A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, Cusco developed under the Inca ruler Pachacutec and became the primary urban center of the civilization, serving specific administrative and religious functions, making it the historic “capital” of the Inca Empire.

Located near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes range, Cusco is rich in Incan art and was especially famous for its ceramic pottery. Handmade and painted in red and black, visitors can view examples at the local Pre-Columbian Art Museum and Museo Inka.

Invaded by the Spaniards in the 16th century, Cusco retains much of its original architecture mixed with Baroque- and Spanish-style buildings that were erected in the post-Columbian era. Today, the city boasts a population of more than 300,000.