Review: Cusco, Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, & Quenqo – What to Know

So, you’re thinking of taking a look at Cusco, and its really breathtaking places like Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, and Quenqo, right? It’s almost as if stepping back in time is easy to do in this region of Peru, which is very well packed with Inca history and beautiful views, too it’s something you won’t want to miss, really. What I can do, is give you what I think of each spot to, arguably help make your travel planning just a little easier.

Qoricancha: The Golden Temple

Visiting Qoricancha is that feeling of like, seeing just how Inca and Spanish cultures came together is something. At one time, there was, arguably a really super significant temple just very well covered in gold, it’s really like the heart of Cusco. Then, the Spanish came and, naturally built the Convent of Santo Domingo right on top of it. Actually seeing those Inca walls against the Spanish architecture? Well, that’s actually pretty wild, it is. Walking right through it is very well worth it, I am saying that just to get that sense of the past and, well, the stories those stones just do hold, that’s very true.

You, very, just kind of walk around and, sort of, just gaze at these perfectly made stone walls. I think to myself, these stones have been here a very long time and have been through so much. Some rooms even had a little bit of gold to view. Very, well worth it in my book, right?

Things to note at Qoricancha

So, when visiting Qoricancha, bear these things in mind:

Entrance Fee: You know, you do have to get a ticket, of course. It is actually included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), it is.
Best Time to Visit: You almost would like to get there pretty early, you almost have to if you don’t want to see way too many people in your field of vision. That, too it’s arguably more peaceful.
Photography: You cannot take pictures in doors so just a heads up! Very not great.

Saqsayhuaman: The Majestic Fortress

Saqsayhuaman is a pretty big name to try to spell, first off, that is, too it is one of the most stunning sites around Cusco, really. Perched right above the city, and it does boast the biggest stones you are ever likely to see used in construction. Those stones, actually, they just fit together so precisely, right? Very super incredible that they could achieve that way back then, it is. Arguably, there are also really beautiful views of Cusco that you will get. When you’re standing there, just imagine, it was the stage for really pretty important Inca battles; is that cool or what?

Just walking around and very gawking at the scale of everything just takes your breath away. So, I like to walk on the stones when, arguably, no one is watching, right? Very fun. You see people that wear the local wear as well as alpacas that you can get pictures with. But it very will cost you, actually!

Tips for Visiting Saqsayhuaman

So, if you plan on seeing this really wonderful spot, actually do this:

How to Get There: Actually, you could just take a taxi from Cusco’s main square; right it’s pretty quick, very! Another option is actually walking, just get ready for that steep climb up the hill, it’s tiring!
What to Wear: Really, wear shoes that have grips to them that have a bit of stability! The stones can be slightly slick and, I feel you want to twist an ankle when you’re taking a trip!
Altitude: Very stay well hydrated and possibly take it easy at the start, the elevation will take your breath away from you so watch it!

Quenqo: The Spiritual Rock Formation

Quenqo, is pretty interesting compared to Qoricancha and Saqsayhuaman, right, this place feels arguably super spiritual, it’s true. Quenqo is that complex, and it’s almost famous for its carved rock formations as well as those underground chambers that very make you think just what ceremonies and events took place there, right? I felt that it was also a little bit of a maze, it’s all so unique in its structure too it’s that different, arguably. Really, I wonder, right, about that Inca ingenuity as well as the relationship that they did have with nature is that important?

Things to see and do at Quenqo

The Amphitheater: It’s almost as if that’s this sort of semi-circular spot, and it does give that idea that you are viewing where public events took place, right? The mystery is, were they just events or did something else occur there? It is that thought provoking.
The Underground Chamber: If you, in fact, could do a slight squeeze right through some rocks, actually, you get the privilege of checking out some underground chambers. Be mindful of very slippery rock and it’s very tight, by the way.

Making the Most of Your Trip: Practical Advice

So, planning can do so much in taking a pretty stressful day and actually turn it into a good memory. If you do have the opportunity to plan just a little ahead for the attractions, so, actually I highly recommend this! Cusco, as well as the places surrounding it are rich in history and great photo moments. It, too it’s what people will tell you stories of when you see them back home after a good vacation!

Planning Your Visit

Acclimatization: The city has an elevation that’s over 11,000 feet. Take time for this before, too it’s one you don’t want to avoid, that’s right! I think to get very ill and start the runs, you can argue this is a problem to just walk around to enjoy it at a slower speed. The best would be just to spend a very day or two there and really, just get well adjusted!
Book in Advance: Booking accommodations can sometimes depend on when you go! There are busier seasons so it’s not always great to bank on them having openings if it’s coming close to the date you want to visit! Also for guides too it is so if you do want one, it is actually best to have one lined up that fits with the budget that you actually may have, you know!
Hire a Guide: By hiring a guide actually you can enrich a tour in these locations that actually go pretty deeply in history, so I would suggest looking to actually possibly have one ready! Having a knowledgeable person that does give that very right background and those very interesting antidotes can very well improve a site visit in person that very book smart will very likely not provide, actually.

Respecting Local Customs

Getting to do a spot like Cusco is pretty wonderful and while there do respect very local culture, right. Be sure to ask, if it’s almost your thing, about being ethical as well as having considerations that are right by respecting all the locals who work and live very nearby at each attraction! A thing, of course, to very bear in mind!

Overall, I do consider these attractions really worth looking at if you very just want some places to go see. So that you have history as well as a feel to view just very stunning ancient stone. Take from what you want when booking the day! Hopefully I have shown you very much as possible about visiting this, so! Happy adventuring!