Location: The department of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru.
Superficial area: 71,891km2.
Capital: Cusco, Archaeological Capital of America.
Altitud: 3,350 M.S.N.L.
Climate: Moderate

In the high areas, the nights are cold and the days mild. There are two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from November to March; the dry season is from April to October. The average temperature is 11°C (52° F)

Customs and feasts : In Cuzco are many feasts thanks to the catholic devotion of its people and its history. One of the most important is the “Inti Raymi” (June 24th), this festivity is an Inca ritual to worship the sun, the main god of the Incas. Another important celebration is the “Qollur riti” (Lord of the snow), this is a catholic pilgrimage at the end of May (dates vary). Some people there hike a snow-capped mountain with huge blocks of ice on their backs as penitence. The feast of Virgen del Carmen (July 15th - 17th) is another catholic festivity celebrated in Paucartambo town with a procession accompanied by many musical ensembles and masked dancers.

Activities:
The most famous trek in Peru and South America is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which has three alternatives. The longest one takes 8 days and 7 nights, it's very hard and high. The most popular is the one of 4 days and 3 nights, in this one you pass through many Inca ruins and see different kinds of sceneries (Andean and tropical landscapes). And finally, the shortest one is only 2 days and 1 night, it's easy but it has also its magic, the trail goes next to a beautiful waterfall and some ruins. All three finish in an impressive way in the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Honors

In 1933, the Congress of Americanists met in La Plata, Argentina and declared the city as the Archeological Capital of the Americas.

In 1978, the 7th Convention of Mayors of Great World Cities met in Milan, Italy and declared Cusco a Cultural Heritage of the World.

In 1983, UNESCO, in Paris, France declared the city a World Heritage Site. The Peruvian government declared it the Tourism Capital of Peru and Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation designated Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, following a worldwide poll

Access routes:
By land: The road from Arequipa to Puno (1659 KM) is paved; the shortest route is Arequipa-Tintaya-Cusco, and takes 7 hours.
By air : There are daily domestic flights to Cusco from Lima and others cities, as well as international flights. The airport is less than 2 miles from downtown, and there is bus and taxi trip; available.