Cusco

Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cusco Region and of the Cusco Province. The city is the seventh most populous in Peru, and in 2017 it had a population of 428,450. Its elevation is around 3,400 m (11,200 ft).

History

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th until the 16th-century Spanish conquest. In 1983, Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with the title "City of Cuzco". It has become a major tourist destination, hosting nearly 2 million visitors a year. The indigenous name of this city is Qusqu. Although the name was used in Quechua, its origin has been found in the Aymara language. The word is derived from the phrase qusqu wanka ('Rock of the owl'), related to the city's foundation myth of the Ayar Siblings.

Geography

Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 m (11,200 ft) in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The city covers an area of 385.1 square kilometers. It is situated in the Huatanay River Valley and is surrounded by several mountains including Ausangate, Salkantay, and Pachatusan.

Climate

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb). Its climate is generally dry and temperate, with two defined seasons. The dry season lasts from April to October, with abundant sunshine, and occasional nighttime freezes: July is the coolest month with an average of 9.6 °C (49.3 °F). The wet season lasts from November to March, with night frost less common: November averages 13.4 °C (56.1 °F). Although frost and hail are common, the only snowfall ever recorded was in June 1911.

Economy

The economy of Cusco is based on agriculture and mining, as well as tourism. The city has more than 1,000 companies which are primarily engaged in commerce, hospitality, and other services.

Culture

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and as such it has a rich cultural history. The city is known for its unique blend of Spanish and Inca influences, which are evident in its architecture, food, and festivals. The city is also home to the Cusco School, a significant art movement that developed during the colonial period.

See also

• Inca Empire
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Peru

External links

• Official website

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