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5 historical things to see when you’re in Cusco, Peru

By Ian Goodwillie

OLLANTAYTAMBO, PERU - JANUARY 17: A PeruRail train that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu travels through ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, on January 17, 2014 in Ollantaytambo, Peru. The 15th-century Inca site, MachuPicchu also known as 'The Lost City of the Incas' is situated high above the Urubamba River. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site it was discovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
OLLANTAYTAMBO, PERU - JANUARY 17: A PeruRail train that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu travels through ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, on January 17, 2014 in Ollantaytambo, Peru. The 15th-century Inca site, MachuPicchu also known as 'The Lost City of the Incas' is situated high above the Urubamba River. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site it was discovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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As a general rule, South America calls to travelers from around the world. That’s thanks to vibrant cities with rich cultural and food scenes, not to mention the intense natural beauty that surrounds them. Cusco, Peru is certainly one of those cities.

Located in the southeastern part of the country, Cusco rests in the Urubamba Valley of the stunning Andes mountain range. It was founded in the year 1100, and has become a center of travel for people looking to dig deeper in the history of the region and the world.

Cusco Historic Center

Cusco, Peru
CUSCO, PERU – MAY 24: The Natural History Museum catches the last of the evening light in Plaza De Armas on May 24, 2018 in Cusco, Peru. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire between the 13th and 16th century Spanish conquest. Today the city is a major draw for tourists who use it as a base to visit many of the archaeological sites in the greater region, including the famous Machu Picchu. Around three million international tourists visited the city in 2017, though numbers to sites such as Machu Picchu dropped as result of the many protests and strikes by different Union groups who staged road blocks and disrupted transport to and from the site. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) /

Naturally, you’re going to want to explore Cusco itself, and with good reason. This region used to be the center of the Incan Empire. As such, the city itself is alive with the almost unbelievable amount of history to be absorbed here.

In addition to the Incans, the heavy Spanish influence can be felt, particularly in the architecture of the historic center of the city. Take some time her to immerse yourself in the city before you head out on any tours or journeys.

Experience Machu Picchu

Suggesting someone go to Machu Picchu isn’t exactly an insider tip. This is easily one of the most popular destinations in world, and for good reason. Cusco is the perfect base of operations to visit this incredible place from.

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Machu Picchu is steeped in the cultural history of Peru as well as the Incans. It is a truly awe inspiring experience to view this place. And if you’re going to Cusco, it’s relatively easy trip to set up. It’s about a seven hour round trip along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Speaking of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this is not something you just pass through on your way to somewhere else. This was an incredibly important region to the Incans as it was close to Cusco and was key to the production of corn.

The valley runs through the Andes mountain range, and it stunning all on its own. But the number of key archaeological sites housed within it tend to boggle the mind. Plan your visit carefully because it can be a bit overwhelming in its own way.

Tour the Pisac Indian Market

Cusco, Pisac, Peru
PISAC, PERU – JANUARY 15: Early morning light hits the rolling hills and Inca ruins along the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on January 15, 2014 near Pisac, Peru. The sacred valley was a major settlement of the Inca people. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

A short distance outside of Cusco is the mountain town of Pisac. In addition to the picturesque region, there is an absolutely marvelous reason to make a trip there, and that’s the market. It’s possibly the best of its kind in the Cusco area.

There are more than a few indigenous markets in and around Cusco but the Pisac Indian Market might be the best. It selection of locally sourced and made goods is hard to compare to. Plus, the town itself is a wonderful place to spend time.

Mercado Central de San Pedro

If you’re going to spend time in Peru, you’ve got to eat like you’re in Peru. And that means you need to track down the best locally grown produce and more. As such, it’s time for a trip to Mercado Central de San Pedro.

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This is the biggest and oldest food market in the city, and a place people go to several times a day. In addition to finding great produce, you can also get your hands on some excellent meals there made from that same produce.

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