By: Madhu
General, South America, , ,

Cusco – The City Of The Puma

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.

Puma sign

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!