The Cusco Planetarium (planetariumcusco.com; adult/child A85/60) is an excellent way to explore the fascinating Inca cosmovision. They defined constellations of darkness as well as light, used astronomy to predict weather patterns, and designed Cusco’s main streets to align with constellations at key moments.
As day turns to night, board a van that winds out of the center to a seminar space opposite Sacsaywamán. Under the domed ceiling of the planetarium, learn about "the cosmic river of the heavens," then try spotting the Southern Cross and difference between stellar and dark constellations outside through high-powered telescopes with your English or Spanish group.
Reservations are essential; price varies with group size, and includes pickup and drop-off. The planetarium van picks up visitors nightly at 5:30pm from Plaza Regocijo.
The experience is fast-paced, intimate and convivial as the stars bring together individuals and groups as they did in Viracocha’s era.
