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Historic Sites in Cusco

Historic Sites in Cusco, Peru

Cusco Historic Sites

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What travelers are saying

  • Kevin A
    Cuyahoga Falls, OH15 contributions
    Cusco fortress
    June 2019: My travel buddy and a friend decided to taxi here one day during our stay in Cusco. Generally over exceeded our expectations. Vast and diverse; awe inspiring views. The fee S 70/ $ 21 was worth it though at first we were hesitant.
    Review of: Sacsayhuaman
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,414 contributions
    Very Large Relaxing City Square
    This Plaza located in the historic center of Cuzco is one of the main tourist attractions. At one time, it was a swamp, and the starting point to begin developing the Imperial City. Today, it encompasses Temples and Old Mansions, Restaurants, Fancy Stores, and Travel Agencies. Many of the buildings still have the original Inca Walls in their foundations – as pointed out by our guide.

    Easter Celebrations, Ceremonies, Parades and Free Concerts are routinely held here. The lovely flower gardens and pathways are immaculately maintained.

    We spent about an hour walking around, chilling on one of the benches, and taking photographs of the surrounding areas. Do not miss the gorgeous balconies all around.

    Worth a visit, for sure.

    Review of: Plaza de Armas
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,414 contributions
    An Amazingly Knowledgeable Visit
    This was the most important Temple in the Inca Empire, and was built in 1438 at the meeting place of two large rivers. The complex is huge and one area contained the Temple of the Sun that was dedicated to the three biggest Gods in the Inca Pantheon – the Creator God Viracocha, the Moon Goddess Quilla and the Sun God Inti.

    Once upon a time, the place was filled with a lot of gold everywhere, but after taking Cusco, the Spaniards looted almost all the wealth, melted it all down and took it to Spain. They destroyed the place, and in 1534 built the Christian Monastery of Santo Domingo over the complex to signify the replacement of one religion with another.

    Little remains today except for the original foundation walls and lots of legendary stories. Those massive foundation walls that the Inca constructed were built from very large stones finely cut and fitted together without any mortar – a big feat of architecture. Another feature of the Inca builders was that the walls lean inwards, and were built to withstand earthquakes and sinking. The Spanish could not destroy these walls, so they just built over those solid foundations.

    The Incas were also known for their detailed astronomical observations. A few rooms are dedicated to this. Their knowledge of The Milky Way and other Constellations was incredible. Lots of proof of this is presented in some of those rooms.

    The Gardens of the complex are also beautiful, and were meant to pay homage to Inti. They are still immaculately maintained. One area has the three symbols of the Inca – The Puma, the Condor and the Snake – carved out in the grass.

    We had an amazing guided tour, and learned a tremendous amount about the Inca life, and their advance knowledge about architecture and astronomy.

    Recommend taking a guided tour to understand what you are looking at. A “Must Visit”.
    Review of: Qorikancha
    Written September 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Candace Larkin
    Avignon, France2 contributions
    Tipon is a great place to visit!
    Tipon is a great place to visit! The incredible Incan ruins are a must-see, and the stunning mountain views are breathtaking. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious. The activities available are varied, from walking and hiking to rafting and zip-lining. The accommodations are comfortable and reasonably priced, making it a great place for families to stay. We had a wonderful time exploring the ruins, trying the local cuisine, and taking advantage of the outdoor activities. We highly recommend Tipon to any family looking for a unique and exciting vacation destination.
    Review of: Tipon
    Written March 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • YUDMI ELY V
    1 contribution
    Fantastique
    Thanks to Waliki I was able to fulfill one of my dreams, I got to know Machupicchu, it was an unforgettable trip. 100% recommended
    Review of: Waliki Tours Peru
    Written July 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MDTraveler2010
    Crofton, MD166 contributions
    Interesting.
    Interesting small museum in Cusco near Plaza de Armas. Has trunks that missionaries used to teach the bible and lots of artwork. Worth an hour or so.
    Review of: Museo de Vida Monástica - Monasterio de Santa Catalina del Cusco
    Written October 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Loulwa_Kaloyeros (Assaker)
    Beirut, Lebanon1,004 contributions
    Inca meets Christianity
    The Incas origins of this monastery are an architectural marvel. The walls, rooms, stairs, the inner court and complemented by the cloisters in a grand setting overlooking the city.
    Review of: Convento Santo Domingo
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurel Cormier
    Roosevelt, AZ8 contributions
    Interesting place, quiet, free
    Ruins of an Inca temple that are really close to the city, there are multiple caves and stone carvings but unfortunately, the main ones are closed off to the public.
    Review of: Cusco Moon Temple
    Written January 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luvs2TravelAnywhere
    New York City, NY6,683 contributions
    Inca Fortress
    This Inca Fortress is another amazing piece of architecture near Cusco. It is mind boggling how they were able to build this.
    Review of: Huacoto
    Written December 16, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Africa Eddie
    Sydney, Australia9,634 contributions
    Interesting
    Just down from our hotel this convent and church was open as we strolled past. Worth checking out as it has an interesting interior.
    Review of: Convento santa Teresa
    Written November 4, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JAC-B-321
    564 contributions
    Quiet
    A very quiet location that probably sees very few tourists. Amazing stonework at this pre-Inca gateway to the region.
    Review of: Tarawasi
    Written October 27, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rafal W
    Skoki, Poland1,401 contributions
    Temple of the Moon.
    There's few other Inca sites outside of Cuzco, that can be found here and there in area between Q'enqo and Tambomachay Usually, because they are located away of well trodden paths, not many tourists visiting them. Also, degree of their preservation is rather bad. Temple of the Moon is one of such a sites. Built around the massive bedrock outcrop, remains of old shrine are still used for shamanic ceremonies and Cuzco's dwellers and people from nearby villages coming in here for picnic. Not much left of temple's walls and rock carvings are heavily eroded, but site itself is quite romantic. On the one side of the rock there's big crevice that leads in to underground chamber or corridor. Although entering it is prohibited, locals sneaking inside of it, ignoring calls of the keeper of the temple . I couldn't find any information about this very place, and my knowledge of Inca history is rather superficial, therefore, this time I can't give you any interesting information or anecdotes regarding Temple of the Moon. To the south of shrine lays waterlogged meadows with muddy path leading to it, and to the east of them remains of old Inca road are still well visible. To the north of the outcrop some more rocks and small ravine can be found, and beyond them, there's another Inca site called Chukimarca, but I haven't visited it. Templo de la Luna and its surroundings is ideal place for somebody who's tired of busy and noisy cities and more popular and overcrowded historical sites. There's no ticket needed for this site. I found this place by a chance, wandering around area outside of the Cuzco.
    Review of: Templo de la Luna
    Written April 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DrhermanK
    Benoni, South Africa1,281 contributions
    Surprise opening
    We walked around the complex to find an entrance. The whole site looked deserted but for one family. The security personnel let us in and what a site. Saw so much of the ruins of the palace as well as mummies berried in some of the rooms. Looking at this I realized that there is more that we don’t know in relation to what we know.
    Review of: Kusikancha
    Written July 21, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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