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Reiseziel:
Cusco, Attraktionen
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Alles Reiseziele |
CUSCO, Attraktionen und Umgebung
Machu Picchu
- Cusco
The citadel of Machu Picchu is by far the most important
tourist attraction in Cusco, and is located three hours by train
from the city, although it can be reached by helicopter (30
min.) or on foot (four days, via the Inca Trail). Discovered
in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel
is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of
landscape architecture in the world. Situated in an enclave
on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the
Urubamba river, in an area of lush tropical forest, it served
as a place of worship, a site for star-gazing and a private
hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacútec. It consists
of two main areas; one agricultural, formed mainly by mountains
and food stores; and the other urban, which is noted for its
sacred zone, with its temples, squares and royal tombs built
with consummate skill. The stairways and canals carved out of
stone are recurrent throughout this remarkable archaeological
site. Opposite the citadel is the Huayna Picchu Mountain, which
can be reached via a winding stone walkway. Necessary precautions
must be taken during the rainy season (December through March).
The Inca Trail - Cusco
At kilometer 82 of the railway line lies Qoryhuayrachina,
the starting point for one of the most famous trekking trails
in Peru. During the four-day trek, the hiker will cross through
a number of altitudes and come across dozens of ecosystems situated
between 2,800 and 4,000m.a.s.l. In addition, they will also
be able to take in a splendid view from the imposing snow-capped
mountains in the region. The Inca Trail visits the beautiful
stone citadels of Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna, among
16 other archeological sites before ending at Machu Picchu.
A relaxing bath at Agua Calientes, 2 km from the train station,
complements the 40 km circuit.
Sacsayhuaman - Cusco
An imposing example of Inca military architecture, the fortress
of Sacsayhuaman was built using large slabs of granite to safeguard
the city from attack by Antis, or invading forces from the East.
Sacsayhuaman ("satisfied falcon" in Quechua) is made
up of three large terraces which overlap in a zigzag formation
surrounded by enormous stone ramparts of up to 300 meters in
length, its elevation and proximity to Cusco, as well as the
dimensions of the stones -up to 5 meters high and weighing up
to 350 tons- made Sacsayhuaman a quarry for certain structures
in colonial Cusco.
Sacred Valley of
the Incas - Cusco
Just an hour's drive from Cusco, the Urubamba Valley,
or Sacred Valley of the Incas, is a setting of picturesque communities,
impressive terraces and many important archaeological sites.
Dominated by the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range,
the valley has been the storehouse for agricultural products
for the city of Cusco since Inca times, and today is famous
for being home to maize cobs with the largest kernels in the
world. The valley includes the area between the Inca communities
of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Its mild weather and particular
geography make it ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts to practice
rafting, mountain bike-riding, hang-gliding and trekking.
Pisac
- Cusco
Pisac lies 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco by
a paved road, and has an old quarter, an archaeological site
considered one of the most important in Cusco, and a modern
quarter, dating from the colonial period. It also has a Sunday
market which attracts thousands of visitors and people from
remote communities, dressed in colorful, traditional attire.
Every Sunday there is the procession of the varayocs, or mayors,
who, at around 9:30 am; go to church to attend the traditional
Mass held in Quechua.
Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Pisac lies 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco by a paved road,
and has an old quarter, an archaeological site considered one
of the most important in Cusco, and a modern quarter, dating
from the colonial period. It also has a Sunday market which
attracts thousands of visitors and people from remote communities,
dressed in colorful, traditional attire. Every Sunday there
is the procession of the varayocs, or mayors, who, at around
9:30 am; go to church to attend the traditional Mass held in
Quechua.
Chinchero - Cusco
This community is located 28 km from Cusco on the paved road
to Urubamba. Here lie the remains of what was the royal hacienda
of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, as well as a beautiful colonial
temple built on Inca foundations. Its main attraction, however,
is its Sunday market, which was originally dedicated to the
barter of products by the people of the valley and the upper
areas. Nowadays, the market is a real hub of activity, vibrant
with color and movement which fascinates tourists with its range
of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Colombian style.
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