The geology of Cusco

The region of Cusco is located in the Andes Mountains, a mountain range that extends along South America. The Andes Mountains were formed as a result of the collision of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates more than 200 million years ago.

The geology of the Cusco region is very diverse due to its location in the Andes Mountains. Most of the geological formations are of igneous and metamorphic origin. There are several types of rocks in the region, including granite, porphyry, andesite, rhyolite, shale, sandstone, and conglomerates.

The relief of the Cusco region is very rugged, with an altitude that varies between 1,000 and 6,000 meters above sea level. The region is dominated by three large mountain ranges: the Western Cordillera, the Central Cordillera, and the Eastern Cordillera. These mountain ranges are separated by the valleys of the Apurimac, Urubamba, and Vilcanota rivers.

Flora and Fauna of Cusco

The Cusco region boasts a great variety of flora and fauna species. The flora of the region is highly diverse, with species adapted to different climates and altitudes. In the highest parts of the region, the vegetation is mainly composed of grasses, mosses, and lichens. As the altitude decreases, shrubs and small trees such as queñual and chachacomo begin to appear. In the lower areas, the vegetation is more lush, and tropical and subtropical forests with a wide range of trees and plants, such as ceiba, cedar, and palo santo, can be found.

The fauna of the region is also highly diverse, and a variety of animal species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, can be found. In the Cusco region, emblematic species such as the Andean condor, the spectacled bear, the vicuña, the guanaco, and the taruca can be observed. Additionally, there are several species of reptiles and amphibians, such as the boa constrictor and the giant Titicaca frog.

Climate

The climate in Cusco is typically mountain subtropical, with distinctive rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until March, while the dry season starts in April and lasts until October.

During the rainy season, daytime temperatures usually range from 10°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C. During the dry season, daytime temperatures can reach 25°C, while nighttime temperatures usually hover around 0°C.

It is important to note that Cusco is located at a considerable elevation, at around 3,400 meters above sea level, so temperatures can vary significantly depending on altitude. Additionally, due to its proximity to the equator, the intensity of solar radiation is high throughout the year, so it is important to take adequate precautions to protect oneself from the sun.

Customs

The official language of Cusco is Quechua; however, several indigenous languages are also spoken in the Cusco region and throughout the country. Quechua is one of the most common languages and is spoken in many towns and cities in the region. It is the native language of the ancient Incas and is still widely spoken throughout Peru, especially in rural areas.

In addition to Quechua, other indigenous languages such as Aymara and Puquina are also spoken in Cusco, but they are less common and are mainly spoken in specific areas within the region.

It is important to note that although Spanish is the language used in most commercial and governmental transactions, in many parts of Cusco, especially in rural areas, Quechua is still the predominant language in daily communication. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Cusco, it can be useful to learn some basic words and phrases in Quechua to communicate with the local population and immerse yourself more in the culture of the region.

Cusco is a city with a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its many customs and traditions. Some of the most prominent customs in Cusco include the Inti Raymi Celebration. This is one of the most important celebrations in the Cusco calendar and is celebrated every June 24th in honor of the winter solstice. It is a ceremony that symbolizes gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the harvest and the arrival of a new year.

Religious Festivities: Cusco is a deeply religious city, and many of its festivities are related to faith. Holy Week is one of the most important, with processions and ceremonies throughout the city. Other important religious festivals include the Feast of the Virgin of Carmen.

Traditional Clothing: The traditional clothing of Cusco is very colorful and distinguished by its intricate embroidery and designs. Women usually wear skirts, embroidered blouses, and hats, while men wear embroidered pants and vests, as well as typical hats.

Music and Dance: Music and dance are an integral part of Cusco’s culture. There are many music and dance groups that perform traditional dances, such as the marinera, the huayno, and the scissor dance.

Local Markets: Cusco is known for its local markets, where you can find handmade products and traditional foods. The San Pedro Market is one of the most popular, where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, and many other products.

These are just some of the many customs and traditions that can be found in Cusco. The city is rich in culture and is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the history and traditional life of the Peruvian Andes.

Among the most popular tourist attractions in Cusco are the Inka ruins of Machupicchu, the Inka citadel of Sacsayhuaman, the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, and the Cathedral of Cusco. Machupicchu, an Inka citadel on top of a mountain, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inka fortress built with huge stone blocks, is a testament to the Inka’s construction skills. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is an impressive square surrounded by historic buildings, while the Cathedral of Cusco is an imposing church built during the colonial period.

In addition to the historical sites, Cusco is also known for its natural landscapes. The Sacred Valley of the Inkas, located between Cusco and Machupicchu, is an impressive valley with Inka ruins and stunning views of the Andes mountains. Visitors can also explore the Maras Salt Mines, Moray agricultural terraces, and the Rainbow Mountain, a colorful peak in the nearby Vinicunca mountain range.

Reasons to visit Cusco:

• Machupicchu: The Inka citadel of Machupicchu is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, and it is one of the main reasons to visit Cusco.
• Sacred Valley: This valley, located between Cusco and Machupicchu, is home to impressive Inka ruins, traditional villages, and stunning natural landscapes.
• The city of Cusco: With its beautiful colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively atmosphere, the city of Cusco is a charming place to explore.
• Sacsayhuamán: This Inka archaeological complex is famous for its enormous carved stones that fit together perfectly without the use of mortar.
• Qoricancha: This Inka temple was once the most sacred place in the Inka Empire, and it is said that its walls were covered in gold and precious stones.
• Moray: This archaeological complex is known for its circular terraces, which were used by the Inkas to experiment with different crops.
• Maras: This Andean town is famous for its salt mines, which have been in use since pre-Inka times.
• Pisa’q: This Andean town is known for its craft market and its impressive archaeological complex atop a hill.
• Ollantaytambo: This Inka town is famous for its impressive archaeological complex and for being one of the starting points of the Inka Trail.
• Inka Trail: This four-day trekking route is one of the most famous hikes in the world and takes travelers through stunning Andean landscapes to Machupicchu.
• Ausangate: This 6,372 m.a.s.l mountain is considered sacred by the Inkas and is one of the most impressive mountains in the region.
• Humantay Lake: This beautiful lake is located high up in the mountains and is a popular day hike from Cusco.
• Rainbow Mountain: This impressive mountain is known for its colorful stripes and is a popular day hike from Cusco.
• Rafting on the Urubamba River: Travelers can go rafting on this river, which flows through the Sacred Valley and offers exciting Class III and IV rapids.
• Ziplining in the Sacred Valley: Travelers can fly through the beautiful Sacred Valley in an exciting ziplining experience.
• Culinary tourism: Peruvian food is famous around the world, and Cusco has a great variety of restaurants where travelers can try delicious local food.
• Chinchero: This Andean town is famous for its textiles and traditional hand-weaving techniques.
• Moray Terraces: These circular terraces were built by the Inkas to cultivate different types of plants.

Famous people who visited Machupicchu:

• Barack Obama: The former President of the United States visited Machupicchu in 2016 during a trip to Latin America.
• Charles, Prince of Wales: The Prince of Wales visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2009 during a trip to South America.
• Madonna: The famous singer visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2013 during a tourist trip.
• Ricky Martin: The famous Puerto Rican singer visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2019 and shared photos of his trip on social media.
• Mark Zuckerberg: The founder of Facebook visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2017 and shared photos of his trip on his Facebook account.
• Tom Brady: The famous American football player visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2018 during a trip with his wife Gisele Bündchen.
• Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex visited Cusco in 2018 as part of her humanitarian work with the organization World Vision.
• Jackie Kennedy: The former First Lady of the United States visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 1962 during a trip to South America.
• Antonio Banderas: The famous Spanish actor visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2019 during a tourist trip.
• Bear Grylls: The adventurer and television presenter visited Cusco and Machupicchu in 2012 during the filming of his program “Bear Grylls: Escape to the Legion.”
• In addition to Robert De Niro.
•  Zac Efron.
• Kate Moss: The famous British model visited Machupicchu in 2007.
• Jim Carrey: The famous Canadian actor visited Machupicchu in 2011 during a tourist trip.
• Cristiano Ronaldo: The famous Portuguese football player visited Machupicchu in 2012 during a vacation in Perú.
• Hugh Jackman: The Australian actor visited Machupicchu in 2017 during a trip with his family.
• Ben Stiller: The American actor visited Machupicchu in 2013 during the promotion of the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”
• Matthew McConaughey: The famous American actor visited Machupicchu in 2017 during a tourist trip.
• Sting: The famous British singer visited Machupicchu in 2011 during a trip to Perú.
• Susan Sarandon: The American actress visited Machupicchu in 2014 during a tourist trip.
• Naomi Campbell: The famous British model visited Machupicchu in 2013 during a tourist trip.
• Renée Zellweger: The American actress visited Machupicchu in 2009 during a tourist trip.