10Cusco, Peru

Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is one of the most historically rich towns in the world. Known as the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco served as the center of culture, politics, and religion for the Incas until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

The town is a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, with ancient stone walls seamlessly integrated into the colonial-era churches and buildings. The Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuamán fortress, and Qorikancha Temple are just a few of the remarkable sites that contribute to Cusco’s UNESCO designation in 1983.

Back