Cusco

The World Heritage Site of Cusco was founded around 1100AD and for over 400 years served as the capital and spiritual home of the Incas. Largely destroyed and rebuilt by the conquering Spanish, the city is now a vibrant mix of Inca architecture, Spanish colonial buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants, hotels and small boutiques. At an altitude of 3300 metres, the city has a pleasant, sunny, cool climate. At its heart is the Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral of La Compañía de Jesus built on the visible foundations of an Inca palace. One of the best preserved Inca buildings is the Temple of the Sun, now forming part of the 17th Century church of Santo Domingo. Overlooking the city to the north is the Inca ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman with some very impressive Inca stonework, the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, and the nearby spring shrine of Tambo Machay.