The Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu encompasses 24 distinct natural ecosystems. They range from humid mountain forests at over 1,900 meters to snow-capped peaks above 6,000 meters. This wide range of elevations shapes a natural environment with highly varied landscapes.
Inca Routes and the City of Cuzco
The routes through the Historic Sanctuary also offer a glimpse into its history. The 33.7-kilometer main route of the Inca Trail offers an opportunity for trekking. Archaeological sites along the route include Patallaqta, Wayllabamba, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarka, Wiñaywayna, Intipunku, and the Llaqta of Machupicchu. The route thus brings together a specific hiking activity and several named archaeological sites.
In the city of Cuzco, the spatial layout from the time of the ancient Inca capital has been preserved, as have most of the buildings from the Inca and Viceroyalty periods. The city is considered a unique testament to the ancient Inca civilization and represents 3,000 years of Indigenous and autonomous cultural development in the southern Peruvian Andes. The central square is also historically significant: the four main routes of the Qhapaq Ă‘an begin here, and Cuzco was considered its capital.
Crafts, Festivals and Cultural Expressions
In Raqchi (Canchis, Department of Cusco), the knowledge and practices of pottery making are recognized as part of the nation’s cultural heritage. This knowledge is considered a legacy of Tawantinsuyu, passed down through generations. The region’s cultural identity therefore includes not only historic sites but also craft knowledge and its transmission.
In Ollantaytambo (Urubamba, Department of Cusco), the Festividad de la Bajada de Reyes del Niño Jesús de Marcaccocha is recognized as a cultural heritage festival. Indigenous and Christian motifs are interwoven with oral traditions and rituals; the festival culture also includes visual arts, dance, textile arts, and culinary arts. The Danza Qanchi de Mamuera is a traditional expression of the community and takes place in festive and ritual contexts, at festivals, and in other forms of cultural exchange at the local, regional, and national levels.
Another expression of religious devotion is the Festividad del Dulce Nombre de Jesús, also known as Señor de Pampacucho, as well as the pilgrimage to the Santuario del Señor de Pampacucho in Pampacucho, Colcha. Both are rooted in the geography and history of the Province of Paruro and in its festive, dance, and musical traditions. Together, these examples show different cultural emphases: from the passing down of craft practices to rituals, dance, and religious devotion.
Natural Areas and Special Visitor Requirements
The Choquequirao Archaeological Park lies at an altitude of 3,033 meters on a green mountain. It includes Inca terraces, plazas, building complexes, and large walls with niches. Choquequirao is also considered a regional conservation area because of its rich flora and fauna, covering 103,814.39 hectares.
In Manu National Park, visitors may see river otters, caimans, jaguars, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, macaws, and deer. Visitors to the park are required to use a tour operator authorized by SERNANP. Check this requirement before your trip.
Getting to Machu Picchu Pueblo
From Cuzco, the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu can be reached by commercial train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The route is listed as 111 kilometers and four hours and ten minutes. Transport details may change, so check current services before your trip.
The places and themes mentioned offer different ways to get to know Cuzco: its preserved urban layout, cultural traditions, archaeological routes, and diverse natural areas. When planning, consider which of these aspects interests you most, and take into account the specific train service or the visitor requirement for Manu.
Discover more destinations: Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Lamay, Chillca, Santa Teresa, Calca, Aguas Calientes, Pisac, Espinar, Oroya, Yucay, Checacupe, Sicuani, Ocongate, Andahuaylillas, Huarocondo, Las Cruces, Soray, Colcapampa, Maras, Cusco, Quillabamba, Manire, Province of Paucartambo, Quispicanchi, Province of Calca, San Pedro, Huaro.
For the main travel overview: Peru.
