When you choose to stay in our Atoq San Blas hotel you get to enjoy being in the heart of an area rich in history and culture. This city, former capital of the inca empire, is the perfect starting point for exploring different sites, some of which are amongst the most impressive in Peru. In this post we invite you to discover some fascinating treasures located near our hotel that will allow you to submerge in the history of the region.
In the heart of Cusco, only 10 minutes walking from Atoq San Blas, you will find two architectural jewels and emblematic buildings of the city. The Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Main Square, is an impressive building from the XVI century that combines renaissance and baroque styles and is home to a beautiful art collection. Only a few steps away, also in the Main Square you will find the Church of the Company of Jesus, with a splendid baroque facade and an impressive dome, the interior has many elaborate details and an impressive altar. Cusco´s Main Square uniquely showcases two impressive churches that are symbols of the key role played by the city during the colonial period.
Approximately 20 minutes away on foot from our hotel, Sacsayhuaman is a site you can’t miss. This impressive inca fortress was built with huge stone blocks perfectly fitted with one another, it is an extraordinary sample of the high level of knowledge in architecture and design that ancient Peruvians had. Sacsayhuaman not only offers incredible views of the city of Cusco, but is also one of the main stages of the traditional celebration of Inti Raymi, an important occasion where the city celebrates the Sun, this takes place every June.
20 minutes away from our hotel by taxi, Qenqo is another archeological site that is fascinating. This complex has outstanding hallways and underground chambers that were used for ceremonies and sacred rituals. The most known monument in Qenqo is the altar carved in a massive stone, believed to have been used for sacrifices during ceremonies to honor mother earth (Pachamama). The mystic atmosphere of Qenqo offers a unique view to the religious practices of the Incas. Surrounding the site people can enjoy lovely woods for a peaceful moment.
Puka Pukara is a military defensive structure located roughly 20 minutes away from Atoq San Blas by taxi. It is part of the archeological sites circuit that surround the city of Cusco, its name means Red Fortress in quechua, and the name is related to the reddish color of the rocks used to build it. Puka Pukara offers a combination of walls, terraces and pathways that were used to keep watch on the different entrances of the city and protect the region. Visiting this site will help you better understand how the Incas defended their territories that at one point stretched all the way from today’s Ecuador to today’s northern Argentina and Chile.
Only 30 minutes by taxi from Cusco’s city center, Tambomachay is known as the “Bath of the Inca”. This site is famous for the different water fountains and irrigation channels found there, they reflect the complex knowledge former Peruvians had on hydraulic and irrigation mechanics, some of these systems are still in use today. The serenity of this area and the constant flow of water make this a memorable place to visit, one that is believed to have been a place of rest and relaxation for the former Inca elite.
Atoq San Blas is located in the city center of Cusco and near a lot of its history, offering our guests easy access to incredible sites. By staying with us, you will be able to enjoy a charming and relaxing environment as well as friendly service from our team, while being close to amazing locations and archaeological sites worth visiting.
Prepare your excursions and adventures and submerge yourself in the rich history that Cusco offers its visitors. We are here to make sure you have a great stay.
Are you ready to start planning your trip? Book your stay with us and prepare to explore the glorious past of the Incas.
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