CUSCO-MACHUPICCHU
The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian past with Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills among which are hidden surprising places such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay.
Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru located on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range, in the Huatanay river basin, a tributary of the Vilcanota. It is the capital of the department of Cusco and, furthermore, as stated in the Peruvian constitution, it is the “historical capital” of the country.
Formerly it was the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty of Peru. During the viceregal era, under the sovereignty of the Spanish crown, various Baroque and neoclassical churches, universities, palaces and squares were built. These constructions are the attractions that make the city the main tourist destination in the country. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Cusco refers to the set of typical dishes of the city of Cusco. This gastronomy presents a diversified amount of dishes product of the miscegenation and fusion of its pre-Inca, Inca, colonial and modern tradition. It is a variation of the Peruvian Andean gastronomy although it maintains some typical cultural features of the Peruvian south.
Dances
The typical dances of Cusco are performed mainly in patron saint festivals, religious events, festivals and any cultural activity that takes place. These dances are organized by groups or religious groups, who use the dance as a way to express their devotion. They usually use costumes of many colors and various garments, allow to express the culture of the people and keep traditions alive, some of them are a fundamental part of religious ceremonies. Through dance, culture, history and customs can be preserved. The typical dances of Cusco are not the exception, since these are the cultural expression of the people and represent the history of this mystical place.
