Cusco is a historic city in southeastern Peru, located in the Andes Mountains at approximately 11,152 feet above sea level. It was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The city contains archaeological remains and nearby Inca ruins.

Cusco is the most visited city in Peru, serving as the primary departure point for tourists heading to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its population is around 430,000 people. Cusco’s economy relies heavily on tourism, but also includes agriculture, textile production, and handicrafts. The city also has a major international airport.

Cusco’s high-altitude location gives it a subtropical highland climate with two main seasons. The dry season, from May to September, brings clear blue skies and strong sunshine during the day with cold nights, sometimes dropping below 32°F. The rainy season, from October to April, features frequent afternoon showers and cloudier skies. Daytime temperatures year-round typically range between 65°F and 70°F. The city's main plaza, Plaza de Armas, was once the ceremonial heart of the Inca Empire.