Cusco, Peru City Guide
For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Cusco, Peru Travel Guide has been your connection to Cusco's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Cusco History
With a history more than 3000 years old, Cusco, Peru survives as a historical area and important tourist destination. During its sedentary period the city was located on the eastern side of the present-day city with a population consisting mostly of farmers and shepherds. The beginning of the Inca civilization took place around 1200 AD and expanded well into 1400 AD. The Spaniards arrived in 1533, combining with the fall of the Empire and a cultural clash, and moved the capital city to Lima. Warriors stayed in Cusco, fighting the Incas until the Incas were defeated in 1572. In 1821 Peru obtained independence from Spain, and by 1933 Cusco was declared the “Archaeological Capital of South America.” Despite an earthquake in 1950 that left only ¼ of Cusco’s original buildings standing, in 1983 Peru declared Cusco the “Tourist Capital of Peru” and “Cultural Heritage of the Nation.” Cusco continues today to be a cultural magnet for travelers and an excellent destination for a bed and breakfast vacation.
