The Enchanting Historic Center of Cusco

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
  [ehs-toh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har el pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dheez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs el proh-ssee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Cusco was established as the capital of the Inca Empire in the early 15th century. The Historic Center, known as the 'navel of the world' (Qosqo), was the political, religious, and cultural heart of the Incas. The Sacsayhuamán fortress, located on the outskirts, exemplified the architectural prowess of the Incas, utilizing large stones meticulously fitted together without mortar.

The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century led to the dramatic transformation of Cusco. After the fall of the Inca Empire, Spanish colonial authorities constructed churches, palaces, and plazas atop Incan foundations, blending European and indigenous architectural styles. The Cathedral of Cusco, built between 1560 and 1654, stands as a testament to this period, showcasing a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences.

During the colonial period, Cusco became a crucial economic center due to its strategic location along trade routes and its proximity to valuable silver mines in Potosí. The Historic Center thrived with the influx of wealth, leading to the construction of opulent buildings and the establishment of markets that served both locals and travelers.

The early 19th century brought the struggle for independence from Spanish rule, with Cusco playing a significant role in the movement. Following independence in 1821, the Historic Center witnessed a revival of indigenous culture and identity, with local leaders and intellectuals advocating for the preservation of Andean traditions and languages.

In the 20th century, Cusco underwent modernization while striving to maintain its historical essence. The Historic Center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, acknowledging its cultural significance and the need for preservation. This designation has fostered tourism and economic development, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining the rich tapestry of Cusco's history and culture.

The Historic Center of Cusco is easily accessible from other neighborhoods and locations. If you are coming from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service, which typically costs around 20-30 soles and takes about 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. If you are staying in neighborhoods like San Blas or the San Pedro area, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes to reach the Historic Center. For longer distances, local buses and taxis are widely available and affordable.

The Historic Center is compact and best explored on foot, allowing you to take in the rich history and architecture. Taxis are available throughout the area, and they are inexpensive; always negotiate the fare before getting in. For those who prefer cycling, some local shops rent bicycles. However, be cautious of traffic and uneven cobblestone streets. Public buses are available but can be crowded and may not be the best option for tourists unfamiliar with the routes.

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain cautious, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing can occur in markets and on public transport. Areas to avoid after dark include the outskirts of the city and certain parts of the San Jeronimo district. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for police assistance or 116 for fire emergencies. For medical emergencies, seek the nearest hospital or clinic. The main hospitals in Cusco, such as Hospital Antonio Lorena, are equipped to handle various health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting churches. Don’t wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like cuy and empanadas. Don’t refuse food or drink offered to you as it can be considered disrespectful.

To experience the Historic Center like a local, start your day with breakfast at a local market, such as San Pedro Market, where you can enjoy fresh juices and traditional dishes. Engage with local artisans in the area around the Plaza de Armas, and take time to explore lesser-known sites such as the San Blas neighborhood. Don't miss the chance to join a local festival if your visit coincides with one, as these events showcase Cusco's vibrant culture and traditions.