Exploring the Rich Heritage of Cusco: A Solo Journey

A Day of Discovery in Cusco

Today marked the beginning of my solo adventure in Cusco, a city that hums with history and pulses with vibrant culture. As I stepped out of the Sonesta Hotel Cusco, I felt an immediate connection to this ancient capital, ready to explore its storied streets and immerse myself in its rich heritage. It's a journey I've been anticipating for months, and I couldn't wait to see what the day had in store.


Experience the rich culture of Cusco at Sonesta Hotel, perfectly situated near historic landmarks, offering modern amenities for all travelers.

My first stop was Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, a site that perfectly encapsulates the blend of Inca ingenuity and Spanish colonial influence. As I approached, the smooth, curved Incan walls contrasted sharply with the imposing Santo Domingo Church built atop it. Inside, the temple's history unfolded before my eyes. Originally named Intikancha or Intiwasi, Qorikancha was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The Incas used ashlar masonry to construct Coricancha, building from the placement of similarly sized cuboid stones that they hand cut and shaped for this purpose. The temple walls were once covered in sheets of gold, and the adjacent courtyard was filled with golden statues. It was built around 1200 AD under the order of Inca Wiracocha. With the arrival of Inca Pachacútec to power, the entire city of Cusco underwent a beautification process. During this period, Inticancha was renamed Qoricanca, and enormous walls were built around it, adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones. Qorikancha means The Golden Temple in Quechua.


Discover the sacred beauty of Qorikancha, an iconic Inca temple that merges history and spirituality in the heart of Cusco, Peru.

I learned that Qorikancha was more than just a temple; it was the religious, geographic, and political center of Cusco. The temple was constructed with such precision that even today, its stones fit together seamlessly, a testament to the Incas' advanced engineering skills. Walking through the complex, I could almost feel the presence of the Inca priests who once walked these halls, offering their devotion to the sun. The Spanish demolished much of the temple to build the Santo Domingo Convent after the 16th-century war with the Spanish conquistadors. Much of its stonework was used as the foundation for the seventeenth-century Santo Domingo Convent, which was built after the 1650 earthquake destroyed the first Dominican convent. The contrast between the cultures was stark and thought-provoking, a reminder of the complex history that shaped this city.

To truly see a place, you must look beyond the surface and delve into its past, present, and the stories etched into its very stones.

Next on my itinerary was the Cusco Cathedral, a majestic structure that dominates the Plaza Mayor. Built between 1559 and 1654, the cathedral stands as a symbol of Spanish colonial power, yet it too is built upon the foundations of Inca civilization. The Cathedral of Cusco is over an ancient Inca palace, inside Main Square, north side. It has 14 pillars supporting 24 snowy arch roofs and is a beautiful example of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic styles. It was built on Quishuarcancha, the ancient palace of the Inca Viracocha. The stones used to construct the cathedral were taken from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress, a deliberate act of cultural conquest. As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the architecture. High vaulted ceilings, ornate altars, and countless religious artworks filled the space. The Cathedral's facade was designed in a Renaissance style, while its interior was built following forms and curves of Gothic-Baroque touches. The plans of the church were designed in the shape of a Latin cross. The cathedral is not only a symbol of the importance of the Catholic Church in times of the conquest, but it is also an example of the fusion of two cultures, of the will of the people, of different architectural styles, of the work of many artists and artisans and inside it houses all kinds of treasures that are a sample of the skills and talent of those who built it.


Explore the stunning Cusco Cathedral, a breathtaking blend of history and faith in the heart of Peru's cultural capital.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the cathedral is its blend of European and indigenous artistic styles. Look closely, and you'll find subtle Inca influences woven into the religious iconography, a testament to the enduring spirit of the local people. The first mass in the Cathedral was held on August 15, 1654, and the definitive consecration of the Cathedral was on August 19, 1668, by the thirteenth bishop of Cusco, Bernardo de Isaguirre Reyes. The construction material was stone from nearby areas, and red granite blocks brought from the Sacsayhuamán fortress were also reused. It was recognized as a minor Basilica of the Catholic Church on February 8, 1928.

After exploring the cathedral, I wandered into the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the heart of the city. This vibrant square has been the center of Cusco life since long before the Spanish arrived in 1534. During the Inca Empire, this swamp was dried up and transformed into the administrative, religious and cultural center of the imperial capital. It was the place where all kinds of ceremonies were held and the victories of the Inca army were celebrated. After the Spanish conquest, it was transformed into a plaza (square) by the new rulers, who built Catholic temples and mansions on the ruins of the ancient Inca palaces. Today, the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by tourist restaurants, jewelry stores, travel agencies and the same Catholic churches built during the colonial period. I sat on a bench, watching as locals and tourists alike strolled through the square, soaking in the atmosphere. The square is surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, with the cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús standing as imposing reminders of the city's past.


Discover the vibrant spirit of Cusco at the Plaza Mayor, a cultural hub surrounded by historic architecture and local Peruvian delights.

The Plaza de Armas has always been the main public space of the town since before its Spanish foundation. In this square, Túpac Amaru II was executed in 1781 as well as the cacique Bernardo Tambohuacso, Mateo Pumacahua and several other heroes of the independence of Peru. Geological studies carried out in the area show that it originally had a swamp, crossed by the Saphy River (currently channeled and covered).

For lunch, I ventured to El Jardin - Healthy Food And Coffee, a charming spot known for its fresh, wholesome dishes. I opted for the Andean pasta, a flavorful vegetarian dish that was both satisfying and nourishing. The restaurant had great service with a lot of vegan options. The service folks were very kind. The menu is pretty big and all is labeled really well. The coffee was delicious and even a coffee chilcano. The restaurant began as a dream of two brothers passionate about healthy and organic food. After traveling and experimenting with different styles of cooking, they decided to open El Jardin in the beautiful city of Cusco. It was a perfect way to refuel before continuing my exploration. El Jardin opened its doors in the historic Plaza de Armas on December 29, 2022.


Discover healthy vegetarian cuisine at El Jardin in Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas - where flavor meets wellness.

In the afternoon, I decided to indulge in some retail therapy at the Handicraft Center Cusco. Located on El Sol Avenue, this bustling market is a treasure trove of local crafts, from intricately woven textiles to colorful ceramics and jewelry. The Handicraft Center Cusco is the largest craft market in Cusco. At Handicraft Center, visitors can explore a vast array of high-quality products ranging from Andean jewelry, intricately woven textiles, and alpaca wool clothing to colorful pottery, handmade fabrics, and unique silver and gold jewelry. Each item reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, offered at prices that appeal to a variety of budgets. The works exhibited are mostly Inca-inspired, as well as colonial replica paintings or a mixture of both. For the elaboration of the products they offer, alpaca wool is used, natural dyes and these are handmade with traditional techniques passed from generation to generation. I wandered through the stalls, admiring the skill and artistry of the local artisans, and picked up a few souvenirs to bring back home to James and Eglė.


Explore the Handicraft Center Cusco for authentic Peruvian crafts and unique souvenirs that reflect the rich culture and artistry of the Andean region.

As evening approached, I made my way to Limo, a renowned restaurant overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Known for its Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, Limo offered a unique culinary experience. I started with a classic Pisco Sour, the perfect way to toast my first day in Peru. For my meal, I chose the grilled alpaca, a tender and flavorful dish that was a true delight. Limo is known for its excellent cocktails and it is difficult to decide which to choose from the long cocktail menu of mainly pisco inspired drinks. Limo's kitchen is a reflection of the rich gourmet tradition currently on trend in Peru making this restaurant one of the best in Cusco. Limo ticks all the boxes and on balance is very good value for what you get. You will certainly pay less than you would expect for similar levels of culinary luxury in the UK, USA or Australia. Its location, close to all of Cusco's luxury hotels and overlooking the incomparable Plaza de Armas is unbeatable; the views of the colourful square, the elegant colonial arcades and the baroque façade of Cusco's vast Jesuit church are stunning by day or night. Limo is one of seven restaurants forming the 'Cusco Restaurants' group and is situated right on the plaza, but as it's on the second floor, it is slightly removed from the chaos, with a gorgeous view.


Discover the essence of Peru at Limo Restaurant in Cusco – where tradition meets innovation in every delicious dish.

Finally, for dinner, I decided to treat myself to Chicha por Gaston Acurio, eager to taste the creations of Peru's most celebrated chef. The restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Peruvian dishes, and I was not disappointed. I savored every bite, appreciating the innovative flavors and artful presentation. Chicha's reasonably priced menu, pleasant ambiance and excellent food make it a popular choice for visitors to Cusco and an accessible way to experience the magic of the famed Gaston Acurio brand. Gastón Acurio is the most famous Chef and Restaurateur in Peru. Eating here is difficult, as it is always full. It is recommended to reserve a table in advance to enjoy this Peruvian kitchen. There are traditional Peruvian dishes in addition to fusion plates.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Chicha por Gaston Acurio in Cusco's vibrant Plaza Regocijo.

As I walked back to my hotel, my mind was filled with the day's experiences. Cusco had captivated me with its blend of ancient history and modern culture. The city is a living museum, where every street corner tells a story and every building holds a secret. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this remarkable place, and I knew that my journey had only just begun.

Tomorrow, I plan to explore Saqsaywaman, Q'enco Archaeological Complex, and Tambomachay. I'm particularly excited to see Saqsaywaman, with its massive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It promises to be another day filled with discovery and wonder.

For now, though, I'll rest and dream of the adventures to come. Goodnight from Cusco!