Cusco is a city that connects Inca culture with Spanish colonialism, one of the world’s most historically rich places. Once the center of the Inca Empire, Cusco is the start of one’s journey  to Machu Picchu. But it’s much more than just a tourist destination; its streets tell stories that span centuries, blending myth with history in a way few places can.

The Inca Origins of Cusco

Long before Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America, Cusco was the capital of the largest empire in America at that time: the Inca. They believed that their cities were divinely chosen, with Cusco as its sacred center — quite literally. In fact, the name “Cusco” means “navel” or center.

The city was founded by Manco Cápac, the first Inca ruler who was considered a child of the sun god, Inti. According to legend, he and his sister, Mama Ocllo, emerged from Lake Titicaca with divine instructions to establish a kingdom. Under his leadership, Cusco became a city of amazing architecture and complex society.

Cusco was designed with the natural features of its landscape in mind, which the Incas had a great respect for. Interestingly, even the streets and buildings of Cusco were laid out in the rough shape of a puma, with Sacsayhuamán, or the fortress on the hill, representing the head of this sacred animal.

Inca Achievements in Architecture and Engineering

Incan architecture is easily identified by its unique masonry, where massive stones were precisely cut to fit exactly together without using mortar, creating earthquake-resistant structures that have survived centuries. These stones’ precision is still a marvel to architects and archaeologists today, given the time period and resources available.

Among the architectural wonders in Cusco, Sacsayhuamán stands as one of the most impressive: a fortress with massive stone walls and intricate design, built to protect the city from invasion and also served as a place of worship.

Equally as impressive is the Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun. Originally a place for sun worship, it had been decorated with gold and other precious metals. However, when the Spanish arrived, they were awestruck by the riches, and the temple’s gold decorations were melted down and sent with the conquistadores back to Spain.

The Spanish Conquest and Colonial Cusco

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured and executed the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa in 1533 which symbolically marked the collapse of the empire. The Spanish dismantled the Incas’ structures and temples, repurposing many of them to serve as Catholic churches and colonial buildings.

For example, the Church of Santo Domingo was built atop the ruins of the Coricancha. The Spanish preserved some Inca walls, but invariably added European elements to convert the buildings. Cusco became a colonial stronghold filled with Spanish architecture, artwork, and traditions.

However, despite the intrusion of Spanish culture, the Inca heritage persisted, often merging with Catholic practices, which created unique customs. Old religious symbols and figures were hidden or incorporated within Catholic icons, allowing ancient beliefs to live on.

Cusco’s Revival and Legacy

By the 20th century, efforts were finally made to preserve its ancient sites. Tourism to the region began to grow significantly after Hiram Bingham’s "discovery" of Machu Picchu in 1911, which put Cusco back on the map. UNESCO named Cusco a World Heritage Site in 1983, cementing its status as a treasure of ancient history and cultural blending.

Today, Cusco is a busy city where travelers and natives alike experience old and new. Native markets, traditional festivals, and colonial squares peacefully coexist with modern cafes, hotels, and art galleries. Annual events such as Inti Raymi, the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun, showcase the city’s respect for its Inca past, while lively processions like Corpus Christi reflect its colonial legacy.

Whether you come for the Inca history, the spiritual sites, or simply the breathtaking mountain vistas, Cusco offers a rich cultural experience that resonates with the stories of its people — past and present.