Cusco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cusco
City
Cusco or Cuzco Qosqo or Qusqu  (Quechua)
Plaza de Armas with Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús in the background Sacsayhuamán Qorikancha Cusco Cathedral San Blas Historic Centre
Flag Coat of arms
Nickname(s):  La Ciudad Imperial (The Imperial City), El Ombligo del Mundo (The Navel of the World)
Anthem: Himno del Cusco Qosqo yupaychana taki (English: "Anthem of Cusco")
Cusco Location in Peru Show map of Peru Cusco Location in South America Show map of South America Cusco Location in Earth Show map of Earth
Country	Peru
Region	Cusco
Province	Cusco
Founded	March 23, 1534
Founded by	Francisco Pizarro
Area
• Total	385.1 km2 (148.7 sq mi)
Elevation	3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Population  (2017)
• Total	428,450
• Estimate  (2015)	427,218
• Density	1,112.57/km2 (2,881.5/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	cuzqueño/a, cusqueño/a
Demographics
• Ethnic groups	64.0% Indigenous 63.0% Quechua 0.8% Aimara 0.1% Amazonian 0.1% Other indigenous groups 31.0% Mestizo (mixed White and Indigenous) 1.9% White 0.8% Other 2.3% No answer
GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)
• Year	2023
• Total	$4.2 billion
Time zone	UTC-5 (PET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5
UBIGEO	08000
Area code(s)	84
UNESCO World Heritage Site Official name City of Cusco Location Latin America and the Caribbean Criteria Cultural: iii, iv Inscription 1983 (7th Session)

Cusco (also spelled Cuzco) is a famous city in southeastern Peru. It's located high up in the Andes mountains, near the beautiful Sacred Valley. The city sits by the Huatanay river and is the capital of its own province and region.

Cusco was once the amazing capital of the Inca Empire for about 300 years, until the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. Today, it's the seventh largest city in Peru, with over 428,000 people. It's very high up, about 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level!

In 1983, UNESCO named Cusco a World Heritage Site because of its rich history and incredible buildings. It's now a huge tourist spot, welcoming over 2 million visitors every year. Many people visit Cusco to see ancient Inca ruins, especially Machu Picchu, which is one of the Seven modern wonders of the world. Peru's government has even called Cusco the "Historical Capital of Peru."

What's in a Name? The Story of Cusco

The original name of this city in the local Quechua language is Qusqu. This name comes from the Aymara language and means "rock of the owl."

There's a cool legend about how the city got its name. It says that one of the Ayar siblings, Ayar Awqa, grew wings and flew to the spot where Cusco would be built. He then turned into a rock to claim the land for his family. This rock was called the "rock of the owl."

When the Spanish soldiers arrived, they wrote the name as Cuzco. This was how they thought it sounded. For a long time, Cuzco was the official spelling.

However, in 1976, the city decided to change the official spelling to Cusco to be closer to the original Quechua sound. Later, some even tried to use Qosqo, but Cusco is what's used most often today. You might still see Cuzco in some older books or maps, but Cusco is the more common spelling now.

A Journey Through Time: Cusco's History

Cusco has a very long and interesting history, with different cultures shaping it over thousands of years.

Early Builders: The Killke People

Before the famous Incas, another group of people called the Killke lived in the Cusco area. They were here from about 900 CE to 1200 CE.

Scientists have found that the Killke built the huge stone fortress called Sacsayhuamán around 1100 CE. The Incas later took over and made it even bigger. In 2008, archaeologists found an old temple, a road, and a water system at Sacsayhuamán, showing it was an important religious place for a long time.

The Mighty Inca Empire

Cusco became the heart of the powerful Inca Empire, which ruled from the 13th century until the Spanish arrived. Many people believe the city was designed to look like a puma, a sacred animal to the Incas.

The Incas were amazing builders. They used huge stones that fit together perfectly without any mortar. The city was divided into two main parts, hurin and hanan, which connected to the four main regions of their empire. Each local leader had to build a house in Cusco and live there for part of the year.

The Inca ruler Pachacuti is often credited with rebuilding Cusco and turning the Inca Kingdom into a massive empire called Tawantinsuyu. However, archaeologists think the city grew slowly over time, even before Pachacuti. The Incas also channeled two rivers around the city as part of their clever city plan.

In 1532, during a civil war between Inca leaders, Cusco was captured by the generals of Atahualpa. But just 19 months later, the Spanish arrived and took control of the city.

The Spanish Era

The first image of Cusco in Europe, from a book by Pedro Cieza de León in 1553.

The first Spanish explorers reached Cusco in May 1533. On November 15, 1533, Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish leader, officially entered Cusco. The Spanish were amazed by the city's beauty, its buildings, and its organized streets. The Inca stone work was even better than what the Spanish could do!

The Spanish took over the city and started to change it. They destroyed many Inca buildings, temples, and palaces. But they often used the strong Inca walls as foundations for their new buildings. This is why you can still see a mix of Spanish and Inca styles in Cusco today.

For example, the Spanish built the Dominican Order monastery on top of the ruins of the Coricancha, which was the main Inca Temple of the Sun. They also built many churches and convents.

In 1536, the Inca leader Manco Inca Yupanqui tried to take Cusco back from the Spanish in a long siege that lasted 10 months. He managed to reclaim the city for a few days, but in the end, the Spanish kept control. Manco Inca then retreated to Vilcabamba, where his Inca state lasted for another 36 years.

Cusco Today

View in the Plaza del Cabildo, Cuzco in 1877.

In 1950, a big earthquake hit Cusco and damaged many buildings. But the old Inca walls, especially those of the Qurikancha, stood strong! This showed how amazing Inca engineering was. When buildings were repaired, the Inca stone work that had been hidden was uncovered.

In the 1990s, the city worked to make Cusco even more beautiful by restoring old monuments and building new plazas. Thanks to these efforts, Cusco was officially declared the "Historical Capital of Peru" in 1993.

Today, Cusco is the most important tourist destination in Peru. It's a place where ancient history and modern life come together.

Special Honors for Cusco

Cusco has received many special titles over the years:

• In 1933, it was called the Archaeological Capital of the Americas.
• In 1978, it was named a Cultural Heritage of the World.
• In 1983, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. The Peruvian government also called it the Tourism Capital of Peru and Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
• In 2007, it was given the title of Cultural Capital of America.
• Also in 2007, Machu Picchu, which is near Cusco, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Panoramic view of Cusco

Where is Cusco? (Geography)

Cusco is located in the Huatanay (or Watanay) river valley. It's about 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) high in the Andes mountains. To the north, you can see the Vilcabamba mountain range with peaks that are 4,000 to 6,000 meters (13,000 to 20,000 feet) high. The tallest peak nearby is Salcantay, which is 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) tall!

Cusco (center) and the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River to the northwest, as seen from Sentinel-2

Cusco's Weather (Climate)

Cusco has a generally dry and mild climate with two main seasons.

• Winter (April to September): This is the dry season. It's sunny during the day, but nights can be chilly, sometimes even freezing. July is the coldest month.
• Summer (October to March): This is the rainy season. It's warmer, and there's a lot of rain. November is the warmest month.

Even though it can get cold, snow is very rare. The last time it snowed was in June 1911! Temperatures usually range from 0.2°C to 20.9°C (32°F to 70°F).

Did you know? In 2006, Cusco was found to have the highest average ultraviolet light level on Earth! So, if you visit, wear sunscreen!

Who Lives in Cusco? (Demographics)

In 2017, Cusco had a population of about 428,450 people. The majority of people in Cusco are Quechua, who are descendants of the Inca Empire. There are also many people of mixed heritage (called Mestizo), and smaller groups of White and other indigenous peoples.

Cusco's Economy: All About Tourism

The Financial Center of Cusco, Av. de la Cultura.

Cusco's economy relies heavily on tourism. Since the early 2000s, over 1.2 million tourists visit each year. In 2019, Cusco had more than 2.7 million visitors, making it the most visited region in Peru!

Most tourists come to explore the city and the amazing Inca ruins, especially Machu Picchu. To handle all these visitors, a new airport is being built in Chinchero. This new airport will make it easier for tourists to fly directly to Cusco from places like Europe and North America.

Besides tourism, Cusco also has agriculture, growing crops like maize (corn) and native tubers (like potatoes). There are also local industries that make food and drinks, such as beer and chocolates.

Cusco's Culture

Cusco is a city rich in culture, blending its ancient Inca roots with Spanish colonial influences.

Amazing Architecture

Cusco's city center is like an open-air museum. You can see many old buildings, plazas, and streets from both Inca and Spanish times. This is why it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.

The Incas were very smart about building their city to fit the mountains. Many colonial buildings were built on top of strong Inca foundations, which is why they have lasted so long, even through earthquakes!

San Blas Neighborhood

This is a very charming neighborhood with steep, narrow streets. It's known for its many artists, workshops, and craft shops. The houses here were built by the Spanish on top of important Inca foundations. It also has the oldest church in Cusco, built in 1563, with a beautiful carved wooden pulpit.

Hatun Rumiyuq Street

This street is a must-see for visitors. It means "the one with the big stone." Here, you can find the famous Stone of Twelve Angles. This stone is a perfect example of how the Incas cut and fit huge stones together without any gaps. It's truly a marvel of ancient stonework!

Basilica de la Merced

View of the bell tower of the Basilica of La Merced.

This church was first built in 1536 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1650. It was rebuilt and finished in 1675. Inside, you can see beautiful courtyards, old paintings, and wood carvings. It also has a stunning gold and gemstone display piece called a monstrance, which weighs 22 kg (48.5 lbs)!

Cusco Cathedral

Description: Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Title: Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 78
Credit: Own work
Author: Diego Delso
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Attribution Required?: Yes The main cathedral in Cusco was built between 1560 and 1664. It was constructed using stone from nearby quarries, and some red granite blocks even came from the Sacsayhuamán fortress.

The cathedral has beautiful interiors with different styles like Gothic and Baroque. It also has amazing gold artwork and carved wooden altars. Inside, you'll find many paintings from the "Cuzco School" of art, which was a unique style developed by local artists. One famous painting shows the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples eating guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish!

Plaza de Armas de Cusco

This main square was known as the "Square of the Warrior" during Inca times. It's been the site of many important historical events, including when the Spanish took control of Cusco. Sadly, it was also where Túpac Amaru II, an indigenous leader who fought against the Spanish, was executed.

Today, the square is surrounded by beautiful stone arches built by the Spanish. The main cathedral and the Church of La Compañía both open onto this lively plaza.

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús.

This church was started by the Jesuits in 1576. It's built on the foundations of the Inca ruler Wayna Qhapaq's palace. It's considered one of the best examples of colonial Baroque style in the Americas.

The church has a stone facade and a main altar covered in gold leaf. It also has a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusco School.

Qurikancha and Convent of Santo Domingo

Qurikancha and the Convento de Santo Domingo.

The Qurikancha (meaning "golden place") was the most important temple dedicated to the Sun God (Inti) during the Inca Empire. Stories say it had a huge golden disc covered in precious stones representing the Sun God. The Sacred Garden in front of the temple was even said to have golden plants and life-sized golden llamas!

The Spanish destroyed much of the temple when they arrived. Today, you can still see some of its curved outer walls and parts of the inner temple. The Convent of Santo Domingo was built on top of these Inca foundations. Inside the convent, there's a large collection of paintings from the Cusco School.

Painting in the Convent of Santo Domingo.

Language

While the original language of the area is Quechua, most people in Cusco today speak Spanish. The Quechua people are the living descendants of the Inca Empire.

Museums to Explore

Museo Histórico Regional Casa del Inka Garcilaso de La Vega.

Cusco has many interesting museums where you can learn about its history and culture:

• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
• Casa Concha Museum (Machu Picchu Museum)
• Museo Inka
• Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
• Center of the Traditional Textiles of Cusco
• Museum of Sacred, Magical and Medicinal Plants
• ChocoMuseo (The Cacao and Chocolate Museum)

You can also find museums inside some churches, like the Museum and Convent of San Francisco and the Museum of Qoricancha Temple.

Mercedarian Friars in the Corpus Christi procession at the Main Square of Cusco. 17th century. Painting from the Cusco School at the Archbishop's Palace of Cusco.

Religion

The most common religion in Cusco is Catholicism.

Delicious Cuisine

Cusco was a very important farming region for the Inca Empire. It's home to thousands of native Peruvian plants, including about 3,000 types of potatoes!

Today, Cusco has many "fusion" restaurants that mix traditional Andean ingredients with modern cooking styles. One very popular dish in Cusco is Cuy (guinea pig), which is a native animal.

Cuy (Guinea Pig).

Cusco's food is a mix of its ancient Inca, colonial Spanish, and modern traditions. Here are some typical dishes you might find:

• Costillar frito (fried ribs)
• Chicharrón (fried pork)
• Choclo con queso (corn with cheese)
• Cuy al horno (baked guinea pig)
• Rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper)
• Adobo de chancho (pork stew)

Special Dishes and Drinks

• Chiri Uchu: This is a unique cold dish eaten in June during Cusco's big festivals like Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi. It mixes flavors from the Andes and Spain, and includes different meats (like guinea pig, chicken, and dried meat), potatoes, cheese, corn cake, and even fish roe and lake algae!

Plate of Chiri Uchu.

• Chicha de jora: A traditional corn beer.
• Frutillada: A strawberry drink.

Music and Arts

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

Performance in 1981 at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo.

This is a famous folk art institution that started in 1924. It's known for keeping traditional Cusco music and dance alive.

Cusco Symphony Orchestra

This orchestra performs over 50 concerts each year at the Cusco Municipal Theater. It's a key part of the city's cultural scene.

Sports in Cusco

Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium.

The most popular sport in Cusco is football (soccer). The city has three main clubs:

• Cienciano: This team plays in Peru's top league and is the only Peruvian club to win international tournaments, like the 2003 Copa Sudamericana.
• Deportivo Garcilaso: This team was promoted to the top league after winning the Copa Perú in 2022.
• Cusco Football Club: Also known as Real Garcilaso, this team has played in the top league and was promoted again in 2022.

Cusco's main stadium, Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega, hosted games during the 2004 Copa América, a big soccer championship for South America.

Cinema

Cusco used to host the International Short Film Festival (FENACO) every November. It was an important event for short films from Peru and around the world.

Must-See Places in Cusco

Ruins of Sacsayhuamán.

Cusco and its surroundings are full of incredible ancient sites and beautiful colonial buildings.

Ancient Inca Sites

• Sacsayhuamán: This huge walled complex was first built by the Killke people around 1100 CE and later expanded by the Incas. It's an amazing example of Inca stonework.

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• Qurikancha: The Inca Temple of the Sun, which was the most important sanctuary. You can still see its impressive Inca walls, now part of the Convent of Santo Domingo.
• Machu Picchu: This famous Inca city is a bit of a journey from Cusco, but it's a top destination. You can get there by hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or by train.
• Ollantaytambo: Another impressive Inca fortress and town in the Sacred Valley.

There are many other less-visited but equally fascinating Inca ruins nearby, such as:

• Incahuasi: One of the highest Inca sites.
• Vilcabamba: The last capital of the Inca Empire after the Spanish took Cusco.
• Moray: Unique circular terraces that might have been an Inca agricultural laboratory.

Getting Around Cusco (Infrastructure)

Transportation

By Air

Cuzco Airport runway.

Cusco's main airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. It connects Cusco to other cities in Peru and some international destinations. It's the second busiest airport in Peru. Soon, the new Chinchero International Airport will replace it, making it easier for people to fly to Cusco from North America and Europe.

By Train

Cusco is connected by train to cities like Juliaca and Arequipa. You can also take a train from Cusco to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu from the San Pedro station. PeruRail is the main train company that serves Cusco.

By Road

Cusco is connected by roads to other Peruvian cities like Puerto Maldonado, Arequipa, and Puno. The road to Abancay is the fastest way to reach Lima, though it's a long journey of over 20 hours!

Healthcare

Ambulance in the Plaza de Armas.

Cusco has many hospitals and clinics, both public and private. The Ministry of Health runs hospitals like the Regional Hospital. There are also several polyclinics (smaller medical centers) throughout the city.

Cusco's Sister Cities

Cusco is "twinned" with many cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships and often share cultural programs or ideas.

Images for kids

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  Sacsayhuamán is an Inca ceremonial fortress located two kilometers north from Cusco: the greatest architectural work by the Incas during their apogee.

• 

  Digital recreation of the original interior of the Qurikancha (The main Temple of the Sun of the Inca Empire) according to the description of Garcilaso de la Vega.

• 

  The current Qoricancha's wall remains below the Convento de Santo Domingo.

• 

  Map showing the city of Cusco during the Inca Empire. Painting of 1565 by Giovanni Battista Ramusio.

• 

  View of Hatun Rumiyuq Street. Many of the colonial constructions used the city's Inca constructions as a base.

• Panoramic view of Cusco in 1897, showing the city, surrounding farmland, and mountains. "CUZCO" is written on the ground.
• 

  Arco de Santa Clara.

• 

  Colonial civil building.

See also

In Spanish: Cuzco para niños