Backpacker's Guide to Cusco, Cusco, Peru

Cusco, also known as Cuzco or Qosq’o in Quechua is the foremost city of the Inca Empire. The continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city serves as the gateway to one of the seven wonders of the world Machu Picchu. Narrow cobblestone streets are flanked by tour agencies selling everything from coca leaves to trekking equipments and massage hawkers trying to convince people in unalike ways.

Stay in Cusco for a month or two yet you would leave it with a feeling of there is much more to see. The emblematic Plaza De Armas (The Main Square) dominates the historic center of the city.

Cusco is served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) which is connected to major Peruvian cities Lima, Arequipa, Juliaca and Puerto Maldonado and Bogota and Lapaz on International routes which are served by Amaszonas and Peruvian Airlines to and from La Paz and Avianca in and out of Bogota with a stopover in Lima.

The airport is quite small which makes it easier and quicker to walk out of the terminal upon arrival. Its located 5 kilometers away from the Centro Historico (Historic Center) which is the prime attraction and home to many hostels and restaurants. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).