According to local lore Cusco city is said to be laid out in the shape of a puma crouched over the Saphi river. And its streets denote its body parts. For example: Pumakurko street stands for the “Puma’s Spinal Column”, and the head is supposed to be located in Sacsayhuaman or “speckled head”!
Furthering that myth, (rather shiny) brass plaques embedded on the pavements indicate one’s location and orientation in reference to the Puma.
Standing in the Plaza de Armas we were at the belly of the Puma, and the arrows pointed ‘Chincaysuyo‘ (Northwest), ‘Qollasuyo‘ (Southeast), ‘Kuntisuyo‘ (southwest) and ‘Antisuyo‘ (Northeast)!
For the directionally challenged, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman would be ‘Chincaysuyo‘ of the plaza:)
Until next time……..happy travels, no matter where life takes you!
The Urge To Wander 
I remember this post :D. Loving the header 🙂
Cool signs !
hi Madhu,
I would not like to meet a Puma crossing my path …
Neither would I Frizz, but that’s quite unlikely here in this beautiful town 🙂
One of the most interesting signs I have ever seen :). I love the banner of Cusco too!
The banner is the Korikancha Sun Temple in Cusco. Just noticed your new B&W Gravatar! Cool 🙂
Ah that one was here before ;). Thank you Madhu. I don’t think this B&W thing is permanent on my blog, but it has been fun. I have two more pics that you missed this weekend due to your backlog 😉 – but no rush 😀
Very informative and unique post. Thanks for posting.
Thank you Isadora.
Thank you for the link to the humorous signs from Ireland. I loved yours as well.
The only ones that come to mind for me was the Burma Shave signs that used to be posted along the road. It was always fun reading them when we were on long drives.
Thank YOU for reading Judy 🙂
Oh how much fun, Madhu, I would love to live in a city shaped like a Puma. Wonderfully informative post, thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
Rather belated response Ailsa, but thank you so much 🙂
Do you know how long it would take me to figure this out? My kids would spot the puma-shape right away and I’d still be walking in circles.
Seems like we have a lot in common 🙂 But that Puma shape might be a bit of a stretch!
Interesting post… 😉
Thank you Ledrake 🙂
That’s pretty cool and original. Thanks for sharing Madhu!
Isn’t it? Glad you liked it TBM 🙂
Fantastic entry, Madhyu. I love the idea of the city fathers sitting around the council chambers one hot, sultry afternoon, going over artists’ renderings of their puma inspired direction motifs – such determination to keep the myth in people’s lives, adding another layer to the aeons old culture of this great city. 🙂
Thanks TWLG. Countries dependent on tourism will go to great lengths to perpetuate their myths and legends! But I am a sucker for these legends so I guess it is a win win situation all round 🙂
Madhu…What a unique and efficient way to give directions! (I’m always looking down anyway…so I don’t trip over my feet!) Thanks for giving the background information too! I love stories like this!
I was totally fascinated by these signs Judy. Glad you liked them too 🙂
This is great Madhu…what an interesting place. First the shape then the legend
Glad you like it Jo 🙂
Fascinating and unique Madhu, and a great share 🙂
Thanks Gilly 🙂
Nice post.
Thank you Judy 🙂
really enjoyed the story behind the sign
Happy you did…..thank you C&C 🙂
Great theme choice and wonderful description.
Thank you LuAnn!
Fascinating! Why did I hire a Peru guide when I can just go to you? 😉
Thank you Zoe, would have loved to come along 🙂
Signs that brings a sense of excitement. Cool post!
Thank you Island traveler 🙂
That is really interesting and fascinating! Perfect example! Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for reading Fergie 🙂
Knowing the local lore always lends to the trip. This is a great entry.
Thank you Angeline 🙂
perfect choice for this theme! z
Thank you Lisa 🙂
Interesting Madhu! I’ve never seen a city plan in the shape of a puma!
Bit of a stretch really, you would spot it if you stared long enough 😀 Perhaps the Pre-Columbine city did resemble a Puma!