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Cusco is a fascinating historical city. If you know where to look, you’ll find many of Cusco curiosities around. Many visitors may overlook them, but if you are in the city, you better explore.
Cusco is more than the capital of the Inca Empire. It is a place where many cultures developed. And a lot of this history can get really weird. This is why we’ll walk you on this adventure. You’ll get to know a side of cusco that is kind of obscure.
No matter if you went to explore the Cusco or just waiting for your Machu Picchu journey. You should consider spending more time in Cusco. Get to know the Cusco curiosities. It is amazing that you can see outside travel packages.
For the first entry in this list of Cusco Curiosities. We have to talk about the 12-Angled Stone. This stone is a curiosity. The side is pretty famous by itself.
You can find it in the ancient street of Hatun Rumiyoc. Some minutes away from the Plaza de Armas, by foot. In the same path you’ll take to go to the famous San Blas neighborhood. The street itself is full of artisanal stores.
Hatun Rumiyc itself is one ancient street. For the way the rocks are assembled, we can deduce it was constructed at the beginning of the Inca empire. This is why you’ll see rocks in all sizes perfectly put in place along the walls.
The 12-Angled Stone is part of a Inca stone wall. It is famous for its twelve perfect angles. Each one of the angles is 90°. Like the rest of the wall, the angles fit precisely with the surrounding stones.
This insane precision is a reason for crazy speculation. Many attribute the incredible prowess of the Incas to supernatural forces. But they were masters of their crafts.
There are still some doubts about the process. Hopefully in the future we’ll know more about it.
This stone has become iconic in Cusco. Not only because it stands out visually. But with time it has become a symbol of the perfection of inca construction. And even you’ll encounter a inca guarding it.
The 12-Angled Stone is part of many Cusco curiosities. But it is a way of showcasing the grandeur of the city. Possibly, the incas did not expect the stone they used to complete a wall would become worldwide famous.
You can find many Cusco curiosities on the names of its streets. Some of the street names remark on curiosity, others tell a story, and others are just weird.
Hatun Rumiyoc’s name means “Great Stone Street.” It is home to the 12-Angled Stone. But the street is one of the most ancient in Cusco.
The construction there is full of giant stones. They were part of an ancient temple.
Another interesting street is Siete Culebras, or “Seven Snakes.” The name originates from the carved snake figures on the stone walls. These are examples of street names that are kind of descriptive.
There are some that used to make sense. For example “Plateros” In the past, in the street you could find jewelry workshops. Plata in Spanish is silver.
The plaza de Armas has different names for the sectors of the portals around it. You’ll find names like: Portal de carnes. Which translated is Portal of meats. Without context that sounds weird.
A lot of decades ago the Plaza the Armas used to be a space for commerce. In the plaza itself producers used to sell products. Such as medicinal herbs, vegetables and of course meat. To mention some Cusco Curiosities.
Some other streets have names that are really intriguing. For example, Calle Purgatorio translates to “Purgatory Street.” It is hard to pinpoint the origin of this name, but there are legends about specters and rare occurrences in this street.
Another erie street is Calle Ataud Its name can translate to Coffin street. There is a legend that says a walking coffin stalks people in the street late at night.
There are other names like Asnoqc’hutun or Suytocato. There have an ancient Inca quechua origin, but its translations are silly. Asnoch’utun means donkey’s snoot. An Suytocato means dog’s nose. Possibly there was the presence of said animal there. But now they are Cusco curiosities.
This is definitely one of the Cusco Curiosities that creates allure. This is a thing of legends, but that relies on facts. The secret Inca tunnels beneath Cusco are one of the most fascinating mysteries in the whole city.
These tunnels, known as “hincanas,” are a fascinating mystery. The origins of the tunnels date back to Inca times. They were built to connect important sites within the capital city of the Inca Empire. Or at least that is what legends say.
The tunnels pass through several famous locations. One is the Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha. Another rumor says they pass under the Cusco Cathedral. Possibly the access to these tunnels are lost to time in many locations.
Believe it or not the entrance to these tunnels is known. But the access is permanently obstructed due to security reasons. The extent of the tunnels are unknown.
But even if legends are true, many of the segments of the tunnels should have collapsed. The integrity of the tunnels will be lost due to the seismic activity of the last centuries.
Some people venture to say that these tunnels may extend to Machu Picchu. But that idea is kind of out there. There are stories and legends about secret passages in Cusco. But despite the identification of one tunnel that is unexplorable right now it is hard to say the extent.
It is possible that the Inca used these tunnels to transport gold and treasures. They may have served as escape routes for Inca nobility. It is really hard to know. That’s why it is still a tempting mystery and part of Cusco curiosities.
Cusco is also known as the navel of the world. This is because in the past it was the center of the Inca empire. But even on its extensions there are mysteries close to home. One of its most mysterious places lay there next to us.
Maybe one more of Cusco Curiosities, but at the same time an open secret. The palace known as the x zone is 20 minutes away walking from Qenqo. So it is next to one of the most important zone for visits to Cusco.
This area is surrounded by mysteries. However this zone is dangerous. Many crimes have been committed there. The terrain has a lot of possible hideouts. And at the same time there are not many people around.
For your safety if you want to visit, there are tour companies that offer tours there. They are few. Another option is to contract the services of a private guide. This will ensure your safety to a degree.
We can not ensure your safety there, so it is outside our own routes. With the clear warning. What makes the x zone so mysterious?
The X Zone is part of many Cusco curiosities to explore. But the first thing you may notice is an uneasy feeling lingering. Like said before, despite the closeness to Saqsayhuamana and Qenqo, locals avoid the zone.
In the center of the zone you’ll find rock formations. Around then you can find some inca carvings. However it is hard to determine if inca structures were there to begin with.
The rock formations are unique and puzzling. Some rocks have perfectly cut angles and smooth surfaces. But they are put randomly into natural caverns. These caverns are confusing. They are labyrinth-like and narrow.
The X Zone is not as well-known as other Inca sites. It is kind of hard to classify the site as Inca ruins. But many people feel a weird kind of energy around it. Of the many Cusco Curiosities, this is one of the most complex.
This is based on testimony alone. So it can’t be taken a s fact. But not only many people feel something strange going there. But many say that the wind stops next to the rock formations each time.
There are testimonies of paranormal activity occurring there. With people swearing they saw strange creatures or heard voices. And of course many people explain this on the basis of andean myths. Some explanations are the mukis (andean goblins) or the Uhu Pacha (The andean underworld).
As another of the many Cusco curiosities. Many practitioners of andean spirituality believe the pace is energetically charged. So it is like a sacred place. However, many people with more unhinge beliefs also believe that the place has spiritual properties.
If you go there, you may find the rest of a ritual for the mother earth next to burned crosses and pentagrams. So be aware. Many people attribute the crimes committed there to these energies. But it is really hard to separate fact from fiction.
To finish this on a positive note. We’ll present you a group of Cusco Curiosities in the middle of the city. Cusco has some colorful markets. These markets however hide some secrets and things that may take the visitor by surprise.
The San Pedro Market is the most famous in Cusco. It is located near the Plaza de Armas. Right now it is becoming a culinary destination. But it hides its secrets.
San Pedro market may be the perfect place to buy original artisanal goods. It also is a place to enjoy some good food. But outside of this you’ll encounter some Cusco curiosities. Like the health culture in Peru.
Many health conscious people go to the fruit section of the market to drink different vegetable extracts mixed with fruits. This is similar to the smoothie culture you may see in some countries. But this exists for the lower income people. And of course many people are looking for a fruity drink during the day.
But even more curiously. Outside the market, you’ll find sellers of andean medicine. If you look closely you’ll see people selling alcohol with snakes in it.
You’ll find strange concussion of plants. If you visit, just be mindful that these are cultural practices that you have to respect.
The Central Market is almost next to the San Pedro Market. But it is less visited. This is because the layout of the market is more chaotic. And it extends for streets outside of the main building of the market.
This is a place for locals to buy products of all kinds. Mainly meats, fruits, vegetables and condiments. However this place also is full of Cusco curiosities. Like the esoteric part of the market.
If you pass through the right part of the market you’ll find places where to buy things from an altar. This is a sacred part of the Cusco curiosities, so be open minded and respectful. You’ll find unborn lamb and alpaca dried and on sale. As well as many things people use in good fortune rituals.
This is a living culture. Andean tradition is alive and you can experience that.
