Cuzco

As the mythical capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco (Cusco) preserves its stone walls and battlements with pride, evoking the greatness of the "Children of the Sun". Cusco is Peru's jewel for its historical monuments and relics, myths and legends, which seem to come to life every time you walk through its century old streets.

Contemporary Cuzco (Cusco) - a city 3,360 metres (10,500 feet) above sea level - is a showcase of several different cultures: pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican. More than a capital city, Cuzco (Cusco) was also an administrative, military and holy city, and is now the oldest inhabited city of the Americas. 

Language: Spanish, Quechua

Currency: Nuevo Sol

Climate: The weather in Cuzco is quite cold and dry, with two distinct seasons. The rainy season extends from November to March (11ºC to 13ºC). The dry season goes from April to October, with particular sunny days and very cold nights (9°C).

Places to visit: Main Square (colourful crafts, stone walkways), Sacsayhuaman ruins, San Blas, old quarter, Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata), Cuzco Cathedral.