas or flour fritters, roasted corn, cheese, sausage, seaweed (algae), chorizo and egg cups fish or "cau cau" and for those who like spicy, infaltable hot pepper is present.

OFFICIAL PROGRAM 2016

The "Chiriuchu" traditional dish of the Feast of Corpus Christi, will expand in 290 stands that will be located on the perimeter of the San Francisco Square. The gastronomic event will be held on May 25-26 and June 2.

Organized by: EMUFEC (Municipal Company of Celebrations of the Cusco)

Dates: May 25-26 and June 2, 2016

Location: San Francisco Square

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The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority

THE LORD OF QOYLLUR RIT'I

Villagers district Ocongate (Quispicanchis), in the department of Cusco, perform a ritual whose external symbol is the image of Christ, but whose real objective is the integration of humans and nature, people of this place are devotees ofTaytacha Qoyllority (lord of the Shining Snow).

HOW TO GET:

You should take car from Cusco, from the whereabouts of Ocongate in the transport company Huayna Ausangate, Saywas or Siwar.

The trip takes three hours then get off at Mawayany, is located one or two hours walk above the village of Mawayany, at 4600 meters above sea level.

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Launch of the Feasts of Cusco 2016

Ancient fire ritual was staged to begin the Festivities of Cuscoand the Inti Raymi 2016.

More than 200 actors on stage gave life to the ancient Inca ritual called ‘Willqa Nina‘ the same that was staged in the Temple of theQorikancha to officially begin with the Feasts of Cusco.

Guided by the Inca, played by cusqueño player Nivardo Carrillo, musicians, priests and Inca warriors danced a ritual fire, whereby they asked the gods and apus (guardians) tutelary ofCusco, your permission, to begin the festivities in honor of the Imperial City.

The ceremony, held Wednesday night April 27, drew thousands of cusquenians and tourists, who enjoyed the magic, music and color, which occurred in the event developed by the Municipal Company of Festivities of the Cusco (EMUFEC), which used the occasion to launch the general program of the Festivities of Cusco, they already started and will be held during the months of May, June and July.

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Cusco Tourist Attractions

City of Cusco

Discover the Imperial City of Cusco, “Navel of the World”, Humanity’s Cultural Patrimony and South America’s Archaeological Capital City, is to get to know the heart of the prominent Incan culture; a mysterious and magical world.

The traces of Incan, Colonial and Republican remains are present everywhere in the city. Its historical center, composed of squares, neighborhoods, churches, houses, streets, stairways, ornamental fountains, as well as of public and private buildings, displays a harmonious combination of three time periods, in which the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the Cathedral, Hatun Rumiyoq Street (Twelve Angle Stone), the Temple of the Qorikancha, the city’s churches and colonial mansions, along with the craftsmen’s neighborhood of San Blas stand out, among other attrations of what was the capital city of the Incan Empire called the Tawantinsuyu.

Archaeological Park of Saqsaywaman

It is an impressive archaeological complex located only 3 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on top of a small plateau that overlooks the city, at an altitude of 3,555 m.a.s.l. During the Incanato, it was called The House of the Sun and its construction was initiated by the Inca Pachakuteq, after 1438. 

The Archaeological Park of Saqsaywaman covers 3,093.80 hectares and shelters more than 200 archaeological sites such as: Altars, doorways, amphitheaters, benched terraces, fountains, paths, aqueducts and other enclosures, among which stand out the impressive Incan complexes of Q’enqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay and the bastions of Saqsaywaman, built with cyclopean stones lapidated by the Incas.

Cathedral

The construction of Cusco’s Cathedral started in 1559, after the city’s Spanish conquest and foundation. Still unfinished, it was slightly affected by the 1650 earthquake and its construction was concluded, in 1669.

The Cathedral’s design is very ornamental, in renaissance style, and inside it, one finds the best expressions of Colonial gold and silversmithery, wood carvings in cedar and alder wood, such as the pulpit and the Main Altar worked in pure silver, as well as a valuable collection of oil canvases from Cusco’s School of Art. Therefore, the luxurious and harmonious decoration of each enclosure is quite impressive.

Temple of the Qorikancha

The Great Temple of the Sun; the Tawantinsuyu’s largest adoratory, was the Incanato’s most extraordinary and dazzling temple. According to many chroniclers, the whole territory’s gold and silver was concentrated there, as these metals would arrive in the form of offerings to the Sacred City, and Temple, given that, in the Incanato, precious metals did not have an economical value, but rather, a religious one.

The different enclosures´ edifications display an admirable architecture in their walls, trapezoidal doors, windows and niches, as well as in their finely polished stone structures, with perfect joints between them. It is said that the colossal Sacred Temple was dedicated to worshiping the Incanato’s deities, such as the Sun, Moon, Stars, Lightning, Rainbow and Water.

Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located in the district with the same name, Province of Urubamba and Department of Cusco, 13? 9´ 47´´ of South latitude and 72? 32´ 44´´ of West longitude.

It was declared as Humanity’s Cultural and Natural Patrimony and incorporated in the list of the UNESCO’s Patrimony, since 1983. It is an intangible territory of the National System of Natural Areas protected by the Peruvian State, with a surface of 32,592 hectares (80,535 acres or 325.92 km²), which includes Andean and high jungle Amazonian areas, inter-Andean valleys, gorges, mountains and rivers, which form ecosystems and very varied fauna and flora, like more than 200 species of orquids that develop in its 9 life zones, going from 1,850 to about 6,270 m.a.s.l.

The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is depositary of a great quantity of archaeological sites of Incan origin, such as Inca Raq´ay, Intiwatana, Intipata, Choquesuysuy, Chaqchabamba, Wiñaywayna, Phuyupatamarca, Sayaqmarca, Runkuraqay, Wayllabamba, Torontoy, Waynaq´ente, Machuq´ente, Q´ente, Qoriwayrachina, Pulpituyoq, Parallaqta, Palqay and the most outstanding icon; the Incan City of Maqchupicchu, Wonder of the Modern World.

The abundant and exquisite biodiversity of its different altitudinal levels, associated with the archaeological sites of great monumental and historical value, have helped increase the value of the Incan trail network wisely built by our ancestors. At present, these trails attract great admiration and preference for adventure tourism, ecotourism, culture and archaeology.

Incan City of Machu Picchu

It is located North-west of Cusco, in the basin of the Vilcanota or Willcamayu in Quechua (Sacred River, in Incan times), in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, and at an altitude of 2,438 m.a.s.l.

Machu Picchu, the stone city, built by the Inca Pachakuteq, is now one of the Modern World’s Seven Wonders, protected by the Young Mountain; the impressive Waynapicchu, situated among abrupt mountains and almost inaccessible places, presenting a set of buildings, such as the Main Square, groups of houses, stairways, towers, walls, water fountains, where ceremonial places stand out, such as the Intiwatana (Solar observatory), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Temple, etc., and all of this built with an incredible urban harmony, in such a hostile place, demonstrating the advanced development level of Incan engineering.

The Agrarian Sector is composed of benched terraces and embankments, bordering the city and overlooking deep precipices. The city’s built surface is of 530 meters in length and 200 in width, containing 172 buildings, in its urban area. Associated to the high jungle’s landscape, Machu Picchu presents a magic, mysterious, unmatchable and unforgettable beauty.

Incan Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, is part of the Qhapaq Ñan’s routes, the Incan Trails’ Network which covered over 30,000 kilometers, integrating the Empire of the Tawantinsuyu, from the South of Colombia, and Quito, in Ecuador, all the way to the Maule River, in Chile, Salta and Tucumán, in Argentina, including Bolivia and the Peruvian territory, uniting the coast, mountains and jungle.

The traditional route of the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu has a length of 39.6 kilometers, from the Qoriwayrachina Sector, located at Km. 88 of the Cusco / Machu Picchu railroad. The whole Trails’ network that connects the Incan City of Machu Picchu and other archaeological compounds has a construction design in strict harmony with the natural surroundings and landscape, as great stretches of the trails are ledges, at the edge of deep abysses, surrounded by exuberant vegetation, with stairs carved in live rock.

At present, there is an adequate maintenance and signalization allowing the rational and dosified access to the Incan Trail Network to Machu Picchu that runs through different ecological levels, from High Andean areas, to sub-tropical valleys, with an exuberant and varied flora and fauna. It is a very dynamic, admirable and pleasant trail, because it conjugates history, archaeology and nature.

Choquekirao or Cradle of Gold

It is situated between 13? 32´ of South latitude and 72? 44´ of West longitude, at an altitude of 3,033 m.a.s.l. on Mount Salkantay’s foothills, north of the Apurimac River’s valley, in the Province of La Convención, Department of Cusco. The only access to Choquekirao is by means of an Incan trail, from the village of Cachora, in the Department of Apurimac, in 4 day programs, with camping gear, porters and mules.

The great city built by the Incas, is an architectural wonder which presents impressive benched terraces, a Main Square or Ceremonial Square, sacred places, royal residences, aqueducts and stone buildings located on terraces, at different levels and distances, which communicate by means of stairways and paths.

The area where the city of Choquekirao is built, has an important fauna mainly composed of condors, tarucas, vizcachas, foxes, little foxes, pumas (Mountain lions), hummingbirds, bears and the little cock of the rocks; Peru’s National Bird. Among its flora, stand out giant ferns, the ichu (Altitude wild grass) and a great variety of orchids, among which the beautiful Wakanki stands out.

Archaeological Complex of Pisaq

Pisaq’s Archaeological Complex is one of the Sacred Valley’s most beautiful Incan monumental centers.

It is admirable for its colossal constructions with impeccable finish, sets of perfectly assembled symmetric benched terraces, its ceremonial centers, like the Intiwatana which must have been used to observe solar movements, for its sacred places, towers, fortified walls, its cemetery, urban sectors, stone buildings, narrow streets, stairways and aqueducts, to irrigate its agricultural and urban sectors.

In other words, it was an imposing, magical and mysterious place. It is located on top of the highest mountain that dominates the colonial locality of Pisaq, on a dry and rocky surface.

Archaeological Complex of Ollantaytambo

The Archaeological Complex of Ollantaytambo is located 90 kilometers from the city of Cusco, and one gets there by bus, in 1 hour and 20 minutes, on the asphalted road of the Íncas’ Sacred Valley’s Circuit. It is built on two mountains, in a very strategic place which overlooks the whole surrounding valley, and for its features, it is considered that it was a military, religious, administrative and agricultural complex.

This monument presents impressive buildings, with huge polyhedrons that form the walls and trapezoidal doorways of its sacred places and temple, where one can appreciate the façade composed of 6 perfectly assembled red porphyry monoliths.

Archaeological Complex of Chinchero

The Archaeological Complex of Chinchero is located 28 kilometers from the city of Cusco and is connected by means of the asphalted road of the Íncas’ Sacred Valley’s Circuit. This complex was built by Tupac Inca Yupanqui and is composed of extraordinary Incan remains and productive, ceremonial, urban architectural compounds, as well as agricultural and road networks. In the village, the Colonial style church shelters beautiful paintings from Cusco’s School of Art.

The Colonial village is next to the archaeological complex and built upon Incan foundations and walls, and its inhabitants have managed to maintain their ancestral customs. On Sundays, there is a very typical handicraft and agricultural fair, in which the old Incan exchange system is still being used.

Piquillaqta (Pre-Incan city)

It was declared as National Archaeological Park, with a surface of 3,421 hectares and it is situated in the Province of Quispicanchis, about 32 km. east of the city of Cusco. It is a pre-Incan complex, the apogee of which took place between 800 and 1100 a.D., during the time period corresponding to the development of the Wari Regional Confederation.

Piquillaqta contains around 700 buildings, 200 “canchas” (Appartments) and 504 “qolqas” (Warehouses). It is calculated that it might have had a population of about ten thousand inhabitants.

Its urban structure had a harmonious geometrical order divided in straight blocks and streets, and according to Archaeologist Mc Evan, the city had several complementary sectors: The administrative, ceremonial, defensive ones and a trail system. Its buildings had 2 and even 3 floors, with high walls made of stones jointed with mud, which were wide at their base and narrow on top.

Moray (Agricultural Experimental Center)

It is a circular construction, with more than 30 meters in depth and several concentric rings of benched terraces, inside it.

It might have been used as a kind of agricultural laboratory, as each one of the terraces presents climatic conditions of different ecological zones, showing that the Incas had an astonishing knowledge in geography, meteorology and agriculture. In the Andean cosmo-vision, Moray is considered as a magnetic center of reconnection with Mother Earth or Pachamama.

Tipón

This is an Incan archaeological complex which deserves great admiration, for its excellent hydraulic technology represented by ornamental fountains and water canals.

It possesses royal residences, gardens, terraces, benched terraces and walls. Given the water fountains´ high engineering design and quality, it is believed that it must have been an adoratory and hydraulic experimentation center.

Andahuaylillas (Sistine Chapel of America)

Andahuaylillas is a beautiful village, in which San Pedro’s Colonial Church stands out, as it is known as America’s Sistine Chapel. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, it displays golden altars and silversmith’s work, as well as oil canvases and mural paintings from Cusco’s School of Art.

The Manu National Park

The Manu National Park has been recognized by the UNESCO, as Humanity’s Natural Patrimony, and previously, the same organization recognized it as Nucleus Zone of the Manu’s Biosphere Reserve. It is situated in the South-west of Peru, and occupies territories of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, with a surface of 1´909,800 hectares, divided into three great zones:

National Park, with 1´532,806 ha.

Reserved Zone, with 257,000 ha.

Cultural Zone, with 120,000 ha.

It possesses a huge ecological wealth, with more than 20,000 plant species, around 1,000 bird species, 1,200 of butterflies and 200 of mammals, among which stand out the jaguar, otter, 14 species of monkeys, such as the leoncito (Small lion); the smallest in the world, with a weight of 100 gr. and the maquisapa, with 9 kilos.

In the Manu, one can find the whole variety of ecological levels existing in the Amazon, due to the altitudinal variation which goes from 200 to almost 4,000 m.a.s.l. It possesses almost all of Western Peru’s subtropical ecological formations, where there are scientifically very valuable species and ecosystems which make the Manu a very much appreciated natural reserve. For example, in one hectare of tropical forest, 250 different varieties of trees were found.

One can get to the Manu from Cusco, traveling on a light plane, to the Boca Manu Aerodrome or by land, to the Pier of Atalaya, and then, continue the journey on a small motorized boat, on the Alto Madre de Dios River.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the foreign, national and local visitors´ favorite circuits, for the cultural and natural attractions it offers, in a mild and very healthy climate.

From the traditional colonial village of Pisaq which presents a typical handicraft fair, passing by localities established on the banks of the Vilcanota River, such as Calca and Urubamba, with producers of the World’s best corn, of export quality, visiting the archaeological complexes of Ollantaytambo and Chinchero; in other words, a full day is necessary to get to know and enjoy the Sacred Valleys´ delights.

Inti Raymi or Sun’s Festivity

The Inti Raymi is a ceremonial festivity with invocations and offerings to the Sun, that the Incas celebrated with much solemnity and veneration, to worship it.

At present, it is staged in several sacred places of the city of Cusco, the main one being the Esplanade of Saqsaywaman, in an impressive artistic display, with beautiful choreographies and costumes which give a special touch to the Sanctuary of Saqsaywaman which is visited every 24th of June, by a multitude of Cusco’s inhabitants, as well as by a great number of foreign and national visitors who give a higher level to the Íncas’ most important festivity.

Warachikuy, Incan War Rite

The Warachikuy, officially declared as National Identity Festivity, equivalent to the Inti Raymi, was a warriors´ rite, for the young male Incan nobility, who were submitted to hard tests of physical dexterity, risk and courage, to step from youth to mature age. The Inca supervised the competitions which, according to the chroniclers, took place during several days, in different places, with frank physical confrontations. The winners were ranked and declared apt for war and to occupy adult men’s functions. Each year, Cusco’s Glorious National Sciences High School (Colegio Nacional de Ciencias) organizes and stages this ancestral rite, on Saqsaywaman’s Esplanade.

Santa Teresa (The new and best alternative to get to Machu Picchu)

The village of Santa Teresa, situated at the jungle’s edge, 4 hours from the city of Cusco, offers you several options of adventure tourism and recreation, in a subtropical climate and an exuberant nature, and also gives you the alternative to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), more easily, as it is quite close to it (10 kilometers by train and a 6 km. stretch of road).

From the city of Cusco, there are several ways of getting to Santa Teresa, combining train and bus or only going by bus, van, car, motorcycle, bicycle or hiking the Machu Picchu, Salkantay or Choquekirao Incan Trail, as well as by getting there from Quillabamba, “The City of the Eternal Summer”, as it has an excellent climate and a strategic geographical situation.

Cocalmayo is a natural paradise, in the subtropical jungle, which has all the facilities of a small resort, with its three pools of crystalline medicinal waters proceeding from the underground, which convert it in the ideal place for resting, relaxing and therapy. Its infrastructure offers you changing rooms, restrooms, showers, hydromassage facilities, pools with different temperatures, as well as waterfalls and drops, in a beautiful and fascinating natural landscape. In addition, it invites you to taste some exotic drink or an exquisite typical dish.

CANOPY “Monkey’s tail”

It is one of the newest and spectacular pure adrenaline extreme adventure activities, which consists of sliding, by means of a pulley hooked to a belt harness, on cables anchored from one mountain to another.

The emotion of gliding through the air, above mountains, valleys and rivers, at a speed of 60 km. / hour, is undescribable.

This is South America’s highest canopy, with 2,500 meters of cable, distributed in six stretches, with the longest measuring 400 meters and the highest, at more than 150 meters above the ground.