Cusco was once the center of the most powerful empire in pre-Columbian South America, the Inca Empire. The city's name in Quechua is Qosqo, which means "navel of the Earth."

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Pachacuti was the ninth Sapa Inca of the Realm of Cusco, which he transformed into the Inca Empire. He was a great visionary and conqueror. Most archaeologists now believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for him.

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One of the cobblestone footpaths is always crowded by tourists, staring at and taking selfies with a specific stone - the 12-angled stone. The stones were cut with such precision that they fit seamlessly, leaving no space, not even for a thin piece of paper, between them. This Inca wall, including the distinctive 12-angled stone, has survived the Spanish conquest, earthquakes, and other natural disasters - what a testament to the Incas' remarkable construction techniques.

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The aqueduct Sapatiana provided the Inca capital with water. The remaining and preserved part of the characteristic Inca stonework is another picturesque spot, located in the upper part of the San Blas neighbourhood.

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Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress is believed to have served as an important administrative and religious center for the Inca Empire. The site was constructed using enormous blocks of stone that were precisely fitted together without the use of mortar.

7-8:
The colonial Baroque-style church 'Iglesia San Cristóbal' was constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple that was destroyed by the Spaniards. From the plaza in front of the church you get an incredibly nice view over the city.

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The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by impressive colonial-era buildings, mostly used as restaurants, shops or tourist offices. The two outstanding buildings are the Basílica Catedral de Cuzco and the Iglesia de la Companía de Jesús, both featuring a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

13-17: additional photos...

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