Also, during this festivity, it is possible to get one of the famous sunrises in the world, located in Tres Cruces de Oro viewpoint.  located just at the beginning o the Jungle and the end of the Andes.

DATE

Virgen del Carmen festivity is celebrated on 04 days.

July 15th

This colorful Paucartambo festival starts receiving the different groups of traditional dances like Capac Qolla, Capac Negro, Chunchus, Saq’ras, Coyacha, Siqlla, Waka waka, etc. this first day is also called “Velada”. During the night a lot of pilgrims bring candles to the temple and they start the serenade. At night the Q’ollas, Chunchus, Maqtas Dances start a ritual called CERA APACUY, which represents the purgatory. So, these dancers start running around the main Square, carrying fire torches.

The only dance that doesn’t follow the procession is The Saq’ra (represent the diamonds) because they climb to the roofs and balconies, trying to run away from Virgen del Carmen merry.

July 16th 

this is the main day from the Paucartambo festival, in the morning at 05 am starts a ritual called Aurora Mass, the Capac Q’olla and Capac Negro Dances start singing beautiful Quechua songs for Virgen del Carmen. At 10 am the Capac Q’ollas start trowing small toys and dolls to the pilgrims. In the afternoon at 03 pm approx starts the procession of Virgen del Carmen around Paucartambo Town, which is followed by the 19 traditional and colorful dances.

July 17th

 during the morning, firstly, the 19 dance troupe visit the cemetery to remember the death dancers. Subsequently, they visit Paucartambo Jail to get happiness to the prisoners. Afterward, in the afternoon Paucartambo festival continue with the last procession of Virgen del Carmen Merry who goes to Carlos III bridge for the blessing to the 04 Region of Inca Empire.

July 18th 

Finally, the Paucartambo festival ends with the Cacharpary day, which means the last day of the festival. In the morning Virgen del Carmen merry is taken to the baptistery where the children and young are blessed by the priest. To say goodbye, the dancers start singing a Sad Song in the Quechua language. During these 04 days of Festivity, you can’t see any empty places, because everybody is at the party.

PAUCARTAMBO MEANING AND LOCATION

Paucartambo in the Quechua language means the colorful groundsel. The distance since Cusco city is 110 Km/ 69 miles. It is located in the same province called  Paucartambo on the way to Manu National Park. At the Incas time, Paucartambo town is the last town before everybody is going to the jungle, located in the Oriental mountain range from the Cordillera de Los Andes.

HISTORY

Paucartambo town was part of one of the four regions from the Inca empire that was called Antisuyo, Close to the jungle.

Paucartambo festival is celebrated especially in honor of Virgen del Carmen merry. There are many versions of the Paucartambo Festival, therefore, we are going to take the most typical and what the locals explain. At the colonial times, 18 century, the Andean natives from the mountains, called Q’ollas, used to make business with the jungle natives, called chunchus. The Q’ollas used to take dehydrated potatoes (called chuño), cereals like Quinua, cheese. They interchange it with Parrot feathers, sugar cañe called in Quechua as Chancaca, fruits. Suddenly a Q’olla found a statue of a Merry in one of his bags when he was at the hostal in Paucartambo, he decided to give to the lady, the owner of the hostel.

So, she decided to give to Paucartambo Church and explain the miracle of the Merry to the priest. The Chunchu people wanted to take the merry to the jungle but the Q’ollas forbid them. That is the reason why the Q’ollas and the Chunchus make a ritual in the Paucartambo Festival, which represents a battle between both of them, always getting the victory the Q’ollas.

ANDEAN MEANING OF THE FESTIVAL OF PAUCARTAMBO

Following the Andean syncretism that we got from the oldest people, Virgen del Carmen is the protector of the gates between the worlds of the living and the dead. So, when people die, they have to cross the Yawar Mayu which means the blood river. Down there are located the Saq’ras (diamonds) who are waiting for anyone who falls off the hair bridge. Therefore, when a dead person is crossing this bridge, they have to be escorted by a little dog wich represents protection. Finally, Virgen del Carmen permits to get the souls to the death world.

TRES CRUCES DE ORO SUNRISE

The Paucartambo festival is not just the only attraction around this area, during July month it is possible to delight one of the best sunrise in the world, located in Tres Cruces de Oro Viewpoint. This sunrise point is located 45 km away from Paucartambo town which takes 02-hour driving approx. Therefore, you start driving toward Tres Cruces at 02 in the morning. You can take advantage of this Paucartambo festival to connect with this stunning sunrise.

Tres cruces de Oro viewpoint will be the gates to start descending toward the jungle. It is orientated to the east and some important lands, where still are leaving original native people. Once you arrive at this Breathtaking place you will delight the most incredible scene probably in your life, this magic moment is just unique. At 06 am approx starts the show with the sin rise and delight from the mountains all the low jungle, and a big blanket of clouds.

It is possible to camp here, but you have to know that during the night the temperature descends -05 degrees Celcius Approx. If you don’t have your own transport, during the Paucartambo festival there will be some public transports that you can take in direction to tres Cruces de Oro Sunrise.

HOW TO PLAN MY TRIP TO PAUCARTAMBO FESTIVAL AND TRES CRUCES SUNRISE?

Let me tell you that we can get 03 options for you to visit this outstanding Virgen del carmen festival and the sunrise.

Firstly, INCA MACHU PICCHU TOURS can offer you some great options to visit this amazing place, exploring this part of the Andes, discovering some Inca towns, archeological sites like The Chullpas of Nincamarca, that used to work as a precolonial cemetery. You can be part of one of these Traditional dances and feel part of the Paucartambo Festival. Then, we can take you to Tres Cruces de Oro Sunrise to explore this breathtaking place. You can get more information from DIRCETUR CUSCO.

Second, you can rent a car on your own and you start the journey exploring the Andes. When you arrive at the little villages on the way, local people are really gentle. Therefore you can ask them the way to get Paucartambo town, it is important that minimum you have to know a little Spanish because these people at the highlands can understand Spanish.

Third, there are a lot of public buses that take you straight to Paucartambo town. about 03 hours. Once you arrive, there you can find some basic accommodations, to visit Tres Cruces de Oro Sunrise, you have the option to take at 01 or 02 am public buses. it is important that you have to care about your things because a lot of people travel to tres Cruces de Oro as well.

FOOD

About the food,  you will find a lot of traditional and local restaurants, through all the town. There are many people who sell especially the traditional Chiriuchu ( cold pepper). which is a traditional meal especially for this kind of festivities. Also, you can find chicharron which is fry pork, the traditional soup called Chairo. You can find a few tourist restaurants here.

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Peruvian cuisine is becoming more popular every day. Thanks to the different Ecosystems and the Andes that we find in Peru, We can plant and adapt many Crops, spices, cereals, etc. Ancient Peruvians were domesticating and adapting many crops to the Altitude, taking advantage of the rich grounds from the mountains. At the same time, they were domesticating some animals like Lamas, Alpacas. Ducks, Guinea Pigs.

In colonial times, Spanish people brought many different spices, crops, and farm animals that the native Peruvians made owners of these. Specially to start creating meals That nowadays are the traditional food from Peruvian people.

Nowadays, Peruvian cuisine is a wide option for typical and traditional food. Thanks to the mountains we can split Peruvian cuisine according to the territory.

• At the Peruvian coast, we can find Seafood, Criollo Dishes. For example:

Ceviche, Causa Rellena (made with pash potato and avocado), Lomo Saltado, Guiso de Zapallo (made with Pumpkin), Spicy seafood, Arroz con Pollo ( Green rice with chicken), Aji de Gallina ( pepper cream with portions of chicken), etc.

• At the mountains or SIERRA, we can find typical dishes in the base of native crops and meet. For example:

Pachamanca (different crops, and meat, taken underground). Cuy Chaqtado (fry guinea pick). trout Ceviche. Adobo (which is like a spicy pork soup). Roasted Guinea pig. Caldo de Cabeza (which is a soup made with lamb head). Papa a la Huancaina ( boil potato with pepper cream), CHIRIUCHU, Etc.

• At the Peruvian jungle, we can get dishes in the base of the fruits, exotic animals, and bugs. For example:

Juanes ( made with rice mash, chicken, eggs). Tacacho ( Fry banana’s mashed with pork fat). Brocheta de Suri (kebabs of Suri worm) Chapo de Platano ( boiled Banana and it is squeezed). Mamacos o Domblos ( basically fry hunts)

CHIRIUCHU, TRADITIONAL FOOD

After a little information from the best of Peruvian Cuisine, we start focusing on the Traditional and typical food from Cusco Region called Chiriuchu, which is prepared especially in Corpus Chirsty Festivity nowadays. Chiriuchu is in the Quechua language which means Cold Pepper. Nowadays this main course is on the base of many portions of different food that we will talk about it.

HISTORY

There are many versions of this traditional food that dates back to the Incas time.

According to the oral Information, The Chiriuchu was born from the AYNI (it is a value that Andean people used to practice that means Reciprocity). After the Incas finished working the farmlands, all the families used to share the best food with the rest of the people. Therefore, they were creating a mix of many foods from the Andes, the Jungle, and the Coast.

According to the Andean people every crop that was coming from the soil was representing the Male site, and the rest like, Corn, seaweed, guinea pig, chicken, etc. were representing the female site.

With the arrival of Spanish people, the Inca customs were changing a lot, taking this Chiriuchu Traditional Food, especially to the Corpus Christi festivity. Nowadays Cusco people can eat Chiriuchu Peruvian Cuisine in the Catholic festivities and processions. Along the time Chiriuchu was changing and adapting many European ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

• 01 hen
• pepper
• Huacatay ( similar to cilantro)
• Seaweed
• Hotdogs
• Cheese
• Spicy Chiles
• Inca popcorn
• Pumpkin tortillas
• Roasted Guinea Pig
• dehydrated meet called Sharky

PREPARATION FROM THE CHIRIUCHU TRADITIONAL FOOD

The preparation of this magic dish from the new Peruvian cuisine starts one day before. Firstly, we start roasting the guinea pig, subsequently, we boil the Hen and the dehydrated beef in different saucepans. We need to make the Inca popcorn as well.

The same day we start preparing the Pumpkin Tortilla, the rest of the ingredients we clean them with boil water. Finally the next day we put all the food together in a big bowl.

End of Chiriuchu preparation. Therefore, Delight this delicious Peruvian Cuisine food.

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THE CHICHERIA AND PICANTERIA

Basically, this typical bar called Chicheria derives from Chicha, Which is the fermentation of the yellow Corn. This name was used since the Colonial time by the Spanish people to call every beverage that was not Wine. Since the republic times, the Chicherias in Peru used to be popular. Cheerful places where people used to meet after a hard job. At the beginning of this century, the Chicherias were losing their cultural value. So, since the last year, the minister of Culture was improving the cultural identity.

The Picanteria was born from the Chicherias, the difference between these two places is because in the Picanteria the owner gives the “Picante”. The Picante is a portion of typical food, and they add a little of hot spicy (spicy = Picante). Nowadays Picanteria is a traditional restaurant where local people from Cusco eat traditional dishes called EXTRA. Between these extras, we have Chicharrones, Chiriuchu, Grill trout, Bisteck, roasted guinea pig, etc. Likewise, the Picanteria also has Traditional Drink, the Chicha.

Chicheria and Picanteria Bars nowadays are colorful places decorated with traditional things from the region. The Chicheria bar usually works in the same kitchen where the owners prepared it. Usually, at the Chicheria you can listen typical music that is called Huayno. And sometimes some of this traditional bar raise guinea pigs in the same kitchen. People pass their time in the chicherías playing, joking, telling stories and anecdotes as well as drinking chicha.

FUNNY FACTS ABOUT THESE PLACES.

• This traditional bar usually is located in the kitchen from the families who sell the Chicha.
• Usually, you can find these places in traditional neighborhoods. Like, San Blas, San Pedro, San Cristobal neighborhoods.
• The Chicheria and Cicanteria were the inspiration for many Peruvian artists.
• The persons who sell the Chicha, usually are women.
• To recognize this traditional bar in Cusco, people show a red plastic flag out of the home.
• Some of the Chicherias have a funny game called SAPO (toads). The game consist to throw coins to the mouth of a toad located in a box.
• There are some people who play traditional instruments to bring happiness to the Chicheria.

CHICHERIA & PICANTERIA CULTURAL LEGACY FROM PERU NATION

2015 November 04 Peru Culture Ministry declared Cultural heritage to the Chicheria and Picanteria Traditional bars in Cusco Arequipa, La Libertad,  Piura, Lambayeque and Tumbes regions. It is because Chicha’s beverage became a traditional drink. Likewise, it is highlighted that Picanterías and Chicherías are cultural spaces where you can find cultural manifestations. For example, the relationship they establish with the traditional musical and literary genders of each region.

ABOUT THE CHICHA

Chicha is one of the ancient drinks in Peru. It was prepared at the Incas time for important Ceremonies and festivities. The traditional Chicha in Cusco is prepared basically with yellow Corn. The Quechua people used to call AJHA  at the Incas time. It is an onomatopoeic name because when you finish drinking any beverage you say exhale saying aaaaj.

OTHER TYPE OF CHICHAS

Nowadays we have different types of chicha made with different ingredients. Some of them will be fermentations of any crop, and some of them will be boiled to drink like the Soda. Between these Chicha drinks, we have:

CHICHA DE JORA: fermentation of yellow corn

FRUTILLADA: fermentation of Frutilla (little strawberries)

WIÑAPO: Fermentation of the black corn that only grows in the Arequipa region

MASATO: fermentation of the manioc (called yuca in Peru). It is prepared in the jungle, people chew the manioc and spit it in a bowl

CHICHA BLANCA: It is made by the light fermentation of Andean Quinoa.

CAMBRAY: it is the fermentation of sugar cane. Also prepared in the jungle.

CHICHA MORADA: the process to make this Chicha is boiling the purple corn.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND TRADITIONAL CHICHERIA AND PICANTERIAS BAR IN CUSCO CITY

INCA MACHU PICCHU TOURS can offer you some walking tours around the city showing you these stunning traditional bar.

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Pallay Poncho, Apu Taqllo, and Condor Sayana are 03 mountains located in the same area. Amazing mountains that will be the new colorful mountains alternative after Vinincuanca Rainbow Mountain. Let’s explore this amazing new place for tourism. Before we start talking about Pallay Poncho the sharp Mountain, it is important to recommend to follow the biosafety protocols for Coronavirus.

If you feel ready to discover new places after the COVID -19 Quarantine, try to add this new wonderful place located on your Machu Picchu Journey.

Along the Cusco region, we have a lot of stunning Colorful rainbow mountains Like Vinincunca, Palcoyo, and nowadays Pallay poncho.

MEANING.

In this new amazing place, actually there are 3 incredible Sharp Mountains called Apu Taqllo, Condor Sayana, Pallay Poncho. The elevation of this mountain is 4800 meters ASL.

Pallay Poncho: which means Inca written in the Poncho, The Pallay is one kind of writing that Incas used to use at pre-colonial tomes.

Apu Taqllo: Actually the highest mountain around here is the Apu Taqqllo Mountain 5000 meters ASL. Native Quechua People called Apu to refer to the spirits who live in the mountains, hence, they are the protectors of towns, nations, and people. Taqllo means sharp, nowadays we can delight that the 3 mountains are sharp.

Condor Sayana: is the mountain beside Pallay Poncho, the meaning is, where the condor stops. According to the locals from Layo District, The Condors look for any animal who is sick to hunt them.

LOCATION & ELEVATION:

This breathtaking colorful mountain is located Cusco Region, at the limit between Canas and Canchis provinces. Between Layo and Ocobamba Communities. The way to get this Colorful mountain is just following the highway toward Puno. From Cusco City will take you about 04 hours to get the beginning of the Hike. The elevation from Pallay Poncho is 4800 meter ASL 15748.03 ft ASL

HOW TO GET PALLAY PONCHO THE COLORFUL MOUNTAIN

You have to know that Pallay Poncho is a new tourist attraction that recently some explores showed it. nowadays there are some agencies that are studying the options how to get and show this new Colorful mountain. Trying to avoid overpopulation and pollution.

Therefore, at the first time if you want to visit this new place we can recommend you to rent a car on your own and start dring early in the morning. at 04 am approx toward Sicuani town. Once you pass Sicuani, after 10 minutes driving you will see a detour to the Right. That high way will take you straight to the Lake called  Langui Layo. There will be another deflection to the left just following the road until you arrive at Layo town. Since this point, you will start the Hike steep uphill. for about two hours to visit The sharp mountain Pallay Poncho. nowadays it is the nears way to get this Rainbow and sharp mountain.

If you are a Trek lover, there is an alternative Hike that starts since Ocobamba Comunity. the location of Ocobamba will be driving 25 minutes from Sicuani town, following the highway to Puno.

If you want to get more information about the tours to this new stunning colorful mountain, INCA MACHU PICCHU TOURS can help you,  because after the Sanitarian Emergency we will show it.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Snacks
• water
• Walking poles
• extra money
• First aid kit like altitude sickness medicine
• Good hiking boots
• Day backpack
• Sun hut and sunscreen
• Jacket
• Raincoat

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• Pallay Poncho colorful mountain is a new tourist attraction. Therefore, access from Cusco to the nearest town is not signalized.
• Likewise, there is not a path built, if you want to get the breathtaking views, you have to be careful because it can be pretty slippery.
• The hike is great for people who, like an adventure in Nature.
• The locals want to develop tourism in this beautiful landscapes. Hence, try not to make a lot of erosion. Try to carry all the trash that you make, even if is organic because if you throw the mountain will look dirty. Let’s show everybody that we have a lot of respect for the places that we visit.
• You can find there some families who can prepare lunch for you while you delight Pallay Poncho Colorful mountain
• You can find in Cusco city many travel agents that will offer the cheaper price, “remember that the cheaper price can result expensive”. If you have any problem with any tours, you can complain in DIRCETUR Cusco

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WHAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT THE TURQUOISE  LAKE HUMANTAY.

LOCATION AND ELEVATION:

It is located in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, and Cusco Region. At the same time, this Amazing Turquoise Lake is located at the bottom of the Majestic Glacier also called Humantay which is next to the Second Highest Glacier in the Cusco region, called SALKANTAY. These amazing mountains are located in the Cordillera of the Vilcabamba range.

Humantay lake elevation is 4,250 Meters ASL, 13,943 feet ASL. And Humantay glacier has an elevation of 5,473 meters ASL 17,956 feet ASL, however, it is not a problem to visit this amazing place.

The distance from Cusco city to this Amazing place of Humantay Lake is 120 Km, 74.5 miles. Two hours driving 95 km through the main highway to Mollepata. Afterward, 01 hours driving by the narrow road 22 km. Finally, 03 km hiking uphill toward Humantay lake.

HUMANTAY LAKE HISTORY:

The Turquoise Lake Humantay was born by the melting of the snowy mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. HUMANTAY means the head of gods, it is because Humantay Glacier is located above the jungle. People that used to make SALKANTAY TREK 05 days, they used to be the ones who visited The Turquoise Lake. However, 04 years ago this wonderful landscape became popular. nowadays there are many people who visit this Stunning Humantay Lake.

At the Pre-colonial times, Andean people used to leave different types of offerings. nowaday locals, tour guides, and spiritual people still are following this ancestral respect, leaving 3 Coca leaves offering or building the APACHETA which is a little tower built by stones. All these offerings to say thanks to Nature, Pacha Mama, and the Mountains, called in Quechua language APUS.

9 TIPS TO ENJOY HUMANTAY LAKE EXCURSION:

It is important to take into account these recommendations, otherwise, you can have a bad experience during the Humantay lake excursion:

Take Warm clothes:

If you are going for a day trip to Humantay, is recommendable to take a warm jacket and globes because up there will be chilly. Humantay Lake is located below big Glaciers.

Take sunscreen and sun hat:

it is important to carry these things, even when is cloudy you will feel burned your skin. The reason, because the elevation and the frozen together burn the skin. Especially if you have sensitive and white skin.

Sleep well:

One day before you start Humantay lake hike, you have to sleep early, because most of the Travel Agencies start this day tour at 04 am. If you are going on your own, to come back early to Cusco you have to start early as well. Therefore, you have to get energies a night before.

Take medicine for altitude sickness:

If it is your first time at this elevation, we highly recommend carrying Medicine for altitude sickness, the hike toward Humantay lake will be steep uphill. Frequently, people get nausea, headaches, vomits.

Bring snacks and wáter:

you can carry these things, but actually, nowadays local people they start selling through all the trek some snacks and water, you can find beer can as well.

 Horse:

if you are not passionate about Hikes and high elevation, you will have the best chance to avoid the hike. Local people, they hire horses through all the way, especially for the Uphill, hence, you have this amazing option. Personally we don’t recommend horse for the way down. The price for a horse just uphill will be 20 to 25 USD.

Walking sticks: they are really useful for both ways, walking sticks will help you with the weight of your backpack during the uphill. The downhill will be useful as well. Because they will help your knees.

Use good hiking shoes:

If you are rookie hiking, the sneakers are not the best shoes for this kind of hikes. Hiking shoes will avoid the slippery parts.

Carry a raincoat:

According to the season at the Mountains, is really recommendable to take your raincoat. If you don’t have it, before you start hiking you can find Platic Ponchos one use.

Important:

This Breathtaking experience toward Humantay lake you can make on your own, getting information in this Peruvian institute called IPERU. There is an entrance ticket that you have to pay in Mollepata town, which is  10 soles.

There are many travel agencies around the main square that offer chipper Humantay Lake tour. However, not all these companies are recommendable, because they can offer you the stars, in the end, the worst experience you can get. Therefore, our company Kantu Peru tours we can offer you two types of services. PRIVATE HUMANTAY TOUR  and GROUP SERVICE HUMANTAY LAKE. Our groups are not more than 18 persons. get more information with INCA MACHU PICCHU TOURS as well.

WEATHER ALONG THE YEAR

You have to know that temperature is an average in Humantay Lake, because through the Andes the weather can change so fast. it is much better to prevent instead of regret and complain

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Coca Tea

Coca tea contains high levels of vitamin A, B-2, B-6, C, and E. These nutrients may boost the immune system and increase the body’s ability to combat toxins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vitamin antioxidants may help prevent cardiovascular disease. So, what’s the downside of drinking coca tea? Here are some facts about it. It might be an option for you. If you’re looking for a natural way to get the effects of cocaine, try this alternative.

The main problem with coca tea is its reputation. In South America, it’s associated with addiction and violence. The tea can cause dependency. Although it’s legal to drink, coca is illegal. Those who consume it are often addicted to its side effects. The benefits of coca tea include a boost in energy and weight loss. It also reduces the risk of developing diabetes and altitude sickness. But the downsides are a little controversial.

Coca tea is not only illegal in the U.S. but it is also banned in some other countries. But there are still many benefits of coca. While it’s still illegal in the U.S., the chemical composition of the leaves is not known for certain. So, you need to decocainize them before you consume them. But there’s no need to worry! There are a few steps you can take to avoid any risks of using coca leaf.

Coca tea is usually made from coca leaves, which are commonly found in South America. The tea contains high levels of vitamin A, B-2, and B-6, which may have antioxidant properties. These vitamins may help strengthen the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to fight off harmful substances. And while coca leaf tea isn’t addictive, it can be very beneficial. This is the reason that so many people choose to drink this tea.

It has many health benefits. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, B-2, and B-6, which can enhance your immune system and make you feel good. They can help you relax and reduce anxiety, so drinking it isn’t dangerous. Traditionally, coca leaves are brewed in hot water and served with a layer of green leaves. It is important to note that coca tea is illegal in the United States. Hence, it must be decocainized to be sold in the U.S.

Traditionally, coca leaves are served loosely in hot water. This method of drinking the tea is considered the most effective way to consume coca. The leaves are not boiled, and they are typically available in loose form. The leaves can be removed from the water and consumed through the leaves. The indigenous people of the region chew the leaves after they are steeped in the water. The psychoactive compounds are activated through chewing.

Coca tea is a popular beverage in the South American country. The name “coca” comes from the Aymara word “khoka,” which means tree in English. This means “coca” in the Aymara language. Aymara peoples rely on the leaves to make the tea. It’s important to make sure they’re decocainated to avoid any ill-effects.

Coca tea is often a combination of lime, baking soda, and ash. Some studies have found that coca leaves can boost your immune system and increase the production of white blood cells. They can also improve your mood. Despite its high astringent content, they are safe to drink and are an excellent alternative to alcohol. Its high content of caffeine is not detrimental to the liver or kidneys, but it can cause gastrointestinal problems in some people.

Coca tea can be a dangerous substance, but there are also positive benefits. It aids in weight loss and has a wide variety of other health benefits. It can even improve your attention span and prevent altitude sickness. It is an extremely potent narcotic, and it should be used with caution. However, if you’re pregnant, you should consult your physician before drinking any caffeine-containing products. If you’re not sure about whether it’s a safe drink for you, make sure that it’s made by a local manufacturer.

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The typical dishes of Cusco carry the Andean and Spanish tradition in the preparation of their exquisite stews. It is a mixture of two trends that combine giving a delicacy of typical dishes in the Andes of Peru. The 100% Cusquenian gastronomy contributes with Peruvian ingredients such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, guinea pigs, chili peppers and various condiments such as huacatay or aji panca paste; while the Spanish gastronomy contributes with the use of meats such as mutton and pork. Likewise, the methods of boiling when elaborating meals.

In this blog we will talk about the most common typical dishes of Cusco on special occasions and/or festivals in the imperial city of Cusco, characterized for being dishes rich in protein and vitamins, such as the famous quinoa, alpaca meat, guinea pig meat, a great variety of vegetables and an infinite variety of potatoes.

The 4 most typical dishes of Cusco

Chiri uchu

The Chiri Uchu is the typical dish and flag of the city of Cusco you can find it throughout the city of Cusco especially in the feast of Corpus Christi Chiri. Uchu means cold chili or cold spicy, since this typical dish is eaten cold, according to several historians this stew dates back to the time of the Incas and the colony where strong flavors of all regions of Peru are mixed; the chiri Uchu combines ingredients from the coast, highlands and jungle of Peru is composed of seaweed, huevera, guinea pig, chicken, charqui, morcella, potatoes, corn torreja, cheese and rocoto.

El Choclo Con Queso : The delicacy of the Incas.

A perfect combination is the cholo with cheese, in other parts of the world they mix it with butter, others with mayonnaise but in Peru and especially in Cusco you will find in every corner the cholo with cheese which mixes the sweet with the salty. Peruvian corn has a particular sweetness and delicious flavor and a chewy texture that most people like.

If you are visiting Cusco, particularly the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we recommend you to taste the Choclo con queso de la chacra a la olla which has a particular sweetness. You can also find it in all the restaurants in the city of Cusco, especially between January and March, which is its season.

Baked pork or baked suckling pig

Typical dish of the Cusqueños that is normally served at important celebrations, such as baptisms, graduation parties, business openings, etc. The baked pork is served with moraya, tamala, oropesa bread and in some cases with stuffed rocoto, the suckling pig usually has to be well seasoned so it is prepared a day before and let it season overnight to have an exquisite taste and take it to the oven the next day.

Chairo

Hungry in Cusco? A chairo to kill hunger.

It is a traditional soup from Cusco, Chairo is a name of Quechua and Aymara origin that means “kind of vianda”. This typical dish was created by the farmers of Cusco to regain their strength and appease hunger after a hard day’s work in the field, so this soup is consistent, nutritious and very delicious but above all energetic, the main ingredients of this soup are: lamb meat, dried beef, potato, chuño, peas, carrots, beans, mint, oregano, parsley, cumin and salt.

Quinua Soup

In Cusco there is a great variety of dishes between main dishes and soups, most soups are made with wheat, quinoa and/or pumpkin.

Quinoa soup is one of the favorite soups for tourists when visiting Cusco and even when hiking to Machu Picchu because it is a light soup that is easily digested and contains a large amount of protein thanks to the quinoa.

Fried Trout

The traditional fried trout of the city of Cusco is made from fish, this can be river trout or sea trout.

This typical dish is consumed frying the trout and accompanying it with rice, boiled potato, yucca and uchucuta (chili) you can find it in all the restaurants in Cusco and in country restaurants that are around Cusco we can find it accompanied with sweet corn from the farm and fresh trout freshly caught as several of these restaurants have their own fish farms we are sure you will love it.

Olluquito con Charqui

The olluquito with Charqui is one of the most traditional dishes of Cusco and Peru recipes passed from generation to generation delighted with its flavor to Incas and viceroys, for its preparation has ingredients purely from the Andes Olluco and charqui are the main ingredients, the olluco is a tuber similar to the potato also known as potato smooth or simply smooth are small in size while the charqui is dehydrated meat of llama or lamb with plenty of salt.

Timpu o Puchero Cusqueño

Timpu or puchero. It is a typical dish at the time of carnivals was cooked since Inca times and was known in Quechua as Timpu (lamb food). It is a nutritious broth that takes various meats, vegetables, legumes and more, is now known in Spain and much of Latin America, however the difference of Puchero cusqueño lies mainly in the way it is served as in Cusco is served dry meat with vegetables, legumes, etc. and apart the broth.

Baked guinea pig

One of the main dishes of the highlands of Peru, especially in the city of Cusco, the guinea pig is an animal present in all the houses of the farmers of Cusco, in several occasions are dedicated to the breeding and sale of this animal because the guinea pig meat has 20% more protein than chicken or rabbit meat in addition to containing iron and very little fat.

The baked guinea pig in its preparation takes guinea pig pieces or it can be a whole guinea pig, aji panca, peanuts, corn, huairo potato, is one of the dishes that surprises more than one tourist with its unique flavor and its curious presentation.

The baked guinea pig is usually eaten in festivities or festivities of the people this dish is usually accompanied by typical drinks of the area as chicha de jora chicha morada or Cusquenian beer.

Sara Lawa or Maiz Soup

It is one of the most representative soups of the Andes, the word lawa means (cream of grains) is a delicious stew that is based on corn or ground corn from the Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most demanded dishes in cold days.

The dish has a thick consistency and is prepared with cheese, beans, yellow chili and huacatay. People eat it mostly during Holy Week, a time when the Catholic faithful abstain from eating meat out of respect for religious days.

Chicharron Cusqueño

Chicharron Cusco is one of the most sought after dishes by foreign tourists when they visit Cusco, the district that prepares par excellence the chicharron in Cusco is the district of Saylla, is just ask any local Cusco where to eat a rich local chicharron and they will name and tell you how to get to Saylla.

The chicharron is pork meat that is cooked with its own fat, that is the reason for its peculiar flavor. The dish is served with mote, french fries and creole sauce. It is worth mentioning that chicharron began to be sold around 1927 and 1928.

Adobo Cusqueño

The “Adobo Cusqueño” is a traditional Cusco dish made with pork, properly cooked in a reddish broth and spicy in medium term, so this dish is known as “levanta muertos” (hangover dish).

Generally, this traditional dish is usually prepared for festivities such as baptisms, first communion, holidays or special calendar days and is usually served with oropesa bread.

Puchero

The puchero is a traditional dish that is served during carnivals in the different cities of Peru between the months of January and February. The puchero of the city of Cusco also known as Timpu contains cabbage, carrots, peaches, lamb meat, moraya, yucca and chickpeas; it can be accompanied by a spicy chili bell pepper and of course a hearty broth of lamb meat, which helps with good digestion.

If you are in Cusco, during the carnival festival you will be able to observe and taste this delicious dish in all the districts of Cusco.

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According to history, the first Inka Manko Qhapaq ordered the building of the original temple. But, the ninth Inka Pachakuteq re-built, enlarged, improved and modernized it since 1438. Other authors named it Intiwasi, which means “House of the Sun”. Also it is named Intikancha which means “Palace of the Sun”. While its most popular name Qoricancha means “Golden Palace”. 

All the chroniclers coincide stating that the quality of the building was extraordinary, made of gray basaltic andesite stone coming from Waqoto and Rumiqolqa quarries. The walls are of “Sedimentary” or “Imperial Inka” type which is the top expression of architecture in pre-Columbian America. The walls are made of between medium to large size places of stone which outer surface is rectangular. The structure is straight horizontal and convex-shaped like the ones of the most important temples, The joints and the assembly between pieces of stone are so tight and perfectly made that they do not allow the insertion of even a “razor blade”. The cross section structure is “tied up”, with “H’ shaped bronze-clamps or clips in the inner joints which fastened together the lithic pieces avoiding harmful horizontal displacements in case of earthquakes. The walls also have a decreasing vertical structure, having the bigger pieces of stone in the lower part and decreasing in size so that the smaller ones are on the top. So, the walls are thicker in the base than on the top; with the classical inclination inward balanced with the doorways trapezoidal shape, niches and windows. Those features get the walls supported by themselves making a resistant, solid, anti-seismic structure able to resist bad earthquakes. By the way, due to the earthquake activity some Inca walls in this building show cracks. But those cracks are not a result of miss-calculation or failed technique of the Quechua architects, but a consequence of changes carried out in colonial times, the earthquakes and mainly exposition to inclement weather and erosion during after the Incas-time. According to some studies, the finely. carved stone walls had a continuation of sun-dried mud-bricks on the top making up very steep gable ends in order to enable the drainage of the rain water, on the thatched made in wood and straw “ichu” roofing. Ichu is a wild plant used very much to roof the buildings, which modest aspect was decorated for festivity days in showy multicolored rugs made of special feathers. Gasparini believes that the so often mentioned by chroniclers “gold edging” which served as a crown surrounding the whole outer upper side of the temple, served in addition, to dissemble the difference between the fine stone wall and the upper adobe wall. The floor in the open areas of the temple must have been completely and finely paved in flagstones, while the floor inside the enclosures was made of kilned clay, as a way of a solid ceramic block like the treated floors found in Machu picchu.

The temple main gate faced Northeast; almost in the same position the present-time entrance to Santo Domingo Convent has, overlooking the Intipampa (“Plaza of the Sun”) which currently occupies the small plaza in front. According to chroniclers this was a religious facility made up of temples dedicated to several deities. It had a layout very similar to that of a classical “kancha”; with enclosures around a central patio where according to Cieza de Leon, every doorway was covered in gold plates. 

The Temple of the Sun outstood from all the facility, taking the space currently the Santo Domingo Church takes. Its eastern end was completely demolished while the western one still stands partially making up what is known as the “solar round building”, which is the semicircular wall overlooking the current Arrayan street and Sol Avenue. The Temple of the Sun had its four walls and even the wooden ceiling completely covered in gold plates and planks, which according to Garcilaso’s description it must had a rectangular floor plan, with a very high wood and thatched roof for ventilation. The famous Cusquenian Chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega gives the most exact and long explanation about this place. The eastern wall of this temple must have been the facade and Main Altar, which as it is known housed a round face and rays and flames shaped in gold plate Sun God allegory. That solar symbol was so huge that it covered all the temple front. As a result of the treasures distribution among the Spaniard invaders, that golden piece corresponded by casting to Mancio Sierra de Leguisamo, an inveterate gambler who lost it playing dices. The Chronicler Sarmiento de Gamboa thinks that Pachakuteq Inka ordered a layout, so that the Sun would occupy the main place along with the Wiraqocha god allegory on its right side; and that one of Chuquiylla (it must be “Chuki Illapa” or thunder, lightning and thunderbolt) to its left side. Also on both sides of that Sun image, the “Mallki” which where the dead Inka Kings mummies or embalmed bodies were placed, according to their antiquity, in fetal position, and over litters made of solid gold. 

The Andean Cosmogony thought that the Moon or Mamakilla was the wife of the Sun, therefore the Temple of the moon was located on the eastern side of the Solar Temple. It had a rectangular floor plan with the best quality architecture. Unfortunately it was almost completely destroyed in order to build Santo Domingo Catholic Church. One of its gates is still seen on its eastern wall showing the classical trapezoidal niches, Among those niches, the horizontal dark stripe is located which is believed to be the support zone of the silver plates which wholly covered those walls. In the middle part of the temple, there was a silver Moon allegory, and on both sides of it, the embalmed bodies of the dead Qoyas or Queens were located by their antiquity fashion. 

In the eastern side of the Temple of the Moon; divided by a narrow passage with an impressive double jamb doořway which has a 14 angled stone on its outer surface, the Temple of Ch’aska and the Stars (Ch’aska = Venus star) is located. In Inca-times, stars were special deities, considered as “the maids of the moon” important for astral observation and future prediction on their relationship to weather, agriculture, prosperity, welfare, etc. Even at present time, the Andean peasants (descendants of Incas) observe the brightness of stars making up constellations in order to foresee their future. For example, almost always when some stars show very shiny it means there will be droughts during the next farming season. Three walls of the temple are almost complete, the fourth wall toward the west was destroyed during the colonial times, but it was re- built following its original features. Those re-built works sometimes are made using the original material, or other fresh material depending on the possibilities. The Temple of Venus is of a big size and it is surrounded by a wall with 25 trapezoidal niches which of the niches, the horizontal stripe which supported the silver “planks” covering this temple is located. More over, all this inclosure ceiling had star allegories of different sizes “Tike the starry sky”. This inclosure had two very high entrance gates and in the wall, between them, there are two very special trapezoidal niches showing stripe-carvings and hollows around, which Garcilaso calls “tabernacles”. One of those niches overlooks inside the temple and the other one overlooks outside, but they are placed at the same level on both wall sides. Originally, they were covered in gold plates and planks; and “… on the molding corners there were many enchasings of precious stones such as emeralds and turquoises..”. Inside the temple, close to a comer and over the stone-wall, there is a plaster coat showing murals which are a souvenir of this amazing temple colonial invasion. The rear Inka walls were used as foundations for the mud-brick colonial building which is still seen over there at the back wall. 

Across from the Stars Temple, on the other side of the current central patio, the Temple of “Illapa” or “Chuki IIlapa” is located. Illapa is a deity compounded by thunder, lightning and thunderbolt which was considered as “servant of the sun”. According to Inca Religion, Illapa was the “Storms God”, the ruler of rain, hail and snow, and the thunderbolts hurler. Its shrine was decorated in gold. It has 3 trapezoidal single-jamb doorways and its current northwestern side wall was partially re-built following its original features. This inclosure is smaller than the previously described temples, with walls showing the classical trapezoidal niches and two windows in its lateral walls. On the upper side of the front wall there are carved moldings which duty is unknown.

 To the west of Illapa sanctuary, the Temple of K’uychi (Rainbow) is located, which original size and features were similar to those before mentioned temples; but it was partially mutilated on its northwest part in order to build the Dominican Convent. The Rainbow was another important divinity in the Inca Society, because it was considered that it came from the sun, that is why the Inka Kings adopted it as their emblem because they boasted of being descendants of the Sun. That temple was completely adorned in gold and over one of its walls there was a rainbow painted over the gold plates covering the whole temple. On its eastern wall, there is a trapezoidal window located coinciding exactly in size, shape, height and level with the other two ones of the Illapa temple, creating an excellent perspective. Those three windows are leveled. 

Between the K’uychi and Illapa temples, there is an open area on which back wall there are three finely carved channels which are called “phonic channels”, because when being hit they sound “several music notes”. However, what is true is that those channels which are placed on their original ground level, were used to drain the rain water gathered in the central patio. Similar channels are found in all the facilities or buildings which did not have any roofs. 

Obviously inside the whole facility, there were several enclosures for the “Willaq Uma” or High Priest, and the other priests; as well as spaces for housing the diverse idols coming from the sumitted or incorporated nations which were housed inside the Qorikancha. The conquered people were allowed to cult their own gods in Qorikancha, and this housing was on purpose, so that if there were rebellion attempts in the conquered nations, the reprisals in Cusco were against their gods, thus the religious intimidation taking place which gave many benefits to Inkas. 

Located in the southern area there was a terracing facility which reached even as far as the edge of the channeled Saphi River, which flows underground Sol Avenue at present time. Those terraces were part of the Qoricancha solar garden which was probably the most extraordinary example of wealth found in this temple. It was a very special garden, because it contained samples of the regional flora and fauna, and even human sculptures in natural size, made of gold and silver. Early chroniclers wrote that those sculptures showed many animals, from insects to mammals; plants from small flowers to native trees; human allegories as children, men and women, and several other precious metal items by Quechua goldsmiths in this exceptional garden. Until some decades ago, it was argued that chroniclers had written many lies and fantasies about this; nevertheless, archaeological diggings carried out slowly proved it truth, as some golden plant and animal shaped artifacts were found. The magnificence, the quality, and the amount of items placed in this garden left astounded all the conquerors who saw it. Those items were collected making up part of the conquest booty, and later melted down in order to make coins or bars to make it easy its transportation to Spain. That is one of the reasons why in the Peruvian museums there are not important Inca artifacts made of precious metals. 

It is evident that Qoricancha was the richest, the most elaborated and the most dazzling temple of the Inca Society; which stored the gold and silver of its territory. Those metals arrived as offerings for the sacred city and the temple. In the Inca Society, precious metals did not have any economic value, but their main value was just religious. There were some other stuff which were even more valuable than gold and silver, For example, the colored shells or “mullu” which came from the Ecuatorian coasts; which were highly appraised because they represented the “Mamaqcocha” or “Mother Sea”. The Inka gold was extracted from diverse veins or mines, and another large part was panned in the Amazonian rivers where gold is found as dust or nuggets in the sand, Silver is abundant in the Andean Countries too. More over, in this vast facility there were 5 Water Fountains, from which flowed clean water transported through underground channels, which water- springs or sources were kept completely secret. Those water fountains had religious duties since water was another deity in the Andean Religion. In colonial times, those water fountains got dried up as a consequence of the lack of maintenance, and on-purpose of destruction. Garcilaso says that he became to see just one of them: the last one which Dominican monks used to water their garden. Since 1975, the convent and church were re-built, being performed at the same time some archaeological digging-works; which finally made possible finding one of those 5 original fountains. That found fountain is located lower, and before the “solar round building”; and water still flows through its finely carved channels. It is possible that in the future, the remains of the other fountains described by Garcilaso will be found. Until 1990 most of the Solar Garden space was covered by several buildings. The Spanish soldier Cieza de Leon wrote “, finally, it was one of the rich temples existing in the world.” In the middle of the cloister central patio, there is an eight sided fountain carved in a single andesite piece of stone, which according to some historians is of Inka manufacture. However, its shape and features are not classical in Inka stone- … masonry. Therefore, if it was carved in Inca times it must originally have had another shape which was re-shaped in colonial times. Also at present time, around the archways there is a collection of paintings representing the life of Saint Dominic Guzman painted by anonymous local Cusquenian School artists. 

After the houses and palaces distribution during the Spanish invasion, Qorikancha corresponded to Juan Pizarro who donated it to the Dominican Order represented by the first Cusco City bishop Fray Vicente Valverde, who immediately carried out the building of their church and convent over the most important Inca Temple demolishing it almost completely to adapt it to its new use. That original church was destroyed by an earthquake on March 31, 1650. The current structure was raised as well as the tower in 1780 out of baroque style under the direction of Fray Francisco Muñoz. On May 21st. 1950 another violent earthquake destroyed a large part of the convent, and church, as well as its tower leaving uncovered many Inka structures and the inner area of the “Solar Round Building”. By that time, a strong “Indigenist Movement” suggested the moving away of the church so to get back the Temple of the Sun. Pitifully the Catholic Church political power did not allow that attempt on getting back the major Tawantinsuyo sanctuary facility rests.

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Everyone who sees the photo of the color full hills on instagram, facebook or pinterest wants to see it and if you’re already in Cusco you can see a lot of posters stuck on the walls of the streets and in many hotels and hostels.

Almost all travelers who come to Cusco want to go to rainbow mountain, however they have some fear and doubts about the rainbow mountain, How’s the weather in the mountain, is it necessary to acclimatize before the tour ?, How many days do I need to acclimatize before doing rainbow mountain?, is it possible to do it on my own or I need to hire a travel agency mandatorily? , can we find toilets or shops? since they hear some people say that it was quite an odyssey to get to the top of the mountain of 7 colors, others indicating that it is necessary to bring oxygen or go on horse and other They indicate that you can get there without any problem.

So if you want to know what exactly a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco involves (and whether it’s actually worth it), learn why the mountain has become so crowded, what is the best season to travel to this mountain, what to pack for Rainbow Mountain and If you need a travel agency or you can do it on your own, save a lot of money, time and understand how to prepare for the insane Vinicunca altitude – plus appreciate some of the new realities Rainbow Mountain Cusco in 2019 – so here you can find all this information about rainbow mountain and also if you have more questions write in the final comment box I will be happy to help you ;).

Where is Rainbow Mountain in Cusco: Ausangate Trek.

Rainbow mountain is located in the Andes of Peru in the department of Cusco and province of Canchis, located between the villages of Pitumarca and Cusipata, an enigmatic and hypnotic place that is currently inhabited by alpacas, llamas and a lot of local people who live in the low areas of the mountains, a true and challenge adventure waiting for all those people who love adventure and nature.

Rainbow Mountain Day Trip from Cusco.

Currently in 2019 exist one route for rainbow mountain full day tour from cusco, the pick up time for the rainbow mountain tour begins between 3:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. some travel agencies pick up their passengers at the main square (plaza de armars) or near to the this afterwards, we go to the town of cusipata where we will take our breakfast,
Once we finish our breakfast we return to our car and continue our trip to the point of entrance to the rainbow mountain trek, where we need to pay our entrance (S / 10.00 per person),in this place we will also find toilets the cost is from s / 1.00 after we start our hikking day 50 meters beyond we can rent horses if we want the cost is arund 100 soles round trip of course you can negotiate with the horseman also if you want you can rent just one way,the route is semi-flat and there is one route that leads to the top so it is difficult to lose, If you choose to take the horse, the horse does not reach the top, reaches a stop that is 30 minutes from the top, in the top you will have about 45 minutes to take pictures, make selfies or make a funny videos 😉 once concluded our adventure in the top we return by the same route the time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes we return at the point of entrance where our car is waiting for us then we will return to the town of cusipata where we can Enjoy an exquisite lunch and then return to the city of Cusco the arrival to the city of Cusco is around 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Although some tours may leave and arrive earlier or later, the standard day trip to Rainbow Mountain will involve the following:

Hostel pick-up between 4 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Drive for two hours
Breakfast stop for 30-45 mins
Drive for 1.5 hours to Rainbow Mountain car park
Walk along trail to the mirador / viewpoint (1.5 – 2 hours)
Stay at viewpoint for 10-20 minutes
Walk trail back to tour bus (1 hour)
Drive for 1.5 hours and have a lunch stop
Drive back to Cusco.

What to Pack for Rainbow Mountain.

The biggest mistake anyone will make for Rainbow Mountain is to underestimate the altitude and its impact. If you’ve heard anyone else say how much they struggled on the walk or how terrible they felt, then it’s almost certainly because they didn’t understand or prepare correctly for altitude sickness.
The first point is what kind of dress is appropriately for Rainbow Mountain, When you leave Cusco at around 3:30 AM you want to wear a few layers, gloves, sweater, warm jacket and hat, suncream is essential due to the UV at this altitude and also plenty water.
When the bus dropped us off in the entrance of rainbow mountain You will see some people in shorts and t-shirts and maybe you thought they were crazy. However, hours later, the sun is very hard and the hikers in shorts were actually properly dressed well but always the top of the rainbow mountain is cold and you can find strong winds and some days hikers experienced snow and rain, specially in rainy season so here what I’d recommend packing:
Small Backpack

• Comfy Shoes(Hiking shoes are best).
• Warm clothes sweater if you stay days before I’m sure you bought an alpaca sweater ;), gloves, jacket just for girls alpaca clothes are the best invention ever: warm light and cheap.
• Hat and sunglasses, sunscreen – For the sun,wind and snow.
• Coca candy for the altitude – If you’re afraid of the altitude we recommended bring 1 pack of coca candy.

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