From the 100 Facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu- Fact #11

By Catharine Hamm Los Angeles Times travel editor

11. Among the problems AMS can cause (if you're coming from sea-level California, be aware of this): headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue and/or nausea or vomiting. Consult a doctor before you go if you think you may have a problem. Symptoms usually disappear in four days, but in some cases, AMS may be fatal.

The best remedy for altitude sickness is to go to a lower elevation.  Cusco is at 11,200 feet elevation while the Sacred Valley is at a lower elevation.  Ollantaytambo for example is at 9,160 feet above sea level and Machu Picchu is at 7,970 foot elevation.  For many travelers spending the first night in Cusco then descending to the Sacred Valley and spending the night there before heading to Machu Picchu will help make the trip more enjoyable.

From the 100 Facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu- Fact #10

By Catharine Hamm Los Angeles Times travel editor

10. At 11,150 feet,  Cuzco requires acclimation. Some people develop altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, or AMS.

Typically when you arrive in Cusco you have the morning free to acclimatize and your tour begins in the afternoon.  A few hours of relaxing at altitude often helps lessen the effects.  If you are planning to do the Inca Trail or other trek in the Cusco area we recommend a minimum of 2 days in Cusco prior to your trek to acclimatize before starting the trek, however 3 or 4 days is better.  Quito is at 9,600 feet and if you have been in and around Quito just prior to arriving Cusco it will help shorten your acclimatization time.

From 100 facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu - Fact #8

By Catharine Hamm Los Angeles Times travel editor

8. Legend has it that Manco Capac, the son of the sun god, and Mama Ocllo, daughter of the moon, established the seat of what would become an empire at Cuzco in the 11th or 12th century.

There are many versions of to the legend of the creation.  According to one legend, the first Inca was Manco Capac and he was created by the Viracocha who was the creator, and the sun god Inti. Manco emerged from his brothers and sisters from three caves in a hill called Tambo Tocco.

This spot was about 33 kilometers from Cuzco. The central cave was named Capac Tocco, and it was bordered by two other caves named Maris Tocco and Sutic Tocco. There were eight brothers and sisters who were the founders of the Inca dynasty and the men were called Ayar and the women were called Mama. Ayar Manco was chosen as the leader and was then called Manco Capac. His mission was to lead his brothers and sisters to a promised land to settle.

The golden staff he had would be used to find the promised land. The ideal land to settle in would be where the golden staff sank into the soil. After reaching many destinations, they finally took control of the people of Cuzco and settled there. From there on, a series of events occurred and all of his brothers were killed until just Manco was left with his sisters. He had a son named Sinchi Roca who was to be the next king. Therefore, Manco became the sole ancestor from which all Inca royalty traced their lineage.

From 100 facts for 100 years of Machu Picchu #6

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor
 
6. Because the Incas had no written language system (or one that we have yet figured out), the spellings of original words vary widely. Inca, for example, may be spelled Inka, Ygna or Inga.

Many of the cities in Peru have multiple spellings as well frequently the difference is whether to use a "s" or a "z" as seen in both Cusco or Cuzco and Nasca or Nazca.  In each case, both spellings are considered correct.