"This city is the largest and most beautiful that has ever been seen in this country or in any part of the Indies... We can assure Your Majesty that it is so beautiful and has such good buildings that even in Spain it would be remarkable." -Francisco Pizarro
The city of Cusco is located in the southeast region of Peru, it is the most important tourist attraction of Peru and one of the main destinations in America. It is considered as the most ancient living city in America. Cusco became the capital of one of the most important pre-columbian empires: The Tahuantinsuyo. Its name in quechua, Qosqo, means “the naval of the world” due to its great network of roads that spanned almost all South America.
It was declared Archaeological capital of South America in 1933, in 1973 was declared Cultural Heritage of the World, in 1983 UNESCO declared as World Cultural Heritage, and in 1993 the Peruvian Constitution declared Cusco as Historical Capital of Peru. In 2007 it was declared a Wonder of the World.
The first step is to get to Cusco. The easiest way? Through a flight, mainly from Lima to Cusco, you can also get there from other cities in Peru.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas extends along the Urubamba river, it is located one hour from Cusco, along the valley are the towns of Pisac, Maras, Chinchero, Yucay, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. This valley is one of the most important attractions of Cusco where the beauty of the most important valley of the Inca culture combines with a legacy of archeological remains with fortress, residence zones, repose zones, miradors, etc.
The valley had a special significance not only for their high fertility where currently can be seen growing giant corn of Cusco, but also for its dry and wealthy climate making them suitable for resting. The Sacred Valley is an excellent option to acclimatize in the high Andes before going to Cusco, and is the perfect route to visit Machu Picchu.
Since colonial times, visitors have discovered this rich land dotted with picturesque Andean markets, impressive churches and remarkable Inca ruins. At lower altitude than Cusco, the climate is considerably milder here making it the chosen area by the Incas, and later Spanish Conquistadors, as a resting place where they established their estates and country homes. Today the Sacred Valley draws visitors to admire the array of Inca ruins found here, colorful markets and rural communities with their traditional ways of life. It is also an adventure activity hub, with biking, hiking, horseback riding and much more all on offer in this lush, idyllic landscape.