In the original language of the Incas, Cuzco means the navel of the world . It was from here that the Inca Empire spread back in the 15th century. Here the population emigrated to countries such as Colombia, Chile and Argentina after the arrival of the Spaniards in the year 1533.
Cuzco was originally the capital of the Incas in the period from the 13th century to the 16th century. Myths say that the Inca emperor Pachacútec founded the city in 1438, where he drew the city plan shaped like a puma.
Cuzco’s location
The ancient Inca capital of Cuzco is located in southeastern Peru. Cuzco is therefore close to the Andes and one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, which is why many tourists visit Cuzco.
Experiences in Cuzco
Cuzco Cathedral
The enormous exquisite building stands in all its splendor located on the Plaza de Armas in central Cuzco. Here it has been completed since 1965. The construction was started a hundred years before, when the first stolen block from the Inca Empire Sacsaywamán was placed.
The Cathedral of Cuzco has two functions. First of all, it is a religious building where the locals flock to worship higher powers. Furthermore, the beautiful building houses a larger collection of colonial art in Cuzco.
Many paintings are from the famous “Cuzco school”, which was a style where European religiosity was associated with the local Inca art. Among the collection of wonderful paintings you can experience Marcos Zapata’s world famous painting “The Last Supper”. Here Jesus is outlined and his disciples eat their last meal, as here is the Peruvian dish cuy (guinea pig).
Inka Museo
This museum is modest in size, but houses several beautiful art collections that describe the development of Inca culture over time. Behind the museum’s off – white walls, you will find exhibits of gold, ceramics, jewelry, models and mummies.
The Inca Museum is particularly known for its fine collection of Peruvian queros , which are ceremonial drinking cups. The building itself is also certainly admirable. Among other things, you will find a large staircase where on both sides there are marvelous creatures watching your way.
Choco Museo
Should you need a little break for Peru’s stunning historic buildings and moments, then this museum is definitely a good bet. If you also have a sweet tooth, there is no way around the Choco Museo.
The French-owned museum is built around workshops, where you are allowed to make, taste and smell the most delicious organic chocolate. There is no doubt that your taste buds will be pampered here, whether you taste the chocolate fondue, order a cup of fresh hot cocoa, or just taste your way through the many tastings.
At the Choco Museo, it is also possible to book a tour of a real chocolate farm. At the museum’s exhibition, you can also learn about the cocoa bean’s path from harvest to chocolate.
San Pedro Market
Like all other big cities, Cuzco naturally has its very own outdoor market. Here you will find everything the heart desires. Whether you are looking for fresh food, new clothes or wonderful souvenirs for the family back home in Denmark, Mercado San Pedro is the place.
In addition to being the pure mecca when it comes to shopping for all kinds of things and things, Mercado San Pedro is also a perfect area to mingle with the locals in. The locals who visit this market are friendly and talkative. If you visit Mercado San Pedro, you should taste the delicious freshly squeezed juices offered here.
Museo del Pisco
In fact, this is not a museum at all, but rather a local bar. The concept of the Museo del Pisco is built around the Peruvian national liqueur Pisco, which is a kind of brandy produced in Peru and Chile. Drinking Pisco in Peru is an essential experience when visiting the beautiful country.
The amber liqueur was developed by Spanish immigrants back in the 16th century. The main ingredient in Pisco is grape juice, which is why it can taste a bit of wine. If you want the full experience of the Museo del Pisco, you can possibly order a Pisco tasting.
Cuzco’s history
When the Inca Empire had its resurrection in Peru back in the 12th century, it was the city of Cuzco that acted as its capital. This continued until 1533, when the last independent Inca emperor had to realize his loss of the Inca Empire to the Spaniards.
It was an Indian tribe near Cuzco who, back in the 12th century, founded the city. Here it was the leader Manco Capac who introduced the first laws and who also received the title of the first Inca ruler. Capac was considered by the population to be very special, which is why he was worshiped as the son of the sun god Inti.
Drawn like a Puma
The first emperor of the Inca Empire, Pachacuti, was the one who drew the ground plan for the city of Cuzco. Myths tell that the shape of the city is drawn as a Puma. The head was built for the military and religious facility Sacsahumán on a hill in the northern point of the city. The tail consisted of two rivers, which intertwined at the end.
