Cusco: Capital of the Inca Empire

Tired and cranky, we arrived in the historical and cultural capital of the Incas, in the still blackness of night. Despite the early hour, the bus terminal was bursting at the seams with the bewildering sight of hundreds of Quechua and Aymara women in traditional dress. Something we would become used to in the days to come.

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, before it was conquered by Spain in the 1530s, and there’s a fascinating mix of colonial architecture built right on top of the old Inca foundations. This was easiest to see around the Plaza de Armas, where we could literally see the change of materials halfway from the ground up. It was layers of history displayed right before our eyes.

Cusco is known primarily as the main departure point for treks to the mother of all Inca ruins – Machu Picchu – but it also happens to be an enchanting colonial city in which to pass some time, which was fortunate for us, because both the Bear and I were visited by a major bout of diarrhea while in Cusco (common in Peru, I’m told).

Because of our runny stomachs, we didn’t get a chance to see Inca ruins like Sacsayhuamán or explore the Pisac Market, which is a major regret. I guess we’ll just have to visit Cusco again one day in the future. 😉

In fact, we didn’t do much, but wander the city (staying close to bathrooms at all times), and try to recover before our 4 day Inca Trail Trek began. Our recovery strategy included Big Mac combos (a first trip to McD’s on this trip), but honestly, eating something familiar (even though it’s unhealthy), made our stomachs feel much better.

Fortunately, Cusco is a wonderful city to meander through, and we enjoyed exploring the narrow streets and hanging out in the Plaza de Armas.

Cusco Cathedral

One interesting thing that we experienced in Cusco ONLY, was the local Quechua people’s astuteness in dealing with tourists. We were approached many times by women in colourful dress with adorable baby llamas, asking if we wanted to take pictures of them. For a few soles, of course!

Getting to Cusco

Our trusty bus company, Cruz del Sur, didn’t service the route between Puno and Cusco, so we were forced to look at other options. Despite online reports that buses depart for Cusco every hour, this was NOT true. Buses depart twice per day. Once around 9:30am and once around 11pm. The trip is approximately 5-6 hours, and there are a number of companies that drive the route.

We ended up taking the night bus (in semi-cama) because we didn’t plan well enough, but in hindsight, I think it would be better to take the day bus and enjoy all the amazing scenery. Besides, the ride is only 6 hours, and if you opt for the night bus, you’ll arrive in Cusco at 4 or 5 in the morning. Not ideal.

We used Tour Peru (cost: $22 for both of us), and it was fine, though not the most comfortable journey. We definitely didn’t sleep. If you do plan on taking the overnight bus, make sure you book cama/bed seats the day before, because when we tried to book the day of, all cama seats were sold out (and in low season!). The difference in cost is minimal, but the difference to your peace is massive.

Seeing the Sites

There’s a “boleto turistico” available for purchase in the OFEC office located at Avenida Sol 103 in Cusco, and it’s required for entrance into many of the major sites.

A full ticket (valid for 10 days), costs 130 soles and gives access to all of the major sites, museums and ruins around Cusco, including: tbe Santa Cataline Monastery, Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo, Museo Historico Regional, Museo del Sitio del Qoricancha, Museo de Arte Popular, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo Danzas Folklórico, and Monumento Pachacuteq. And around Cuzco: Sacsayhuamán, Qénqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, Chinchero and the ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Tipón and Pikillacta.

A partial ticket (valid for 1 day), costs 65 soles and only gives access to a limited number of sites.