• Cusco Cathedral - Cusco is a city rich in history, filled with architectural relics and historical sites. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square, is central to its historical significance. Known as the “square of the warrior” during the Inca era, it has hosted many pivotal events and is home to three major churches: Cusco Cathedral, Iglesia del Triunfo, and Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. Here’s some background on these notable churches and what visitors can expect to see.
  The Church of Triumph (Iglesia del Triunfo) was the first church built on Cusco’s main square, with construction starting in 1536, just three years after the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The Jesuits constructed it over Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building, armory, and heraldry center linked to the palace of Viracocha. It was the first Christian church built in Cusco.
  The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, also known as Cusco Cathedral, was the second church the Jesuits began building in the main square, but it was the last to be completed. Construction started in 1559 and finished nearly a century later in 1654.
  Like the Church of Triumph, Cusco Cathedral was built on the foundations of a sacred Inca site, a recurring theme. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross, it was constructed on the foundations of kiswarkancha to replace the Inca religion with Spanish Catholic Christianity. Kiswarkancha was previously the Inca palace of Viracocha, the ruler of Cusco nearly a century before the Spanish arrived.
  Since most of Cusco’s population was of Quechua Inca descent at the time, the Spaniards used Inca labor to build the cathedral.
• Qorikancha - Koricancha is a remarkable example of the fusion between Inca and Hispanic cultures. The remains of the ancient Sun Temple of the Peruvians were used as the foundation for the Santo Domingo church and convent. The temple symbolizes Western dominance and exemplifies the coexistence of Peru’s past with European architecture.
  The temple was constructed with finely carved stones, and its walls in various chambers are adorned with gold and silver leaf. The massive stones in the Inca walls, some with over 30 angles, are captivating. Notably, one block has 24 angles and 6 sides. The great Inca turret dominates the site, highlighting a ceremonial niche related to the winter solstice. The lower part of the temple features fountains and gardens where conquered tribes offered their tributes.
  The temple’s inner sanctum was reserved for the highest authorities of the time, attracting people from across the Empire to worship and pay homage to the Tahuantinsuyo gods.
• Sacsayhuaman - The name Sacsaywaman or Sacsayhuamán comes from two Quechua words: “Sacsay,” meaning satiate, and “wamán,” meaning hawk; together, they mean “eat your fill, hawk.” This intriguing meaning refers to the birds as divine protectors of the Incas and their military forces.
  Located 1.25 miles from Cusco’s square at an altitude of 12,140 feet, it is surrounded by the mountains Ausangate, Pachatusán, and Sencca. Covering twelve square miles, it includes incredible archaeological and architectural sites like Kolcampata, Qenqo Grande, Qenqo Chico, Laqo, Kusilluchayoq, Lanlakuyuq, Llaullipata, Chacan, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
  It is believed that around 20,000 men worked to cut and transport massive stones from Huaqoto and Rumiqolqa to build this ceremonial Inca fortress. Sacsayhuamán is an architectural marvel with megalithic walls made of stones weighing between 99 and 138 tons. The stones vary in size, with some having over one hundred angles, all fitted together without mortar.
• Q’enqo - The Incan Empire was completely destroyed by European forces in the 16th century, leaving many of their massive temples, fortresses, and cities standing without clues to their purpose. Qenqo Temple, fifteen minutes from Cusco, is similarly mysterious, with a dark history filling the void.
  In Quechua, Qenqo means labyrinth or zig-zag, named for the crooked canal cut into its rock. While it’s clear the canal carried a liquid, researchers can only speculate on its purpose and what liquid it transported. Theories suggest it carried holy water, chicha (corn beer), or blood, indicating Qenqo was used for death rituals, possibly to embalm bodies or determine a person’s virtue by the liquid’s path.
  Qenqo is uniquely constructed, entirely carved from a massive monolith. Spanning a hillside, the temple combines man-made tunnels with natural chambers. One chamber features 19 small niches and is arranged like an amphitheater. The theater’s purpose is lost to time, but it likely served for sacrifices to the sun, moon, and star gods worshipped there.
  From available information, Qenqo Temple was a sacred site for the Incas, where the dead were judged and possibly embalmed in its winding tunnels, and blood sacrifices were made to the celestial gods. Despite its likely grim purpose, the temple’s carved tunnels and chambers are an impressive feat of ancient architecture, and a visit to Qenqo is sure to intrigue every visitor.
• Tambomachay - Located 4.5 miles northeast of Cusco, Tambomachay stands at 12,350 feet above sea level. This Inca bath features structures built with precisely cut stones, with water from nearby streams running through aqueducts and small cascades.
  Tambomachay was associated with the veneration of water, a vital element in the Andean worldview. It has two aqueducts with artistic rock engravings that transport and supply a constant flow of clean water year-round. Its name, meaning “place of rest,” suggests the Inca came here to relax.
  Today, it is one of the best hiking routes, offering tourists an adventure amid stunning natural scenery.
• Puka Pukara - The complex includes numerous halls, inner plazas, aqueducts, watchtowers, and paths. It likely served as a “tambo,” a place of rest and lodging. According to legend, whenever the Inca visited Tambomachay, he was accompanied by a large entourage that stayed in Puka Pukara. Its fortified appearance led to it being called a fortress.

• Transport included
• Bi-lingual guide (English & Spanish) available

• Entrane to Qorikancha: 15 Soles
• Entrance to sites: 70 Soles for 2 Days or 130 Soles for 10 Days

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.