The legendary Huatanay Valley was populated by human settlements since early times and later housed the pre-Hispanic urban population of Q'osqo. It was the capital of the Andean state of Tawantinsuyo, an important urban, administrative, religious and military center.

In later Colonial times, it was a great urban indigenous and Hispanic center and the economic and military capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. This is the reason why it was given the name of "Very Noble, Very Loyal Head of the Kingdoms of Peru, Santiago de Cusco". In Republican times, it was the seat of the oath of independence. In the 20th century it was honored as the Archaeological Capital of South America and Cultural Treasure of Humanity. This city gave birth to the most important socio-political movements of Colonial and Republican America.

A critical historic occurrence, the royal oath of independence, took place on January 9, 1825, in the main square of the city of Cusco. The first Prefect of Peru, Agustin Gatnarra, publicly declared it before the "Senor de los Temblores" (Lord of the Earthquakes), with General Simon Bolivar and the heads of the patriot army in attendance.

Climate
The climate is generally mild, cold and dry, with an average annual temperature of ll C. The rain season runs from November to March, with light ralns at the start of the season and heavier ralns from January to March. The dry season runs from April to October. Visitors are advised to bring along warm clothing and raincoats during the ralny season.

Location
The city of Cusco is located in the Valley of the Huatanay River in Peru's southeastern Andes, in the province and department of Cusco. It is located 3,360 meters above sea level.

The huge fortress of Sacsayhuaman was built by the Incas on a hill overlooking Cuzco. During its construction, massive rocks were cut with great precision and lifted into position.In a final rebellion against the Spanish in 1536, Manco Inca raised an army estimated at over a hundred thousand and laid siege to the conquistadors in Cuzco. The vastly outnumbered Spanish managed to break out on horseback and then counterattack the Inca warriors at Sacsayhuaman. The Spanish won the battle and their victory effectively crushed the Inca empire for ever.