13:26 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jan. 17.
Hollywood icon Robert De Niro on Thursday was awarded the Medal and Key to the City of Cusco as part of his visit to the Inca Empire's capital.
Cusco Province Mayor Victor Boluarte bestowed the honor during a special ceremony in the Imperial City.
"Thank you very much, it's been a great trip for my son and I. I've always wanted to come here, it was better than I expected.
Machu Picchu was amazing,
Cusco is amazing (...) the people are wonderful. You've been very nice and sweet. Thank you very much for your hospitality," the two-time Academy Award winner said in his speech.
The 75-year-old celebrity received other presents from local authorities when he left.
De Niro arrived in the area as part of his first tourist visit to the Andean nation.
The following day, he visited Pedro de Osma Museum located in the capital city's traditional Barranco district.
The two-time Academy Award winner reached
Machu Picchu station in the afternoon on board The Private —an exclusive train service.
Within this framework, Mayor Darwin Baca presented De Niro with a Chacana (Inca Cross) —a symbol of Andean worldview and culture.
Likewise, De Niro was asked to sign the Golden Book, in which he wrote a message addressed to the people of Machu Picchu.
Career
De Niro is best known for his Oscar-winning roles in The Godfather II and Raging Bull, to name a few.
Other celebrated films include "Taxi Driver," "Once Upon a time in America," "The Untouchables," and "Casino."
He is well-known for his gangster roles and has played conflicting, turbulent characters as well.
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Published: 1/17/2019