Cusco
Cusco, a historic city in southeastern Peru near the Urubamba Pass in the Andes Mountains, served as the administrative, political, and military capital of the Inca Empire. The Incas revered Cusco as the “navel of the world,” a sacred site where the earth, sky, and rivers converged. The city’s main temple, regarded with the same reverence as the Vatican is for Christians or Mecca is for Muslims, continues to attract numerous visitors.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco boasts a rich cultural heritage that offers an unforgettable experience through its charming streets and a unique blend of Inca and colonial influences. The city functions as an open-air museum, showcasing notable landmarks such as churches, the Coricancha Museum, the historic Bachacotec Building, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and, most famously, Machu Picchu.