The Wonderful City of Cusco

Finally we arrive in the beautiful city of Cusco, which is situated right in the Andes.  This is how we describe it on our website:

Peru Experience

The Imperial Capital of the Incas, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.

Cusco is a spectacular destination where the imprints of the Incas and the influence of colonial Spain are found on every street corner and interwoven through the city's architecture. Its name "Cusco" or Cuzco" means in Quechua "centre of the world, from when it was the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo empire, as the Inca empire was known. 

From the moment you arrive in this beautiful city it involves you with a mystical energy. Known as the archaeological capital of America, Cusco is surrounded by Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara, the Ollantaytambo complex, the royal garden of Tampumachay and beautiful towns such as Pisaq, Chinchero, Calca and Yucuay, that keep the traditions of their ancestors.

Although Cusco is predominantly pre-Columbian, with such treasures as the Coricancha (the Sun Temple), the Kiswar Kancha, the Amaru Cancha (Snake Fence), and the Ajilla Wasi, colonial gems such as the Cathedral, the church and Convent of La Merced and the San Blas Temple merge into its architecture. 

Folklore

Cusco is known for the wealth and diversity of its traditions. The most spectacular dances are the Dance of the Churches, the Qollas, the Cusco Carnival, the Dance of the Doctorcitos, the Dance of the Negritos, the Contradanza,the Sacra K'achampa and the Panadero.

It really is a lovely city so here are some more photos:

The roofs are typical Andean.

And now we go to the convent of Santo Domingo:

And now we're in the cloisters:

In beautiful colonial style;

I think this is such a beautiful view.

And now here's a contrast:

It'a a group of women in traditional Andean dress protesting about something, but we can't remember what!