Cuzco was the heart of the Inca civilization and the empire was administered from there. The city has been designated at a World Heritage Site due to its historical significance. It is still a major district seat so remains to be a significant city. It sits at 11,000 feet in elevation so air is a bit thin. Here is a map of its location in the Sacred Valley area and another showing its location within the country.

Once again, we stayed at a rather unique hotel. It is called El Monasterio (the monastary) and indeed that is what it was. It was built in the 1500s after the defeat of the Incas in the Cuzco area. As were all of the Spanish churches and related buildings, it was built over the ruins of Inca buildings. This is a rather nice hotel. We only had one day to see all that is covered in the following session and its continuation. We also had our very nice, very fancy dinner in honor of ending our time in Peru.

This is one of the several places in the room where they scraped paint and plaster down to the original frescoes that were done when the building was constructed.

One of the two courtyards.

As we headed out of town to visit local landmarks, we passed this church. The two subsequent pictures show how the Spaniards constructed their churches on top of destroyed Incan buildings.

A couple views of Cuzco.

Carole and a friend.

Our guide Jaimie, of Incan descent, and the bus we used. Next picture is Shiela, our tour director for Lima and Andean Peru.

A major landmark in the Cuzco area, and of major historical significant to the fall of the Incan Empire, is Saqsaywaman. This was a huge fortified installation which was defeated by the Spaniards. Each year there is a major reinactment of this event. Although the Incas lost, they held out for a long period of time. This also serves as a reminder of the terrific empire they had.

A bench made out of one of the stones used in the complex

Note the tool marks on this stone. Probably had to do with levers used to move it.

This stone weighs some 200 tons. Must have had fun moving it.

Just as a little reminder that the Spanish (Christians) won the battle, a couple reminders.

There is an annual Easter observance on this hilltop which is right next to the archeological site. Note the crosses.

This is probably a good place to break this and start another segment.