The city of Cuzco is built in a very rugged situation, and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It stands on the banks of two streams, one of which flows through it, and there are buildings on both sides. To the eastward there is a valley, which commences at the city itself, so that the waters of the streams which pass by the city flow to the east. This valley is very cold, and there are no trees which yield fruit, except a few molles. On the north side of the city, on the highest and nearest mountain, there is a fortress which, for its strength and grandeur, was and still is an excellent edifice, although now most of it is in ruins. The massive foundations, however, with the principal blocks of stone, are still standing.

To the north and east of Cuzco are the provinces of Antisuyu, which contain the dense forests of the Andes, and also those of Chincha-suyu, extending towards Quito. To the south are the provinces of the Collao and of Cunti-suyu, of which, the Collao is between the east and south winds, and Cunti-suyu between the south and west.

One part of this city was called Hanan-Cuzco, and another Hurin-Cuzco, where the most noble and ancient families lived. Another division was the hill of Carmenca, where there were certain small towers for observing the movements of the sun, which the people venerated.