View source for Cusco

{{Short description|City in Peru}} 
{{About|the city}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
<!-- popup [[File:Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 74.JPG]] -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Cusco
| native_name = {{lang|es|Cusco}} or {{lang|es|Cuzco}}<br/> {{native name|qu|Qosqo|paren=omit}} or {{native name|qu|Qusqu}}
| nicknames = {{lang|es|La Ciudad Imperial}} (The Imperial City), {{lang|es|El Ombligo del Mundo}} (The Navel of the World)
| motto = 
| anthem = {{lang|es|[[Anthem of Cusco|Himno del Cusco]]}}<br />{{lang|qu|Qosqo yupaychana taki}}<br />(English: "Anthem of Cusco")
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border            = infobox
| perrow            = 1/2/2/2/1
| total_width       = 290
| caption_align     = center
| image1 = Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 74.JPG
| caption1 = [[Plaza de Armas (Cusco)|Plaza de Armas]] with [[Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Cusco|Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús]] in the background
| image2 = Vista Calle Suecia.jpg
| caption2 = {{ill|Calle Suecia|es}}
| image3 = UNESCOCuscomarker_and_Coricancha_(cropped).jpg
| caption3 = [[Qorikancha]]
| image4 = Cusco_Cathedral_(34333921404).png
| caption4 = [[Cusco Cathedral]]
| image5 = Sacsayhuamán,_Cusco,_Perú,_2015-07-31,_DD_38.JPG
| caption5 = [[Sacsayhuamán]]
| image6 = Cusco skyline - October 2025.jpg
| caption6 = [[Historic Centre of Cusco|Historic Centre]]
}}
| image_flag = Flag of Cusco (2021).svg
| flag_size = 100px
| image_shield = Cusco Emblem.svg
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 12
| mapframe-marker = city <!-- This map shows the historical center. If you find a map with the actual shape of the entire Cusco, please replace it-->
| mapsize = 200px
| map_caption = Districts of Cusco
| pushpin_map = Peru#South America#Earth
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Peru##Location within South America##Location within Earth
| pushpin_relief = 1
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{PER}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Peru|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Cusco Region|Cusco]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Provinces of Peru|Province]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Cusco Province|Cusco]]
| governing_body = [[Provincial Municipality of Cusco|Municipality of Cusco]]
| government_type = [[Municipalities of Peru|Municipality]]
| leader_title = [[Provincial Municipality of Cusco|Mayor]]
| leader_name = Víctor G. Boluarte Medina
| established_title = [[Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire|Founded]]
| established_date = 23 March 1534<ref>{{Cite web |last=La República |date=23 March 2020 |title=Cusco: 486 años de la fundación de la antigua capital Inca |url=https://larepublica.pe/cultural/2020/03/23/efemerides-la-fundacion-espanola-de-cusco-hace-486-anos-un-dia-como-hoy |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=larepublica.pe |language=es |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526172238/https://larepublica.pe/cultural/2020/03/23/efemerides-la-fundacion-espanola-de-cusco-hace-486-anos-un-dia-como-hoy |url-status=live }}</ref>
| established_title2 = 
| established_date2 = 
| founder = [[Francisco Pizarro]]
| established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
| established_date3 = 
| area_footnotes = 
| area_total_km2 = 385.1
| pop_est_as_of = 2015
| pop_est_footnotes = 
| population_rank = [[List of cities in Peru|7th in Peru]]
| population_est = 
| population_as_of = 2017
| population_footnotes = 
| population_note = 
| settlement_type = [[List of cities in Peru|City]]
| population_total = 428450
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = {{lang|es|cuzqueño/a}}, {{lang|es|cusqueño/a}}
| demographics_type1 = Demographics
| demographics1_footnotes = {{efn|Based on the [[2017 Peru Census|2017 National Census]], which included, for the first time, a question of [[Ethnic group|ethnic self-identification]] that was addressed to people aged 12 and over considering elements such as their ancestry, their customs and their family origin to visualize and better understand the cultural reality of the country.}}
| demographics1_title1 = Ethnic groups
| demographics1_info1 = {{tree list}}
* 64.0% [[Indigenous peoples of Peru|Native]]
** 63.0% [[Quechua people|Quechua]]
** 0.8% [[Aymara people|Aimara]]
** 0.1% [[Amazon basin#Indigenous peoples|Amazonian]]{{efn|Includes [[Asháninka]], [[Aguaruna language|Awajún]], [[Shipibo-Conibo|Shipibo-Konibo]] and [[Chayahuita language|Shawi]].}}
** 0.1% Other indigenous groups{{efn|Includes [[Nikkei people|Nikkei]], [[Tusan]], among others.}}
* 31.0% [[Mestizo]] (mixed [[Peruvians of European descent|White]] and [[Indigenous peoples of Peru|Indigenous]])
* 1.9% [[Peruvians of European descent|White]]
* 0.8% Other
* 2.3% No answer
{{tree list/end}}
| demographics_type2 = [[GDP|GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)]]
| demographics2_footnotes = 
| demographics2_title1 = Year
| demographics2_info1 = 2023
| demographics2_title2 = Total
| demographics2_info2 = $4.2&nbsp;billion<ref name="TelluBase">{{cite web |url=https://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_per.pdf |publisher=Tellusant |title=TelluBase—Peru Fact Sheet (Tellusant Public Service Series) |access-date=11 January 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229065458/http://tellusant.com/repo/tb/tellubase_factsheet_per.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| timezone = [[Peru Time|PET]]
| utc_offset = −05:00
| postal_code_type = [[UBIGEO]]
| postal_code = 08000
| timezone_DST = <!-- No -->
| utc_offset_DST = <!-- No -->
| coordinates = {{Coord|region:PE-CUS_type:city(428,450)|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m = 3399
| elevation_ft = 
| area_code = 84
| module = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
 | child         = yes
 | Official_name = [[Historic Centre of Cusco|City of Cusco]]
 | location      = [[List of World Heritage Sites in the Americas| south America]]
 | criteria      = Cultural: iii, iv
 | ID            = 273
 | year          = 1983
 | area          = {{Convert|142.48|ha|abbr=on}}
 | buffer_zone   = {{Convert|284.93|ha|abbr=on}}
}}
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Cusco''' or '''Cuzco'''{{efn|''Cusco'' has been the preferred spelling since 1976; see {{section link|#Spelling and etymology}}.}} (; {{langx|qu|Qosqo}} or {{lang|qu|Qusqu}}, {{IPA|qu|ˈqosqɔ|label=both pronounced in Cuzco Quechua as}}) is a city in southeastern [[Peru]], near the [[Sacred Valley]] of the [[Andes]] mountain range, and the Huatanay and [[Urubamba River|Urubamba]] rivers. It is the capital and largest city of the eponymous [[Cusco Province]] and [[Cusco Region|Cusco Department]]. It has historically been one of the largest cultural, economic and political centers of Peru. 

The city was originally founded in the 12th century as the capital of the [[Inca Empire]]. The region was [[Spanish conquest of Peru|conquered]] in the 16th century by the Spanish and reestablished on 23 March 1534, with most of the city being constructed over monuments left from the Inca Empire. In 1983, Cusco was declared a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]] with the title "[[Historic Centre of Cusco|City of Cusco]]". It has become a major tourist destination, hosting over 2&nbsp;million visitors a year and providing passage to numerous Incan ruins, such as [[Machu Picchu]], one of the [[seven modern wonders of the world]]. The [[Constitution of Peru]] (1993) designates the city as the Historical Capital of Peru.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Peru/per93reforms05.html#titIIcapI |title=Constitución del Perъ de 1993 |publisher=Pdba.georgetown.edu |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221165642/http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Peru/per93reforms05.html#titIIcapI |url-status=live }}</ref>

Cusco is the [[list of cities in Peru|seventh-most populous city in Peru]]; in 2017, it had a population of 428,450. It is also the largest city in the Peruvian Andes and the region is the seventh-most populous [[List of metropolitan areas of Peru|metropolitan area of Peru]]. Its elevation is around {{convert|3400|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The largest district in the city is the [[Cusco District]], which had a population of 114,630 in 2017, making up about one quarter of the city's total population. 
{{TOC limit|3=}}

==Spelling and etymology==
The indigenous name of this city is {{lang|qu|Qusqu}}. Although the name was used in [[Southern Quechua]], its origin is found in the [[Aymara language]]. The word is derived from the phrase {{lang|qu|qusqu wanka}} ('rock of the owl'), related to the city's foundation myth of the Ayar siblings. According to this legend, Ayar Awqa ({{lang|es|Ayar Auca}}) acquired wings and flew to the site of the future city; there he was transformed into a rock to mark the possession of the land by his {{lang|qu|[[ayllu]]}} ("lineage"):<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cerrón-Palomino |first=Rodolfo |title=Cuzco: La piedra donde se posó la lechuza. Historia de un nombre.|journal=Andina |volume=44 |pages=143–174 |year=2007 |issn=0259-9600 |location=Lima }}</ref>

{{Blockquote|Then Ayar Oche stood up, displayed a pair of large wings, and said he should be the one to stay at [[Guanacaure]] as an idol in order to speak with their father the Sun.  Then they went up on top of the hill. Now at the site where he was to remain as an idol, Ayar Oche raised up in flight toward the heavens so high that they could not see him.  He returned and told Ayar Manco that from then on he was to be named [[Manco Capac]]. Ayar Oche came from where the Sun was and the Sun had ordered that Ayar Manco take that name and go to the town that they had seen. After this had been stated by the idol, Ayar Oche turned into a stone, just as he was, with his wings. Later Manco Capac went down with Ayar Auca to their settlement...he liked the place now occupied in this city Cuzco.  Manco Capac and his companion, with the help of the four women, made a house.  Having done this, Manco Capac and his companion, with the four women, planted some land with maize. It is said that they took the maize from the cave, which this lord Manco Capac named [[Pacaritambo]], which means those of origin because...they came out of that cave.<ref name="Betanzos">Betanzos, J., 1996, ''Narrative of the Incas'', Austin: University of Texas Press, {{ISBN|978-0292755598 }}</ref>{{rp|15–16}}}}

The [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] [[conquistador]]s (Spanish soldiers) adopted the local name, [[Orthographic transcription|transcribing]] it according to Spanish phonetics as {{lang|es|Cuzco}} or, less often, {{lang|es|Cozco}}. {{lang|es|Cuzco}} was the standard spelling on official documents and chronicles in colonial times,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Carrión Ordóñez |first=Enrique |title=Cuzco, con Z |journal=Histórica |volume=XVII |pages=267–270 |year=1990 |location=Lima }}</ref> though {{lang|es|Cusco}} was also used. {{lang|es|Cuzco}}, pronounced as in [[Early Modern Spanish|16th-century Spanish]], seems to have been a close approximation to the Cusco Quechua pronunciation of the name at the time.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Cerrón-Palomino |first=Rodolfo |title=Cuzco: la piedra donde se posó la lechuza. Historia de un nombre |journal=Lexis |year=2006 |issue=30 |volume=1 |pages=151–52 |access-date=24 May 2011 |url=http://revistas.pucp.edu.pe/lexis/sites/revistas.pucp.edu.pe.lexis/files/images/Lexis-XXX-1-2006-5-Cerron-Palomino.pdf |url-access=subscription |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717204020/http://revistas.pucp.edu.pe/lexis/sites/revistas.pucp.edu.pe.lexis/files/images/Lexis-XXX-1-2006-5-Cerron-Palomino.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

As both Spanish and Quechua pronunciation have evolved since then, the Spanish pronunciation of 'z' is no longer universally close to the Quechua pronunciation. In 1976, the city mayor signed an ordinance banning the traditional spelling and ordering the use of a new spelling, {{lang|es|Cusco}}, in [[Provincial Municipality of Cusco|municipality]] publications. Nineteen years later, on 23 June 1990, the local authorities formalized a new spelling more closely related to Quechua, {{lang|qu|Qosqo}}, but later administrations have not followed suit.<ref name=Qosqo>{{Cite web |url=http://cuzcoeats.com/among-cuzco-cusco-or-qosqo-i-prefer-cusco/ |title=Cuzco Eats: "In the epoch of Daniel Estrada Perez, one of the most influential mayors we have had in this city, the name was changed to Qosqo, reclaiming Quechua pronunciation and spelling. Years later, under other governments the name returned once again to Cusco." 22 Sept. 2014 |access-date=19 May 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220133000/http://cuzcoeats.com/among-cuzco-cusco-or-qosqo-i-prefer-cusco/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There is no international, official spelling of the city's name. In English-language publications both "s"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/south-america/peru/cusco-and-around/cusco/ |title=Cusco – Cusco and around Guide |work=roughguides.com |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-date=3 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903082349/https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/south-america/peru/cusco-and-around/cusco/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/ |title=The World Factbook |work=cia.gov |date=19 July 2022 |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119135020/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and "z"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273 |title=City of Cuzco – UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=Whc.unesco.org |date=21 August 2007 |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-date=6 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806060700/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/peru/cuzco/ |title=Cuzco Travel Information and Travel Guide – Peru |publisher=Lonely Planet |access-date=22 July 2009 |archive-date=13 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913062525/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/peru/cuzco/ |url-status=live }}</ref> can be found. The ''Oxford Dictionary of English'' and ''Merriam-Webster Dictionary'' prefer "Cuzco",<ref>''Oxford Dictionary of English'', 2nd ed, revised, 2009, Oxford University Press, eBook edition, accessed 30 August 2017.</ref><ref>''Merriam-Webster Online''|[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cuzco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830151536/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cuzco|date=30 August 2017}}, accessed 30 August 2017.</ref> and in scholarly writings "Cuzco" is used more often than "Cusco".<ref>JSTOR (cuzco) AND la:(eng OR en) has 12,687 articles vs. only 4,168 articles for (cusco) AND la:(eng OR en); JSTOR accessed 20 April 2024.</ref> The city's international airport code is [[Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport|CUZ]], reflecting the earlier Spanish spelling.

==Symbols==
===Flag===
{{Main|Flag of Cusco}}

The official [[Flag of Cusco]] consists of seven horizontal stripes in the colors red, orange, yellow, green, sky blue, blue, and violet, representing the rainbow. This flag was introduced in 1973 by Raúl Montesinos Espejo in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his Tawantinsuyo Radio station. Its popularity led to its official adoption by the Municipality of Cusco in 1978. Since 2021, the flag has also included the golden {{lang|es|[[Sol de Echenique]]}}, a symbol associated with the city's historical identity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.congreso.gob.pe/participa/documentos/boletin23062004.pdf |title=La Bandera del Tahuantisuyo |access-date=12 June 2009 |website=[[Congress of the Republic of Peru|Congreso de la República]] |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813085436/http://www.congreso.gob.pe/participa/documentos/boletin23062004.pdf |archive-date=13 August 2011 }}</ref>

===Coat of arms===
{{Main|Coat of arms of Cusco}}

The [[Coat of arms of Cusco]] was officially adopted in 1986 and is used by the city, [[Cusco Province|province]], and [[Department of Cuzco|region]] of Cusco. The coat of arms incorporates elements from both Inca and Spanish heraldry. Historically, the city's arms included a golden castle on a red field with eight condors surrounding it. The modern design, officially adopted in 1986, features the {{lang|es|Sol de Echenique}}, a golden sun emblem, as the central element, symbolizing the city's connection to its Inca heritage.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Angles Vargas |first1=Víctor |title=Historia del Cusco Colonial Tomo I |date=1988 |publisher=Industrial Gráfica S.A |location=Lima |author-link=Víctor Angles Vargas }}</ref>

===Anthem===
{{Main|Anthem of Cusco}}

The [[Anthem of Cusco]] was composed by Roberto Ojeda Campana with lyrics by Luis Nieto Miranda in 1944. It was officially adopted as the city's anthem and has been sung at public events since then. In 1991, the anthem was translated into [[Quechuan languages|Quechua]] by Faustino Espinoza Navarro and Mario Mejía Waman. The anthem is performed in both Spanish and Quechua, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and historical significance. In 2019, the Municipality of Cusco declared the performance of the anthem in Quechua at civic events to be of public interest and historical importance.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mendoza |first1=Zoila |title=Crear y sentir lo nuestro: folclor, identidad regional y nacional en el Cusco, siglo XX |date=2006 |publisher=Fondo Editorial de la PUCP |location=Lima |isbn=9972-42-770-6 |edition=First}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Cusco}}

{{Quote box |width=25em |align=right |title_bg=#B0C4DE
|title=Timeline of Cusco <br><small>Historical affiliations</small>
|fontsize=80% |quote={{Noflag|[[Kingdom of Cusco]]}}, 1197–1438<br>
{{flagicon image|Suntur Paucar.svg}} [[Inca Empire]], 1438–1532<br>
{{flagicon image|Flag of Cross of Burgundy.svg}} [[Habsburg Spain|Kingdom of Spain – Habsburg]] ([[Governorate of New Castile]] and [[Viceroyalty of Peru]]), 1532–1700 <br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of Spain (1760–1785).svg}} [[History of Spain (1700–1808)|Kingdom of Spain – Bourbon]] ([[Viceroyalty of Peru]]), 1700–1808 <br/>
{{flagicon image|Bandera de España 1808-1813.svg}} [[Spain under Joseph Bonaparte|Kingdom of Spain – Bonaparte]] ([[Viceroyalty of Peru]]), 1808–1813 <br/>
{{flagicon image|Flag of Spain (1760–1785).svg}} [[History of Spain (1700–1808)|Kingdom of Spain – Bourbon]] ([[Viceroyalty of Peru]]), 1813–1821 <br/>
{{flagicon image|Flag of Peru (1821–1822).svg}} [[Protectorate of Peru]], 1821–1822<br>
{{flag|Peru}}, 1822–1836<br>
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation.svg}} [[Peru–Bolivian Confederation]] ([[Republic of South Peru]]), 1836–1839 <br>
{{flag|Peru}}, 1839–present
}}

[[File:Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 35.JPG|thumb|[[Sacsayhuamán]] is an Inca ceremonial fortress located two kilometers north from Cusco.|left]]

=== Killke culture ===

The [[Killke culture|Killke]] people occupied the region from 900 to 1200 AD, prior to the arrival of the [[Inca]] in the 13th century. [[Radiocarbon dating|Carbon-14 dating]] of [[Saksaywaman]], the walled complex outside Cusco, established that Killke constructed the fortress about 1100 AD. The Inca later expanded and occupied the complex in the 13th century. In March 2008, [[archeologist]]s discovered the ruins of an ancient temple, roadway and [[aqueduct (watercourse)|aqueduct]] system at Saksaywaman.<ref name="temple">{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/03/080331-inca-temple.html |first1=Kelly |last1=Hearn |title=Ancient Temple Discovered Among Inca Ruins |website=National Geographic News |date=31 March 2008 |access-date=12 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206055613/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/03/080331-inca-temple.html |archive-date=6 December 2010 }}</ref> The temple covers some {{convert|2700|sqft|m2|abbr=off|sp=us}} and contains 11 rooms thought to have held idols and mummies,<ref name="temple"/> establishing its religious purpose. Together with the results of excavations in 2007, when another temple was found at the edge of the fortress, this indicates a longtime religious as well as military use of the facility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2008/03/14/911994.html&cookieattempt=1 |title=News |publisher=Comcast.net<! |access-date=22 July 2009 }}</ref>

===Inca period===
{{Main|Kingdom of Cusco|Inca Empire}}

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| image1            = Corigold.jpg
| width1            = 170
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = 
| image2            = View of Cusco from Coricancha.jpg
| width2            = 170
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = 
| footer            = Digital recreation of the original interior of the [[Coricancha|Qurikancha]] (The main Temple of the Sun of the Inca Empire) according to the description of [[Inca Garcilaso de la Vega|Garcilaso de la Vega]]; and the current Qoricancha's wall remains below the Convento de Santo Domingo
| direction         = 
| total_width       = 
}}

Cusco was long an important center of indigenous people. It was the capital of the [[Inca Empire]] (13th century – 1532). Many believe that the city was planned as an [[effigy]] in the shape of a [[Cougar|puma]], a [[sacred]] animal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cusco.net/articulos/cuscoinca.htm#Puma |title=The history of Cusco |publisher=cusco.net<! |access-date=25 July 2009 |archive-date=21 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821033818/http://www.cusco.net/articulos/cuscoinca.htm#Puma |url-status=dead }}</ref> How Cusco was specifically built, or how its large stones were quarried and transported to the site remain undetermined. Under the Inca, the city had two sectors: the {{lang|qu|hurin}} and {{lang|qu|hanan}}. Each was divided to encompass two of the four provinces, [[Chinchasuyu]] (NW), [[Antisuyu]] (NE), [[Kuntisuyu]] (SW) and [[Qullasuyu]] (SE). A road led from each quarter to the corresponding quarter of the empire.

Each local leader was required to build a house in the city and live part of the year in Cusco, restricted to the quarter that corresponded to the quarter in which he held territory. After the rule of [[Pachacuti]], when an [[Sapa Inca|Inca]] died, his title went to one son and his property was given to a corporation controlled by his other relatives ([[split inheritance]]). Each title holder had to build a new house and add new lands to the empire in order to own land for his family to keep after his death.

According to Inca legend, the city was rebuilt by [[Sapa Inca]] [[Pachacuti]], the man who transformed the Kingdom of Cusco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of {{lang|qu|[[Tawantinsuyu]]}}.<ref name=Gamboa>de Gamboa, P. S., 2015, ''History of the Incas'', Lexington, {{ISBN|9781463688653 }}</ref>{{rp|66–69}} Archeological evidence, however, points to a slower, more organic growth of the city beginning before Pachacuti. The city was constructed according to a definite plan in which two rivers were channeled around the city. Archeologists have suggested that this city plan was replicated at other sites.

The city fell to the sphere of [[Huáscar]] during the [[Inca Civil War]] after the death of [[Huayna Capac]] in 1528. It was captured by the generals of [[Atahualpa]] in April 1532 in the [[Battle of Quipaipan]]. Nineteen months later, Spanish explorers invaded the city after kidnapping and murdering Atahualpa (see [[Battle of Cuzco]]), and gained control.

===Spanish conquest===
{{See also|Spanish conquest of Peru|Cusco School}}The first three [[Spanish Empire|Spaniards]] arrived in the city in May 1533, after the [[Battle of Cajamarca]], collecting for [[Atahualpa]]'s [[Ransom Room]]. On 15 November 1533 [[Francisco Pizarro]] officially arrived in Cusco. "The capital of the Incas&nbsp;... astonished the Spaniards by the beauty of its edifices, the length and regularity of its streets." The great square was surrounded by several palaces, since "each sovereign built a new palace for himself." Another member of the invading party recorded that "In the delicacy of the stone work, the natives far excelled the Spaniards." The fortress had three [[parapet]]s and was composed of "heavy masses of rock". "Through the heart of the capital ran a river&nbsp;... faced with stone.&nbsp;... The most sumptuous edifice in Cuzco&nbsp;... was undoubtedly the great temple dedicated to the Sun&nbsp;... studded with gold plates&nbsp;... surrounded by convents and dormitories for the priests.&nbsp;... The palaces were numerous and the troops lost no time in plundering them of their contents, as well as despoiling the religious edifices," including the royal mummies in the [[Coricancha]].<ref name=Prescott>Prescott, W. H. (2011). ''The History of the Conquest of Peru''. Digireads.com Publishing, {{ISBN|9781420941142 }}</ref>{{rp|186–187, 192–193, 216–219}}

Pizarro ceremoniously gave [[Manco Inca]] the Incan fringe as the new Peruvian leader.<ref name=Prescott/>{{rp|221}} Pizarro encouraged some of his men to stay and settle in the city, giving out [[repartimiento]]s, or land grants to do so.<ref name=Pizarro>Pizzaro, P. (1571). ''Relation of the Discovery and Conquest of the Kingdoms of Peru'', Vol. 1–2. New York: Cortes Society, RareBooksClub.com, {{ISBN|9781235937859 }}</ref>{{rp|46}} [[Alcaldes]] were established and [[regidor]]es on 24 March 1534, which included the brothers [[Gonzalo Pizarro]] and [[Juan Pizarro (conquistador)|Juan Pizarro]]. Pizarro left a garrison of 90 men and departed for [[Jauja]] with Manco Inca.<ref name=Prescott/>{{rp|222, 227}}
[[File:Braun Cusco UBHD.jpg|thumb|Map showing the city of Cusco during the Inca Empire. Painting of 1565 by [[Giovanni Battista Ramusio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/3440416 |title=Il Cvscho, citta principale della provincia del Perv. |website=[[Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library]] of the [[Yale University Library]] |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-date=14 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214130333/https://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/3440416 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ONGJDwAAQBAJ&q=Giovanni+Battista+Ramusio+cusco&pg=PT437 |title=Maps and travel in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period |date=March 2019 |isbn=978-3-11-058877-4 |author1=Ingrid Baumgärtner |author2=Nirit Ben-Aryeh Debby |author3=Katrin Kogman-Appel |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |location=Berlin, Boston }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kqc1GIhK_wEC&q=Giovanni+Battista+Ramusio+cusco&pg=PA120 |pages=120 |title=America in European Consciousness, 1493–1750 |author=Karen Ordahl Kupperman |year=1995 |publisher=[[Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture]], [[University of North Carolina Press]] |isbn=978-0-8078-4510-3 }}</ref>|left]]
Pizarro renamed it as the "very noble and great city of Cuzco". Buildings often constructed after the Spanish invasion have a mixture of Spanish influence and Inca [[indigenous architecture]], including the Santa Clara and San Blas neighborhoods. The Spanish destroyed many Inca buildings, temples and palaces. They used the remaining walls as bases for the construction of a new city, and this stone masonry is still visible.

Father [[Vincente de Valverde]] became the Bishop of Cusco and built his cathedral facing the [[Plaza de Armas (Cusco)|plaza]]. He supported construction of the [[Dominican Order]] monastery ([[Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, Cusco|Santo Domingo Convent]]) on the ruins of the Corichanca, House of the Sun, and a convent at the former site of the House of the Virgins of the Sun.<ref name=Prescott/>{{rp|222}}

During the [[Siege of Cuzco]] of 1536 by [[Manco Inca Yupanqui]], a leader of the [[Sapa Inca]], he took control of the city from the Spanish. Although the siege lasted 10 months, it was ultimately unsuccessful. Manco's forces were able to reclaim the city for only a few days. He eventually retreated to [[Vilcabamba, Peru|Vilcabamba]], the capital of the newly established small [[Neo-Inca State]]. There his state survived another 36 years but he was never able to return to Cuzco. Throughout the conflict and years of the [[Spanish colonization of the Americas]], many Incas died of [[smallpox]] epidemics, as they had no acquired immunity to a disease by then endemic among Europeans.

Cusco was built on layers of cultures. The Tawantinsuyu (former [[Inca Empire]]) was built on [[Killke]] structures. The Spanish replaced [[indigenous peoples|indigenous]] temples with Catholic churches, and Inca palaces with mansions for the invaders.

Cusco was the center for the Spanish colonization and spread of Christianity in the [[Andes|Andean]] world. It became very prosperous thanks to agriculture, cattle raising and mining, as well as its trade with [[Habsburg Spain|Spain]]. The Spanish colonists constructed many churches and [[convent]]s, as well as a [[Cusco Cathedral|cathedral]], [[National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco|university]] and [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco|archdiocese]].

=== Colonial era ===
Urban development was interrupted by several earthquakes that devastated the city on more than one occasion. In 1650, a violent earthquake destroyed almost all the colonial-era buildings. During this earthquake, the effigy of the Lord of the Earthquakes gained great importance and is still carried in procession every year.[[File:Colonial balconies of Cusco Ephraim George Squier.jpg|alt=|thumb|''View in the Plaza del Cabildo, Cuzco'' in 1877 by [[Ephraim George Squier]]<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Ephraim George Squier]] |url=https://archive.org/details/peruincidentsoft00squi/page/430/mode/2up |title=Peru; incidents of travel and exploration in the land of the Incas |publisher=[[Harper (publisher)|Harper & Brothers]] |year=1877 |page=431}}</ref>]]

As a consequence of the 18th century [[Bourbon Reforms]], the city of Cusco was convulsed by the large indigenous [[Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II|rebellion]] initiated by the cacique José Gabriel Condorcanqui, [[Túpac Amaru II]]  who rose up against the Spanish administration. His uprising was suppressed after several months of fighting, during which he challenged the viceregal authorities stationed in Cusco. Túpac Amaru II was defeated, taken prisoner, and executed along with his entire family in the [[Plaza de Armas (Cusco)|Plaza de Armas]] of Cusco. However, despite the execution of the rebellions main leaders, the rebellion persisted up until 1783, led by other leaders such as [[Túpac Katari]]. The chapel that served as the leader's prison still stands today, next to the Church of the Society of Jesus. This movement spread rapidly throughout the Andes and marked the beginning of the South American independence process. As a result of this revolution, the Royal Audiencia of Cusco was established, and a migration of prominent Spanish families to the cities of Lima and Arequipa ensued, fearing indigenous revolts. These migrations, together with the commercial decline generated by the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, which took away the city's leading role as a transit point for travelers and merchants, explained the decline that the city suffered in the 19th century.

In 1814, a new uprising against the viceregal administration occurred. The [[Cuzco Rebellion of 1814|Cuzco Rebellion]], initiated in 1814 by the Angulo brothers and Brigadier [[Mateo Pumacahua]], a mestizo from Cusco who had fought against the forces of Túpac Amaru II, aimed to establish a governing junta in the city to unite the uprising with the process underway in Buenos Aires to achieve [[Peruvian War of Independence|Peruvian Independence]]. It was suppressed by Viceroy [[Jose de Abascal y Souza]] in less than a year. Despite this rebellion, Cusco was the last royalist stronghold in Peru, maintaining its loyalty to the King of Spain until 1824, even though independence had been declared in 1821. Cusco became the last colonial capital during the rule of Viceroy [[José de la Serna, 1st Count of the Andes|José de la Serna]], who held that position from this city between December 31, 1821, and December 1824. During this time, the Royal Army was stationed in Cusco, and other institutions such as the Mint and the printing press operated there.

Only after the defeat at the [[Battle of Ayacucho]] was known, on December 22, 1824, did the Cusco City Council recognize the capitulation of Ayacucho and accept [[Agustín Gamarra]], a native of Cusco, as the new authority, who would hold the position of prefect. This brought an end to the colonial intendancy. On December 25, 1824, patriot troops entered the city under Gamarra's command, who received political authority from the last governor-intendant, Antonio María Álvarez , and prepared for the arrival of Simón Bolívar, who would reach Cusco in 1825.[[File:Vista panorámica de la ciudad de Cuzco (circa 1897) (cropped).jpg|alt=|thumb|Panoramic view of Cusco in 1897, showing the city, surrounding farmland, and mountains. "CUZCO" is written on the ground.]]

===Republican era===

A major earthquake on 21 May 1950 damaged more than one third of the city's structures. The Dominican Priory and Church of Santo Domingo, which were built on top of the impressive {{lang|qu|[[Qurikancha]]}} (Temple of the Sun), were among the affected colonial era buildings. Inca architecture withstood the earthquake. Many of the old Inca walls were at first thought to have been lost after the earthquake, but the [[granite]] retaining walls of the {{lang|qu|Qurikancha}} were exposed, as well as those of other ancient structures throughout the city. Restoration work at the Santo Domingo complex exposed the Inca masonry formerly obscured by the superstructure without compromising the integrity of the colonial heritage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/cusco-koricancha.htm |title=Koricancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent – Cusco, Peru |publisher=Sacred-destinations.com |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907075704/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/cusco-koricancha.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Many of the buildings damaged in 1950 had been impacted by an earthquake only nine years previously.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/44/2A/97 |title=The Cusco, Peru, Earthquake of May 21, 1950 |author=Erickson |display-authors=et al |volume=44 |issue=2 |page=97 |work=Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America |publisher=Bssa.geoscienceworld.org |access-date=15 September 2011 |archive-date=6 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506074044/http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/44/2A/97 |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Hatunrumiyoc (7640968366).jpg|thumb|View of Hatun Rumiyuq Street. Many of the colonial constructions used the city's Inca constructions as a base.<ref>{{cite web |title=City of Cuzco |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273/ |website=UNESCO World Heritage website |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624160613/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]In the 1990s, during the [[Provincial Municipality of Cusco|mayoral administration]] of Mayor [[Daniel Estrada (politician)|Daniel Estrada Pérez]], the city underwent a new process of beautification through the restoration of monuments and the construction of plazas, fountains and monuments. Likewise, thanks to the efforts of this authority, various recognitions were achieved, such as the declaration as "Historical Capital of Peru" contained in the text of the Political Constitution of Peru of 1993. It was also decided to change the coat of arms of Cusco, leaving aside the colonial coat of arms and adopting the {{lang|es|Sol de Echenique}} as the new coat of arms. Additionally, the change of the official name of the city was proposed to adopt the Quechua word {{lang|qu|Qosqo}}, but this change was reversed a few years later.

Currently, Cusco is the most important tourist destination in Peru. Under the administration of mayor Daniel Estrada Pérez, a staunch supporter of the {{lang|es|[[Academia Mayor de la Lengua Quechua]]}}, between 1983 and 1995 the [[Quechua languages|Quechua]] name {{lang|qu|Qosqo}} was officially adopted for the city. Tourism in the city was drastically affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Peru]] and the [[2022–2023 Peruvian protests]], with the latter event costing the area 10 million soles daily.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vega |first=Ysela |title=Cusco sin 4.000 reservas hoteleras y pérdidas de S/10 millones al día |url=https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/2023/02/06/cuzco-4000-reservas-hoteleras-perdidas-de-s-10-millones-al-dia-dina-boluarte-paro-nacional-protestas-326748 |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=La Republica |date=6 February 2023 |language=es }}</ref>

=== Honors ===
*In 1933, the Congress of Americanists met in [[La Plata]], Argentina, and declared the city as the Archeological Capital of the Americas.
*In 1978, the 7th Convention of Mayors of Great World Cities met in [[Milan]], Italy, and declared Cusco a Cultural Heritage of the World.
*In 1983, [[UNESCO]], in Paris, France, declared the city a [[World Heritage Site]]. The [[Government of Peru|Peruvian government]] declared it the Tourism Capital of Peru and [[Cultural heritage of Peru|Cultural Heritage of the Nation]].
*In 2001, in Cusco, the   south American Congress of Aldermen and Councillors awarded Cusco the title of Historical Capital of in south america.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=GrupoRPP |date=22 February 2013 |title=Títulos honoríficos que ostentan la ciudad del Cusco y Machu Picchu |url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/titulos-honorificos-que-ostentan-la-ciudad-del-cusco-y-machu-picchu-noticia-569731 |access-date=4 May 2022 |website=RPP |language=es |archive-date=4 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504180250/https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/titulos-honorificos-que-ostentan-la-ciudad-del-cusco-y-machu-picchu-noticia-569731 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In 2007 the Organización Capital Americana de la Cultura awarded Cusco the title of Cultural Capital of America.<ref name=":1" />
*In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation designated [[Machu Picchu]] one of the [[New Seven Wonders of the World]], following a worldwide poll.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/08/1972797.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712115954/http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/08/1972797.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2007 |title=Opera House snubbed as new Wonders unveiled |date=8 July 2007 |work=abc.net.au }}</ref>
{{wide image|Mural of the History of Cusco by Juan Bravo for the Municipality of Cusco.jpg|700|Mural of the History of Cusco by Juan Bravo, on Avenida El Sol near the Qoricancha, depicting 3,000 years of the city's history}}

==Geography==
[[File:Cusco by Sentinel-2, 17 July 2024.png|thumb|Cusco (center) and the [[Sacred Valley]], following the [[Urubamba River]] to the northwest, as seen from [[Sentinel-2]]]]

=== Location ===
Cusco is located in the central [[Andes Mountains]], found in southern Peru.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peru |first=Auri |title=Where Is Cusco Peru On A Map: Your Complete Geographic Guide |url=https://www.auriperu.com/where-is-cusco-peru-on-a-map/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Auri Travel |language=en}}</ref> Its elevation is around {{convert|3400|m|ft|abbr=on}}. To its north is the [[Vilcabamba mountain range]] with {{convert|4000|-|6000|m|ft|adj=mid|abbr=off|-high|sp=us}} mountains. The highest peak is [[Salcantay]] ({{convert|6271|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=off|sp=us}}) about {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} northwest of Cusco.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://andes.zoom-maps.com/ |title=Map of the Andes |work=zoom-maps.com |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924154519/http://andes.zoom-maps.com/ |archive-date=24 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Climate===
Cusco has a [[subtropical highland climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cwb'', [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha]]: ''Cwll''). It is generally dry and temperate, with two defined seasons. Winter occurs from April through September, with abundant sunshine and occasional nighttime frosts; July is the coldest month with an average of {{convert|9.7|C|1}}. Summer occurs from October through to March, with warm temperatures and abundant rainfall; November is the warmest month, averaging {{convert|13.3|C|1}}. Although frost and hail are common, the last reported snowfalls were in June 1911 and July 1968. Temperatures usually range from {{convert|0.2|to|20.9|C|F}}, but the all-time extreme temperature range is between {{convert|-8.9|and|30|C|F}}. Sunshine hours peak in July, the equivalent of January in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, February, the equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere, has the least sunshine.

In 2006, Cusco was found to have the highest average [[ultraviolet]] light levels of any populated location on Earth.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070614170312/http://www.niwascience.co.nz/rc/atmos/uvconference/2006/Liley_2.pdf Liley, J. Ben and McKenzie, Richard L. (April 2006) "Where on Earth has the highest UV?" ''UV Radiation and its Effects: an update'' NIWA Science, Hamilton, NZ];</ref>{{Weather box
| width = auto
| location = Cusco ([[Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport]]), elevation {{convert|3249|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1991–1920 normals, extremes 1931–present)
| metric first = y
| single line = y
| Jan record high C = 27.8
| Feb record high C = 26.7
| Mar record high C = 25.3
| Apr record high C = 26.9
| May record high C = 27.0
| Jun record high C = 24.2
| Jul record high C = 24.2
| Aug record high C = 25.8
| Sep record high C = 25.9
| Oct record high C = 27.2
| Nov record high C = 26.6
| Dec record high C = 29.9
| year record high C = 29.9
| Jan high C = 20.5
| Feb high C = 20.3
| Mar high C = 20.5
| Apr high C = 21.0
| May high C = 21.2
| Jun high C = 20.8
| Jul high C = 20.6
| Aug high C = 21.5
| Sep high C = 21.7
| Oct high C = 21.9
| Nov high C = 22.3
| Dec high C = 21.1
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 14.3
| Feb mean C = 14.3
| Mar mean C = 14.3
| Apr mean C = 13.7
| May mean C = 12.5
| Jun mean C = 11.4
| Jul mean C = 10.9
| Aug mean C = 12.3
| Sep mean C = 13.5
| Oct mean C = 14.5
| Nov mean C = 15.1
| Dec mean C = 14.5
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 8.0
| Feb low C = 8.0
| Mar low C = 7.8
| Apr low C = 6.2
| May low C = 3.6
| Jun low C = 1.9
| Jul low C = 1.2
| Aug low C = 2.8
| Sep low C = 5.0
| Oct low C = 6.8
| Nov low C = 7.6
| Dec low C = 7.8
| year low C = 
| Jan record low C = 0.0
| Feb record low C = 0.0
| Mar record low C = 0.0
| Apr record low C = -2.0
| May record low C = -7.0
| Jun record low C = -4.5
| Jul record low C = -7.0
| Aug record low C = -6.0
| Sep record low C = -6.0
| Oct record low C = 0.0
| Nov record low C = 0.0
| Dec record low C = 0.5
| year record low C = -7.0
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 153.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 132.1
| Mar precipitation mm = 105.9
| Apr precipitation mm = 38.4
| May precipitation mm = 7.1
| Jun precipitation mm = 3.3
| Jul precipitation mm = 5.9
| Aug precipitation mm = 6.6
| Sep precipitation mm = 18.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 54.5
| Nov precipitation mm = 77.3
| Dec precipitation mm = 125.2
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 19.6
| Feb precipitation days = 17.2
| Mar precipitation days = 15.6
| Apr precipitation days = 7.3
| May precipitation days = 2.2
| Jun precipitation days = 1.0
| Jul precipitation days = 1.2
| Aug precipitation days = 1.9
| Sep precipitation days = 3.9
| Oct precipitation days = 9.3
| Nov precipitation days = 9.8
| Dec precipitation days = 17.1
| Jan humidity = 66
| Feb humidity = 67
| Mar humidity = 66
| Apr humidity = 63
| May humidity = 59
| Jun humidity = 55
| Jul humidity = 54
| Aug humidity = 54
| Sep humidity = 56
| Oct humidity = 56
| Nov humidity = 58
| Dec humidity = 62
| year humidity = 60
| Jan sun = 143
| Feb sun = 121
| Mar sun = 170
| Apr sun = 210
| May sun = 239
| Jun sun = 228
| Jul sun = 257
| Aug sun = 236
| Sep sun = 195
| Oct sun = 198
| Nov sun = 195
| Dec sun = 158
| source 1 = NOAA,<ref name = NOAA>
{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REGIII/PR/84686.TXT |server=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |title=Cusco Climate Normals 1961–1990 |access-date=4 July 2017 }}</ref> Meteo Climat<ref name = meteoclimat>{{cite web |url=http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=1877 |title=Station Alejandro Velasco |publisher=Météo Climat |language=fr |access-date=4 July 2017 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220180036/http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/index.php?page=stati&id=1877 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| source 2 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (humidity 1954–1993)<ref name = DWD>{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_846860_kt.pdf |title=Klimatafel von Cuzco, Prov. Cuzco / Peru |work=Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |language=de |access-date=4 July 2017 |archive-date=2 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902232106/https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_846860_kt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Danish Meteorological Institute (sun 1931–1960)<ref name=DMI>{{cite web |last1=Cappelen |first1=John |last2=Jensen |first2=Jens |url=http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf |work=Climate Data for Selected Stations (1931–1960) |title=Peru – Cuzco |page=209 |publisher=Danish Meteorological Institute |language=da |access-date=18 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427173827/http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf |archive-date=27 April 2013  }}</ref>
}}

== Government ==
{{See also|Provincial Municipality of Cusco}}
[[File:Palacio del Cabildo del Cusco1.jpg|thumb|The Palacio del Cabildo, now housing [[Provincial Municipality of Cusco|Cusco City Hall]] and a museum.]]
During the Inca period, Cusco was the main political center of the region from which the [[Inca Empire]] was ruled and where the political and religious elite lived. After its Spanish foundation, it lost prominence due to [[Francisco Pizarro]]'s decision to establish the capital of the new territories in the city of [[Lima]] because it had close access to the sea and communication with the metropolis.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sisbib.unmsm.edu.pe/Exposiciones/FundLima/fundacion/fundacion_Lima.htm |title=Fundación de Lima |publisher=[[Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos]] |access-date=29 April 2011 |archive-date=2 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902104902/http://sisbib.unmsm.edu.pe/exposiciones/fundlima/fundacion/fundacion_lima.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Cusco continued to be an important city within the viceregal political scheme to the point of being the first city in the entire Viceroyalty to have a bishop.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Angles Vargas |first1=Víctor |title=Historia del Cusco: Cusco Colonial, Tomo II Libro segundo |date=1983 |publisher=Industrialgrafica S.A |location=Lima |author-link=Víctor Angles Vargas }}</ref> Its participation in the trade routes during the viceroyalty guaranteed its political importance,<ref>{{cite web |title=Informe Económico y Social Región Cusco |url=http://www.bcrp.gob.pe/docs/Proyeccion-Institucional/Encuentros-Regionales/2009/Cusco/Informe-Economico-Social/IES-Cusco.pdf |publisher=Banco Central de Reserva del Perú |date=22-23 May 2009 |access-date=6 December 2019 |page=21 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024085552/http://www.bcrp.gob.pe/docs/Proyeccion-Institucional/Encuentros-Regionales/2009/Cusco/Informe-Economico-Social/IES-Cusco.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> as it remained the capital of the [[corregimiento]] established in these territories and, later, of the Intendancy of Cusco and, towards the end of the viceroyalty, of the Royal Audience of Cusco.

During the republic, Cusco's political role languished due to its isolation from the capital, coastline, and trade routes of the 19th and 20th centuries.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tamayo Herrera |first1=José |author-link=José Tamayo Herrera |title=Historia social del Cuzco republicano |date=1981 |publisher=Editorial Universo S.A. |location=Lima }}</ref> However, it maintained its status as the main city in southern Peru, although subordinated to the importance that [[Arequipa]] was gaining, better connected with the rest of the country. Cusco has always remained the capital of the department of Cusco

Politically, according to the results of elections held in the second half of the 20th century, Cusco has been a stronghold of leftist parties in Peru. In the 1970s and 1980s, the socialist leader [[Daniel Estrada Pérez]] brought together this political tendency under the banner of the [[United Left (Peru)|United Left]] alliance. Since his death, Cusco has been a major city for parties such as the [[Peruvian Nationalist Party]] and the Broad Front for Justice, Life and Liberty, as well as regional movements. Traditional Peruvian parties, such as the Peruvian Aprista Party and Acción Popular, have recorded eventual electoral victories, while those that represent a right-wing political position, such as the Popular Christian Party and [[Fujimorism]] itself, have had little presence among the elected authorities.

== Demographics ==
The population reached 47,000 inhabitants in the 1840s.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=174, Vol V |edition=First}}</ref> The city had a population of about 348,935 people in 2007 and 428,450 people in 2017 according to [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática|INEI]].
{{Bar box|title=Ethnicities of Cusco in 2017<ref>{{cite book |author=INEI |title=Resultados Definitivos del departamento de Cusco - Censos Nacionales 2017: XII de Población, VII de Vivienda y III de Comunidades Indígenas |year=2018 |publisher=INEI |page=40 |url=https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1559/ |access-date=7 August 2024 |archive-date=4 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804103854/https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1559/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|left1=Ethnicities|right1=Percentage|float=right|bars=
{{Bar percent|[[Quechua people|Quechua]]|Green|63.0}}
{{Bar percent|[[Mestizo]]|Purple|31.0}}
{{Bar percent|[[Peruvians of European descent|White]]|Blue|1.9}}
{{Bar percent|[[Indigenous peoples of Peru|Other indigenous groups]]|DarkGray|1.0}} <!-- Includes Aymara and Amazonian -->
{{Bar percent|Other|Gray|0.8}}
{{Bar percent|No answer|Brown|2.3}}
}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
!  City district
!  Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>)
!  Population<br />[[2017 Peruvian census|2017 census]] (hab)
!  Housing<br />(2007)
!  Density<br />(hab/km<sup>2</sup>)
!  Elevation<br />([[Sea level|amsl]])
|-
|'''[[Cusco District|Cuzco]]'''
|116.22
|114,630*
|28,476
|936.1
|3,399
|-
|'''[[San Jerónimo District, Cusco|San Jerónimo]]'''
|103.34
|57,075*
|8,942
|279.2
|3,244
|-
|'''[[San Sebastián District, Cusco|San Sebastián]]'''
|89.44
|112,536*
|18,109
|955.6
|3,244
|-
|'''[[Santiago District, Cusco|Santiago]]'''
|69.72
|94,756*
|21,168
|950.6
|3,400
|-
|'''[[Wanchaq District|Wanchaq]]'''
|6.38
|58,541*
|14,690
|8,546.1
|3,366
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''385.1'''
|'''437,538*'''
|'''91,385 '''
|'''929.76'''
|—
|-
! colspan="7" |<big>*</big><small>Census data conducted by [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática|INEI]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Perú: Perfil Sociodemográfico |url=https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211135110/https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1539/libro.pdf |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=27 September 2018 |website=Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática |page=16 }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">[http://desa.inei.gob.pe/mapas/bid/ Censo 2005 INEI] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423164200/http://desa.inei.gob.pe/mapas/bid/|date=23 April 2008 }}</ref></small>
|}

== Economy ==
[[File:Magisterio - Cusco.jpg|thumb|275x275px|Magisterio urban area]]
Economic activity in Cusco includes agriculture, especially maize and native tubers. The local industry is related to extractive activities and to food and beverage products, such as beer, carbonated waters, coffee, chocolates, among others. However, the relevant economic activity of its inhabitants is the reception of tourism, with increasingly better infrastructure and services. It is the second city in this country that has and maintains full employment. The city has recently grown in the industrial sector.

=== Tourism ===
Tourism has been important to the Cusco economy since the early 2000s, bringing in more than 1.2&nbsp;million tourists per year.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|741070699}} |title=PERU: New Cusco airport will help boost tourism |work=Oxford Analytica Daily Brief Service |date=10 August 2010 |url=https://dailybrief.oxan.com/Analysis/DB161871/PERU-New-Cusco-airport-will-help-boost-tourism |url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2019, Cusco was the region that reached the highest number of tourists in Peru with more than 2.7 million tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.perucamaras.org.pe/nt390.html#:~:text=Cusco%20fue%20la%20regi%C3%B3n%20que,y%20La%20Libertad%20con%20736%2C183. |title=Llegada de turistas aumentó 8,1% en el 2019 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506053348/https://www.perucamaras.org.pe/nt390.html#:~:text=Cusco%20fue%20la%20regi%C3%B3n%20que,y%20La%20Libertad%20con%20736%2C183. |url-status=live }}</ref>  In 2002, the income Cusco received from tourism was US$837&nbsp;million. In 2009, that number increased to US$2.47&nbsp;billion. {{Citation needed|date=February 2017}} Most tourists visiting the city are there to tour the city and the Incan Ruins, especially the top destination, [[Machu Picchu]], which is one of the New Seven Modern Wonders of the World.

== Culture ==
[[File:Cuzco Décembre 2007 - Balcons.jpg|alt=|thumb|A view of the Colonial Balconies of Cusco]]

=== Architecture ===
Due to its antiquity and significance, the center of the city preserves many buildings, squares and streets from pre-Columbian times as well as colonial constructions. That is why the city was declared in 1972 as [[Cultural heritage of Peru|Cultural Heritage of the Nation]] by Supreme Resolution No. 2900-72-ED.In 1983, during the VII session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, it was decided to declare this area as a [[World Heritage Site]] by establishing a central zone that constitutes the World Heritage Site proper and a buffer zone.

One of the characteristics that the Incas achieved with their urban plan in Cusco was the respect for the geographical matrix when building their fabric, since they responded with different design strategies to the rugged topography of the Andean area at 3399 meters above sea level

=== Language ===
The native language is [[Quechuan languages|Quechua]], although the city's inhabitants mostly speak Spanish. The [[Quechua people]] are the last living descendants of the [[Inca Empire]]. 
[[File:Museo de la Casa Garcilaso, Cusco 02.jpg|thumb|[[Regional Historical Museum of Cusco]] Casa del Inka Garcilaso de La Vega]]

===Museums===
{{See also|Inca art|Cusco School}}

Cusco has the following important museums:<ref>[http://theonlyperuguide.com/2013/01/peru-travel-tips-museums-in-cusco-worth-visiting-and-worth-avoiding/ Museums in Cusco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901201956/http://theonlyperuguide.com/2013/01/peru-travel-tips-museums-in-cusco-worth-visiting-and-worth-avoiding/ |date=1 September 2017 }} theonlyperuguide.com</ref>

*[[Museo de Arte Precolombino, Cusco|Pre-Columbian Art Museum]]
*[[Machu Picchu Museum]]
*[[Inka Museum]]
*[[Regional Historical Museum of Cusco]]
*[[Center of the Traditional Textiles of Cusco]]
There are also some museums located at churches, like the [[Church of San Francisco, Cusco|Museum and Convent of San Francisco]] and the Museum of [[Qoricancha]] Temple
[[File:Procesión del Corpus Cristi, Cusco.jpg|thumb|Mercedarian Friars in the Corpus Christi procession at the Main Square of Cusco. 17th century. [[Cusco School|Cusco Colonial Painting School]]. Painting currently located at the Archbishop's Palace of Cusco.]]

=== Religion ===

The most common practiced religion in Cusco is [[Catholicism]]. The [[Inca religion]] is also practiced by the [[Quechua people]]. Cusco hosts the great mass ceremonies and imperial festivities, such as the [[Inti Raymi]] or Festival of the Sun, which continues to take place during the winter solstice – the solar new year – which is celebrated every 24 June on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán.

Currently, the majority of the population belongs to the Catholic Church, with Cuzco being the archbishopric. The largest and oldest cathedral is the [[Cusco Cathedral]]. It is home to the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco]].<gallery mode="packed">
File:Museo de Arte Religioso del Arzobispado, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 61.JPG|Museum of Religious Art of Arzobispado
File:Convent of Santo Domingo atop the Coricancha.jpg|The Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the Coricancha temple.
File:Sacsayhuaman-c04.jpg|Sacsayhuamán Esplanade, where the Inti Raymi festival takes place.
</gallery>

=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Cuy asado.jpg|thumb|{{Lang|qu|Cuy}} (Guinea Pig)]]As capital to the Inca Empire, Cusco was an important agricultural region. It was a natural reserve for thousands of native Peruvian species, including around 3,000 varieties of potato cultivated by the people.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leighton |first1=Paula |date=7 July 2023 |title=Peru city bans GM to protect native potatoes |url=http://www.scidev.net/en/news/peru-city-bans-gm-to-protect-native-potatoes.html |access-date=21 February 2012 |publisher=scidev.net |archive-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215195217/http://www.scidev.net/en/news/peru-city-bans-gm-to-protect-native-potatoes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fusion and neo-Andean restaurants developed in Cusco, in which the cuisine is prepared with modern techniques and incorporates a blend of traditional Andean and international ingredients.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2007 |title=Restaurantes |url=http://www.sazonperu.com/busqueda/ciudad/index.php?idprov=137&flag=1&iddpto=8&idio= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120020007/http://www.sazonperu.com/busqueda/ciudad/index.php?idprov=137&flag=1&iddpto=8&idio= |archive-date=20 November 2007 |website=Sazón Perú  }}</ref> Cuy (guinea pig), a native animal in Cusco, is a popular dish in the city.

The local [[gastronomy]] presents a diversified array of dishes resulting from the mestizaje and fusion of its [[Pre-Inca period|pre-Inca]], [[Inca Empire|Inca]], [[Colonial history of Cusco|colonial]], and [[Republican history of Cusco|modern]] traditions. It is a variation of [[Cuisine of Peru#Andean cuisine|Andean Peruvian cuisine]], although it maintains some typical cultural traits of southern Peru. Although the list of typical dishes may vary among individuals, Tapia and García present a list of foods and beverages usually found in a Cusco picantería:<ref>{{cite thesis |last1=Tapia Peña |first1=Saúl |last2=García Huallpa |first2=Juan Fabrizio |title=Picanterías típicas para la promoción turística en el barrio de San Blas del Cusco |type=Licentiate thesis |publisher=Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco |url=http://repositorio.unsaac.edu.pe/bitstream/handle/UNSAAC/949/253T20110022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |date=2011 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==== Foods ====
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
*Costillar frito (fried ribs)
*Caldo de panza (tripe soup)
*Panza apanada (breaded tripe)
*Chuleta frita (fried chop)
*[[Tarwi]]
*Carne a la parrilla (grilled meat)
*Pecho dorado (golden chest)
*[[Malaya frita]] (fried flank steak)
*Churrasco al jugo (juicy steak)
*Estofado de canuto (stewed canuto)
*Ubre apanada (breaded udder)
*Caldo de malaya (flank steak soup)
*Suflé de rocoto (rocoto soufflé)
*[[Chicharrón#Perú|Chicharrón]] (fried pork)
*Choclo con queso (corn with cheese)
*[[Guinea pig|Cuy]] al horno (baked guinea pig)
*Solterito de kuchicara (kuchicara salad)
*Corazón a la brasa (grilled heart)
{{div col end}}

Other dishes include [[Chairo (stew)|chairo]], [[Adobo de chancho|adobo]], [[rocoto relleno]], [[kapchi]], [[lawa (food)|lawas]] or creams made with corn or [[chuño]], and [[Timpu]], a dish originating from Cusco served during [[Carnival]]

==== Beverages ====
*[[Chicha de jora]]
*[[Frutillada]]
[[File:Chiriuchu.jpg|thumb|Plate of Chiri Uchu]]

==== Chiri Uchu ====
{{lang|qu|Chiri Uchu}} is a typical dish of the locality not offered in picanterías, as it is consumed in June during the Cusco festivities of [[Inti Raymi]] and, primarily, during the [[Feast of Corpus Christi|Corpus Christi]]. It is considered one of the most authentic gastronomic expressions of Cusco as it blends both native flavors of the [[Andes]] and those brought by the [[Spanish conquistadors]]. It is a cold dish that includes various meats ([[Guinea pig#As food|cuy]], [[Gallina|boiled chicken]], [[charqui]], [[morcilla]] (blood sausage), [[salchicha]] (sausage)), [[potatoes]], [[cheese]], corn cake, fish roe, and lake algae.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramírez |first1=Diana |title=Tradición ancestral: Chiri Uchu |work=Perú Gastronomía |date=9 April 2019 |url=https://peru.gastronomia.com/noticia/8864/tradicion-ancestral-chiri-uchu |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920000810/https://peru.gastronomia.com/noticia/8864/tradicion-ancestral-chiri-uchu |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Music ===
====[[Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo]]====
[[File:Cuzco (1981) 40.jpg|thumbnail|Performance in 1981 at the [[Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo]]]]
A folkloric institution established in 1924. It is considered the most important folkloric institution in the city<ref name=cqan>{{cite book |last1=Mendoza |first1=Zoila |title=Crear y sentir lo nuestro: folclor, identidad regional y nacional en el Cuzco, siglo XX |date=2006 |publisher=Fondo Editorial de la PUCP |location=Lima |isbn=9972-42-770-6 |edition=First }}</ref> and was recognized by the [[Peruvian government]] as the first folkloric institution in the country<ref name="cqan"/> and by the regional government as a Living Cultural Heritage of the Cusco region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo declared Living Cultural Heritage of the Cusco region |url=https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia.aspx?id=188687 |access-date=26 September 2019 |agency=Andina |date=10 August 2008 |archive-date=26 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926173457/https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia.aspx%3Fid%3D188687 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Cusco Symphony Orchestra====
It is a permanent artistic group of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of the [[Cusco Regional Government]], created by Directoral Resolution No. 021/INC-Cusco on 10 March 2009. It performs more than 50 concerts a year and uses the [[Cusco Municipal Theater]].

=== Sport ===
[[File:Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.jpg|thumb|[[Estadio Garcilaso|Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium]]]]
The most popular sport in the city is [[football (soccer)]], with three main clubs. [[Club Sportivo Cienciano|Cienciano]] participates in the [[Peruvian Primera División|Liga 1 (First Division)]] and is the only Peruvian club to win an international tournament, winning the [[2003 Copa Sudamericana]] and [[2004 Recopa Sudamericana]].

Another historic team is [[Club Deportivo Garcilaso|Deportivo Garcilaso]], which was promoted to [[Peruvian Primera División|Liga 1]] after winning the [[2022 Copa Perú|Copa Perú 2022]]. There is also [[Cusco Football Club]], formerly known as Real Garcilaso, which played in the [[Peruvian Primera División|First Division]] from 2012 to 2021 after winning the [[Copa Perú]] in 2011. In 2022, it was promoted again to Liga 1 after winning the [[Peruvian Segunda División|Second Division of Peru]]. Among other events, the Cusco was a venue for the [[2004 Copa América]], hosting the third-place match between the [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] and [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] national teams.

=== Cinema ===
The [[International Short Film Festival]] (FENACO) was an important international film festival in southern Peru, held every November since 2004 in the imperial city of Cusco.<ref name=cine1>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080612110333/http://www.festivalcinecusco.com/menu.html National and International Short Film Festival Cusco Peru]</ref>
Originally, it was a national event dedicated to the short film format (up to 30 minutes in length), with international showcases, hence its name FENACO ({{lang|es|Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes}}), a name popularized in Peru and worldwide to recognize the festival. However, due to the reception and response from filmmakers, producers, and distributors from different countries, it evolved into an international festival, reaching 354 short films in competition from 37 countries in its sixth edition.<ref name=cine1 />

== Media ==
In the city of Cusco, the media is essential for addressing local issues, educating the public, and conserving cultural heritage. Media outlets in the city that serve both Spanish-speaking and Quechua-speaking communities include newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms. Local news, culture, tourism, and indigenous rights are the main topics of media outlets in Cusco, a historic and popular tourist destination.

Regional coverage is provided by newspapers like {{lang|es|Diario del Cusco}} and {{lang|es|Diario El Sol del Cusco (El Sol)}}, while national publications like ''[[El Comercio (Peru)|El Comercio]]'' and ''[[La República]]'' also cover social, political, and economic issues in Cusco. Indigenous communities are largely reached by Quechua-language media, like Cronicawan, which guarantees greater access to news and cultural preservation.

With stations like Radio Tawantinsuyo and Radio Universal transmitting talk shows, music, and news, radio is still a dominant medium. Regional news can be found on local television channels, and Cusqueños are increasingly using digital platforms, such as social media and online news portals.

===Newspapers===
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ''El Diario del Cusco''
* ''El Comercio''
* ''La República''
* ''El Peruano''
* ''Peruvian Times''
* ''El Bocón''
* ''El Popular''
* ''Diario el Sol del Cusco (El Sol)''
* ''Cronicawan''
{{div col end}}

==Main sites==
{{wide image|Sacsayhuamán Décembre 2006 - Vue Panoramique - Pleine résolution.jpg|950|align-cap=center|Ruins of [[Sacsayhuamán]]}}
The [[indigenous peoples|indigenous]] [[Killke culture]] built the walled complex of [[Sacsayhuamán]] about 1100. The Killke built a major temple near Saksaywaman, as well as an [[aqueduct (watercourse)|aqueduct]] ([[Puquios|Pukyus]]) and roadway connecting prehistoric structures. Sacsayhuamán was expanded by the [[Inca]].[[File:Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Perú, 2015-07-31, DD 78.JPG|thumb|[[Templo de la Sagrada Familia, Cusco|Templo de la Sagrada Familia]]]]
The Spanish explorer [[Francisco Pizarro|Pizarro]] sacked much of the Inca city in 1535. Remains of the palace of the Incas, [[Qurikancha]] (the Temple of the Sun), and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun still stand. Inca buildings and foundations in some cases proved to be stronger during earthquakes than foundations built in present-day Peru. Among the most noteworthy Spanish colonial buildings of the city is the [[Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Cusco|Cathedral of Santo Domingo]].

The major nearby Inca sites are Pachacuti's presumed winter home, [[Machu Picchu]], which can be reached on foot by the [[Inca Trail to Machu Picchu]] or by train; and the "fortress" at [[Ollantaytambo]].

Less-visited [[ruins]] include: [[Incahuasi (Apurímac)|Incahuasi]], the highest of all Inca sites at {{convert|3980|m|ft|abbr=on}};<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bylandwaterandair.com/zz_peru04/routes/inca_wasi/s4_main.php |website=bylandwaterandair.com |title=Photo map of the sites in Upper Puncuyoc – Inca Wasi, cave group, reflection pond and abandoned pegs |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918115845/http://www.bylandwaterandair.com/zz_peru04/routes/inca_wasi/s4_main.php |archive-date=18 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Vilcabamba, Peru|Vilcabamba]], the capital of the Inca after the Spanish capture of Cusco; the [[sculpture garden]] at [[Ñusta Hisp'ana]] (aka Chuqip'allta, Yuraq Rumi); [[Tipón]], with working water channels in wide terraces; as well as [[Willkaraqay]], [[Patallaqta]], [[Choquequirao|Chuqik'iraw]], [[Moray (Inca ruin)|Moray]], [[Vitcos]] and many others.

The surrounding area, located in the Watanay Valley, is strong in gold mining and agriculture, including [[maize|corn]], [[barley]], [[quinoa]], tea and coffee.[[File:Arco de Santa Clara, Cuzco.jpg|alt=|thumb|Arco de Santa Clara]]

=== Architectural heritage ===
[[File:Cusco Peru Beautiful Building.jpg|thumb|Colonial civil building]]

Because of its antiquity and importance, the city center retains many buildings, plazas, streets and churches from colonial times, and even some [[Pre-Columbian era|pre-Columbian]] structures, which led to its declaration as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]] in 1983. Among the main sights of the city are:

==== ''Barrio de San Blas'' ====
This neighborhood houses artisans, workshops and craft shops. It is one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Its streets are steep and narrow with old houses built by the Spanish over important Inca foundations. It has an attractive square and the oldest parish church in Cusco, built in 1563, which has a carved wooden pulpit considered the epitome of Colonial era woodwork in Cusco.

The Quechua name of this neighborhood is {{lang|es|Tuq'ukachi}}, which means the opening of the salt.

==== Hatun Rumiyuq ====
{{Main|Hatun Rumiyoc}}

This street is the most visited by tourists. On the street Hatun Rumiyoq ("the one with the big stone") was the palace of [[Inca Roca]], which was converted to the Archbishop's residence.

Along this street that runs from the [[Plaza de Armas (Cusco)|Plaza de Armas]] to the Barrio de San Blas, one can see the [[twelve-angled stone|Stone of Twelve Angles]], which is viewed as a marvel of ancient stonework and has become emblematic of the city's history.
[[File:Calle Mantas - Cuzco.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|View of the bell tower of the Basilica of La Merced, Cusco]]

==== Basílica de la Merced ====
Its foundation dates from 1536. The first complex was destroyed by the earthquake of 1650. Its rebuilding was completed in 1675.

Its cloisters of [[Spanish Baroque architecture|Baroque]] [[Renaissance]] style, choir stalls, colonial paintings and wood carvings are highlights, now a popular museum.

Also on view is an elaborate [[monstrance]] made of gold and gemstones that weighs {{convert|22|kg|0|abbr=on}} and is {{convert|130|cm|2|abbr=on}} in height.

==== Cathedral ====
{{Main|Cusco Cathedral}}
The first cathedral built in Cusco is the {{lang|es|Iglesia del Triunfo}}, built in 1539 on the foundations of the Palace of [[Viracocha (Inca)|Viracocha Inca]]. Today, this church is an auxiliary chapel of the cathedral.

The main basilica cathedral of the city was built between 1560 and 1664. The main material used was stone, which was extracted from nearby quarries, although some blocks of red granite were taken from the fortress of Saksaywaman.

[[File:Zapata-última cena.jpg|thumb|Jesus and his [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostles]] sharing an [[guinea pig|Andean cuy]] in [[Marcos Zapata]]'s ''The Last Supper'']]

This great cathedral presents late-Gothic, Baroque and plateresque interiors and has one of the most outstanding examples of colonial goldwork. Its carved wooden altars are also important.

The city developed a distinctive style of painting known as the "[[Cuzco School]]" and the cathedral houses a major collection of local artists of the time. The cathedral is known for a Cusco School painting of the [[Last Supper]] depicting [[Jesus]] and the [[twelve apostles]] feasting on guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy.

The cathedral is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cuzco|Archdiocese of Cuzco]].
{{Clear}}

==== Plaza de Armas de Cusco ====
{{Main|Plaza de Armas (Cusco)}}

{{Clear}}
[[File:Cusco Plaza de Armas 6.jpg|thumb|Plaza de Armas of Cusco]]
Known as the "Square of the warrior" in the Inca era, this plaza has been the scene of several important events, such as the proclamation by [[Francisco Pizarro]] in the conquest of Cuzco.

Similarly, the [[Plaza de Armas (Cusco)|Plaza de Armas]] was the scene of the death of [[Túpac Amaru II]], considered the indigenous leader of the resistance. The Spanish built stone arcades around the plaza which endure to this day. The main cathedral and the Church of La Compañía both open directly onto the plaza.

The cast iron fountain in Plaza de Armas was manufactured by [[Adrian Janes|Janes, Beebe & Co.]]

====''Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús''====
{{Main|Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Cusco}}

[[File:Church of la Compañía, Cuzco.jpg|thumb|left|[[Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Cusco|Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús]]]]This church (Church of the Society of Jesus), whose construction was initiated by the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuits]] in 1576 on the foundations of the {{lang|qu|Amarucancha}} or the palace of the Inca ruler [[Huayna Capac|Wayna Qhapaq]], is considered one of the best examples of colonial baroque style in the Americas.

Its façade is carved in stone and its main altar is made of carved wood covered with gold leaf. It was built over an underground chapel and has a valuable collection of colonial paintings of the Cusco School, the first school established in Peru and also in the Americas.

The church is situated in the Plaza de Armas and to the left of the [[Cusco Cathedral]], which is home to the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco]].

{{Clear}}

==== Qurikancha and Convent of Santo Domingo ====
{{Main|Coricancha}}

[[File:Coricancha Temple (Temple of Sun), Cuzco.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Qurikancha]], [[Convent of Santo Domingo, Cusco|Convento de Santo Domingo]] and Intipanpa]]
The {{lang|qu|Coricancha}} or {{lang|qu|Qurikancha}} ('golden place') was the most important sanctuary dedicated to the Sun God ([[Inti]]) at the time of the [[Inca Empire]]. According to ancient chronicles written by [[Garcilaso de la Vega (chronicler)]], Qurikancha was said to have featured a large solid golden disc that was studded with precious stones and represented the Inca Sun God – Inti. Spanish chroniclers describe the Sacred Garden in front of the temple as a garden of golden plants with leaves of beaten gold, stems of silver, solid gold corn-cobs and 20 life-size llamas and their herders all in solid gold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totallylatinamerica.com/peru-vacations-articles/the-inca-city-of-cusco-a-fascinating-look-at-the-most-important-city-in-the-inca-empire/ |url-status=dead |title=The Inca City of Cusco: A Fascinating Look at the Most Important City in the Inca Empire |publisher=totallylatinamerica.com |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=9 July 2013 }}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}

The temple was destroyed by its Spanish invaders who, as they plundered, were determined to rid the city of its wealth, idolaters and shrines. Nowadays, only a curved outer wall and partial ruins of the inner temple remain at the site.

With this structure as a foundation, colonists built the [[Convent of Santo Domingo, Cusco|Convent of Santo Domingo]] in the Renaissance style. The building, with one baroque tower, exceeds the height of many other buildings in this city.

Inside is a large collection of paintings from the [[Cuzco School]].

== Infrastructure ==
=== Transport ===
==== Air ====
[[File:Aeropuerto Internacional Alejandro Velasco Astete - Cusco.jpg|thumb|[[Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport]] runway]]
Cusco's main international airport is [[Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport]], which provides service to 5 domestic destinations and 3 international ones. It is named in honor of Peruvian pilot Alejandro Velasco Astete who was the first person to fly across the Andes in 1925 when he made the first flight from Lima to Cusco. The airport is the second busiest in Peru after Lima's [[Jorge Chávez International Airport]]. It will soon be replaced by [[Chinchero International Airport]]. which will provide access to North America and Europe.

==== Rail ====
[[File:Inside Wanchaq station.jpg 01.jpg|thumb|Train station in [[Wanchaq]], Cusco]]
Cusco is connected by rail to the cities of Juliaca and Arequipa through the southern section of the Southern Railway, whose terminus in the city is the [[Wánchaq station]]. Additionally, from the San Pedro station, the southeastern section of the Southern Railroad (the former ''Cusco-Santa Ana-Quillabamba Railway'') departs from the city, which is the route to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. [[PeruRail]] is the largest Peruvian railway company and provides service to stations in Cusco.

==== Road ====
By road, it is connected to the cities of [[Puerto Maldonado]], [[Arequipa]], Abancay, [[Juliaca]] and [[Puno]]. The road that connects it with the city of [[Abancay]] is also the fastest to reach Lima after a journey of more than 20 hours crossing the departments of Apurímac, Ayacucho, Ica and Lima.

===Healthcare===
Cusco, as the administrative and economic center of the region, hosts numerous public and private health facilities. Public healthcare is provided by the [[Ministry of Health (Peru)|Ministry of Health]], including the Regional Hospital and Hospital Antonio Lorena. Additionally, [[EsSalud]] operates several institutions, such as Adolfo Guevara Velazco Hospital, Metropolitan Polyclinic, San Sebastián Polyclinic, Santiago Polyclinic, and La Recoleta Polyclinic.

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Peru}}
Cusco is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Ciudades Hermanas de Cusco |url=https://www.aatccusco.com/ciudades_hermanas.php |website=aatccusco.com |publisher=Asociación de Agencias de Turismo del Cusco |language=es |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329013108/https://www.aatccusco.com/ciudades_hermanas.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Athens]], Greece
*{{flagicon|PHL}} [[Baguio]], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PSE}} [[Bethlehem]], Palestine
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Chartres]], France
*{{flagicon|HON}} [[Copán Ruinas]], Honduras
*{{flagicon|ECU}} [[Cuenca, Ecuador|Cuenca]], Ecuador
*{{flagicon|CUB}} [[Havana]], Cuba
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]], United States
*{{flagicon|PRK}} [[Kaesong]], North Korea
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Kraków]], Poland
*{{flagicon|JAP}} [[Kyoto]], Japan
*{{flagicon|MEX}} [[Mexico City]], Mexico
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Moscow]], Russia
*{{flagicon|BOL}} [[La Paz]], Bolivia
*{{flagicon|BOL}} [[Potosí]], Bolivia
*{{flagicon|MEX}} [[Puebla (city)|Puebla]], Mexico<ref>{{cite web |title=Acuerdos interinstitucionales registrados por dependencias y municipios de Puebla |url=https://coordinacionpolitica.sre.gob.mx/index.php/entidades/78-puebla |website=sre.gob.mx |publisher=Secretaría de relaciones exteriores |language=es |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214144407/https://coordinacionpolitica.sre.gob.mx/index.php/entidades/78-puebla |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil
*{{flagicon|UZB}} [[Samarkand]], Uzbekistan
*{{flagicon|MEX}} [[San Miguel de Allende]], Mexico<ref>{{cite news |title=Twinning between the cities of Cusco and San Miguel de Allende is a reality |url=https://sanmigueltimes.com/2021/08/twinning-between-the-cities-of-cusco-and-san-miguel-de-allende-is-a-reality/ |access-date=27 May 2024 |publisher=San Miguel Times |date=23 August 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527201127/https://sanmigueltimes.com/2021/08/twinning-between-the-cities-of-cusco-and-san-miguel-de-allende-is-a-reality/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Santa Barbara, California|Santa Barbara]], United States
*{{flagicon|JAP}} [[Takayama, Gifu|Takayama]], Japan<ref>{{cite web |title=Intercambio cultural entre las ciudades hermanas de Takayama y Cusco |website=Plataforma del Estado Peruano |url=https://www.gob.pe/institucion/rree/noticias/8926-intercambio-cultural-entre-las-ciudades-hermanas-de-takayama-y-cusco |language=es |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923193257/https://www.gob.pe/institucion/rree/noticias/8926-intercambio-cultural-entre-las-ciudades-hermanas-de-takayama-y-cusco |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe]], United States<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Sister Cities |url=http://www.tempesistercities.org/meet-our-sister-cites/ |website=tempesistercities.org |publisher=Tempe Sister Cities |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531232627/https://tempesistercities.org/meet-our-sister-cites/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Xi'an]], China
*{{flagicon|ISR}} [[West Jerusalem]], Israel
<!--Chartres, Kyoto, Xi'an - twinning ended-->
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Peru}}
{{div col|colwidth=23em}}
*[[History of Cusco]]
*[[Cusco School|Colonial Cusco Painting School]]
*[[Governorate of New Castile]]
*[[Inca religion in Cusco]]
*[[Inca road system]]
*[[Iperu, tourist information and assistance]]
*[[List of archaeoastronomical sites sorted by country]]
*[[PeruRail]]
*Peru's Challenge
*[[Pikillaqta]]
*[[Santurantikuy]]
*[[Tampukancha]], Inca religious site
*[[Tourism in Peru]]
*[[Wanakawri]]
*[[Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo]]
{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |last1=Chandler |first1=Tertius |last2=Fox |first2=Gerald |date=1974 |title=3000 Years of Urban Growth |url=https://archive.org/details/3000yearsofurban0000chan |url-access=registration |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=9780127851099 |place=New York and London}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons and category|Cusco}}
{{Wikivoyage inline|Cusco}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071025053547/http://www.municusco.gob.pe/ Cusco official website]
*[http://historic-cities.huji.ac.il/america/cusco/maps/braun_hogenberg_I_58_2.html Old map of Cusco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220132955/http://historic-cities.huji.ac.il/america/cusco/maps/braun_hogenberg_I_58_2.html |date=20 December 2021 }}, [http://historic-cities.huji.ac.il/historic_cities.html Historic Cities site]

{{World Heritage Sites in Peru}}
{{Archaeological sites in Peru}}
{{Inca Empire topics}}
{{Regional capitals of Peru}}
{{Large cities of Peru}}
{{American Capital of Culture}}
{{Spanish Colonial architecture}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cusco| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Populated places in the Department of Cusco]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Peru]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Peru]]
[[Category:Cities in Peru]]
[[Category:Capitals of former countries]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 10th century]]
[[Category:11th-century establishments in South America]]
[[Category:13th-century establishments in the Inca civilization]]
[[Category:16th-century disestablishments in the Inca civilization]]
[[Category:1533 establishments in the Spanish Empire]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1533]]
[[Category:Regional capital cities in Peru]]