Cusco

Sara Ciubotaru XI-B

English Project
An introduction to: Cusco, Peru

• Peru’s most well-known city sits high in the country’s interior and deep
in the Andean heartland. Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire,
Cuzco today draws visitors from around the world both for its proximity
to archeological wonders (Machu Picchu!) and for its unique blend of
indigenous culture, imposing colonialism, and tourist-friendly amenities.
Founded in the 1400s by the Incas and used as a launching point for their
sweeping South American domination, Cuzco became a central hub of
Inca society and spirituality. Despite rapid growth and impressive
architectural feats, the Inca reign was cut short when the Spaniards
arrived in the 1500s. After conquering the city (and the entire empire),
the Spaniards set about superimposing their culture, beliefs, and
buildings. However, instead of one society replacing another, indigenous
and colonial customs intertwined to create the vibrant city of Cuzco we
have today.
The City of Cuzco: Inca and European architecture

The architectural fusion of the city of Cusco offers open spaces,

incredible views, and an impressive colonial architecture style in
each building. Cusco’s buildings, considered unique because of their
irreplaceable history, are the subject of this Inca-European hybrid
architecture.Discover more about the two predominant
architectures in the city.
Inca Architecture
The architecture of the city of
Cusco is one of the most important
among pre-Columbian cultures. It
has indigenous construction
techniques and buildings made out
of large stones, each fitting
together without any amalgam.
Witness of great events of history,
the Inca civilization had three types
of architecture: civil architecture
(the 12-Angled Stone), military
architecture (Sacsayhuaman), and
religious architecture (Koricancha).
The Inca buildings were erected in
rectangular spaces, using materials
such as rocks and mudbricks. These
works of art respect and keep
harmony with its environment.
Colonial Architecture

Leaving the European

pattern aside, the colonial
architecture based its
constructions on the artistic
and cultural Spanish-Andean
fusion. Its design was
reflected in various
monuments, churches,
monasteries and Cusco’s
palaces such as: Cusco
Cathedral, the House of
Inca Garcilaso de la Vega,
Archbishop’s Palace, among
others.
The City of Cusco opens its
doors and shows its Inca
architecture legacy,
encouraging the discovery
of impressive buildings that
endure over time.
Discover Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Cusco
5,200 meters above sea level
 Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel
situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres
(7,970 ft) above sea level. It is located in the
Cusco Region, Urubamba Province,
Machupicchu District in Peru, above the
Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi)
northwest of Cuzco and through which the
Urubamba River flows.
Most archaeologists believe that Machu
Picchu was constructed as an estate for the
Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often
mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of
the Incas" (a title more accurately applied to
Vilcabamba), it is the most familiar icon of
Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate
around 1450 but abandoned it a century
later at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
Although known locally, it was not known to
the Spanish during the colonial period and
remained unknown to the outside world until
American historian Hiram Bingham brought it
to international attention in 1911.
Urubamba (Willkanuta) River from Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu Facts
-One of the Seven Wonders of the World.

-No wheels were used to transport heavy rocks for the construction of the city.

-Structures were built with a technique called “ashlar.” Stones are cut to fit together without mortar. Remarkably,
not even a needle can fit in between two stones.

-The citadel is divided in two parts: Hanan and Urin according with the Inca tradition.

-In the Quechua native language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”

-Many of the stones that were used to build the city weighed more than 50 tons. How did these stones get up the
mountain? Some were chiseled from the granite bedrock of the mountain ridge. For others, hundreds of men pushed
the heavy rocks up the steep mountain side.

-On the Inca Trail, many porters sleep with a shiny metal object or mirror beneath them. They believe it sends away
spirits coming up through the earth and whisks them away. Ask any guide or porter, and most will tell you that
sometimes they have experienced the feeling of being pulled out of their tents by spirits of the past.
Languages
Quechua
Spanish

Routes:
There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu:

1. Travel by train. Duration: 4 hours from Cusco (Poroy station). 2 hours from the
Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo station).

2. Adventure trekking. The “Caminos Del Inca” (classic Inca Trail) is a 4-day trek
to Machu Picchu.
Moray (Inca ruin)
Laguna Humantay
Choco Museo
Traditional clothes
 Traditional Food of Cuzco

CHIRIUCHU:
In Quechua, chiriuchu means “cold food”. It
consists of small pieces of roasted cuy (guinea
pig), boiled chicken, jerky or chalona (a
salted, dried meat), sausages, fish eggs,
cheese, corn fritters, parched corn, and
qochayuyo (dried seaweed), and the rocoto
pepper. It is prepared for the feast of Corpus
Christi in either May or June.
 Traditional Food of Cusco

LECHÓN AND TAMALES

This traditional dish is prepared for the
feast of All Saints Day, the first days of the
month of November. It consists of young
pig roasted in the oven and condimented
with yellow hot pepper (ají), garlic,
cumin, and onons. It is served with
tamales that are made from white corn
flour.
 Traditional Food of Cusco

ROASTED CUY (GUINEA PIG)

This is the most
symbolically important dish
of the Cusco region. It is
prepared for important
events. Condimented
withwacatay (black mint),
garlic, cumin, and salt, the
cuy is oven roasted
 Traditional Food of Cusco

CHAIRO:
This is a local soup
prepared with pieces
of lamb or beef, tripe,
bacon, potatoes,
squash, white freeze-
dried potatoes
(moraya), wheat,
carrots, and cabbage