Amazing Scenes Of The Exquisite Valley Of Cuzco

Posted by sungatetours on November 26th, 2012

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Vilcanota/Urubamba River valley is located 15 km north of Cusco in Peru. This valley extends northwest through Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The famous Inca civilization flourished in this entire region, highlighted by Cusco in the 14th and 15th centuries. What attracts visitors here are the numerous impressive ruins. The valley has many villages, where life continues much the same as it did before the Spanish Conquest in 1532.

Cuzco Peru was the capital of the Inca Empire and today, it lies dotted with battlements of stone, testimony to great descendants of sun worshippers. The entire city is replete with historical monuments and relics. The entire history is surrounded by myths and legends. Cuzco is the focal point around which the entire Andean civilization rotated. A visit here is a life changing experience and unravels some of the mysteries of the Incas.

Cuzco welcomes visitors from across the globe. It is the fabled archeological capital of Peru and the Americas. The valley has a host of Sun temples of yore that are now in ruins, but point to the splendor with which the valley once abounded. Some famous destinations are the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Ajlla Wasi, Amaru Cancha (fence of the serpent), the Kiswar Kancha. Architectural buildings that combine Spanish and local cultures, such as the Cathedral, the Church and Convent of La Merced and the Temple of San Blas are also favorites for both the devout and the curious.

The citadel of Machu Picchu has impressive historical remains as also the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Ollantaytambo compound and picturesque towns such as Pisaq, Calca and Yucay. The entire region from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a popular among visitors. People living are very conservative and have preserved the culture of their ancestors until today.

Cusco tours are available to explore the intriguing city of Cusco Peru that includes the Plaza de Armas. The city is a contracted version today of roughly half the size it was in its times of splendor gone by. White sand mixed with shell, bits of gold, silver and coral are used on the plaza surface. Starting in 1571, the church La Compania with its intricate interior, finely carved balconies and altars covered in gold leaf, took nearly 100 years to complete, in part due to the damage in the 1650 earthquake. The Museum of Religious Art on Calle Palacio houses a fine collection of art, which flourished from the 16th century through 18th centuries. Once the palace of Roca Inca, this Moorish building has complicated carvings on its doors and balconies.

About The Author:

Doris Gonzales has been working with Sun Gate Tours for a long time and specializes in Peru adventure tours for groups and individual trips. With his past touring experience he is able to serve their customers with their needs. Sun Gate Tours is one of the most experienced Peruvian travel companies with a highly positive industry reputation.