REGION DATA…………………………….…………………………………… 02

CUSCO CITY MAP…………………….……………………………………… 03

CUSCO HISTORY.……………………………………………………………. 04

CUSCO IN THE PRESENT…………………………………………............ 05

TOURISTIC PLACES……………..…………………………………………. 06

PHONE BOOK…………………..………………………………………………. 08

MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE REGION ……………………………………. 09

MAIN HOLIDAYS OF THE REGION……………….……………………… 10

RECOMENDATIONS……….………………………………………………….. 12

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REGION CREATION:

The department of Cusco

was created by the

election regulation on April

26, 1822 on the basis of

the territories of the

ancient independence of

Cusco, during the

government of the

protectorate of General

José de San Martin

LOCATION:

It is located southeast of Peru,

with an altitude of 3,399

(m.a.s.l) and an area of

71,981.97 km2. It is located in

the south eastern region of

the Peruvian territory. It is

bordered by the following

departments: On the north

Ucayali and Junín, on the east

Madre de Dios and Puno, on

the south Puno and Arequipa,

on the west with Apurímac.

WEATHER:

The climate is mild in the Andean

valleys, cold and dry in the Andean

plateaus, glacial in the Andean

peaks and warm in the valleys of

the jungle. In Cusco from May to

July the weather is very cold

especially at night and early

morning, from July to December the

climate is mild and from December

to February there are frequent rains

TERRITORY:

The most characteristic of its

territory is the presence of the

eastern and central mountain

ranges of the Andes. All the

rivers of the department are

part of the Amazon river. The

historic center of the city of

Cusco has traditional streets

where you can see the Spanish

influence on the Inca Empire.

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Cusco has thousands of years of history and the historical circumstance of its foundation has not yet been

precisely determined. Cusco was the center of the Inca Empire, which was the most extensive and important in

America. The Inca Empire was formed explosively in less than 100 years. It was mostly work of 2 Incas:

Pachacuteq (who started the expansion) and Tupac Yupanqui (who continued the expansion). This

interpretation has replaced the hypothesis that the Inca empire was formed almost peacefully, gradually and

over several centuries. At the time of its maximum extension the empire comprised great part of Peru, Bolivia

and Ecuador, in addition it had incorporated some provinces of Argentina and Chile. At the beginning of the XVI

century the Incas were reaching the ecological borders of their empire, reaching the sea and the jungle,

territories that they never dominated.

The center of the entire empire was Cusco, there are several translations of its name as "navel" or "center", for

other etymologies means sad; When the Incas arrived in Cusco they found some houses made of straw and

mud, the Cusco that the Incas built and was found by the Spaniards, was a city of temples and palaces made of

stone. For the empire, the Cusco not only had administrative functions but also religious because it was the

center of the world, a place for the communication between the Gods and the people. The center of Cusco was

destined for the Inca nobility in their temples were the best in the Empire. In Cusco only the most important

members of their social organization could live.

Between the years 1524 and 1528 Francisco Pizarro in partnership with Diego de Almagro and Hernando de

Luque; it determines the conquest of the Incas and begins its expedition, arriving first to Guayaquil (Ecuador)

where it confirms the wealth of the Inca Empire. The year 1531 Pizarro in the company of its partners founded

San Miguel in the current department of Tumbes in Peru; naively the Inca of that time “Atahuallpa” invited

Pizarro to Cajamarca where he would welcome his empire, but he was betrayed and captured by the Spaniards.

It is said that already imprisoned Atahuallpa ordered to assassinate his brother Huascar in a rivalry for power,

and that in exchange for that crime and to free him the Inca would give the conquerors a room full of gold. The

Spaniards accepted the offer but they never freed him, they killed him and that is how the end of the Incas

began.

There were many revolutionary movements in Cusco, one of the most important was of “Tupac Amaru II”, who

failed in his attempt of freedom and was dismembered in the square of Cusco, after witnessing the death of his

wife and children. Shortly after independence proclaimed by General José de San Martín in 1821 the

department of Cusco was founded on March 23, 1822.

CUSCO HISTORY

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CUSCO IN THE

PRESENT

Cusco is a cosmopolitan city, a growing city,

surrounded by archaeological vestiges of the Inca

culture and the Colonial era, where cultures from

all over the world interact. It is a small city but

with much activity both in the day and at night.

Cusco is generally a safe city especially in the

day, but it is better not to get too far from the

center

The streets in the center of the city are traditional and mostly

have a Quechua name, the streets change their name in short

distances, the main trade centers are in the city center and it

is possible to get away from the urban area traveling by car 5

minutes. The city grows mainly towards the south so modern

Cusco develops in that sector. Cusco has only 1 airport and is

10 minutes from the city center as well as its bus terminal

that is 5 minutes from downtown. The main means of

transport are public service buses, which cover different

routes depending on the company, there are also taxis that

usually have aestablished rates.

The gastronomy in Cusco is exquisite and varied, in

the city center there are restaurants from all over

the world and the typical Cusqueña food is very well

known. The typical dishes of the region are: Chiri

Uchu (cold food), Lechón cusqueño, Chicharrón,

Adobo of Cuzco and Cuy al horno.

The main economic activity of Cusco is tourism and

mining, Cusco is a territory with a lot of raw

material, but not is an industrial city. The people in

Cusco are very friendly.

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MAIN TOURISTIC

PLACES

Located 4 hours from the city of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba from Km. 82 to

Km. 122 of the railway line between Cusco and Quillabamba, with a height of 2225

m.a.s.l, it comprises an area of 33,000 hectares. The climate of this area is semi-

tropical, rainy from November to April and warm from May to October. In this

Sanctuary there is an abundant flora and fauna, as well as mountains and snowy

mountains. So far more than 114 archaeological sites have been registered, it is one

of the most important archaeological monuments in the world, declared by UNESCO

as: Cultural Patrimony of Humanity and a few years ago WAS DECLARED AS one of

the 7 wonders of the modern world.

MACHUPICCHU

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

The Sacred Valley of the Inkas or Valley of the Vilcanota, is located between the

towns of Pisaq (Calca) and Ollantaytambo (Urubamba) north of Cusco, it is beautiful

and was much appreciated by the Inca, due to its special conditions such as climate

and the fertility of their lands. To visit it you only need 1 day and it is one of the most

required tours by visitors.

SACSAYHUAMAN

It is an "Inca ceremonial fortress", two kilometers north of the city of Cuzco.

Construction began during the government of Pachacútec, in the 15th century;

however, it was Huayna Cápac who gave the final structures in the 16th century.

Every June 24 the festival of the Inti Raymi or festival of the sun is celebrated in this

place. Sacsayhuaman is a wonder of engineering and one of the most visited places

for its proximity to Cusco

CORICANCHA

In Castilian Temple of the Sun, is located in the city of Cusco, it was the most

important temple of the Incas for its fine finish and great infrastructure, also was a

place for the adoration to the sun god. The Inca Huayna Capac in his governament,

stored the gold of all the Tahuantinsuyo in this place for it the Spaniards say that

when they arrived they never saw so much gold together.

CHOQUEQUIRAO

Is an Inca city located between the Salcantay mountain, and under the jurisdiction of

the district of Santa Teresa, Province of La Convención, Department of Cuzco, in

southern Peru. It is said that it was one of the last Inca temples before the conquest

and where the Spaniards did not arrive.

MONTAÑA DE COLORES

The mountain of 7 colors (VINICUNCA) is one of the majestic attractions present on

the road to the snowy AUSANGATE, it is cataloged by the magazine NATIONAL

GEOGRAPHIC as one of the 100 places that must be visited before dying. This

mountain owns the 7 colors of the rainbow in a natural way.

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HUCHUY QOSQO

It is an archaeological site 50 km north of Cuzco. This place has an altitude of 3,600

m.a.s.l. Is located above the city of Lamay, in the district of Calca, in the Sacred

Valley. It is the only place where you can appreciate Inca infrastructures with 2

floors. Arriving is very easy and can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu

because of its proximity to the district of Ollantaytambo where the train station to

Machu Picchu town is located.

CAMINO INCA

It was a system of roads in the Inca civilization that linked the important cities of the

coast and the mountains occupying all the Tahuantinsuyo empire. Part of that road

was made from Cusco to the citadel of Machupicchu. Currently, people make the Inca

trail to Machupicchu starting from Km. 82 of the railway line on a trip that lasts 4

days and 3 nights. The availability of spaces for this walk is very limited, it is

advisable to make reservations much earlier.

desde el quilómetro 82 hasta el kilómetro 122

SALKANTAY

It´s a snow in Cusco-Peru, considered by the Incas as a sacred mountain, located in

the Vilcabamba mountain range, in the district of Santa Teresa, province of La

Convención, Department of Cusco. It rises to 6271 meters above sea level. It is one

of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, together with the Ausangate mountain

in the Vilcanota mountain range. It is a wonder of nature and visiting it is a challenge

to vertigo and adrenaline, with a walk that can last up to 5 days.

CATEDRAL

It is the main temple of the city of Cuzco and. The Cathedral Basilica of Cuzco that

with the temples of the Triumph and the Sagrada Familia form the Set of the

Cathedral, is located in the northeast sector of the current Plaza de Armas of Cuzco.

In the place that was the Suntur Wasi, Palace of the Inca Wiracocha. The complex

occupies an area of 3956 m2. It is the most important religious monument of the

Historical Center of Cuzco

MANU NATIONAL PARK

It is a protected natural space located in southeastern Peru, located partially in the

departments of Madre de Dios and Cusco, in the provinces of Manu and Paucartambo.

With an area of 1 909 800 hectares, it is divided into three large areas: the National

Park, with 1 532 806 ha, the Reserved Zone, with 257 000 ha and the Transition or

Cultural Zone, with 120 000 ha. Some researchers believe that in the virgin areas of

this reserve is located the Paititi or lost city of the Incas.

ANDAHUAYLILLAS

The church of Andahuaylillas called "the Sistine Chapel of America", is located in the

south part of the city of Cusco, Its architecture is one of the most surprising and

beautiful of religious art in Perú, from the outside, it does not stop being beautiful,

despite its simplicity

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DIRECTORIO TELEFÓNICO:

POLICIA DE TURISMO CUSCO: 084 221961

POLICIA NACIONAL DEL PERU EMERGENCIAS: 105

SEGURIDAD CIUDADANA CUSCO: 084 221118 / 084 261137

CLINICA CIMA (ESPECIALISTAS EN MAL DE ALTURA): 084 255550

HOSPITAL REGIONAL DEL CUSCO: 084 231131

HOSPITAL ESSALUD CUSCO: 084 234724

COMPAÑÍA DE BOMBEROS CUSCO: 084 224065

DIRCETUR CUSCO: 084 223701

BOLETERIA DE ENTRADAS A MACHUPICCHU: 084582030

PERU RAIL: 084 581414

INCA RAIL: 084 581860

COSITUC (BOLETO TURISTICO): 084 227037

I PERU (CUSCO) INFORMACION AL VIAJERO: 084 237364

AEROPUERTO VELAZCO ASTETE CUSCO: 084 222611

TERMINAL TERRESTRE CUSCO: 084 224471

SERNANP: 084 270509

LAN PERU: 01 2138200

STAR PERU: 01 705-9000

PERUVIAN AIRLINES: 084 480011

MUSEO INKA: 084 237380

QORIKANCHA: 084 249176

ARZOBISPADO DEL CUSCO: 084225211

INTERBANK CUSCO: 084 225251

BANCO BCP CUSCO: 084 581230

BANCO CONTINENTAL CUSCO: 01 4404553

CLINICA MAC SALUD CUSCO: 084 582060

CENTRO COMERCIAL REAL PLAZA CUSCO: 01 6118200

ESTACION DE TRENES DE OLLANTAYTAMBO: 084 581414

ESTACION DE TRENES DE MACHUPICCHU: 084 582030

CINEPLANET: 01 6249500

MUSEO CASA GARCILASO: 084 223245

CRUZ DEL SUR CUSCO: 01 3115050

TURISMO MER: 084 245171

MUNICIPALIDAD DEL CUSCO: 084 244071

GOBIERNO REGIONAL CUSCO: 084221131

POLLERIA TABLON CUSCO: 084 262000

PIZERIA EXPRESS: 084 246050

RESTAURANT DON ANTONIO: 084 221318

RESTAURANT LIMO: 084 240668

LIMBUS RESTOBAR: 084 431282

MUSEO DEL PISCO CUSCO: 084 262709

DISCOTECA UKUKUS: 084 233445

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MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE REGION

AGRICULTURE:

AGRICULTURE IS ONE OF THE MAIN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE REGION, THE

SACRED VALLEY OR VALLEY OF URUBAMBA IS CONSIDERED THE MOST FERTILE OF

ALL PERU, THE MOST IMPORTANT PRODUCTS ARE: CORN, TE, COCOA, POTATOE,

WHEAT AND BARLEY.

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CATTLE RAISING:

CUSCO IS THE FIRST PRODUCER OF CATTLE LACQUER IN PERU, THERE IS

ABUNDANT ICHU (VARIETY OF ANDEAN NATURAL PASTE) THAT IS THE MAIN FOOD

OF CATTLE. ALSO THERE ARE PRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK WOOL, SHEEP AND

CAMELIDS.

TOURISM:

CUSCO IS THE FIRST TOURIST CENTER OF PERU AND HAS BEEN QUALIFIED BY

UNESCO AS A CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY. A LARGE PART OF THE

CUSQUEÑA POPULATION IS DEDICATED TO THIS ACTIVITY SINCE MANY PEOPLE

HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN VISITING CUSCO AND ESPECIALLY MACHUPICCHU

SINCE THE YEAR 1911 THAT WAS DISCOVERED FOR THE FIRST TIME MACHUPICCHU

CRAFTS:

GENERALLY IT IS MADE WITH THE EXTRACTION OF WOOD OF AGUAJE. IT IS ALSO

AN EXPERT REGION IN THE PRODUCTION OF SILVER AND GOLD JEWELS AND

ANKYL WOOL FABRICS.

MINING:

CUSCO HAS MANY MINERALIZED AREAS THAT ARE. THE NATURAL GAS DEPOSIT OF

CAMISEA, LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF THE CONVENCION IS THE MOST

IMPORTANT MINING FIND OF THE LAST YEARS IN PERU, WHOSE EXPLOITATION

GENERATES INGENT RESOURCES FOR CUSCO AND THE COUNTRY

FISHING:

IT IS AN ACTIVITY THAT IS PRACTICED IN THE RIVERS AND LAKES OF THE

DEPARTMENT WITH CHARACTERISTICS OF DIRECT LOCAL CONSUMPTION AND FOR

THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTISAN INDUSTRY BASED ON THE SALADO SEO OF THE

EXTRACTED SPECIES

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MAIN HOLIDAYS

OF THE REGION

BAJADA DE REYES:

RELIGIOUS FOLKLORIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATED EVERY JANUARY 6 THROUGHOUT

THE CUSCO, ESPECIALLY IN THE DISTRICT OF OLLANTAYTAMBO, WHERE THERE ARE

A FERIA OF CRAFTS AND PRODUCTS OF THE AREA.

CARNIVALS:

IT´S AN FESTIVAL THAT BEGINS WITH THE PARTY OF THE COMPADRES IN FEBRUARY

AND CULMINATES WITH THE REMATE OF CARNIVALS, PLAYS WITH FOAM,

SERPENTINE AND UNFORTUNATELY WAS WASTE A LOT OF WATER, THE PEOPLES OF

CUSCO HAS A VERY PARTICULAR WAY CELEBRATE THE DAY OF CARNIVALS WITH A

PARTY AND YUNSA WHAT IS TO DRAW A TREE FILLED WITH GIFTS, AROUND WHICH

ALL THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE PARTY DANCE, THE PERSON WHO DROPS THE TREE

WILL BE WHO WILL ORGANIZES THE PARTY OF THE NEXT YEAR

SEÑOR DE LOS TEMBLORES:

RELIGIOUS FESTIVITY CELEBRATED EVERY MONDAY HOLY, WHERE THE HOLY ONE

KNOWN AS LORD OF THE TREMBLERS IS TAKEN AWAY FROM HIS TEMPLE AND GIVES

HIS BLESSING IN THE SQUARE OF ARMS OF THE CUSCO TO ALL A CROWD.

CRUZ VELACUY:

RELIGIOUS FESTIVITY CELEBRATED IN THE MONTH OF MAY AND JUNE, WHICH IS TO

SEE THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE CROSSES OF EACH NEIGHBORHOOD AND TO

ACCOMPANY WITH PARTY AND DANCES

QESWACHACA:

CONSISTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE INCA AND ARTISAN BRIDGE OF

QESWACHACA, LOCATED ABOVE THE RIVER APURIMAC, THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA

PERFORM A PILGRIMAGE TO THIS AREA

QOYLLUR RIT´I:

RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL THAT CONSISTS IN THE PILGRIMAGE OF DEVOTED TO THE

TEMPLE OF THE SAME NAME IN THE SNOW AUSANGATE WHERE THEY CARRY

OFFERINGS AND TYPICAL DANCES

INTI RAYMI:

KNOWN ALSO AS THE FESTIVAL OF THE SUN IS DEVELOPED EVERY 24TH OF JUNE

AND IS THE TRIBUTE TO GOD SUN, IS THE MAIN FEAST OF CUSCO AND WAS IN THE

TIME OF THE INCAS

CORPUS CHRISTI:

RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES IN THE MONTH OF JUNE AND CONSISTS THAT

THE SAINTS OF THE MAIN CHURCHES OF THE CITY ARE MEETING IN PROCESSION IN

THE PLAZA DE ARMAS OF CUSCO WHERE THEY OFFER THEIR BLESSING TO THE

WHOLE CITY, THIS FESTIVAL IS ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY LOCAL GASTRONOMY, YOU

CAN EAT THE PLATE CALLED CHIRI UCHU OR COLD FOOD IN ENGLISH THAT IS A

VERY TRADITIONAL DISH IN CUSCO

SEÑOR DE HUANCA:

RELIGIOUS FESTIVITY IN HONOR TO THE HOLY OF THE SAME NAME, MANY FAITHFUL

COME TO HIS CHURCH LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF CUSCO, TAKING

OFFERINGS AND IN CHANGE RECEIVING HIS BLESSING.

DAY OF ALL SAINTS OR DAY OF THE LIVES:

CELEBRATED NOVEMBER 1, IT IS A RELIGIOUS AND GASTRONOMIC PARTY, WHERE

PEOPLE EAT “LECHON” A VERY TYPICAL DISH IN CUSCO, ON THE NEXT DAY IS

CELEBRATED THE DAY OF THE DEAD AND ALL THE POPULATION GOES TO THE

CEMETERIES TO VISIT THEIR DEAD

CHRISTMAS IN CUSCO:

EVERY MONTH OF DECEMBER IS VERY COLORFUL IN CUSCO, FULL OF CHRISTMAS

DECORATIONS AND BIRTHS IN THE CHURCHES, WHICH CONSTITUTES A VERY NICE

AND PICTURESQUE EPOQUE, ON DECEMBER 23 AND 24, THE SQUARE OF ARMS IS

CLOSED TO MAKE THE SANTURANTIKUY WHICH IS A FAIR WHERE PEASANTS,

MERCHANTS AND CRAFTSMAN ARRIVE TO THE CITY TO OFFER THEIR PRODUCTS

NEW YEAR IN CUSCO:

IT´S THE NEW TREND, EVERY DECEMBER 31, A LARGE AMOUNT OF VISITORS IN

GENERAL COME TO FAMILIES AND GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO LIVE THE

EXPERIENCE OF SPENDING THE NEW YEAR IN THE CAPITAL OF THE INCAS EMPIRE

AND PROBABLY IN THE MOST ENERGY CITY OF PERU . THE SQUARE OF ARMS IS

CLOSED AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZES A PARTY FOR ALL PEOPLE.

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RECOMENDATIONS

WE WANT TO MAKE YOUR JOURNEY THE BEST EXPERIENCE, PLEASE TAKE IN

COUNT THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:

DO NOT EAT A LOT ON YOUR ARRIVAL DAY TO CUSCO, DUE TO DIGESTION

AT HEIGHT IS SLOWEST

DO NOT DO EXTENSIVE WALKS IF YOUR FIRST DAY IN CUSCO

IF YOU HAVE ALTITUDE SICKNESS, TAKE MATE DE COCA OR MUÑA

DO NOT EAT HEAVY FOOD DURING THE FIRST DAYS OF YOUR STAY.

IF YOU DONT KNOW CUSCO, DO NOT LEAVE THE CITY CENTER

REMEMBER THAT IF YOU TAKE MEDICINES FOR THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS

BEFORE ARRIVAL, YOU MAY HAVE TO TAKE THE MEDICINE DURING ALL

YOUR STAY

CUSCO HAS A VERY ACTIVE NIGHTLIFE SO THAT THERE ARE MANY

ENTERTAINMENT PLACES AND BEFORE CHOOSING ONE IT IS RECOMMENDED

TO CONSULT ABOUT THE SERVICE AND SECURITY.

CUSCO IS A SAFE CITY IN GENERAL, HOWEVER AVOID BRINGING GREAT

AMOUNTS OF MONEY DURING YOUR VISIT

IF YOU VISIT CUSCO BY YOURSELF, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BOOK THE

HOTEL AND TICKETS IN ADVANCE, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN THE MONTHS OF

MARCH AND NOVEMBER

INFORMAL TOURISM IN CUSCO IS VERY FREQUENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IN

THE CENTER OF THE CITY YOU FIND OFFERS OF MANY SERVICES, BE

CAREFUL AS YOU COULD BE A VICTIM OF SCAM

IF YOU NEVER DO VERTIGO SPORTS LIKE THE BUNGEE OR THE

PARAGLIDING, CUSCO IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO EXPERIENCE

CUSCO HAS ALMOST ALL YEAR THE SAME COLD CLIMATE FOR THE NIGHTS

AND SUN IN THE MORNING, HOWEVER IT IS VERY FREQUENT THE RAINS

DURING DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY, IN ANY STATION THAT TRAVEL, BRING

WARM CLOTHING, WATERPROOF AND PROTECTOR SOLAR

MACHUPICCHU A DIFFERENCE FROM CUSCO HAS A MOST TROPICAL

CLIMATE, SO YOU SHOULD SELECT A DIFFERENT CLOTHING TO VISIT THIS

PLACE.

IF YOU VISIT MARKETS DO NOT TAKE A LOT OF MONEY, TAKE EFFECTIVE

AND WHAT YOU NEED, YOU CAN FIND ATM´S ALL OVER CUSCO

THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE OPERATORS ARE AVAILABLE IN CUSCO:

CLARO, MOVISTAR, ENTEL, BITEL.

AVOID GENERATING SOLID WASTE IN EXCESS.

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