Earthquakes in Cusco

Cusco has a long history with earthquakes. A major earthquake in 1650 destroyed large parts of the city, and a more recent quake in 1950 resulted in several damaged buildings. Colonial churches and old houses were the most affected; there were worries that the Inca-walls and buildings in Cusco had been lost, but the Inca ruins had no or little damage, due to their solid construction. Still, 63 percent of the houses in Cusco had to be reconstructed. Another earthquake in 1986 destroyed 2000 houses in Cusco, and landslides made the situation far worse.

There are some safety precautions you can take to protect yourself if an earthquake does occur: know what you are going to do in the event of an earthquake and where to go; carry emergency money on you and keep water purification tablets and a First Aid Kit. If an earthquake does hit, duck and cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. In mountain areas, you should watch for landslides, falling rocks and trees. Expect aftershocks. Contact your family and if necessary, your travel insurance. And most importantly-don’t panic!! Work together-you are stronger in a group then alone.