day 12: Cusco and its surrounding areas
Here you are finally in Cusco, the navel of the world for the quechuas. The capital of the Inca Empire, classified in the heritage of the humanity, knew how to preserve its historical city center with its paved streets and its perfectly cut stone walls.
During the day you will visit the famous imperial city with in particular the Plaza de Armas, the stone with the 12 corners, testimony of the architectural mastery of the Incas, the impressive colonial cathedral, whose construction began in 1559 and which lasted nearly one hundred years.
We then head to the Temple of Gold, or "Coricancha" in Quechua, where you will discover the foundations of the Monastery of Santo Domingo and the colonial church.
At the end of the morning, you will have the opportunity to discover the main market of the city, San Pedro, always in effervescence: fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, handicrafts... An ideal opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere!
After lunch, departure by private vehicle to discover the main archaeological sites around Cusco:
The fortress of Saqsayhuaman, site intended to protect the city. The walls of this site were created with huge blocks of stone.
The ceremonial baths of Tambomachay, dedicated to the worship of water and the gods.
The fortress of Puka Pukara, with pink colors at sunset and the ceremonial site of Q'enko, place of worship for the Incas where sacrifices, including the mummification of the noble Incas, were carried out.
Lunch and dinner free in Cusco.
Night in Cusco.
Steps:
Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu PicchuSan Pedro MarketPlaza de Armas de CuscoPuka PukaraQ'enqoSaqsayhuamanTambomachay
