Qusqu

Qusqu, also spelled Qosqo, is the Quechua name for the city commonly known as Cusco. It is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a major urban center in southeastern Peru. The city sits at about 3,400 meters above sea level in the Cusco Region, near the Urubamba Valley and the Andes.

Etymology and significance: The name Qusqu is generally interpreted as “navel” or “belly button” of the world in Andean cosmology, reflecting its central position in Inca and Andean thought.

History: Founded as the Inca capital in the 13th century, Cusco developed as the empire’s political and religious heart, with extensive masonry and ceremonial structures built atop and alongside earlier sites. The Spanish conquest in 1532–1533 led to extensive colonial rebuilding; many Inca foundations remain visible in the modern city. In 1983, the Historic Centre of Cusco was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Landmarks and geography: The core contains the Plaza de Armas and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun); nearby ruins include Sacsayhuamán. The city serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, attracting travelers to Inca trails and archaeological sites.

Culture and economy: Today, Quechua and Spanish are commonly spoken. Tourism, craft markets, and cultural festivals are important to the economy. The city preserves a blend of Inca and colonial influences in architecture, cuisine, and everyday life.

Climate and accessibility: Perched high in the Andes, Qusqu experiences a cool, temperate climate with large diurnal variation. The dry season (May–October) is popular with visitors. The city is served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and various regional roads.