Background
Under the Inca ruler Pachacutec, Cuzco developed into a complex urban centre with distinct religious and administrative functions, surrounded by areas for farming, crafts and industry. UNESCO says that when the Spaniards conquered it in the 16th century they preserved the basic structure but built Baroque churches and palaces over the ruins of the Inca city.
The site of the Killke culture from 900 to 1200, Cusco became the capital of the Inca Empire and was taken by the Spanish in 1533. The Spanish demolished buildings and used them as bases for their own, so Inca walls line the streets below colonial facades. At 3,400 metres, altitude sickness can be a problem.
- 900–1200The Killke culture occupies the site
- 15th c.Pachacutec rebuilds Cusco as the Inca capital
- 1533The Spanish capture the city
- 1536The battle of Sacsayhuamán above the city
- 1983Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Plaza de ArmasThe cathedral and churches on the main square, where colonial buildings stand on Inca walls.
- 2QorikanchaThe Inca sun temple under the convent of Santo Domingo.
- 3SacsayhuamánThe giant zigzag Inca walls above the city.
- 4San BlasThe artisans' quarter and the Twelve-Angled Stone.
- 5Machu Picchu MuseumCasa Concha holds the artefacts returned from Yale in 2011.
- 6San Pedro MarketJuices, soups and Andean produce.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Inca and Spanish Cusco
From the GoGo Cusco guide · Open the Cusco Guide ›
- 09:30Cusco Cathedral1 hrOn the main square.
- 10:45Qorikancha Sun Temple1 hrUnder the convent.
- 14:30San Blas and the Twelve-Angled Stone90 minThe artisans' quarter.
- 16:30Saqsaywaman2 hrsThe zigzag walls above the city.
- 19:30Andean Dinner with a Pisco Sour90 minAlpaca, quinoa and pisco.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Mar–Nov.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
