Cusco and Machu Picchu

Cusco,
the Imperial Capital of the Incas

The Imperial Capital of the Incas is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.

Cusco is a spectacular destination where the imprints of the Incas and the influence of colonial Spain are found on every street corner and interwoven through the city's architecture. Its name "Cusco" or Cuzco" means in Quechua "centre of the world, from when it was the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo empire, as the Inca empire was known.

From the moment you arrive in this beautiful city it involves you with a mystical energy. Known as the archaeological capital of America, Cusco is surrounded by Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara, the Ollantaytambo complex, the royal garden of Tampumachay and beautiful towns such as Pisaq, Chinchero, Calca and Yucuay, that keep the traditions of their ancestors.

Although Cusco is predominantly pre-Columbian, with such treasures as the Coricancha (the Sun Temple), the Kiswar Kancha, the Amaru Cancha (Snake Fence), and the Ajilla Wasi, colonial gems such as the Cathedral, the church and Convent of La Merced and the San Blas Temple merge into its architecture.

Folklore Cusco is known for the wealth and diversity of its traditions. The most spectacular dances are the Dance of the Churches, the Qollas, the Cusco Carnival, the Dance of the Doctorcitos, the Dance of the Negritos, the Contradanza,the Sacra K'achampa and the Panadero.

Handicrafts Cusco offers several types of handicrafts. You can find textiles, sacred figurines, pottery, jewellery and gems with Andean motifs, and woodcarvings. San Blas is, without doubt, one of the most importan neighbourhoods for traditional artisans. You can visit the workshops of master artisans like Mendivil, Ediberto Merida, Antonio Olave and Gregorio Bejar there. The richness and variety of representations begin with the Three Wise Men , the Virgin Mary, the Baby Jesus and Archangels, among many others.

Cuisine The usual places to try food in Cusco are the traditional restaurants called chicherias and picanterias where you can eat typical dishes like:
Kapchi - lima bean or mushroom soup, with potatoes, milk, eggs and cheese
Chicharron mote - pork rinds fried in their own fat, seerved with hominy or individual kernels of swwet corn
Humita - a sweet or salty tamal, served without sauce
Saralawa - soup of fresh corn, lima beans, dry aji amarillo (yellow hot peppers) and huacatay (native herb)
Chuno cola - beef soup with rice, garbanzo beans and dehydrated potatoes
Adobo - pork marinated in chicha and spices and cooked in a clay pot
Olluco con carne - Ollucu stew with jerky or llama meat

Machu Picchu
the Lost City of the Incas

Enveloped in a magical silence 74 miles northwest of Cusco on the slopes above the Urubamba River, in the middle of a cloud forest, lies one of the most beautiful archaeological sies on the planet. Some also consider it to be a mystical place that exudes vital energy. Machu Picchu is remarkable for its solid construction, its well balanced use of space and the harmony of its design with its natural surroundings.

Machu Picchu's name comes from the ancient Quechua word meaning old mountain. It is strategically located to elude enemies and is surrounded by deep canyons and impressive mountains, which the Incas called Apus or guardian gods. The whole area is covered in thick vegetation.

The site of Machu Picchu was built entirely of stone, using every space in harmony with function. There are two main sections: the urban area which includes temples, palaces, plazas, storage rooms, workshops, stairways and fountains; and the agricultural area made up of various types of terraces for cuntivation.

The local people knew of the ruins long ago. In 1911, the guide Melchor Arteaga, led Professor Hiram Bingham of Yale University to Machu Picchu. Bingham returned in 1914 with the support of Yale University and the National Geographic Society and, since then, Machu Picchu has been known as "The Lost City of the Incas."

The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary is a natural reserve, which became a World Heritage Site in 1983. It has recently been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

How to get there

It takes four hours by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, otherwise known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, and then 20 minutes up the winding road to Machu Picchu itself.

Extra days in Machu Picchu

Few things on earth could come close to an extended stay at one of the most incredible sights, the ruins of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study the mysterious ruins; hike Huana Picchu, the pyramid shaped mountain above Machu Picchu; stroll to the Inca Bridge, a secret entrance used by the Inca's army; walk towards the Inca Trail to find the historic Sun Gate.

Whatever your interest, cloud forest and orchid gardens, basket weaving or Andean music lessons, an informative slideshow or a spiritual session, the magic that surrounds Machu Picchu will amaze and embrace you.
How to do it? Contact us.

The Inca Trail

There are three options:
1 - the Full Trail (4 days/3 nights) that starts at Kilometre 88 on the railway line. Archaeological sites along he way include Patallacta, Willkarakay, Patawasi, Runkurakay, Sayacmara, Conchamarca, Phuyupatamarka - the highest site at 11,972 ft - Intipata, Winay Wayna - an Inca site surrounded by impressive terraces and an exuberance of wild orchids - and Machu Picchu. An interesting feature on this route is the crossing of the Urubamba River via a hanging bridge and the optional climb up to Warmiwaskuna pass ("where the woman died") at 13,776 ft, which offers spectactular scenery.
2 - the Sacred Trail (2 days/1 night). This route begins at Kilometre 104, which can be reached by train. Archaeological sites along the way include Chachabamba, Winay Wayna and Machu Picchu. The train ride from Cusco as far as Km 104 takes about 3 hours.
3 - The Royal Trail: a one day hike to Mach Picchu. This route begins at Kilometre 108 and is a six hour guided hike on the last part of the Inca Trail. Affording spectacular views, this route also visits the striking Inca terraces of Winay Wayna.
4 - The Road of Purification: which takes 4 or 5 hours. This starts from Aguas Calientes.

E-mail us for programmes including these trails, Cusco and Machu Picchu. If you don't fancy walking far just go to Machu Picchu Pueblo by train and take the bus to the Sanctuary. You can do whatever you feel comfortable with.

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