Cusco, Peru's main tourist destination and one of the most important in the world, located in a territory of mountains and multicolored valleys, forests and lush forests, beautiful lagoons and torrentosos rivers. Department of Cusco is considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity and its main attraction is the Natural Sanctuary and Citadel of Machu Picchu, declared one of new seven wonders of humanity.
Cusco offers travelers to enjoy excitement outdoors, in an environment of beautiful landscapes, dazzle with testimonies of the Inca architecture, admire the artistic wealth of the colonial churches, overwhelm with penetrating sound of the pututos or sacred conches, enjoy of the most beautiful sunrise in the world in the heights of three crosses, feel and live living cultures in cusco communities or experience the flavor and aroma of a tasty pachamanca or a delicious baked pork.
Cusco, the mythical capital of the Inca Empire, proudly preserves its walls and stone walls, which evoke the greatness of children of the sun. A city full of monuments and historical relics, of myths and legends, that seem to be reborn and transported directly to the past, its atmosphere originates in those who breathe experiences of deep fascination.
There are many attractions in Cuzco and its surroundings, beside the most popular which is Machu Picchu, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán (in Quechua Saqsaywaman, from saqsay, place to be satiated, and waman, hawk, that is "Place where the hawk is satiated") is an Inca "ceremonial fortress" located two kilometers north from the city of Cuzco. Construction began during Pachacútec government in the 15th century; however, it was Huayna Cápac who gave the final touch in the 16th century. With the annihilation of the Inca nobility, the techniques that allowed construction of this monumental fortress or sanctuary disappeared from human memory; which produced Pizarro and his men admiration. Pedro Sancho, secretary of Pizarro, left a first building description, but the most detailed description is from the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega (chronicler mestizo). Sacsayhuaman has megalithic walls and it is the greatest architectural work that the Incas carried out during its apogee. From the fortress there is a singular panoramic view of the surroundings, including the city of Cuzco.
In Sacsayhuamán, on June, 24th, on winter solstice, annual Inti Raymi festival takes place, where Inca worshiping ritual to Sun god or Inti is staged. Locals mobilize in colorful costumes for typical dances, repeating tradition of their ancestors. Visitors to the festival come from all over the world who book their places well in advance.
From Sacsayhuaman you can visit some very close and complementary interesting places. The closest is Kenko, the hill that today is called Socorro (Help). There natural and carved stones are erected and Intihuatana which served to measure with help of sunlight. You can also reach Puca Pucara through canals and aqueducts; this construction presents carved stones, benches and an altar of sacrifices. The circuit can cover Puca Pucara and end in Tambomachay, where there are three beautiful fountains and abundant water served by lagoons that separates Cuzco from the Sacred Valley of the Incas.