The best hikes from bus stations in Cusco

The Temple of the Sun is one of the most impressive relics of the Inca culture and was built in honor of the sun god Inti. It was the spiritual and religious center of the Inca Empire. Today, the Qoricancha stands as a symbolic example of the fusion of Inca building culture and Spanish colonial architecture. The Qoricancha housed not only the Temple of the Sun, but also other sacred shrines for other deities. (Temple of the Moon Goddess, the Temple of Lightning, the Temple of the Rainbow, the Temple of Water, and others. All temples were clad in gold and adorned with precious stones. The Spaniards plundered the treasures and partially destroyed the temple to build a monastery on it. The monastery was repeatedly damaged by several earthquakes, but the walls of the Inca temple have remained undamaged, which speaks to the exceptional architecture. Even today, 15 monks still live here.

Even if you are no longer allowed to photograph inside the cathedral today (or precisely because of that), visiting it is a must for anyone visiting Cusco. Countless altars in various architectural styles and materials, the different patron saints, the silver monstrance, and of course the entire architecture are admirable. The supporting walls of the nave are built from stones of a nearby Inca temple. After an earthquake, the cathedral's roof was destroyed and rebuilt in the Gothic style.

Those who don't want to take the bus to Aguas Calientes can also get back on foot in one and a half to two hours. But beware, there are irregular steps, partly steeply downhill, and in wet weather it can become slippery. In addition, you should take precautions against mosquito bites.

It's the highest viewpoint. You can pass it from the trail, but otherwise the climb is worth it.

Ah, this is a fascinating glimpse into the incredible stonework of Sacsayhuamán (sometimes spelled Saksaywaman)! This impressive site is located on the northern outskirts of Cusco, Peru, and it was once a citadel complex of the Inca Empire. What makes Sacsayhuamán so remarkable, and what you're seeing a close-up of, is the massive scale and the astonishing precision of its stonework. The walls are constructed from enormous, irregularly shaped boulders, some weighing hundreds of tons. What's truly mind-boggling is how these stones were fitted together with such incredible accuracy that you can't even slip a piece of paper between them – all without the use of mortar! The purpose of Sacsayhuamán is still debated by historians and archaeologists. While it clearly had a military function due to its strategic location overlooking Cusco, it also likely served important ceremonial and religious purposes. The complex features plazas, towers, and other structures that suggest a multifaceted role in Inca society. The Spanish conquistadors were awestruck by the scale and sophistication of Sacsayhuamán. They dismantled parts of it to use the stones for their own constructions in Cusco, yet a significant portion of the original complex still stands today, a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. The image you shared really highlights the intricate and almost unbelievable way these colossal stones were shaped and interlocked. It's a powerful reminder of the advanced skills and knowledge of the Inca people. Is there anything else you'd like to know about Sacsayhuamán?

Sacsayhuamán, a large Inca fortress overlooking Cuzco, Peru; from a hilltop 230m above the city. It was built in 15th Century AD, during reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Built with stones that were up to more than 8.2m tall and weighed many tons, and with zigzag walls more than 305m in length, Sacsayhuamán is a feat of human engineering, the story of whose construction has caused much discussion among archaeologists. In construction of Sacsayhuamán, stones were laid together without the use of mortar, and they seem to be immovable by nature. Although earthquakes have laid waste to many more modern buildings in the locality, Inca site itself has remained unshaken by any of tremors. The purpose for which Sacsayhuamán was built is uncertain. The walls and original towers seem clearly defensive in nature. The site also incorporates a large plaza surrounded by terraces, and it is thought that this area may have been used for ceremonies. In addition, it is thought that there were temples in complex. In 2008, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a pre-Inca temple and roadway at site’s periphery.

The Chinkanas (from Quechua "chinkana"; place where one gets lost) or also called labyrinths, are mysterious caves built on limestone; it is not known if the Incas or a previous civilization did this, or how or for what purpose it was built.

How times change. This used to be a place to take a break, everyone had their snack with them and took their lunch break or afternoon nap here. It was a place to relax. But in recent years the number of visitors has increased so much that more and more areas have been closed or regulated. I like to remember this wonderful time when we could still enjoy this amazing view without any time restrictions.