12:02 | Cusco (Cusco region), May. 17.
Locals attending national flag hoisting at Cusco's main square will have the chance to learn about the historic center's history and cultural heritage, as part of Kuska Purisun —a program offering free-of-charge guided tours.
The activity is promoted by Cusco's Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) and is set to begin on Sunday, May 21.
Tour guides will be deployed all over the place to take four different routes starting at main square. Attendees will be given snacks and caps during the journey.
The first route takes them to Twelve-Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoq Street, Inca Roca Palace and San Blas Square.
The second one goes through Regocijo Street, Tercentenary Square and the Colcanpata or San Cristobal neighborhood.
The third itinerary includes stops at the Coricancha Temple raised area, a mural depicted on El Sol Ave., and the Paccha de Pumaqchupan Fountain.
The fourth route passes through San Francisco Square, Santa Clara Arch, La Almudena Bridge (of colonial times) and La Almudena Cemetery in Santiago district.
Short tours include information on ancient streets, colonial-style houses and their owners, city squares, as well as the history of ancient Cusco, among other activities.
Dircetur head Napoleon Llano said guided visits are scheduled throughout the year.
It is estimated that between 1,000 and 8,000 people will attend the flag hoisting ceremony every Sunday.
(END) PHS/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/17/2017