Cuzco or Cusco is both a city and region in the southeastern quarter of Peru near the Urubamba (or Scared) Valley of the Inca. Most tourists arrive to complete the Cuzco to Machu Picchu trek. Cuzco was once the capital of the fabled Inca empire. The city was recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) in 1983 as a World Heritage site. Cusco is also flattered by being mentioned in the Peruvian Constitution as the historical capital.
The city is also honored by being formally recognized in the Constitution of Peru as the historical capital of the nation. Cusco is estimated to have been founded in 1100 AD by the Killke culture. The Killke were responsible for building the extraordinary walled complex of Sacsayhuaman (pronounced sexy woman) on the outskirts of Cusco.
The city has a permanent population of almost 0.4 million residents and receives about 1.5 million tourists per year. It is among the top destinations for visitors to Peru. If you are ever lucky enough to visit, prepare yourself well for its high altitude. Cuzco sits high in the Andes at about 11,200 feet (3,400 meters). The view to the mountains is stunning.
Most newcomers to the city need about a day to adjust. The effects can range from a deep lethargy to euphoria similar to alcoholic intoxication. Even walking is best avoided during the first day.
Most people travel to Machu Picchu by train. That journey takes from three to four and a half hours and may require an early morning start depending on the particular train service used. Machu Picchu is located roughly north and east of Cusco. The distance between the two spots is some 70 kms (45 miles) in a straight line but 120 kms (75 miles) as actual distance travelled.
The vistas along the route is totally unique and dramatic. Most people rate it as a journey of a lifetime. In addition to being loads of fun, the trek builds a growing excitement for the inspiring experience that is Machu Picchu. Most people try and get on the earliest train they can so that can spend as much time there as possible.
The Cuzco to Machu Picchu trek usually begins with a taxi, bus or bike ride from the hotel to the Poroy train station (allow 20-30 minutes) from downtown Cusco CBD. Poroy is the departure point for all trains. The service is managed and operated by Peru Rail.The service is safe, comfortable and world class.
cuzco to machu picchu
The city is also honored by being formally recognized in the Constitution of Peru as the historical capital of the nation. Cusco is estimated to have been founded in 1100 AD by the Killke culture. The Killke were responsible for building the extraordinary walled complex of Sacsayhuaman (pronounced sexy woman) on the outskirts of Cusco.
The city has a permanent population of almost 0.4 million residents and receives about 1.5 million tourists per year. It is among the top destinations for visitors to Peru. If you are ever lucky enough to visit, prepare yourself well for its high altitude. Cuzco sits high in the Andes at about 11,200 feet (3,400 meters). The view to the mountains is stunning.
Most newcomers to the city need about a day to adjust. The effects can range from a deep lethargy to euphoria similar to alcoholic intoxication. Even walking is best avoided during the first day.
Most people travel to Machu Picchu by train. That journey takes from three to four and a half hours and may require an early morning start depending on the particular train service used. Machu Picchu is located roughly north and east of Cusco. The distance between the two spots is some 70 kms (45 miles) in a straight line but 120 kms (75 miles) as actual distance travelled.
The vistas along the route is totally unique and dramatic. Most people rate it as a journey of a lifetime. In addition to being loads of fun, the trek builds a growing excitement for the inspiring experience that is Machu Picchu. Most people try and get on the earliest train they can so that can spend as much time there as possible.
The Cuzco to Machu Picchu trek usually begins with a taxi, bus or bike ride from the hotel to the Poroy train station (allow 20-30 minutes) from downtown Cusco CBD. Poroy is the departure point for all trains. The service is managed and operated by Peru Rail.The service is safe, comfortable and world class.
cuzco to machu picchu
