Cuzco

Cuzco
Name	Cuzco
Settlement type	City
Nickname	The Historical Capital of Peru
Coordinates	13, 31, 30, S...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Peru
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Cuzco Region
Subdivision type2	Province
Subdivision name2	Cuzco Province
Established title	Founded
Established date	c. 1100–1200 AD
Founder	Manco Cápac (mythical)
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Luis Pantoja Calvo
Area total km2	385.1
Elevation m	3399
Population total	428450
Population as of	2017
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	PET
Utc offset	-5
Website	www.municusco.gob.pe

Cuzco. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, it is a city of profound historical and cultural significance, recognized globally as the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Following the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, it became a major colonial center, with its iconic architecture blending formidable Inca stonework with ornate Spanish Colonial architecture. Today, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as the primary gateway for visitors to the renowned archaeological site of Machu Picchu and remains a vibrant hub of Peruvian heritage.

History

According to Inca mythology, the city was founded in the 12th century by the first Sapa Inca, Manco Cápac. It was developed into the capital and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, known as Tawantinsuyu, under rulers like Pachacuti who orchestrated its magnificent expansion. The arrival of Francisco Pizarro and his forces in 1533 marked a cataclysmic shift, leading to the Siege of Cuzco and the eventual fall of the empire. The Spanish established their colonial administration atop the Inca foundations, constructing churches like the Cathedral of Cuzco over the palace of the Inca Viracocha. The city was a focal point during the Neo-Inca State resistance at Vilcabamba and later the Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II. In the 20th century, archaeological work by figures like Hiram Bingham brought global attention to the region's pre-Columbian past.

Geography and climate

The city is situated in the southern Andean highlands within the Cuzco Region, at an elevation of approximately 3,400 meters in the Huatanay River valley. Its topography is marked by steep surrounding mountains, including the prominent peak of Apu Salkantay visible in the distance. The climate is generally subtropical highland, characterized by a distinct dry season from May to August and a wet season from November to March. This high-altitude environment significantly influences local ecology and agriculture, with the Sacred Valley of the Incas providing a more temperate corridor for cultivation.

Demographics

As the capital of the Cuzco Region, it is the region's most populous urban center. The population is predominantly of Quechua descent, with many residents speaking the Quechua language alongside Spanish. Significant migration from surrounding rural provinces has contributed to its growth, though it maintains a smaller scale compared to coastal metropolises like Lima or Arequipa. The presence of international tourism and related service industries has also attracted a transient population of workers and entrepreneurs from across Peru and abroad.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism, centered on access to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the city's own extensive archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha. This sector supports a vast network of hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, and artisan markets selling traditional textiles and crafts. Other important activities include agriculture, with the cultivation of products like maize and potatoes in the surrounding valleys, and small-scale manufacturing. The city also functions as a commercial and transportation hub for the southern highlands, with connections via Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and the Southern Railway.

Culture and society

The city is a living museum of cultural fusion, most visibly expressed during the annual Inti Raymi festival, a spectacular reenactment of the Inca Festival of the Sun. Its calendar is filled with vibrant Catholic celebrations like Corpus Christi and the feast of Señor de los Temblores, which incorporate pre-Columbian elements. Major cultural institutions include the Museo de Arte Precolombino and the Museo Inka. The National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco is a key center for academic study. The local cuisine, a hallmark of Peruvian cuisine, features dishes like cuy and rocoto relleno.

Government and politics

The city is governed by the Provincial Municipality of Cuzco, led by Mayor Luis Pantoja Calvo. As the capital of both the Cuzco Province and the Cuzco Region, it hosts the regional government headquarters. It is represented in the national Congress of the Republic of Peru. Political life often revolves around issues of cultural heritage preservation, tourism management, and regional autonomy, with significant influence from local social and grassroots organizations advocating for indigenous rights and development.

Category:Capitals in South America Category:World Heritage Sites in Peru Category:Populated places in the Cuzco Region