The main event of Cusco Carnival is held in the city’s Plaza de Armas (Main Square) bringing together an array of public and private organizations to offer an incredible spectacle featuring dances and music performed by different types of troupes known as pandillas and comparsas. Many of these groups have won numerous prizes at the different festivals celebrated in the Sacred Valley and the South Valley.

The Celebration of the Compadres and Comadres
Traditionally, Carnival begins two Thursdays before the main event, with one day dedicated to compadres and the other, to comadres. On these dates, prominent local men visit their female counterparts and vice versa.

One of the defining features of this celebration are the dolls made in the image of well-known public personalities, important workplace figures, and even regional authorities. Some place a humorous emphasis on their subject’s most notable traits, while others carry a powerful symbolic message for society. Whatever the case, these dolls always represent something.

These dolls are generally made from recycled materials such as cardboard, bottles, discarded clothing articles and shoes, plastic, etc. Once they are ready, they are hung from high places as soon as Wednesday ends, the better for all to view them.

Cusco Carnival Main Celebration
The most important day of Carnival is held on Sunday. At this point, everything grows more intense, from the music to the colors, with water, talc, mixtures of the two, and even paint flying everywhere. The winning dolls from the compadre and comadre competitions are paraded through the streets. And of course, you cannot miss the dances performed by numerous public and private organizations.

Traditional Foods at Cusco’s Carnival
With all these lively activities, celebrants’ bellies are sure to require a good meal. Luckily, Carnival comes with its own culinary fair featuring three traditional dishes from Cusco:

• Kapchi: Also spelled capchi, is a dish made with fresh broad beans, seasoned potatoes, milk, and cheese or mushrooms. It is usually accompanied by a stuffed rocoto chili pepper and a bit of rice.
• Timpu: Also known as puchero cusqueño, consists of a mouthwatering variety of stewed meats served with potatoes, chickpeas, rice, whole cabbage leaves, sweet potatoes, peaches, yucca, pears, and a local tuber called moraya. There are two different presentations which can be served on separate plates or together in combination.
• Frutillada: To complement our meal (and quench our thirst) we have the famous frutillada, an iconic drink from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This beverage is prepared with chicha de jora mixed with boiled strawberries (with lemon verbena and cinnamon). The key step in making frutillada is to leave the chicha to ferment for eight days. By the time Carnival rolls around, it will be ready to drink.
• Chicha de jora: Chicha de jora is a drink made from fermented purple maize. While it is often used as the main ingredient in more elaborate beverages, it is also popular all on its own.

Octava or Kacharpari
Octava or Kacharpari, is celebrated one week after the main event to cap off Carnival festivities for the year. On this date, we can catch a glimpse of the famous yunza or cortamonte, where people get together to dance around an artificial tree that has been adorned with gifts. During this event, participants move in a circle around the tree, using a machete or ax to strike blows until they overthrow it. After the tree falls, you have better be quick and crafty if you want to grab one of the gifts. As a curiosity, this tradition can be found in various celebrations in different regions of Peru that happen to overlap with Carnival season (February and March).

Kacharpari always marks the end of festivities and Cusco Carnival is no exception, where it wraps up one of Peru’s most important celebrations.

Carnivals in Cusco’s Provinces
The city of Cusco isn’t the only place where Carnival is celebrated; these unforgettable festivities can be found in the different provinces throughout the department, as well. To name just a few, we have:

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Calca, Urubamba, Qoya, Pisac, Lamay, Yanahuara, etc.
• South Valley: Canchis, Oropesa, and San Jerónimo.
  While these events share many features, each community has its own traditions. For example, women take charge of Carnival in the District of Tinta. Towns such as Calca and Mollepata celebrate a yunza for singles and married couples, very similar to the traditional yunza, where participants take part in chopping down the tree to the beat of traditional songs such as huaynos.

Thinking of visiting Cusco during Carnival season? Then be sure not to miss the view from the PeruRail Vistadome train, which offers exceptional comfort and an unrivaled experience on your journey to Machu Picchu. Get your tickets here.

There is no better way to start off your February than by reveling in Cusco’s incredible Carnival!

Photo 1: Holy Tabernacle in procession for Corpus Christi

History of Corpus Christi
During the time of the Incas, there were many fiestas dedicated to their ancestors and the gods. Among these were the Taita Inti, the goddess Killa, Kuychi, etc., which were very significant to them. Of course, the most important feast of all was the fiesta in honor of the Inti (the Sun) and in ancient times they would carry the mummies of their former rulers in a procession before the big celebration.

The Spaniards were amazed at what they saw and took advantage of the festivity in their process to “evangelize” the people to Christianity. And so, in 1572, they decided to replace the procession of mummies with a procession of the 15 saints and virgins that to this day is known as the Cusquenian Corpus Christi.

When is Corpus Christi held?
Following the church calendar, Corpus Christi is held nine weeks after Maundy Thursday (Holy or Easter Week). This year, in 2022, the festivities will be held on June 16.

Photo 2: Ukuku dancer in Corpus Christi procession

How is Corpus Christi celebrated?
Preparing for the feast of Corpus Christi

We mentioned that this was a very important festivity and so, quite naturally, the organization prior to the feast day is equally important. The hosts, also known as the carguyoq, are in charge of offering the food, beverages and a band of musicians to accompany the followers when the saints are brought out in procession.

Cusqueño food is certainly a highlight, especially in these festivities. The Chiri Uchu is an iconic dish during Corpus Christi and you won’t want to miss it for the world.

Entry of the saints

On the eve of the eucharist celebration of Corpus Christi, the effigy of each of the saints leaves their church or temple, accompanied faithfully by their followers with dances and music typical of each region. One would think they were all close to the main venue of the event, but many come from as far as 10 kilometers away from the main plaza.

The destination of all the saints is the Arco de Santa Clara (St. Claire’s Arch) and then to the church of San Pedro, where you can see the symbolic handing over of the keys to the cathedral by Saint Peter to Saint Anthony. When all the saints are gathered, the procession then continues towards the entry of the cathedral, in which they will spend a whole week until the Octava, the eighth week after Easter.

Photo 3: Procession of various Saints through Corpus Christi

Which are the saints that participate?

1. San Antonio from the San Cristóbal Parish
2. San Jerónimo from the District Parish of San Jerónimo
3. San Cristóbal from the Parish of San Cristóbal
4. San Sebastián from the District Parish of San Sebastián
5. Santa Bárbara from the District Parish of Poroy
6. Santa Ana from the Parish of Santa Ana
7. Santiago Apóstol from the Parish of Santiago
8. San Blas from the Parish of San Blas
9. San Pedro from the Parish of San Pedro
10. San José from the Parish of Belén
11. Virgen de la Natividad (Our Lady of the Nativity) from the Parish of Almudena
12. Virgen de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) from the Church of Santa Catalina
13. Virgen Purificada (Holy Virgin) from the Parish of San Pedro
14. Virgen de Belén (Our Lady of Bethlehem) from the Parish of Belén
15. Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción (Our Lady of Immaculate Conception) also known as “La Linda” from the Basilica of the Catedral

The Main Feast of Corpus Christi
The celebration of Corpus Christi itself is understood to mean the celebration of the body of Christ at the Eucharist and fidelity to that devotion, and the main event is the mass —which is held in Quechua — with the presence of all the saints.

The event that everyone waits for on that day is the procession of the 15 saints, which are carried to the beat of the festive traditions and the music of innumerable huaynos. The musical arrangements are personalized for the different saints by their followers.

The ceremony generally ends as night falls, when the last effigy has entered the cathedral and each congregation leaves to the rhythm of their dances and to drink until the following day.

Photo 4: Patron San Cristóbal in procession through Corpus Christi

The Octava of Corpus
The Octava is the date on which the procession of the 15 saints takes place around the main plaza in Cusco. The usual time for the events begin is after lunch, around two o’clock in the afternoon, and it ends close to seven o’clock at night.

Lowering the Saints
This usually starts on the day after the Octava and the ‘lowering’ actually means the return of the sacred images to their respective churches (or temples). However, some of the protocols differ, as is the case with Our Lady of Bethlehem.

Words are not enough to describe the fervor and excitement that this fiesta offers. If you have the opportunity to travel to Cusco for these events, don’t think twice and do it. If it was already in your plans and you have the time available, how about a visit to the Citadel of Machu Picchu? The PeruRail Vistadome train has every comfort to make your trip the best experience of all. Buy your tickets here!

What mportant festivities are celebrated in the Sacred Valley?
There are close to 15 important festivities held in Urubamba during the year. The following are the most attractive to visitors interested in the Sacred Valley.

Easter Week in Calca

Celebrated on March 29

Location: Province of Calca

Follow the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of Earthquakes) from the Apostol Church during the religious events celebrated during Easter Week. Beginning on Holy Monday, the faithful and public in general come together to process through the streets of the city of Calca.

Torrechayoc Festival

Celebrated for close to a month starting on May 31

Location: Province of Urubamba

This is one of the greatest religious festivities celebrated in Urubamba, dedicated to venerating the Crucified Christ on a huge cross. It is celebrated with mass, firework displays, dances, devotional praying, bullfights and much more. Although the celebrations last throughout the month, the main date is June 9.

Pisac’s Virgin of Carmen Festivity

Celebrated on July 15 to 18

Location: Town of Pisac

Legend has it that, at the end of the 19th century, two images of the Virgin of Carmen appeared in a private hacienda very close to the town of Pisac. They are considered twins and both are taken separately to the Main Square to the beat of troupes of masked dancers and their musical groups, in addition to their sponsors and town authorities. The celebration continues when both virgins meet and walk through the main streets of the town; once the night arrives, the dancers and musical groups establish themselves in certain spaces to continue with the party.

Feast of the Assumed Virgin in Qoya
Celebrated on August 14 to 17

Location: District of Qoya, province of Calca

The story goes back to 1951, when the Virgin of Qoya had her head and hands stolen. Some time passed before a villager recognized these stolen parts in the image of a neighboring town and they were returned after a judicial process. Today, 3 images of the “Mamacha Asunta” (as her faithful affectionately refer to her) are venerated: one restored after the robbery, the one that was rebuilt with the recovered parts and one that was donated in 1960. 4 days are dedicated to her, being the 15th its central day, in which 27 troupes of different dances can be found in Qoya participate.

Anniversary of the Coat of Arms of the Distinguished City of Urubamba

Celebrated on November 8 and 9

Location: Province of Urubamba

The small town of Villa of Urubamba was baptized as the Distinguished City of Urubamba in 1839, and since then the anniversary is celebrated with a great event organized by the provincial municipality in which several organizations and authorities participate (Calca, Chinchero, Maras, etc.). A Te Deum or thanksgiving mass is held early in the morning and the day unfolds with parades, dances and a festive atmosphere that will enchant you.

In Urubamba you never have to wait long to enjoy a fiesta, which makes it a perfect destination for travelers who have no fixed vacation date. We would also like to remind you that there are many more local activities that may attract your interest. For example, there is the Festivity of the Señor de Choquekillka, the Wata Qallariy Raymi Festivity, Pisac Willka Raymi, and the Festivity of the Adoration of the Magi or the Three Kings, and others.

Now that you know Urubamba’s attractions, wouldn’t you like to travel by train? The PeruRail Vistadome train offers you comfort and the best of experiences. And also, if it was already in your plans, you can connect your trip to Machu Picchu. Get your tickets here!

25 kilometers north of the city of Arequipa is Yura, a quiet town with old houses, few people, whose inhabitants go to their farms early and where they carry out cultivation activities as a support for their home.

The Plaza De La Calera, is the main square and attraction of Yura, and the constructions of this town are made of pink sillar, which is a volcanic rock.

This village has not only become known for its pink ashlar buildings, but also for its hot springs. It is said that these were used since the time of the Incas. Also, over time it has been discovered that these thermal springs have medicinal properties that help with the cure of skin diseases, stomach, nerves, stress, among others diseases.

According to the studies carried out by the German expert Tadeo Haenke and the doctor Edmundo Escomel, the water containing sulfur, alkaline water, iron salts, among other minerals, help the healing of rheumatism, arthritis, poor blood circulation, skin diseases, obesity, stomach problems, nervous disorders and stress.

In Yura you can find three baths, of which, those recommended for all tourists are the following:

• Pozo El Tigre: It has the hottest water, it can reach up to 32 ° C and is for adults only. It has five pools that have sulfur and alkaline water, whose properties cure rheumatism, arthritis, poor blood circulation, skin diseases and obesity.
• Pozo Zamácola and Pozo Fierro Viejo: It reaches a temperature of up to 28 ° C and is recommended to cure nervous disorders, anemia and stress because its water contains iron. The entrance to this pozo is suitable for the entire public.
• Pozo Tadeo Haenke: It is the largest well with a water temperature of 28° C, very rich in iron. It was created in 2012.

If you decide to visit the Yura thermal baths, we recommend diving for a maximum of one hour, because if you stay longer than this time, the water temperature can cause dizziness and other symptoms.

It will always be recommended to include Yura in your next trip to Arequipa, the proximity to the city will allow you to enjoy a few hours during the morning and get to visit these medicinal thermal baths.

The archaeological site of Rupac is located in the District of Atavillo Bajo, in the Province of Huaral, at 3500 m.a.s.l. and 145 km north of the city of Lima.

How to get to Rupac?

The route is covered in two stages. The first is by car or bus, and the second is on foot. Don’t worry, we’ll give you all the information you need and some tips on trekking if you are not used to it.

Travelling by private car

• We take the North Pan American Highway to the city of Huaral
• We take Avenida Los Naturales, which leads towards the mountains
• After an hour on the road, we reach a toll booth
• Before the “Ing. Oscar Vargas Avendaño” bridge, there is a turnoff that leads to the La Florida – Pampas tourist area
• From here, the road becomes difficult, very steep and only one-lane wide. Make sure you fill up your fuel tank before leaving Huaral, because you’ll use more fuel than you might expect during the steep climb
• After an hour and a half, we arrive at La Florida, where we need to pay the entry fee to Rupac (PEN 10 or USD 2.50)

The route by public transport

• We take the bus at the Bus Terminal of “Plaza Norte” Mall that will take us to the city of Huaral
• We then take a colectivo (shared taxi service) to Las Pampas, for which the average fare tends to be PEN 25 (USD 6) per person
• After a two-hour journey, we arrive at La Florida, where we pay the entry fee to Rupac (PEN 10 or USD 2.50)

Arrival at Las Pampas

• Ten minutes after paying the entrance fee, whether we are in a car or bus, we arrive at the “Ghost Town” of Las Pampas.

Once in Las Pampas, we can find restaurants and shops where we can stock up on supplies before beginning the trek. The origin of the name of “Ghost Town” comes from the fact that, a long time ago, the people who lived there decided to move elsewhere, leaving the houses intact.

Nowadays, the town looks more like a tourist attraction. The people who live in La Florida climb up to the town and set up their food and tourism businesses there, since the route to Rupac goes through Las Pampas and provides a win-win situation for the townspeople and visitors alike.

Now, without further ado, we come to the walk up to Rupac. You may choose to go on your own or hire a guide, as well as hire donkeys to carry your packs to the city of fire.

Trek and camping at Rupac

The trek will be strenuous, and we always recommend that you make sure you are in good health. It’s a six-kilometer trail, which can take up to three hours, depending on your physical condition, but everything has its rewards.

The route offers extraordinary landscapes and a waterfall. On arrival at Rupac, your reward will be even greater with a beautiful sunset. Remember to rest every so often on the route to keep up the pace.

Waste no time to set up your tent in the camping area, since a surprise rain shower may complicate things.

Rupac lies above the cloud line

The whispy blanket of clouds is, possibly, one of the reasons people visit the archaeological complex at Rupac. The site rises above the cloud line, giving us the sensation of being on top of the sky.

The clouds tend to form more frequently in January and February. Nevertheless, you can visit the area any time of year and equally enjoy the other attractions.

The Rupac Archaeological Complex

The Archaeological Complex at Rupac was built by the Atavillos, one of the most important pre-Inca civilizations in the Province of Lima. It was built as a defense system, above the mountain peaks that rise over 3,500 to 3,800 m.a.s.l.

To this day, so many centuries after the site was built, the buildings remain intact, which is why it has earned the title of “Lima’s Machu Picchu.” The site features kullpis (houses) and chullpas (funeral towers) in the settlement areas. You will also easily identify storage spaces, fireplaces, courtyards and other areas well preserved after so many years.\

If you are wondering why it is called the “city of fire”, the story is that the buildings were painted a bright red that, at sunset, made the citadel appear to be on fire. There are still traces of the paint that would prove the origin of the name.

Lastly, take note of these tips to help you on your journey: leave Lima early to get to Huaral, take warm clothing and mountaineering tents and sleeping bags, have tablets for altitude sickness or soroche, take an umbrella, and enough water for the full route.

And if you are in Cusco, and you like adventure and the possibility of visiting the real Machu Picchu, go for it and travel aboard our PeruRail Expedition train. Book your tickets here!”

The route to Machu Picchu has many landscapes that transform the journey in a show worth admiring. That’s why the PeruRail Vistadome train, which has panoramic windows in every wagon, is the best option for those people who love to be in touch with nature from the moment they first arrive.

From Poroy Station, located near Cusco city, or Urubamba and Ollantaytambo Stations, both located in the Sacred Valley; begin an adventure full of magic to Machu Picchu on board the PeruRail Vistadome. Sit comfortably and feel the connection with nature. Beautiful landscapes will make the trip an unforgettable experience.

From a full dry pampas panorama, typical peruvian andes, to an intense green view of the jungle. Diverse sensations, a mixture of relaxation and wonder, will take you to a state of tranquility while the trip goes deep into the Inca territory.

While you enjoy a light snack prepared with unique local andean ingredients accompanied by traditional background music, the Vilcanota River, also called by the Incas “Wilkanayu” that means “Sacred driver’’, accompanies the train during much of the tour.

Finally, the adventure to Machu Picchu turns unforgettable when the magic takes in the PeruRail Vistadome train on the outbound journey. Dancers of Saqra, traditional dance of Puaucartambo, Cusco, get on the wagons to spread the typical euphoria of the Andean customs with their joy and dancing steps.

The journey continues with an elegant Fashion show that display on board an exclusive collection of Baby Alpaca, which have been worked in a collaborative way with the andean communities, to promulgate their art and textiles. Then you can buy them at the end of the presentation.

So, if you enjoy nature, landscapes and new experiences, your best alternative to get around the sacred Inca city, Machu Picchu, is on board of the magic experience found in PeruRail’s PeruRail Vistadome train.