cusco 98
Cusco was the ancient capital of the Empire of Tahuantinsuyo. Of the Inca empire stretched from the Ecuador to Chile and had a population of 10 million inhabitants approximately, when the Spanish conquered the city in 1533. Cusco is situated at an altitude of 3.399 meters above the level of the sea, mild climate. Frosts are rare, even during the coldest months of June and July. In 1650, the earthquakes destroyed almost all the buildings of Cuzco. The modern city of Cuzco is connected by rail with the city of Arequipa and Lima by air and by road. Currently, on the outskirts of Cuzco are grown potatoes, maize and other cereals, and herds sheep, alpacas and llamas. Current population reaches approximately 300,000 inhabitants.