Summary: Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, was considered by the ancient Incas as the “navel of the world.” On the top of the Incan temples that they had destroyed the Spanish built their haciendas, churches and public buildings. The Mueso Inka tells the story of the Incas and the different peoples who settled their lands before them. At the Museo Casa Concha you can prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu, the most stunning of Incan ruins, by learning about the world’s most famous archeological site and the many theories that surrounding it. In addition, you’ll see artifacts from Machu Picchu, including some recently returned to Peru from the Peabody Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts where the “discoverer” of Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham, deposited them in the 1920s. History is everywhere is Cuzco. What is now the main Plaza de Armas was the center of the Incan capital from the 12th century until time of the Spanish conquest in 1532. After you’ve visited the numerous museums, churches and Incan ruins there is no better way to past the time than to find a seat at one of the cafés that surround the plaza, sip a Pisco sour and watch the passing parade of people from all over the world. The city’s structures are literally built on the back of Incan empire and at our excellent accommodation, Inkaterra La Casona, a former “big house” where notables such as Simon Bolivar, the liberator of South America, once stayed, the Incan foundation still supports the former Spanish mansion. La Casona is one of four Inkaterra hotels in Peru—all of them several cuts above the rest—and from its location on peaceful Plaza Nazerenas, all of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance. In my latest pod cast I speak with Luisella Garmendia, the hotel’s resident manager, about the experience of living and working in a city where the past is forever present. For information on all the Inkaterra properties in Peru go to http://www.Inkaterra.com.
