Cusco, an ancient city and one of the destinations that you cannot miss for its impressive architecture, culture, landscapes, traditions and more, and what better way to get to know it than with us OKI DOKI, the travel agency that will make you live the best experience visiting the most impressive places that Cusco can offer you. Now we will tell you some curious facts that you cannot miss about the impressive Inca city “Cusco” and we will tell you the most surprising and mysterious ones in one of our routes that we have for you 🫵
Also known as Cuzco or Qosqo, this city is considered the archaeological capital of America. It was the heart of the Inca Empire, which saw it as the “Navel of the world.” Vital center of the ancient Tahuantinsuyo, today it is the most visited city in Peru, standing out for its impressive architectural and spiritual wealth.
Quechua, the original language of the Incas, continues to be spoken in Cusco and its nearby areas. It is one of the most widespread indigenous languages in South America. Several words in Quechua have been integrated into the Spanish of Peru, and learning some expressions can improve your experience when exploring the region and having a pleasant moment with the citizens since many of us continue to speak it or say phrases like this one, which is the most beautiful for me, “tupananchis cama” which means (see you later). This phrase reminds us that for us there is never a definitive goodbye, but rather a see you later, because at some point we will meet again.
The hierarchy within Andean religious specialists is complex and deeply tied to the spirituality of each individual and their ability to communicate with the apus and other entities. Below are the main types of religious specialists in the Andean region:
One of the most fascinating and curious aspects of the city of Cusco is the shape of its ancient structure on the map. The capital of the Inca Empire was designed in the shape of a reclining puma, an animal that had mythical and sacred meaning, not only for the Incas, but also for other pre-Columbian cultures. The main institutions of the city were located in the key parts of the puma, such as its head, heart and genitals, according to the functions that each one had to perform.
The Pucará bulls are symbols of prosperity, protection and fertility for those who live in the homes that display them. They represent the Andean cultural identity and, therefore, many families place them at the top of their houses, either on the roofs or as decorations inside the home. Its presence is associated with guarding the home, blessing marriages, and protecting loved ones.
Coca tea is an ancient infusion that is consumed both as a stimulant and to relieve soroche or altitude sickness, without being harmful or toxic. Various indigenous communities in the Andean regions have used this drink for medicinal, healing and ceremonial purposes throughout history.
Today, Cusco continues to be one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide, known for its impressive architectural and cultural riches. From the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuamán and Machu Picchu to the beautiful temples and colonial palaces that embellish its cobblestone streets, the city is full of history, art and tradition. The unique mix of Inca and Spanish architecture gives Cusco a special attraction that captivates tourists from all corners of the planet.
The historic center of Cusco is home to seven streets whose names begin with the number 7. According to several historians, this number has a symbolic and mysterious value in Andean culture, as well as in other important civilizations in the world. The streets are: seven masks, seven windows, seven quarters, seven little devils, seven little angels, seven snakes and seven little sheep. Each of them has a fascinating historical significance. For example, in the street of the seven snakes, in times past, it was common to find these reptiles.
