Peru – Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo?

It is one of the questions that causes great confusion for the people that arrive to the city because when you read English texts or guides, they use Cuzco (with Z); however, when you arrive in the city, you’ll notice that the sign says: Welcome to Cusco (with S).

The original Quechua word “Qosqo” descends from an indigenous word meaning “navel of the world” or “center of the universe”. After the Spanish invasion, the name was transformed into Cuzco, word that according to the Spanish language dictionary means “hypocrite” and “small dog”. This was a way to minimize the name of the city. Later the name was changed into Cusco.

The word Cusco (with S) is preferred in the Spanish language and is the official spelling used by all government offices. The locals prefer writing Cusco (with S) and often use the Quechua Qosqo for the pronunciation.