Cusco Today

By John Howison

Once a stunning Inca capital, Cusco today offers one of the finest mixes of pre-Columbian, colonial and modern mestizo culture of any South American city. In fact, Cusco is often referred to as the archeological capital of South America. Many original Inca walls still stand, serving as a tribute to the engineering capabilities of the Incas.

The colonial history of the city is not completely untouched, but the central historical area has not undergone an overwhelming number of alternations despite the high concentration of stores, hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other tourist-driven enterprises. A quick walk through the city allows visitors to see the influence of different periods of history with the naked eye. The Inca ruins such as the Temple of the Sun contrast with Spanish churches and mansions, underscoring Cusco’s various phases of development.

Cusco's strong, unique mix of Amerindian and mestizo culture has persevered through the massive influx of tourism. The best example is Inti Raymi, an Inca tradition that celebrates the winter solstice and beginning of the new, according to the ancient Inca sundial. Locals and tourists alike are welcome to participate in the day-long event, which symbolizes the way Cusco has reconciled its indigenous history with its recent growth of tourism.