Un Poco de Historia

I first and foremost need to dedicate this blog post to all my Whitewater history major friends ;) Hopefully I don't let you down as I tackle this!

Hechos Básicos (aka Basic Facts)

I'm more of a fun & quick fact kind of person because let's be honest...kinda boring!

• Peru's population = 28 million
• Cusco's population = 0.5 million
• Lima's population = 9 million
• Cusco's Elevation = 11,150 ft
• Average Salary = 650 soles (...$216 American dollars)
• Inca was a title - not everyone just classified as "Inca"
• "Cusco" = "Center"
• Almost every house contains a small roof fixture comprised of 2 bulls and the Christian cross. During the time period of the Incas, it was 2 llamas...but now the bulls and the Christian cross resemble a mix of the Andean and Christian religious focus of the city.

 Overlook of Cusco

If you look very closely, there is an imprint "El Peru" on the mountain - so neat! They also have the coat of arms on the hill to the right. 

Sunset view from Plaza de Armas

Inca Empire

Between the 13th and 16th century (for those challenged with centuries like me...yes 1200-1600) Cusco was actually the capital of the Inca Empire. A very important site dedicated to this time period was "Plaza de Armas" (sometimes known as Huacaypata) - it was the religious center of the empire. It has also been known as the place of execution for many historical figures, most notably Túpac Amaru II (hopefully this gets me history bonus points?!). Today, the plaza is still a religious center but it also has a lot of cool restaurants surrounding it to suit the tourist scene.

Had to...Selfie con La Plaza de Armas!

Saqsaywaman (aka Sack-Say-Wo-Mon)

Yes, I giggled every time our tour guide said this one...because when pronounced quickly it sounds just like "Sexy Woman"...go ahead and judge! This is on the northern outskirts of Cusco and was built around 1100. Eventually, the Inca expanded this area when they conquered the territory. It has now been claimed an archeological site (meaning no one is allowed to build housing on the grounds) but was once an Inca acropolis - used for protection.

Much like these significant and historical areas, there still remains many walls from the days of the Inca Empire around the city - this street specifically is called "La Calle de Conquista" because it was the street that brought the conquistadors to the heart of Cusco, aka Plaza de Armas, and to eventually conquer the city.