By Kaitlin McMichael, Peru travel expert at SouthAmerica.travel
In the 1954 film Secret of the Incas (watch) starring Charlton Heston, Heston takes co-star Nicole Maurey to visit a museum in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. The movie was filmed on location, giving an excellent perspective on Cusco as it was in the 1950s. While the Cathedral’s bells toll, a few trucks, farmers, and passerby make their way along the adobe-lined streets of this Cusco of fifty years past. Much has changed in the city that once was called “the Navel of the Universe” by the Incas, but those on a Peru tour can still see remnants of a bygone era while on an in-depth Cusco city tour.
If you travel to Cusco by plane, you’ll find the Cusco airport, located on the sparse outskirts of the city, is still as small as it was when Heston graced its presence. The airport’s terra cotta tile roof fends off the penetrating highland sun rays, and dust kicks up and blows through the valley surrounded by rounded foothills. A few cars wait in the parking lot to take visitors to their hotels, but crowds are few. The sense of tranquilo, of sustained calm in contrast to the busyness of Lima’s urban sprawl, is dominant. The sky stretches over the sun-lit valley, and it seems no wonder why the Incas were worshippers of the Inti, the sun god.
Take a 10-minute drive down Avenida El Sol into the city, where you can check in to your Cusco hotel. There are plenty of hotels and hostels within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, or main plaza, which is where you’ll find all the main action and the best views. The neighborhoods of San Blas and Resbalosa are located on the hillside, within walking distance of the Plaza, and hotels here are worth the walk for the incredible views overlooking the city. Take it easy for the first few hours in Cusco; the city is 3399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. If you’re worried about soroche, or altitude sickness, you can always bypass Cusco and camp out in the Sacred Valley, which lies at a slightly lower altitude.
Start off your Cusco city tour with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, or main square. You might see some niños selling gorros (hand-knit beanies), finger puppets in the shape of llamas, and other trinkets. Stroll the perimeter of the plaza as you reflect on the historic events this plaza has seen: the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, claimed this town for himself in 1532; an earthquake devastated the Church of La Compañía and many other buildings in 1650; the upstart Tupac Amaru II was killed here in 1780; and it is here that the annual Lord of the Miracles procession – a celebration of the Cathedral’s survival of the 1650 earthquake – takes place.
Source: enperublog.com