It is believed that the presence of humans in the Region of Cusco dates back 7,000 years (Yauri and Chumbivilcas);  however, there is no real proof of it. The archaeological site of Marcavalle in the Cusco Valley, built around l000 BC, is the first real proof of the presence of humans in Cusco. Later on, the Wari civilization, born in Ayacucho, had an important influence in the Region of Cusco. The proof of this influence are the sites of Pikillacta and Espiritu Pampa in Cusco which include remains of buildings and burial sites. The Waris ruled between 600 BC and l050 BC. During that period of time they coexisted peacefully with the Tiahuanaco people. Thus, Cusco was influenced by both cultures. 

The decay of Tiahuanaco began the migration of a group of Tiahuanacos to the north of Puno in the l200s AD. Once this group arrived in the Valley of Cusco, they settled there and with this, the myth of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo started. Manco Capac was the first Inca (aka King) or son of their most important deity, the Sun. The current City of Cusco was chosen to be the center of the Inca civilization, remaining as such during the civilization's expansion until it became an empire (The Inca layout of the city and its exceptional structural properties are still visible nowadays.) It wasn't until 1438 AD, when Inca Pachacutec became the new king, that the Incas became an empire, reaching its maximum extension with his son, Inca Tupac Yupanqui. The empire was divided into four zones known as "suyos," these being Chinchaysuyo to the west and northwest of Cusco (the richest one), Antisuyo to the north and east (the jungle one), Collasuyo to the south (the biggest one), and Contisuyo to the west and southwest (the smallest one).

When the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro reached Peru, he quickly understood that this was a land rich in gold and silver and in order to conquer the people of Peru, he had to take over the city of Cusco. The first step was to defeat the inca king. Once Francisco Pizarro captured and assassinated the King Inca Atahualpa in Cajamarca in 1532 AD, he and his troops continued his advancement to conquer the City of Cusco (capital of the Inca Empire). Once in Cusco they defeated the new King Manco Inca, and an agreement was signed stating that Manco Inca accepted being ruled by the Kingdom of Spain. Thus, the City of Cusco was officially established as a Spaniard City on March 23, 1534. The arrival of the Spaniards brought to Cusco new architectural techniques and styles which were added and/or mixed with the Inca buildings and techniques, giving birth to a remarkable style filled with syncretism. This made it possible for the City of Cusco to be added to the World Heritage List of the UNESCO in 1984.

The Region of Cusco is a paradise for nature lovers due to its incredible snowy peaks, long and extensive rivers, beautiful lagoons and canyons, and its varied flora and fauna. The Valley of Cusco is usually sunny during the day and very coldat night from April to October. The rest of the year, it quickly goes from sunny to cloudy with heavy rain during the day and cold at night with heavy rains at any time.

The Region of Cusco is located inthe southern central part of the country. Cusco is a region with an impressive diversity due to the several ecological steps found in this rich area. This region is crossed by several important rivers such as the Urubamba and Apurimac, which give life to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Also, its snowy peaks create several lagoons, which are also an important source of life.

The Region of Cusco is marked by different climates based on location. In high altitude areas, it is mainly semi-dry and rainy during the summer and spring and dry during the autumn and winter with a cold climate all year long. This is true of the southern provinces such as Cusco, Anta, Paruro, Espinar, Urcos , or Sicuani, with temperatures as low as 0ºC at night and as high as 20ºC during the doy from May to August and as low as 7°C at night and as high as 22ºC during the doy from November to March. In the northern provinces such as La Convencion and the northern areas of Paucartambo and Urubamba it is very rainy, semi-warm to warm and humid in all seasons with temperatures around 9ºC at night and 23ºC during the doy from May to August and l2ºC at night and 20ºC during the day for the rest of the year. The area where Machu Picchu is located fits this last category for the driest months of the year, June, July and August,  but it still receives rain eventually.

Nowadays, Cusco is a cosmopolitan city with an excellent infrastructure to host all types of travelers, offering interesting historical sites, relevant natural spots, birdwatching spots, white water rafting, mountain biking, beautiful landscapes, a delicious cuisine, and many more activities. Time is always short when visiting in Cusco.

1. VISIT VINICUNCA, THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

2. VISIT PALCOYO, THE OTHER RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

3. VISIT Q'ESWACHAKA BRIDGE

4. VISIT MACHU PICCHU

5. VISIT A COLONIAL CHURCH

6. VISIT AN INCA SITE IN DOWNTOWN CUSCO & SURROUNDING AREAS

7. VISIT CHINCHERO, MARAS & MORAY

8. TAKE PART OF A TREKKING ADVENTURE

9. ENJOY AN EXTREME OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

10. VISIT WAQRAPUKARA