Highlands (Andes) in southern Peru72.104 km2/27.839 miles2

Cusco (3399 masl/ 11.156 fasl)3 Lowest point: 532 masl / 1745 fasl (Pilcopata)

Highest point: 4801 masl / 15.751 fasl (Suyckutambo)From thé city of Cusco to thé following cities:

Acomayo (Province of Acomayo) 104,5 km (65 miles) / 3 hoursAnta (Province of Anta) 26 km (16 miles) / 30 minutesCalca (Province of Calca) 50 km (31 miles) / 1 hour and 15

minutesYanaoca (Province of Canas) 165 km (103 miles) / 3 hoursSicuani (Province of Canchis) 138 km (86 miles) / 2 hoursSanto Tomes (Province of Chumbivilcas) 240 km (149 miles) / 10 hoursYauri (Province of Espinar) 241 km (150 miles) / 7 hoursQuillabamba (Province of La Convenciôn) 210 km (130 miles) / 6 hoursParum (Province of Paruro) 64 km (40 miles) / 2 hoursPaucartambo (Province of Paucartambo) 109 km (68 miles) / 3 hoursUrcos (Province of Quispicanchi) 46 km (29 miles) / 40 minutesUrubamba (Province of Urubamba) 78 km (48 miles) / 1 hour and 25

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By land: Lima - Arequipa - Cusco: 1650 km / 1025 miles (26 hoursby car)Lima -Nasca-Puquio-Abancay- Cusco: 1131 km/703miles (20 hours by car)Puno - Cusco: 389 km / 242 miles (7 hours by car)

Byair. Daily flights to Cusco from Lima (1 hour) and Arequipa (30minutes)

By train: Regular service from Puno: 384 km / 239 miles (10 hours)

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The Tahuantinsuyo, thé Inca name for their empire, reached as far as Pasto inColombia and thé Maule River in Chile, and its capital was Cusco, a sacred cityto thé Incas, thought to be thé center of thé world.Two myths tell thé story of thé founding of Cusco: one about Manco Capac andthé other about thé Ayar brothers and sisters, which cornes closest to thé actualfacts based on historical and scientific évidence found in thé archeologicalremains and on thé chronicles from thé first Spanish settlers.According to thé legends and thé stories, there bas been thirteen Incas rulingover thé Huatanay River valley around 1200 A.D., controlling it from Cusco, thécity they had raised. From there, they fortified thé Tahuantinsuyo in less than acentury.After thé Conquest, thé Spanish proceeded to found their own city (March 23,1534). The rise of a new culture transformed thé inca temples and palaces intoColonial mansions and churches. Little by little, thé city became thé symbol of amixture, not only architecturally, but also and mostly culturally.The earthquake of 1650 reduced thé city and thé surrounding areas to ruins, butset up a background to start new Cusco artforms underthe patronage of BishopMollinedo who aimed at thé reconstruction thé city, and encouraged thédevelopment of architecture, wood carving, and painting.Cusco was thé scène of several Andean résistance movements, thé mostsignificant being that of José Gabriel Condorcanqui, Tupac Amaru II, in 1780.After thé Déclaration of Independence, thé Liberator José de San Martin createdthé Department of Cusco on April 26,1822, although it was not until 1825, withthé arrivai of Simon Bolivar, that thé lies to thé Spanish Crown were definitelyeut off.Presently, Cusco is one of thé centers of tourist activity in South America anddisposes of modem tourist services and offers an interesting nightlife.

The terrain in Cusco is steep, combining fertile inter-Andean valleys withimpressive mountains that descend to thé rim of thé jungle where thétempérature rises and thé landscape is transformed through a variety ofvégétation.The city has a semi-dry and cold climate. The annual average maximumtempérature is 19.6QC (67.3aF) and thé minimum is 4.2°C (39.6SF). The rainyseason starts in November and ends in March, and it is thé time when thémountains are covered in green. Between June and July is thé time of théintense cold (heladas) even with occasional snowfalls.

During thé Inca Empire, thé square was called Huacaypata, a Quechua wordmeaning "place of tears" or "meeting place". It was an important cérémonialspot where thé Inti Raymi or Festival of thé Sun was celebrated every year. It isalso thé place where Francise Pizarro proclaimed thé conquest of Cusco. Afterthé Spanish arrived, thé plaza changed. They erected stone arches and built théstructures that surround it today.

Visiting hours: Mon. - Sat 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 PM. Sun. and Holidays 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.The building went through two construction stages: first, thé Chapel of théTriumph was built on top of what used to be thé temple Suntar Was/lHouse ofGod); later, thé cathedral itself was built over thé remains of thé palace of IncaWiracocha. A Renaissance building in its majority, thé interior décoration is richin cedar and aider woodcarvings. The choir and thé pulpit stand out for theirbeauty. An important collection of paintings from thé Cusco School and silverwrought pièces are also kept there.

Main Square

The original building was raised in 1571 on thé grounds of thé ancient palace ofInca Huayna Cépac, thé Amarucancha. After thé earthquake of 1650, it wasrebuilt around 1688. The design and thé façade are examples of AndeanBaroque. The retable style entrance is decorated with médium size towers andthé stonewalls are carefully worked. Once inside, thé triple bodied upper altarwith salomonic columns, thé wooden pulpit, and numerous Baroque,Plateresque, and Churrigueresque shrines catch thé eye. The most remarkablework of art is "El matrimonio de Martin Garcia de Loyola con Beatriz Clara Coya"(The Wedding of Martin Garcia de Loyola with Beatriz Clara Coya).

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4 blocks from thé Main Square

It is one of thé most picturesque areas in ail of Cusco. It is called T'oqokachiorSait Hole and is characterized by narrow, steep streets and beautiful Colonialhouses. It is also known as thé Artisans Neighborhood. In San Blas manyfamilies accommodate guests in their homes.

Plaza San Blas. Visiting hours: Mon. - Wed. and Fri. - Sun. 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Mon.Sun. 2:00 PM.-5:30 PM.

Founded in 1560 during thé Colonial period, it features a masterpiece in its woodcarved Baroque pulpit, attributed to thé Indigenous artist, Diego Quispe Tito.

Ça/te Mantes. Visiting hours: Mon.-Sun. 8:00 A.M. - 12:WPM. and2:OOPM. -5:OOP.M.The Baroque church was built between 1657 and 1680. The sacristy holds itsmost precious treasure: an impressive gold and gemstones encrustedmonstrance, 1,3 meters / 3 feet high and of 22 kilos. It is crowned with one largemermaid shaped pearl, considered thé second largest in thé world.

Plaza Intipampa, corner ofAvenida El Sol and Calle Santo Domingo. Visiting hours: Mon. -Sat 8:30 A.M. - 6:30 PM. and Sun. 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.The Koricancha was one of thé most impressive buildings of Inca Cuscoaccording to thé historians: thé glowing gilding of thé interior walls illuminatedwhat used to be thé main temple dedicated to thé worship of thé Sun God. TheSpanish built thé church and Dominican convent on top of thé original structurearound 1534 but they collapsed during thé earthquake of 1650 and were rebuiltaround 1681. The convent possesses an art gallery of valuable seventeenth andeighteenth century canvasses.

Calle Santa Catalina Angosta. Visiting hours: Mass fîmesThèse two buildings were raised in 1605 on what used to be thé Acllahuasi orHouse of thé Chosen Women (acllas were women designated to accomplishspécial tasks for thé Inca). The architecture is late Renaissance and ischaracterized by thé Roman arches. Inside, you can still see traces of thé originalconstruction. There is also an exhibition room for murais, fine métal works,textiles, sculptures, and altarpieces.

Calle Santa Catalina Angosta. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 PM. and Fri.

9:00 A.M.-3:00 PM.

Hère they exhibit paintings, textiles, woodcarvings, and Colonial altarpieces.The best among them are Diego Quispe Tito's paintings, thé Arcade carpet, andreligious ornaments made of gold and silver threads.

Plaza San Francisco. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.Founded in 1645, it has two façades and a single, old Spanish style stone tower. Themonumental painting, 12x9 meters / 39 x 30 feet, by Juan Espinoza de los Monterasrelating thé genealogy of thé Franciscan family is thé highlight of thé convent.

(Archbishop's House and thé Twelve-AngleIntersection of Calle Hatunrumiyoc and Jiron Herrajes. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sat 8:00 A. M.

- 11:30 A.M. and 3:00 PM. - 5:30 P.M.

This Vice-royal building with Arabie influence was raised on thé foundations of thépalace of Inca Roca. Presently, it is thé main centre of thé Muséum of ReligiousArt. On Calle Hatunrumiyoc, you can see an old Inca wall that was part of thé IncaRoca palace and demonstrates thé admirable construction skill of thé Inca in termsof polished and perfectly placed stones. The most remarkable part is thé "Twelve-Angle Stone", famous for thé perfect work and assembling of its angles.

Calle Cuesta del Almirante 153. Visiting hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Sat. and

holidays 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

It is an old mansion, which today is thé site of thé Inca Muséum. It contains animportant archeological collection that includes ceramic, fine métal, and textilepièces as well as mummies.

Calle Heladeros. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 A.M. - 5:30 PM.Born on April 12, 1539, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was thé son of thé SpanishCaptain Garcilaso de la Vega y Vargas and thé Cusco princess, Chimpu Ocllo. Heis thé author of two works, "Comentarios Reaies" (Royal Commentaries) and "LaFlorida del Inca" [The Inca Flower), both motivated by thé necessity to recoverthé history of thé Inca Empire. The house is thé current location of thé RégionalHistorical Muséum that contains a collection of canvasses from thé CuscoSchool.

Plaza Nazarenas 231. Téléphone: 1084) 23-3210. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sun. and holidays

9:00 A.M. - 11:00 PM

The mansion that shelters thé muséum was Kancha Inca in 1450, thé house ofthé Conquistador Alonso Diaz in 1580, thé home of Count de la Cabrera in 1850,and was completely restored to become thé Muséum of Pre-Colombian Art inJune 2003. In its 11 rooms, 450 works of art are displayed that date from 1250B.C. to 1532 A.D. Thèse were selected from a group of 45.000 objects belongingto thé collection of thé Larco Archeological Muséum in Lima.

2 km / 1 mile northeast of Cusco (10 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. - Sun. and

holidays 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The area contains thirty-three archeological sites. The most famous is FortSacsayhuaman. It might well hâve been a religious structure, but for its locationand style, thé Spanish and thé historians believe it was a military construction.The most important temple in Hanan Qosqo or Upper Cusco might hâve beenlocated there, dedicated to Andean cosmology and to thé worship of thé Inti(sun), thé Quilla (moon), Chaska (stars), Illapa (ray), and other divinities. It isdescribed as massive for thé size of some of its stones, which weigh between90 and 120 tons. This is also thé stage of thé Inti Raymi or Festival of thé Sunevery 24* June.

3 km/2 miles northwest of Cusco 115 minutes by cari. Visiting hours: Mon. - Sun. and

holidays 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

The Qenko or "labyrinth" might date from around 1500 A.D. It is considered aholy place where cérémonies honoring thé sun, moon, and thé stars used to takeplace.

7 km/4 miles northeast of Cusco (30 minutes by car and 2 hours on footlThe complex contains several rooms, inner plazas, aqueducts, vantage points,and pathways. It might hâve served as a tambo or rest and lodging area.According to thé taie, each time thé Inca was able to go to Tambomachay, hewould be accompanied by a large cortège, which stayed at Pukapukara. It is alsocalled a fort because of its fortified-city appearance.

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8 km/4 miles northwest of Cusco 135 minutes by car)

Tambomachay might hâve fulfilled an important religious function linked towater and thé régénération of thé land. Some scholars believe it was builtaround 1500 A.D., closely linked with Pukapukara. The area covers about onehectare, and was made out of polygonal shaped set limestone.

It was part of thé Inca highway System (Qhapaq A/an) and is one of thé mostimportant South American trekking routes. Along thé hike, you can see severalgorges and streams that originale from glaciers. There are twelve archeoiogical

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monuments along thé trail, such as Qoriwachayrachina, Patallaqta, Runkuraqay,Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipunku, Intipata, and Winayhuayna.The starting point of thé trip varies according to thé trail you wish to take. Themost popular route starts around kilometer marker 82 of thé raiiroad Cusco -Machu Picchu (40 km / 25 miles from thé citadel itself). Another possibility,shorter in time, is called thé Sacred Trail, and begins at kilometer marker 104 ofthé raiiroad.

23 km / 14 miles from Cusco in thé district of Taray. Téléphone: (084) 23-1473. Email:capexca@awanacancha.com Website: www.awanakancha.com

Camelids such as Hamas, vicuiîas, and alpacas are to be seen there in theirnative environment. They also demonstrate how to make clothing from thé woolfibers of thé animais. In addition, you can see native flowers and some Inca-builtagricultural terraces.

Acomayo1U/ km / Bti miles from Cusco (2 hours by cari to thé town ofPomacanchi then drive 3km/1 mile farther to Lake Pomacanchi (10minutes by car).It is situated in thé Upper Vilcanota River. Lake Pomacanchiis thé first on thé circuit. Its maximum depth is 140 meters / 459 feet. Aroundthé Iake, you will find grassy plains, some médicinal plant species (totora,mirimi, etc.) and f ish (trouts, silver f ish, huilas, ccarachis, ch'ihïs, and carps). Thenext Iake, named Acopia, is small and is located close to thé village of thé samename. The flora and fauna are nearly identical to those of Pomacanchi. The thirdone is Asnaqocha, Quechua for "bad smelling Iake", and possesses littlevégétation and animal life. It is thé highest on thé circuit (3750 masl /12.303fasl). The last Iake of thé route is Lake Pampamarca, home to a large variety ofwildlife like flamingos and ducks due to thé amount of totora reeds around ilsshores. Sport fishing is especially popular there.

1W km/68 miles southeastof Cusco to Combapata/1 hour and30 minutes by car). From there, travel another 31 km / 19 milesto thé hanging bridge (45 minutes by car) canasThis 33-kilometer (21-mile) long and 1-meter (3-feet)wide bridge is thé perfect spot to see thé Apurimac River Canyon in ail ilssplendor. Every second Sunday of June, about 1000 local people corne to weaveit with braided straw of ichu grass and chachacomo, a process that takes threedays. The task, which predates thé Incas, uses traditional techniques and isexecuted in thé framework of ritual cérémonies and dances performed by théfamily members of thé area. The bridgework finishes on thé fourth day givingway to singing and dancing.

Province of Canchis

Raqchi Archeological Co2 hours by car)

Built in thé fifteenth century, it is considered by théhistoriens to be one of thé most audacious Inca cane»constructions. The remarkable Wiracocha temple, 100meters (328 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide ismade of adobe walls built on top of volcanic stone foundations. The complexalso includes a residential area made for thé Inca nobles and dozens of circularwarehouses to store food.

A small town of farmers and potters, which social organization has adapted toa new expérimental tourism program.

9 miles northeast of Cusco (1 hour by car)Pisac is well known for ils craft market, but there arealso Inca archeological remnants: an irrigation System,an astronomical observatory, a solar dock and calendar(Intiwatana), and agricultural terraces.

50 km / 31 miles north of Cusco (1 hour and 15 minutes by car)You find thé Huchu'y Qosqo or Little Cusco archeological vestiges there, as wellas thé Machacancha médicinal hot springs (sulfurous waters), and Minasmoqo(cold, sparkling waters). The snow capped mountains Pitusiray and Sawasirayintensify thé beauty of thé landscape.

La Convention

210km/130 miles northwest of Cusco (B hours by bus)

At 1050 masl / 3445 fasl, thé capital of thé province isan important trade centre in thé Lares and LaConvencion Valleys. The main économie activities arethé growing of coca leaves, coffee, cacao, and fruit. The city was founded onJuly 25,1857. The valley microclimate makes it an idéal location for sports.

93 km / 58 miles from Abancay (Department of Apurimac! is thé village of Cachora. Then,travel another 30 km /13 miles (2-days hike, walking an average of 8 hours a daylChoquequirao (chuqui k'iraw or Cradle of Gold) could be one of thé lost Incacitadels in thé Vilcabamba Valley where thé Incas took refuge from thé Spanishin 1536. The complex consists of nine archeological stone groups. There arehundreds of agricultural terraces, rooms, and irrigation Systems. The buildingsare constructed around a central promenade or main square.

109km/ 68 miles southeast of Cusco, take thé partially tarred

highway 13 hours by car) to thé Paucartambo from where you

must travel 45 km /28 miles to thé Très Crûtes Lookout12 hours

and 30 minutes by 4x4 vehicle on a mugh mad)

Très Cruces is a natural lookout located on thé edge of thé Manu BiosphèreReserve. This place is famous for thé so-called "white ray" phenomenon thatoccurs when thé sun rises over thé horizon during thé winter solstice (June,July). The light shines through thé humid atmosphère and is distorted as if goingthrough a prism. The effect causes three suns to appear, one of them seems tobe jumping from one side to thé other.

Quispicanchi

Province of Quisoicanchis

24 km /15 miles southwest of Cusco (30 minutes by car!Oropesa is traditionally known as thé "Land of Bread".People maintain several homemade ovens dedicated tothé baking thé flavorful country bread called "chutas".

30km/'19 miles south of Cusco (45 minutes by car)

This is a pre-lnca city which cultural height was reached between 800 A.D. and1100 A.D. in thé period corresponding to thé Huari régional confédération. Itconstituted thé doorway to thé Sacred City of thé Incas. It features long, straightstreets and big, rectangular city blocks full of buildings. It is surrounded by wallsand there are spherical buildings in thé western part. The flagstone and mudmortared walls are high and their foundations taper as they rise.

36 km, :m/22 miles from Cusco (1 hour by car/Known as thé Sistine Chapel of thé Americas, it was built in 1580 and featuresa simple façade contrasted by thé Baroque interior with ils gilded altars, walls,paintings, and polychromatic ceilings.

25 km / 16 miles southeast of Cusco (45 minutes by car) on thé tarred Cusco - Puno

highway, taking thé turnoff near kilometer marker20,5

According to legends, Tipon is one of thé royal gardens that Wiracocha orderedto be built. It is made up of twelve terraces flanked by perfectly polishedstonewalls and enormous agricultural terraces, canals, and décorativewaterfalls that, along with thé native flowers of thé area, offers thé visiter astunning vision. The site is composed of différent sectors: Tipon itself,Intiwatana, Pukutuyuj and Pucarâ, Cruz Moqo, thé cemetery of Pitopujio, HatunWavo'o amono othprs

78 km / 48 miles northwest of Cusco on thé route to Pisac 11 hourUrubamba

and 25 minutes by car). Another route is thé one via Chinchero (57

km / 35 miles or 45 minutes by car)

It is located in thé heart of thé Sacred Valley. Before thé Incas, it was a veryimportant agricultural center. Today, thé economy is based on farming andtourism, and thé city itself is known for being one of thé friendliest in thé valley.Good tourist services are available in Urubamba.

28 km /17 miles northwest of Cusco (45 minutes by car)

A must see is thé Colonial church where beautiful paintings of thé Cusco Schoolare kept. Every Sunday, thé farmers and businessmen gather to exchange theirproducts in a fair where they still barter. There are important archeologicaivestiges in thé area.

48 km/30 miles northwest of Cusco (1 hour by car)

During thé Vice royal period, it was a very important town. This can be seen inthé church and mansions that feature thé coats of arms of thé Indigenousnobility on their fronts. Farming is thé main économie activity.

68 km / 42 miles north of Cusco ( 1 hour and 30 minutes by car)According to thé legends, thé town was thé personal property of Huayna Câpac.In earlier times, it was considered a very important agricultural and hydraulictechnology center. Hère, you can admire thé palace of Inca Manco Sayri Tûpac.

Wkm/B miles from Maras 130 minutes by car or 2 hours on foot)Also called Salinas de Maras, thèse sait-mines hâve been used since théTahuantinsuyo. The people channel thé sait water that bubbles to thé surfacefrom a spring called Qoripujio towards men-made wells. From thé exposure tothé sun, thé water évaporâtes and thé sait remains on thé surface to betransported later to thé market to be sold. The view of this complex of nearly3000 wells is spectacular. The local people happily demonstrate thé ancienttechniques to visitors, even allowing them to participate in them.

9 km/6 miles northwest of Maras (25 minutes by car)

There are four slightly elliptical agricultural terraces, that thé people call muyus.The largest structure is 45 meters / 148 feet deep, and thé average height ofeach terrace is 2 meters / 3 feet. Many think that this place was an importantagricultural expérimentation center for thé Incas. Through thé use of concentricterraces and because thé température is différent in each of their level, ail théecological tiers found in thé confines of thé Tahuantinsuyo Empire would hâvebeen reproduced in this complex.

97 km/60 miles northwest of Cusco (2 hours and 30 minutes by car)The Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and anurban area. There are two distinct sectors: Araqama Ayllu, thé religious andworship zone, and Qosqo Ayllu, thé résidentiel area. Ollantaytambo was animportant administrative center with probable military fonctions if one considersthé walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. Thetown of Ollantaytambo is called a Living Inca Town since thé inhabitantsmaintain very old practices and customs. From Ollantaytambo, you can visit thévillage of Willoc, where thé Quechua-speaking inhabitants distinguishthemselves from thé rest of thé région by wearing red clothing that identifiesthem as members of a unique family.

110 km / 68 miles northwest of Cusco (4 hours by train) to thé village of Machu Picchu andthen another 8km/5miles to thé citadel (20 minutes by bus)Machu Picchu is an impressive Inca citadel placed on thé side of a mountain. ItsQuechua name means "Old Mountain", but it is also known as "thé Lost City of théIncas" since it remained hidden from thé West until discovered by Hiram Binghamin 1911. It was built in thé fifteenth century, and is attributed to thé IncaPachacutec. The archeological complex is divided into two zones that are container]within approximately twenty hectares. On thé sides of thé mountain, you can seeup to four meters high (13 feet) agricultural terraces. Several plazas and buildings,thé most important being thé Temple of thé Sun, thé Intihuatana or solar dock andcalendar, thé Temple of thé Three Windows, thé Main Temple and thé CondorSector, make up thé urban sector. There is also an impressive monolith of carvedstone, three meters high (10 feet) and seven meters wide (23 feet) at thé base,named thé Sacred Stone. In order to build Machu Picchu, thé Incas had to useblocks of stone brought from long distances. The finish of thé walls featuresdifférent quality levels and techniques. One of thé highest quality walls is thé

central one of thé Main Temple where thé stones fit together perfectly.The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary in not only a priceless archeological site,it is also associated with rich animal and plant life. In 1983, UNESCO placed iton thé World Culturel and Naturel Héritage Lists.

and thé opening of a section of railway (Urubamba-Lares) was celebrated witha mass. Years later, thé cross was carried to thé city of Urubamba where theybegan a worship of it. In addition to a mass, thé cross is carried in a processionwith ail its jewels. There are fireworks, parades of dancers, bullfights, andcockfights.

Cusco is known for thé wealth and diversity of its traditions. The mostspectacuiar dances are thé Dance of thé Chunchos, thé Qollas, thé CuscoCarnival, thé Dance of thé Doctorcitos, thé Dance of thé Negritos, théContradanza, thé Saqra K'achampa, and thé Panadero.

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Cusco offers several types of handicrafts. You can find textiles, sacred figurines,pottery, silver jewelry and gems with Andean motifs, and woodcarvings. SanBlas is, without a doubt, one of thé most important neighborhoods for traditionalartisans. You can visit thé workshops of master artisans like Mendivil, EdiibertoMérida, Antonio Olave, and Gregorio Béjar there. The richness and variety ofreprésentations begin with thé Three Wise Men, thé Virgin Mary, thé BabyJésus and Archangels, among many others.

The usual places to try food from Cusco are thé traditional restaurants calledchicherias and picanterias where you can eat typical dishes like:Kapchi: lima bean or mushroom soup with potatoes, milk, eggs, and cheeseChicharrôn con mole: pork rinds fried in their own fat, served with hominy orindividuel kernels of sweet cornHumita: a sweet or salty tamale, served without sauce.Tamal: a sweet or salty tamale, served without sauce.Saralawa: soup of fresh corn, lima beans, dry aji Amarillo (yellow hot pepper),and huacatay (native herb)Chuno cola: beef soup with rice, garbanzo beans, and dehydrated potatoesAdobo: pork marinated in chicha and spices and cooked in a clay pot0/luco con carne: Olluco stew with jerky or llama méat

/20* JanuaryProvince of Canas, District of Yanaoca tCommunity of ChecaiA ritual fight among thé people of thé communities of Checa and Quehue whostruggle against each other in war games to stimulate thé fertility of thé land.The winning community reçoives thé larger portion of land. The men are armedwith slings, leather whips, and sticks and dress in vests decorated with flowers.The women assist by caring for thé horses, collecting stones, and cheering forthé men with songs.

Toato F/2"° FebruaryProvince of Chumbivilcas, District of Livitaca (Toctopata)Thèse take place in Toqto, a town located between thé Districts of Yanaoca andLivitaca. The fights last three days and represent thé past when thé peoplefought to receive more land. On thé first day, people settle down in thé place;thé second day, one-on-one fights begin, and later, groups of five to ten men areformed. After eating and drinking, everyone fights on thé third day, and when thégames end, thé wounded are taken care of and thé communities perform théqhaswa (a party for both winners and losers).

/ variableProvince of Quispicanchi, District of OcongateA pilgrimage to thé summit of Mount Sinaqara. Along thé way, there is aprocession, some dancing, musical groups performances, fireworks, and asymbolic alasitas market (works in miniature). This festival unités two traditions- Andean and Catholic - since it célébrâtes both thé image of Christ thatappeared on a rock at 4750 masl / 15.584 fasl and thé worship of thé ApuAusangate.

/ variableProvince of Urubamba, District of UrubambaThis festival began in 1860 when an enormous cross was placed in thé snow,

/ variableProvince of Cusco, District of CuscoA procession of sixteen sculptures of much venerated patron saints. The processionis partially formed by music and folklore dance groups. The traditional food is théchiri uchu, roasted Guinea pig with jerky, toasted corn, rocoto (hot pepper), boiledchicken, cheese, seaweed, fish eggs, and corn tortilla.

/24"'JuneThe spectacle expresses thé harmonious relationship between men and thé sungod, thé king of thé Inca gods. It takes place during winter solstice. Today, thécélébration starts in thé Qoricancha, continues in thé Main Square, and ends inthé promenade of Saccsayhuaman.

/ 76» JulyThe Virgin of Carmen is remembered in Paucartambo and other villages aroundthé department not only in a procession but also with music and dancing. Thebest folklore présentations are considered to be found in thé feasts ofPaucartambo, Pisaq, and Huarocondo.

/ 25"-29" M yProvince of La Convention, District of Santa AnaThis is thé anniversary célébration of thé Province of La Convencion whosecapital is Quillabamba. Every year, a Coffee Queen or "Miss Quillabamba" ischosen. There are also cockfight tournaments, motocross compétitions, and théCoda Pair, which features a music fest with national and international artists.

ii or Earth Mother1" AugustThe entire departmentOn this day, thé following festivals takes place: Pachamamaraymiin thé Districtof Ccatca, Wataqallariym thé District of Maras, and Kinturaymim Huasao in théDistrict of Oropesa. This is an Andean ritual that worships and gives tribute tothé Pachamama (Mother Earth) in a spécial ceremony called "payment to théearth" with offerings of coca leaves, chicha de jora, and huayruro seeds(mystical jungle seeds). The rite marks thé beginning of thé Andean New Year.

/ 74'* SeptemberProvince of Calca, District of San SalvadorThe story of thé Lord of Huanca began in 1675 when, it is said, Jésus Christappeared in a cave to Diego Quispe, an Indian. Mis vivid story inspired one of thébest painters of thé time to reproduce thé picture on a rock. The worship(recognized in 1779) reaches its climax on 14th September, and believers arrivefrom ail over Peru and Bolivia in search of cures for their physical and spiritualafflictions.

/24" DecemberProvince of Cusco, District of CuscoThis fair takes place in thé Cusco Main Square and brings together artisans tosell a large variety of sacred représentations, woodcarvings, and pottery to putnativity scènes together.

Alejandro Velasco Astete International AirportAvenida Velasco Astete, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 22-2611

Main bus Station: Avenida Vallejos Santoni, block 2, Santiago, Cusco.Téléphone: (084) 22-4471Urubamba bus stop via Pisaq: Galle Puputi, block 2, CuscoUrubamba bus stop via Chinchero: Avenida Grau, block 1, Cusco

Wanchaq Station - Service to Puno: Avenida Pachacutec, Cusco. Téléphone:(084) 23-8722 / 22-1992. Email: Reservas@perurail.com Web site:http://www.perurail.comSan Pedro Station - Service to Machu Picchu:Cal\e Ccascaparo, Cusco

Régional Hospital: Avenida De la Cultura, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 22-3691Hospital Antonio: Lorena. Plazoleta Belén 1358, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 22-6511

Tourist Police: Galle Shapy 510, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 24-9654

Craft Market: Corner of Avenida Tullumayo and Avenida Pachacuteq, CuscoSan Blas Art Market San Blas neighborhood. Opening hours: Sat. 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 RM.Pisaq People's Market: District of Pisaq. Opening hours: Sun., Tues., andThurs. 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.Chincheros Market: District of Chincheros. Opening hours: Sun., Tues., andThurs. 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.

Av. El Sol 800, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 22-4212 / 24-8352. Attention: Mon.Sat. 7:30 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. and Sun. 7:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

'N-UGMGalle Garcilaso 223, Cusco. Téléphone: (084) 24-8323

TOURIST TICKET COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE OFFICE - OFECAvenida El Sol 103 (balenas Tunsticas), Lusco. Téléphone: (084) 22-7037

.ION OFFICEPortai Mantas 117-A. Téléphone: (084) 22-2032Velasco Astete international Airport, Arrivai areaBus Station

SM CHAMBERwww.canaturperu.org

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CUSCOwww.regioncusco.gob.pe

t thé Tourist Information and Assistance Service, iperu, you can ask forobjective and impartial tourism information, as well as assistance in casethé tourist services you received were not provided according to thécontract signed.

Contact thé service nationwide, 24Téléphone: (01) 574-8000. Email: iperu@promperu.gob.pe

-Main Hall Téléphone/fax:(084)23-7364.Attention: Flight hours Email: iperucuscoapto@promperu.gob.pe

Avenida Sol 103, Office 102 (Galerias Turïsticas). Téléphone: (084) 23-4498. Téléphone / fax: (084) 25-2974. Attention: Mon. - Sun. 8:30 A.M. - 7:30P.M. Email: iperucusco@promperu.gob.pe

Avenida Pachacutec, block 1, office 4 (National Cultural InstituteBuilding). Téléphone / fax: (084) 21-1104. Attention: Mon. - Sun. 9:00 A.M. - 1:00RM. / 2:00 RM. - 8:00 P.M. Email: iperumachupicchu@promperu.gob.pe

www.peru.info/eng/cusco

Légal Deposit Number: 2006-8810

The information contained in this document is a list of attractions and services at thé disposai of thé tnentire department. In order to update it, PromPerù has been assisîed by officiai information sources liki

Institute for Natura! Resources (INRENAI, National Culture Institute (INC], National Institute of Geography (IGN),National Meîeorology and Hydrology Service of Peru [SENAMHI], thé Régional Administration of Foreign Trade ai

Tourism

Publication Date: September 2006.

Commission for thé Promotion of Peru