Why is Cusco considered the navel of the world?
Hello travelers, today we will talk about why Cusco is internationally known as the navel of the world.
The city of Cusco, considered the navel of the world, historical capital of Peru and capital of the ancient Inca empire or Tawantinsuyo. The civilization that dominated much of South America before the arrival of the Spanish. Recognized for its advanced architecture, agriculture and communication systems, and where it was the epicenter of it all.
Meaning of the term
Cusco comes from the word Qosqo, meaning center or navel, so it is known as Cusco navel of the world. For the Incas, the city of Cusco was the center of the universe.
According to Inca mythology, the world below (Uku pacha) converged with the visible world (Kay pacha) and the upper world (Hanan pacha); considered the center of the universe. They gave it the name of Navel of the World; where the Incas paid tribute to their gods such as the Sun, Water, Moon, Earth.
This city was one of the most important cities and the most appreciated by the Incas, due to the great territorial wealth it possessed. That is why beautiful and attractive archaeological monuments were built there, such as Machu Picchu and the great Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic mountains, which reinforces its central position.
Cusco Synonym of Living Culture
The city of Cusco is called “navel of the world” due to its historical and geographical importance in the Inca civilization. Considered the center of the empire, and its name in Quechua, “Qosqo”, means just that. A city that breathes history in each of its cobblestone streets, where the past meets the present in a surprising way.
Walking through the streets of Cusco is like taking a trip back in time. The perfectly preserved colonial buildings are mixed with pre-Inca structures, creating a unique atmosphere that transports you to the time of the Incas.
It is incredible to see how two cultures, Inca and Spanish, merged and as a result this mystical, energizing and revitalizing city was born.
It is the most visited city in Peru, due to the wide variety of its tourist attractions among which stands out the wonder of the world Machu Picchu.
Today it is not only a living museum, but also a city that has managed to combine its past with the present. Its streets full of craft stores, restaurants offering delicious Peruvian food, traditional dishes offered by Cusco, navel of the world.
Cuzco also keeps cultural traditions alive. The Quechua language, spoken by the Incas, is part of the daily life of many inhabitants of the region. Attending a Quechua ceremony is a unique experience that will connect you with the authenticity of the local culture.
Unique and Impressive Destination
Cusco has a variety of climates and landscapes, located in the transition zone between the temperate and icy zones. So any time of the year is good to visit, as it has a constant dry climate throughout the year. Year: sunny day and cold night. The rainy season is from December to March.
Its tourist attractions, undoubtedly the most fascinating city in the Andes. Its Colonial architecture combines with the majestic stone foundations of the Inca buildings.
In the Cusco region there are impressive tourist attractions and an impressive citadel.
And a city that opens up to spectacular streets and traditional neighborhoods. They make your experience the most impressive and unforgettable in the Imperial city of Cusco.
Considered an urban center that in Inca times was the administrative center of the Inca Pachauteq, who was the ninth Inca.
It means ‘navel’ or ‘meeting point’ of the Inca empire, located in southern Peru, in the valley of the Huatanay river. Network of roads to the four “suyos”, the four regions of the then Inca Empire.
Cultural Events
Cusco today is synonymous with history, multiculturalism and tourism. Considered the archaeological capital of the Americas (declared in 1933) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1938.
The main monuments are Koricancha, the Convent of La Merced, San Blas and the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Additionally, in Cusco there are also tourist attractions that captivate all visitors. Machu Picchu, the mountain of the 7 colors, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Choquequirao.