If you ever plan on visiting the ever-so-famous Machu Picchu, you will most likely pass through Cusco. So what is it that makes this city such a typical stop for travelers en route to the most famous spot in the country? I’d have to say that it’s the mystic combination of Inca and Spanish culture, coming together to form an unforgettable city like no other place you will ever see.
Cusco mythology
I’m a huge fan of both history and fun facts, so I’m going to throw out a few interesting tidbits here:
Cusco (also known as Cuzco or Qosqo) was founded in 1100, and just like other famous historical cities (*cough* *cough* Rome), it has a pretty awesome founding myth. Although this legend doesn’t involve a she-wolf, the theme of brothers seems to be pretty standard. In this case, it was the Ayar brothers that founded Cusco. Ayar Awqa grew wings and flew to the spot where the city was to be built, marking its location by becoming petrified into stone. Therefore, Ayar Manco (Manco Cápac) later found the site his brother had pinpointed and established the city.
Animals play a huge role in the myths and belief systems of the Incas, particularly the condor, puma, and snake (often called the Inca trinity). The condor represented the sky, the puma the earth, and the snake symbolized the underworld. For this reason, Cusco was built in the shape of a puma. Major sites of the city formed different body parts of the Puma, with the Plaza de Armas forming the area between its legs.
What to see
The most popular area of Cusco surrounds the Plaza de Armas, the square that typically formed the center of most Spanish cities. Standing in this plaza, you can see various cathedrals and other examples of the gorgeous blend of Spanish and Inca architecture.
As you may or may not know, the Incas are quite famous for their construction methods. They were able to cut stone and build without ever having to use cement. A visit to Cusco would be incomplete without seeing a real-life example of this method: the twelve angle stone, located on Hatun Rumiyoc street.
My favorite thing to do was tour the different churches and cathedrals. Although you are not permitted to take pictures inside of these buildings, I think that they are an exciting example of the Catholic church’s arrival in South America. Many cathedrals have hidden references to indigenous religion, such as the jaguar head carved onto one of the doors of the Cusco cathedral.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the city, make sure to explore San Blas. You’ll have to climb quite a few staircases to get there, but the picture is worth it. Getting to the beginning of San Blas is an easy four blocks from Plaza de Armas. This area is quite bohemian with an array of different restaurants and artisanal shops.
One of the biggest attractions in Cusco has to be the markets. San Pedro is the biggest market that you will find. If you want to buy alpaca sweaters, magnets, bags, playing cards, hats, etc., this is the place to go. Make sure you try to bargain with the shop owner and don’t always accept the first price!
Where to eat
Cusco is full of restaurants; however, I noticed that most of the restaurants off the main square tend to serve the same kind of food. If you’re looking to mix things up, make sure to check out these two places:
Greens
Greens is my absolute favorite place to eat in Cusco. The menu is entirely organic, and the dishes often mix unexpected flavors that culminate into a delicious (and healthy) plate. If you’re looking to try alpaca during your stay in Peru, order the alpaca medallion. My recommendation is the beetroot and sweet potato gnocchi with mango, pineapple, passionfruit, lemongrass, and yogurt smoothie.
The restaurant is easy to find and located just off the corner of Plaza de Armas. While slightly pricer than other restaurants that offer lunch specials, the quality of the food validates the price.
Green Point
I am not typically the kind of person to eat at a vegan restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised by Green Point. Tucked into the San Blas neighborhood, Green Point is the only 100% vegan restaurant in Cusco. It was only recently opened (in 2013) and also served breakfast! I recommend the chocolate and banana waffles.
What to try
If you’re going to be in Peru, get ready to expand your tastebuds. Peru is distinguished in South America for its cuisine, so make sure to try these traditional dishes:
Ají de Gallina: This is the most classic of all Peruvian dishes. This is a chicken dish that is most often served with white rice. The chicken is mixed with boiled potatoes, a yellow chile pepper, and evaporated milk, making the taste very creamy. Furthermore, a hardboiled egg and olive are placed on the top of the final creation.
Coca leaves: Coca leaves are entirely legal in Peru when it comes to using them in foods, for medicine, or in infusions. If you are feeling sick from the altitude, I highly recommend giving coca tea a try. The leaves have been used for this purpose for hundreds of years. Please keep in mind that you will most likely not be able to bring coca leaves outside of the country. I bought coca candy, a rock candy with coca leaves, to see what the fuss was about. The candy tasted very similar to tea.
Flickr Creative Commons – Image by Calsidyrose
Cuy Chactado: Cuy chactado is…deep-fried guinea pig. Although it is one of the more expensive dishes in Cusco restaurants, I think everyone should give it a try at least once. Be aware that the dish is served with the head on.
Ceviche: If you go to Peru and don’t try ceviche, then we can’t be friends you are seriously missing out. Ceviche is fresh raw fish (typically in Cusco, the fish will be trout) blended with lemon juice. Depending on the place you go, you’ll see chili peppers, onions, cilantro, and even sometimes sweet potatoes added as a complement to the mixture.
17 Comments
Lauren
June 22, 2016 at 5:20 pmSo I’m seriously about to just print this out and bring it to Cusco with me!! 2 weeks and counting! This post couldn’t have come at any better timing! Can’t wait to take all your suggestions (especially the foodie ones)!!
Thanks for sharing!!! 😀
Leah Shoup
June 23, 2016 at 5:02 pmoh my gosh, have so much fun there! it’s a wonderful place!
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld
June 22, 2016 at 10:15 pmI LOVED my time in Cusco, it’s such a great place brimming with great things to do but also so packed in so everything is close 🙂
Leah Shoup
June 23, 2016 at 5:02 pmyes! and i also thought it felt really safe in comparison to Santiago!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
June 23, 2016 at 7:51 amgreat tips! who knows maybe one day I visit it too:) #wanderful wednesday
Leah Shoup
June 23, 2016 at 5:03 pmthank you! you should, it’s a great place to visit!
Van @ Snow in Tromso
June 23, 2016 at 9:01 amI’d love to visit Peru! This country seems to have it all – interesting history, stunning nature and fascinating culture. Definitely high on my bucket list for South America!
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags)
June 23, 2016 at 1:42 pmThis is awesome! I don’t know if I’ll ever make it to Peru (soon, anyway), but it’s great to know there’s more to it than just hiking to ruins. 🙂 Great to find your blog via #WanderfulWednesday!
Ruth
June 24, 2016 at 4:45 amCusco is incredible! I have not been but I hear only good things about the city. My friends of Peru say we shoudl plans a trip to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Michelle | michwanderlust
June 25, 2016 at 1:39 amThe founding myth is so interesting! It’s indeed interesting how brothers seem to feature prominently in these. Cusco (and Machu Picchu, naturally) are on my someday list, and I feel like I know it a little better already. Thanks!: )
Isabel
June 27, 2016 at 1:30 pmCusco looks lovely! how I wished I explore more of South America before moving to Europe! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren Bishop
June 29, 2016 at 12:47 pmIt was so great reading the founding myth about Cusco. I had no idea it was build in the shape of a puma. I really must read up on Inca history as I hadn’t heard about the Inca trinity before. Thanks so much for sharing such an interesting backstory to the city. #wanderfulwednesdays
Jessi (Two Feet, One World)
June 29, 2016 at 7:55 pmI think I would alternate between ceviche and dishes like those at Greens the whole time… yummy!
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Marissa
November 11, 2016 at 7:40 pmI have always wanted to visit Cusco and this just made me want to go even more! The Incan history is fascinating and I would definitely love to see the twelve angle stone. Also, Greens looks incredible! Definitely on my short list. Thanks for the great guide!
Allison
November 12, 2016 at 10:34 pmMy sister in law is from Peru and she is always encouraging me to visit. It’s on the list but probably a while off yet. Cusco sounds like an interesting place for a few days and I would love to visit the markets there.
Divya: Gone With a Whim
April 21, 2018 at 8:16 amCusco looks so dreamy and what an interesting legend. I had no idea.