Cristo Blanco Statue in Cusco:

Perched high above the colonial centre of Cusco, Cristo Blanco is a large statue of Jesus Christ that can be seen across the city. Towering some 8 meters (26 feet) high the white structure was a gift from Arabic Palestinians who sought refuge in Cusco after World War II. The statue depicts Christ extending his arms outwards, very similar to Rio´s Christ the Redeemer, but in miniature format.

Cristo Blanco was designed by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende, who also designed the Santa Clara Archway, leading into Cusco´s San Francisco  square. The various parts of the statue were fabricated on the street of Siete Angelitos in the San Blas district of the city before being erected on Pukamoqo hill, a vantage point high above Cusco.

According Inca legend Pukamoqo Hill was a spiritual location for the Incas. Local myth says that the hill holds soil samples from all the 4 quarters of the Inca Empire or what the Incas called Tawantinsuyo.

Located a 10 minute walk from the Inca archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, Cristo Blanco offers panoramic views across Cusco´s main square – Plaza de Armas, the entire historic centre of the city and as far as the residential district  of San Sebastian.

At night time Cristo Blanco is artificially lit and glows brightly above the city. It is a constant reminder of the hospitality and friendliness that the Cusqueñan people extended the Arabic Palestinians.

A visit to Cusco wouldn’t be complete without a photo at Cristo Blanco. At the most, you`ll need 15 – 20 minutes to appreciate the statue and the spectacular views across the city. To get the most out of your visit, try to combine Cristo Blanco with a tour of Saqsayhuman.

 

What to pack for Rainbow Mountain?

What to pack for Rainbow Mountain? When one goes to the Mountain Mountain it is very common to see people in high heels, sneakers and sometimes with shorts and a shirt, and one thinks they are crazy!

We must to consider that it takes 2 hour hiking up approximately to a height of 5000 masl (16,522 feet) and with temperature of around 0 ° with  a very changeable climate. It is true that it is hot sometimes during the walk, especially in the morning but we must be prepared worse weather that happens sometimes as the cold, rain , or snow in order to care ourselves. Here what we would recommend packing:

Confortable trekking shoes (waterproof for rainy season which is from Oct – Mar)

Confortable trekking shoes (waterproof for rainy season which is from Oct – Mar)

Waterproof trekking trousers

Wool globes

Beanie.

Hat or cap

Sunglasses  and Sunscreen (Strongly recommended in case of snow, to care our eyes)

Lip balm with sunscreen (Don’t forget it! to get burned lips is common)

Cash for extras ( Recommended about $80 USD or S/.250 USD )

Rain Poncho.

Bottle water

Snacks (nuts, chocolate and a fruit)

Plaza de Armas Cusco – Haukaypata

Plaza de Armas Cusco: one of the 5 most beautiful squares in the world according to the National Geographic Traveller in 2013.
In Incan times, the plaza was called ‘Haukaypata’ which is Quechua word meaning ‘place of ceremony or party’, alluding to the important activities that were carried out in this place like the ‘Inti Raymi’ (Suns Party). The plaza is also called ‘Wakaypata’ which means ‘place of weeping’, in honor of Incan leader Tupac Amaru, who was executed in the plaza in 1572.

Nowadays, the plaza is the center of the cultural and social life of the city, surrounded by old mansions of the colonial era that are now hotels, bars and restaurants.

One side of the Plaza de Armas boasts the basilica cathedral of Cusco, built between 1560 and 1664 on the site of Suntur Wasi – the ancient palace of Incan king Wiracocha. Suntur Wasi was built with huge blocks of stone brought from the Sacsahuaman site, 1.2 kilometres away. The basilica’s shape represents a latin cross, with a renaissance façade containing the best examples of colonial goldsmithing. The basilica also boasts a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusqueña School, a catholic artistic tradition which flourished in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Church of the Company of Jesus, built by the Jesuits in the year of 1576. This church is considered to be one of the best examples of Colonial Baroque style.

Paucartambo Virgen del Carmen festival and Tres cruces 2018

The amazing Virgen del Carmen festival is held yearly in July, with the main days of celebration on the 15th and 16th. Virgen del Carmen as an unforgettable experience, filled with dancing, celebrating, and all-night parties.

The festival takes place in the village of Paucartambo, located four hours outside of Cusco, Peru. It attracts visitors all regions of Peru and the South American continent. Although Virgen del Carmen is a religious festival, it’s also a wild and fun-filled event.

Throughout the day and night, processions of traditionally dressed dance groups move through Paucartambo’s cobblestone streets. The dances portray events of cultural and historical importance, with participants dressed as well-known characters (Doctorcitos, Waca Waca, Saqra). As the Virgen del Carmen festival continues, the dancers portray wars waged against demons, from which the faithful emerge in triumph. This is a dramatic, thrilling ceremony, filled with fireworks, mock battles, and gymnastics.

On the final day, the virgin (Virgen del Carmen) is carried aloft in a procession to bless those present and scare away demons. Throughout the festival, local food and drink, parties, and artisan vendors abound. Accommodation can be difficult to find during the festivities, but simple hostel rooms or camping space can usually be found.

After a busy night at Virgen del Carmen, many festival-goers continue to Tres Cruces view-point for a phenomenal sunrise. From Tres Cruces, the Andes plunge down to the Amazon basin, affording incredible views. This location is most famous for sunrises in the month of July because special climatic conditions create amazing optical illusions. As the sun emerges over a seemingly endless sea of clouds covering the Amazon basin, enjoy the magical colors and optical illusions that Tres Cruces is famous for!