This is one of the oldest streets in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca civilization. Cusco's elevation is about 11,000 feet so it is the place where most people "acclimitize" to high altitudes before going to Machu Picchu - which is actually lower at 8,800 feet. If you hike the Inca Trail, you will go up to about 14,000 feet getting there. The Spaniards destroyed many of the original buildings and rebuilt on the Inca foundations. All those buildings have fallen down and been replaced many times. The foundations are still there and have withstood centuries of earthquakes. Cusco has some fascinating ruins and terraced mountains nearby.