Cusco, Peru is Worth the Visit for its Incan Ruins Alone

Tambomachay in Peru
Tambomachay in Peru. Image by STYLEPICS/Depositphotos

Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and it remains home to many of Peru’s most significant Incan sites. Some of the most important ones, such as Sacred Valley and Moray, are located in its surroundings, while others can be found in the very heart of this charming city.

Qorikancha

One of Cusco’s most popular attractions, Qorikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Its opulence knew no bounds, and its walls were covered in pure gold, while the adjacent courtyard was filled with golden statues. The gold may be gone, but Qorikancha is still shining brightly, and it lives up to its former glory.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay is an important archeological site located near Cusco and it’s also known by the nickname “the bath of the Inca”. It consisted of a series of canals and waterfalls that run through the terraced rocks, some of which are still active today, and it’s believed it was built to worship water.

Saqsaywaman

Saqsaywaman is a citadel complex built by the Inca in the 15th century. It’s a true marvel of Incan architecture because it was built by fitting huge stones tightly together in perfect harmony, without the use of mortar or any other materials that would bind them together.