Imperial Cuzco

Cusco was the capital of the great Inca culture. Due to its majesty, it has been considered the "Archaeological Capital of America" and is also considered a cultural heritage of humanity. Its name probably comes from a Quechua word Qusqu or Qosqo which means center or navel because, according to Inka mythology, the world below (Uku pacha) converged with the visible world (Kay pacha) and the upper world (Hanan pacha).

In this way, the city was and is called the navel of the world, in reference to the universe. However, no modern Quechua language contains this name associated with the aforementioned meaning.

Officially and legally "Cusco"
The ancient capital of the Inca empire is currently known as Cusco or Cuzco. It is something that causes confusion and we are going to briefly explain the origin of this difference. The word Cusco is the most used for Spanish speakers, however, for Anglo-Saxons the most used expression is Cuzco.

According to the researchers, the correct form should be Cuzco, because it is the closest thing to what the city was originally called. With the arrival of the Spaniards, the word used to refer to the city was Cuzco, so that they tried to pronounce the name of the city in that way. However, the elites in Cusco tried to suppress Spanish traces for decades, eliminating said word in 1976. In addition, in 1993 the Quechua word Qosqo (meaning navel of the world or center of the universe) was added and later it returned to its meaning. who saw Cusco as a ritual center.

For this reason, its surroundings are impressive, given the devotion they had for nature and their gods. As a conclusion, both words are accepted. The most used and accepted by the local people of that region is Cusco, however for English speakers the most used is Cuzco. The height of Cusco Peru is 3,399 meters above sea level. Next, we will describe some of the most outstanding places that you can visit on excursions in Cusco with Incas Peru:

Cuzco, officially and legally Cusco (in southern Quechua: Qusqu or Qosqo, is a city in southeastern Peru located on the eastern slope of the Andes mountain range, in the Huatanay river basin, a tributary of the Vilcanota. It is the capital of the department of Cusco and, furthermore, as declared in the Peruvian Constitution, it is the "historical capital" of the country.

The city, according to the INEI, is the seventh most populous in Peru, and in 2017 it had a population of 437,538 inhabitants. It was formerly the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty of Peru. During the colonial era, under the sovereignty of the Spanish crown, various churches, universities, palaces and baroque and neoclassical squares were built.

These constructions are the attractions that make the city the main tourist destination in the country. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1972 and a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. And it is often called, due to the large number of monuments it has, the “Rome of America”.

The Inca kings, sons of the Sun, governed a vast empire, the Tahuantinsuyo, whose center was Qosqo, which means "navel". And this city was truly the center of the empire, from which the roads leading to the four "parts of the universe" started.

Below we present a brief summary of the main stages of the history of Cusco, but first we want to invite you to get to know it in the first person. There are two legends about the foundation of Cusco and both are based on a mythical journey.

Mythological foundation

LThe first legend has Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo as protagonists, children of Inti, the Sun god, and Quilla, the Moon goddess. The brothers set out from Isla del Sol, on Lake Titicaca, in search of a place to found a city. The chosen place was the one where the golden rod that they carried with them was stuck in the ground with a single blow.

In the second legend 'Legend of the Ayar brothers' the protagonists are four brothers, companions of four sisters: Mama Guaco and Ayar Cachi, Mama Cora and Ayar Uchu, Mama Rawa and Ayar Aucca, Mama Ocllo and Ayar Manco. They survived the flood caused by Wiracocha and came out of some caves in Pacaritambo, on the Tampu Tocco hill, to repopulate the Earth.

Due to different circumstances, three of the brothers abandoned the trip before reaching their destination. Only Mama Ocllo and Ayar Manco continued traveling until they found the place where the golden rod that Wiracocha had given them sank into the ground.

Photo: Students from the Andean University of Cusco, stage 'the legend of the Ayar brothers'

Manco used his abilities and linked the sun so that it would not set, thus creating the city in a single day. The city was called Qosqo and the rock from which he linked to the sun, in Machu Picchu, was baptized as Intihuatana.

In the center of the new city, designed in the shape of a recumbent puma, Manco erected a temple in honor of the Sun god and surrounded the city with mountains, to protect it from the wind, dominated by his brother Ayar Aucca. He also organized the first corn fields. Ayar Manco changed his name to Manco Capac. He is considered the first Inka, that is, the first king of the empire.

Historical origin of Cusco

Pre-ceramic objects of about 5000 years old have been found in the Pre-ceramic objects of about 5000 years old have been found in the Valley of Cusco, belonging to the Yauri and Chumbivilcas cultures. All the tribes that left their mark on the valley were nomads. Some of these objects are currently exhibited in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. The first sedentary settlements were recorded, it is assumed, around the year 1000 BC, in the area called Marcavalle. There were many cultures that settled in the place in the form of waves: sawasiras, antasayas, wallas, maras, tampus, mascas, chilkes... And almost all of them left their mark in ruins that can still be seen in Piquillacta and Choquepuquio. The Mascas seem to have been the ones who gave rise to what would later become the Inca Empire. Valley of Cusco, belonging to the Yauri and Chumbivilcas cultures. All the tribes that left their mark on the valley were nomads. Some of these objects are currently exhibited in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

The first sedentary settlements were recorded, it is assumed, around the year 1000 BC, in the area called Marcavalle. There were many cultures that settled in the place in the form of waves: sawasiras, antasayas, wallas, maras, tampus, mascas, chilkes... And almost all of them left their mark in ruins that can still be seen in Piquillacta and Choquepuquio. The mascas seem to have been the ones who gave rise to what would later become the Inca Empire.

The Inca empire

Around 1200 AD a lordship arose in the Valley of Cusco that dominated, over time, the rest of the towns. The person responsible for the creation of this empire was Cusi Yupanqui, the 9th Capac Inka and 1st Inka of Tahuantinsuyo, recognized as such around 1438. He was named Pacha Kutiy or Pachacútec Yupanqui Cápac Intichuri and crowned with the mascapaicha, imperial crown.

During the period of expansion, the two original regions or theirs, Huri (above) and Hanan (below) became four: Chinchaysuyo, Antisuyo, Qollasuyo and Kuntisuyo, and also included the peoples that were conquered in the 100 years that the expansion period lasted. empire.

The territory of the Inca Empire extended from the south of Colombia to the center of Chile and the northwest of Argentina, with a center in Cusco. In this time of splendor, mythical cities were built, such as Machu Picchu; 23,000 kilometers of road, among which is the famous Camino del Inca route; artificial irrigation channels with amazing technology, such as those that can be seen in Moray; fortresses, pyramids and temples.

The Spanish conquest - Fall of the Empire

By the time Francisco Pizarro arrived in Cusco in 1532, the empire was weakened by a bloody civil war. This would explain why an army of less than 200 men was able to conquer and subdue an empire that had, at that time, around 15 million inhabitants.

The confrontation between the Inca Tupac Kusi Wallpaq (Huascar) and his brother Atahualpa ended with the triumph of the latter, who locked Huascar in prison. In November 1532 Atahualpa was summoned to a meeting with Pizarro in the city of Cajamarca, which the Inca attended with his unarmed troops, without suspecting that it was an ambush. Allied with enemies of Atahualpa, Pizarro and his hosts killed a large part of the Incas and arrested Atahualpa. From prison, the Inca king ordered the death of his brother.

Emperor Atahualpa promised the Spanish a large ransom for his release: two rooms filled with silver and one with gold. Precious metals arrived from all corners of the Empire during the nine months of the king's captivity. But, although the ransom was paid, Atahualpa was executed in July 1533 and the gold and silver were sent in part to Spain, and part distributed among Pizarro's soldiers.

Pizarro left for Cusco and on the way he was met by Manco Inca Yupanqui, whom he named the new king, with the intention of ruling the city through his ally. Together they entered the city in November 1533. In March 1534 Pizarro founded the Spanish "very noble and very loyal city of Cuzco".

The Spanish troops were greeted with joy, due to an ancient prophecy that the Inca gods would come to earth from the water. Their strange weapons, their appearance and their horses convinced the Incas that they were truly gods.

The rebellion of Manco Inca

In 1536 Manco Inca, having seen what the true intentions of the Spanish were, began an uprising against them that would last 37 years. The first confrontation, in Acsayhuamán, culminated in the Spanish victory.

Pizarro first and his followers later, were achieving allies among different peoples of the empire. In 1538, with his troops exhausted and decimated, Manco Inca took refuge in Vilcabamba, where he established the seat of the Inca monarchy, while the Spanish continued to advance and dominate the cities of the empire.

Also between the Spaniards there were clashes. Diego de Almagro, having failed in the conquest of Chile, went to Peru in search of gold, where he faced Gonzalo Pizarro and Alfonso de Alvarado first, and Hernando Pizarro later, who defeated him. The group called "almagrista" was the one that assassinated Francisco Pizarro in 1541.

The Viceroyalty of Peru was established in 1542 and Cusco became the most important city after Lima. The Inca rebellion ended in 1572, when Inca Tupac Amaru I, son of Manco Inca, was executed in Cusco by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo. His descendants were exiled to distant places to prevent further rebellions.

However, in 1780 a new uprising would take place, the so-called "Great Rebellion", this time for the independence of Peru, led by a descendant of Tupac Amaru, the caudillo José Gabriel Condorcanqui, known as Tupac Amaru II. Condorcanqui was imprisoned and later tortured and executed by the Spanish, along with his wife and his children and his followers, in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, in 1781. The independence of Peru would finally come in 1821.

Colonial Cuzco

The Spanish occupation of Cusco produced a drastic change not only in religion, customs and rituals, but also in architecture. Many temples and houses were simply destroyed to use the stone for colonial construction. Others were used as "bases" on which to erect churches, chapels and residences for the conquerors. On what was the Royal Palace of the Inca Viracocha, for example, the Cathedral of Cusco was built. Houses were even built in the space of the Plaza de Armas, considerably reducing it in size.

An earthquake in the year 1650 left the city practically in ruins. The reconstruction was done in a colonial style, with special emphasis on wood carving decoration, as can still be seen in various chapels and churches in the region.

The importance of Cusco, beyond tourism, lies in the historical significance of this city. The Incas never totally abandoned their traditions and tried to pass them down from generation to generation. After the death of Condorcanqui, resistance became the hallmark of Cusco. The history of this town, its gods and its heroes, is still told in its fabrics, for those who know how to read it.

No existe una forma sencilla de explicar la majestuosidad que representa el Cusco. There is no easy way to explain the majesty that Cusco represents. This region brings together history, modernity and adventure with a mystique that surrounds everything from the Cusco main square to the farthest places from it. Fill yourself with energy in Moray, discover the impressive architecture of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and feel a little closer to heaven in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

And not only that: the navel of the world is also full of contemporary art, nightlife from Monday to Sunday and for the more adventurous, bungee jumping that ensures pure adrenaline.

10 unmissable places in Cusco

1. Machu Picchu

A trip to Cusco would not be considered as such, but it goes to the wonder of the world.

The Inca city rises imposing between the Andes Mountains and the jungle, showing itself to the world as one of the greatest works of man and can be enjoyed intact even today. Despite its difficult location, getting to Machu Picchu is relatively easy and can be done in many ways, whether you like comfort or adventure. There is no excuse not to visit the masterpiece of the Incas, a must for all who come to Cusco.

2. Sacsayhuamán

The Sacsayhuamán fortress is one of the most amazing constructions of the Incas. Located 2 km from the city of Cusco, its incredible cyclopean walls, the towers located on the zigzag walls and the enormous trapezoidal doors stand out in a very remarkable way. You can have a fun time sliding down the Suchunas (rolling) or the Chincanas (tunnels).

In Sacsayhuamán, every June 24, the Festival of the Sun called Inti Raymi is held.

Picture: Fortress of Sacsayhuaman

3. Humantay lake

The Humantay Lagoon (5,473 meters above sea level) is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible landscapes in Cusco. This natural tourist attraction is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name, on the way to the snowy Salkantay, where there is also an Inca trail to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu. Getting there is an adventure. You walk through high Andean landscapes where you can see llamas, alpacas, vizcachas and other animals. The lagoon is surrounded by snowy peaks. Visitors who arrive there leave 'apachetas', offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

4. Maras & Moray

Salt Mines of Maras

Moray is an archaeological site near Cusco, located in Maras. This Inca construction is characterized by being formed by several circular platforms in a kind of crater and is located 3,500 meters above sea level.

Moray

According to many archaeologists, this site was used by the Incas to experiment with grains and plants at different heights. Salineras de maras is a unique and very instagrammable place, there are thousands of natural salt deposits that the locals use to extract the natural salt known as “sal de maras” and that is used in gourmet restaurants.

5. Vinicunca: Mountain of 7 colors

• The fashionable tourist attraction in Cusco is called Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain or simply Mountain of the 7 colors.
• The Vinicunca mountain is about 5,200 meters above sea level (17,060 ft).
• It is located at the foot of the snowy Ausangate, the highest in Cusco.
• This mountain was discovered in recent years after the melting of the ice that revealed the beauty of its multicolored minerals.
• The beautiful landscape offered by the mountain attracts hundreds of visitors every day. The place became one of the most photographed tourist attractions.
• To reach the top, visitors must walk approximately 5 kilometers. The other option is to hire a horse from local people.
• The tour includes transportation, lunch, tour guide and entrance fee.
• It is located in the Community of Pampachiri, Canchis, Cusco.
• One-day tours are made to visit Vinicunca.

6. Archaeological Complex of "Choquequirao"

It is located in the Cusco Region, and is made up of nine sectors, among which are: the political-religious center, the system of fountains and channels with aqueducts, and the group of the portals.

It is necessary to emphasize the religious character of this complex. The architecture is distributed around an esplanade or main square, and is complemented by a very well preserved system of agricultural terraces. The archaeological remains are distributed in the descending part of the Choquequirao hill and are grouped in the form of small neighborhoods, somewhat separated from each other, following a probable criterion of fusion and social rank.

The residential sector and the terraces

The residential area is found in the descending part, while the flanks of the mountains contain the agricultural terraces. Some of them had irrigation canals and were used permanently, while others were, when they perished, temporary.

The ceremonial area

The ceremonial area is located in the part called the Main Square, while a series of sophisticated buildings stand out in the upper part.

Picture: Archaeological Center of Choquequirao

6. Cocalmayo hot springs

Visitors who arrive at Machu Picchu through the alternate route through Hydroelectric have the option of relaxing in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. This natural attraction is located in the town of Santa Teresa, approximately 20 kilometers from Machu Picchu.

The thermal waters of Cocalmayo have up to 3 pools with temperatures from 38ºC. up to 44ºC. Its waters are clear and have healing and relaxing properties. Many tourists arrive there on their way to Machu Picchu in order to relax.

8. Main Square Cuzco

Known by the inhabitants of the time as Plaza Aucaypata, which in Quechua means "Plaza del Guerrero", it was one of the most important settings for the Incas who carried out tremendous festivities such as the Inti Raymi. Its beauty stands out thanks to the beautiful setting provided by its two-story stone arches, a work developed with the arrival of the Spanish in Peru.

This point of the city of Cusco is full of restaurants, museums and colonial churches, built where the Incas once buried their ancestors. It hides countless stories about ancient and modern culture in its streets.

9. Ollantaytambo

Considered the "living Inca people"; This town welcomes us with the mystery that encloses its Inca ancestors, intact houses, in which time does not seem to have passed, various ecological floors, Inca terraces and food reservoirs, and the Inca bridge on the way to Pachar.

Also noteworthy are the pink granite monoliths assembled with impressive perfection and the Fortress of Ollantaytambo, a military building made up of carved stone terraces whose purpose, like that of other fortresses of the same nature, was to protect the empire from another angle. In this area we will also appreciate other monuments such as Mañaraucay, the Incahuatana and the Baños de la Princesa.

But the main attraction of this region is its tradition and people. As if suspended in time and dressed in the traditional way, we will go back to the Inca ancestors, sharing with the local guide and the communities myths, legends and customs that will paint us the panorama of a powerful and mystical empire.

10. Pisac

• Pisac is one of the most picturesque towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• The Pisac artisan market will surprise you with its innumerable stalls in the streets until you reach its main square. In this market you can find handicrafts of all kinds: polo shirts, footwear, jewelry, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, etc.
• En lo alto de la montaña podrá encontrar las construcciones incas del sitio arqueológico de Pisac.
• At the top of the mountain you can find the Inca constructions of the archaeological site of Pisac.
• This archaeological site is one of the best preserved in existence, with magnificent structures such as the Temple of the Sun or its spectacular terrace system.
• The landscapes that surround Pisac as well as the traditions of its inhabitants attract foreign tourists. Most arrive to visit the market and the archaeological site.

1. Cusco carnivals

Date: Every Sunday in February.

Carnivals are a festivity that came to our country with the Colony and they are very colorful events where water and joy are always present. Each region, province and district of our Peru has its way of celebrating them and in Cusco the Andean traditions are mixed with this festival brought from the West.

The Cusco Carnival has a movable date, although it usually takes place between the months of February and March. In this carnival in this part of the country, the tradition of other Peruvian towns is followed where one week is set aside for the “Compadres” and another for the “Comadres”. The way of celebrating this week for some and others is typical and original in Cusco, during these weeks, in the first week the comadres visit the compadres, they are entertained by the women, but at the same time they are victims of many jokes that these they do to them, the following week the same thing will happen, only in reverse. In these carnival ceremonies of entertainment there is a constant and traditional dish that is served, it is the stew or timpu.

At the time of the carnival there are different competitions, mainly that of the corsicans where the different towns face each other with the great color of their floats, clothing and dances, the latter that allow the traditions of this Peruvian region to be kept in force and among which are they find the Carnival of Cusco.

2. Religious festival in honor of the Lord of the Earthquakes of Cusco

Date: Holy Mondays, which are normally every first Monday of the month of April

The Taytacha de los Temblores (Saint of the Tremors in the Quechua language) is one of the most important religious images of Cusco. It is an effigy of Jesus Christ crucified that has a dark complexion. The Lord of the Tremors is considered the 'Sworn Patron of Cusco'. The image stopped a plague in the city after being carried in a procession. Likewise, when the city was devastated by earthquakes, the inhabitants of Cusco begged the image to stop the misfortunes. It was thus that he was known as 'The Lord of the Tremors'.

Since then and for many years, the image is venerated in the Cathedral of Cusco. It is carried in procession every 'Holy Monday' in the midst of a large crowd of parishioners. The procession of the 'Taytacha de los Temblores' is characterized by religious manifestations as well as a tasting of Cusco cuisine.

3. The day of the Pachamama

Date: Every first of August

Cada 1 de agosto en todos los pueblos andinos de Perú, Bolivia, Ecuador y Argentina celebran el ‘Día de la Pachamama’. Esta celebración de origen inca revalora el culto a la ‘Madre tierra’, una entidad sagrada de quien creían que tiene vida y rige sobre la vida de la población.

En Cusco ese día se realizan los llamados ‘Pagos a la tierra’. Estas ceremonias tienen sus orígenes en la época incaica. Se trata de un ritual de agradecimiento a la ‘Pachamama’, en el cual se ofrendan hojas de coca, chicha, maíz y otros productos andinos.

Si bien los ‘Pagos a la tierra’ suelen realizarse en las altas montañas, también es posible realizarlo en casa. Estos rituales son realizados por un brujo o ‘chamán’ que posee un conocimiento sobre el ritual transmitido por su familia. Los turistas también pueden participar del ‘Día de la Pachamama’ mediante paquetes turísticos que incluyen ceremonias de ‘Pago a la tierra’.

4. Corpus Christi in Cusco

Date: Starts June 4 and lasts 18 days

The celebration of Corpus Christi is one of the most important religious events in the Catholic calendar. Each town has a different way of celebrating it, but within the Peruvian towns, without a doubt, it is in Cusco where this religious festival has a greater presence and form of manifestation.

Among the images that will follow the tour on Thursday destined to celebrate this Christian date are at least 16 between Virgins and Saints who have been dressed with beautiful gold embroidery on their garments and who will go out through the streets after the Holy Sacrament that is carried by the Archbishop of the city to the cathedral, where all the effigies will remain for a week until they come out again the following Thursday. That next Thursday the images will go out again together through the streets of Cusco to finally retire each one to their respective Church (14 in total where they came from).

In this festival there is no discrimination of race or social class because everyone has the right to attend and pay devotion to their patron or saint.

5. Lord of Qoyllority in Cusco

Date: Starts on May 14 and lasts 47 days

The Lord of Qoyllority is a Christ, whose image is drawn on a rock. He is a Christian-Andean divinity that is worshiped in the Cusco region and that annually gathers a group of people to its location in the Cordillera Vilcanota.

Translated into Spanish "Lord of the Brilliant Snow", this man, according to the traditions of the town, would have appeared years ago in the form of a child to another indigenous child in the area. It is said that the baby Jesus came disguised as a poor child and both little ones became friends. It is said that when the child returned home, the parents saw him and the child dressed in rich clothing, and seeing the brilliance of the Child Jesus, they informed the local priest who decided to go in search of him. The legend says that the child Jesus fled being persecuted by the priest who was unable to capture him because the child Jesus then became the image of the rock to which pilgrimage is currently made.

In this celebration, the residents who come to offer offerings come from different parts of Cusco, making extensive unstoppable walks, the date of the pilgrimage is not exact, but those who do it always keep it in mind since it follows the Andean calendar and occurs between the months of May and June. In this route it is not surprising the presence of processions together with fireworks, as well as the presence of wings, the latter are important since they are miniature crafts, those represent different things, including houses, cars, cattle, etc. and people acquire them by responding to a ritual, since it is believed that if you have these miniatures, at some point, you will also be able to obtain the different objects in real sizes in the same way.

6. Inti Raymi in Cusco

Date: Every year on June 24.

The Inti Raymi is a traditional celebration in Cusco that brings together many visitors, not only from the different regions of Peru, but from the world and that symbolizes in itself the maximum festivity of the sun, not in vain its translation into Spanish results in "Fiesta of the sun".

The current Inti Raymi celebration takes place every June 24 in the City of Cusco, specifically in the ancient Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuamán. The ceremony is a religious celebration in the manner of the Inca tradition in which a representative of the Inca along with different representatives of the four of his own and emblematic figures of the ancient empire, make an appearance in the wide court of the aforementioned fortress.

Continuing with the celebrations, the viewer will also be able to appreciate different rituals such as the chicha de jora, along with what could be called the most important: The sacrifice of a llama, something truly impressive on the dates since it consists of ripping out the heart still beating to the auquénido. This last ritual is carried out by an Inca priest who requests the presence of the animal on the usnu (or altar), the sacrifice is important for the tradition since the viscera and the blood of the sacrificed animal are necessary elements to be able to know the future. that it holds for the people and if the Sun will favor it.

7. Annual festivity of the Q'eswachaka Bridge

Date: Every year on the second Sunday of June.

The peasant communities near the town of Q'ehue celebrate the reconstruction of the Inca bridge of Q'eswachaka every year. This rustic construction is one of the last hanging Inca bridges that are still used in Peru.

Every year, both men and women from the Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana, Q'ehue and Pelcaro communities work as a team for four days to replace the old Inca bridge with a new one. The works are accompanied by music, dance and typical dishes from Cusco.

The reconstruction of the Inca bridge is a very popular tourist event. Many visitors are encouraged to cross the Inca suspension bridge suspended 30 meters above the Apurimac River. The Q'eswachaka Bridge was considered a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2013.

8. Machu Picchu Anniversary Party

Date: July 7

On July 7, 2007 Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the modern world in a global vote organized by the organization New Open World Corporation. The festival is characterized by cultural events in the streets of the town of Aguas Calientes: drawing contests, recitals, dances, music and more.

At night the population and tourists gather in the stadium of the town of Aguas Calientes for a music concert show with popular groups from Peru. The festivities continue until dawn.

Visiting Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes on July 7 is definitely a good date to learn more about Peruvian culture. Machu Picchu receives more than 1.5 million people each year.

9. Santuranticuy

Date: Every year on December 24.

One of the cultural expressions typical of Cusco is, without a doubt, the costumbrista festival of Santuranticuy ('Sale of Saints' in the Quechua language). This festival is celebrated every December 24 through an art fair where images of virgins, saints and other Christian figures with Andean characteristics are sold.

This traditional celebration takes place in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, which is filled with people including artisans, local residents and tourists. In Cusco it is a tradition that each family has its own saints or virgins of different sizes. During the Santuranticuy these people come to repair their religious images or renew them.

Among the most important religious images of Cusco, the so-called 'Children Manuelitos' stand out, handicrafts with characteristics of the 'Child Jesus'. That day paintings, ceramics, souvenirs and even typical dishes of Cusco are also offered. At night, Cusco families enjoy a succulent Christmas dinner.