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Cusco (Cuzco)

Peru / Cusco /
 city, capital city of state/province/region
The capital of the Incan Empire, before they were driven out into Machu Picchu and beyond to Vilcabamba. Taken over and rebuilt by the conquistadors. Beautiful and interesting. Impressive Inca ruins in the surrounding hills.

This is not the nearest place to stay if you're visiting Machu Picchu (which you should), but it is by far the largest city near the ruins. Consequently, it's crowded with backpackers, but only near the central tourist areas. Go a few blocks away from the central Plaza de Armas for great food at Peruvian (not tourist) prices. Nice night life.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   13°31'56"S   71°56'12"W

Comments

  • marshall19
    Technically speaking, "Inca" refers only to the ethnic group. The name of the empire was Tawantinsuyu.
  • Gutonewyork
    Ernesto, I enjoyed your English portion to the article edited above. Chris.
  • Campion (guest)
    Cuzco has almost such a rich history as Mexican Oaxaca, though both cities are quite small now.
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