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Department · Southern Andes

Cusco

The Cusco Department connects the former capital of the Inca Empire with the Sacred Valley, the high Andes, deep river valleys, and forested eastern slopes. Machu Picchu is just one part of a region where archaeology, vibrant Quechua culture, and highly diverse landscapes are closely intertwined.

Cusco at a glance

Cusco is located in southern Peru and comprises 13 provinces. The department extends from the highlands around the regional capital, through the Sacred Valley, to the humid eastern slopes leading to the Amazon basin.

CapitalCusco
Area71,986.5 km²
Population1,205,527 · Census 2017
Provinces13
RegionSouthern Peru
LandscapeHigh Andes · Valleys · Mountain Forest
Capital Altitudeapprox. 3,399 m
Important AxisCusco · Sacred Valley

Cusco in pictures

Cities, landscapes, and cultural traces reveal the different facets of the department.

Inca site of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
Terraces of Ollantaytambo in the Cusco Department
Inca water system in the Cusco Department
Machu Picchu in the Cusco Department
Inca architecture of Machu Picchu

Cusco is more than Machu Picchu

Between the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, remote highland provinces, and the transitions to the Amazon region, there are very diverse travel destinations. Those who only visit Machu Picchu therefore only see a small glimpse of the department.

History and Identity

Cusco's history predates the Incas. Earlier cultures, the Tawantinsuyu, the colonial period, and today's Quechua-influenced region are directly linked in many places.

Center of the Inca Empire

Cusco was the political and religious center of the Tawantinsuyu. Roads, terraces, and ceremonial sites connected the city and provinces.

Colonial Reshaping

Spanish buildings often arose on Inca walls. This visible overlay still shapes architecture and identity today.

Regional Identity Today

Quechua languages, festivals, markets, textile traditions, and rural communities still characterize the department today. At the same time, Cusco is one of Peru's most important travel destinations and heavily influenced by international tourism.

Experience history on site: Cusco, Sacsayhuamán, Pikillaqta, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and numerous smaller sites showcase different eras and settlement areas of the department.

Cities and towns in Cusco

Find the right place page for cities, valleys, and destinations in the department.

 

Ollantaytambo in Cusco

Ollantaytambo

Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. A inhabited village meets terraced fields, temple areas, granaries, old alleys, and a...

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Landscape in the Cusco Department

Landscape and Nature

From the basin of the regional capital, valleys lead to the Vilcanota and further into the Cordillera Vilcabamba. To the east, the terrain descends into humid montane forests and the edge of the Amazon basin.

The large altitude differences and the river system around Vilcanota and Apurímac influence climate, settlements, agriculture, and travel routes.

Economy in Cusco

Natural environment, cities, and transport links determine which industries and products are particularly important in the department.

Land and Production

Travel, trade, agriculture, mining, energy, and services characterize the region. In the Sacred Valley and rural communities, potatoes, corn, textiles, and local markets remain important.

Cities and Connections

Cusco bundles administration, trade, and services. Important places within the region and with neighboring departments are connected via Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Opportunities and Challenges

Local value creation, reliable transport routes, and the protection of natural resources determine how economic development and quality of life converge.

Economy in flux: Climate, infrastructure, and responsible management of water, soil, and forests remain central tasks.

Attractions in Cusco

Archaeological sites, landscapes, and special cultural places lead to the corresponding detailed pages.

 

Events in Cusco

Festivals, cultural dates, and events from the department in chronological order.

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News from Cusco

The latest published news related to the department.

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PeruMagazin on WhatsApp

New destinations, events, and current news from Peru directly in the PeruMagazin channel.

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FAQ for the Department of Cusco

Where is the Department of Cusco located?

Cusco is located in southern Peru. The department connects high Andes, inter-Andean valleys, the Sacred Valley, and humid eastern slopes towards the Amazon basin.

What is the capital of Cusco?

The capital of the department is Cusco.

Which landscapes characterize Cusco?

High Andes, the Vilcanota Valley, deep gorges, cloud forests, and the transition zone to the Amazon region characterize large parts of the department.

Which places and destinations are already linked?

Only previously published place and detail pages of PeruMagazin appear above.

When is a trip to Cusco advisable?

That depends on the altitude and landscape zone. Before traveling, weather, road conditions, and local advisories should be checked.

How do you get around in Cusco?

The most important tourist routes connect Cusco with the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. For highland provinces and more remote destinations, longer road trips and sometimes local providers are necessary.

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Veranstaltungen in der Region

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