The Andean Baroque Route
The Andean Baroque Route traverses four temples: one located in Cusco and three in the South Valley, the geographical space that connects the capital of the Inca Empire with the jungle of Madre de Dios and Lake Titicaca. This was a commercial axis, preceding the Incas, for the transport of gold, silver, coca leaves and animal fibres. Since then, archaeological sites can be found in its path, such as Tipon and Rumicolca, and ancient fabric factories as the one that can be found in Lucre.
The South Valley runs parallel to the Vilcanota River, which springs from the Nevado Ausangate mountain and crosses two lagoons, one of them Huacarpay, Ramsar Site, rich in birds, cattails and sunsets. The valley is formed by small villages of farmers, traders and ranchers, and there are also towns of sorcerers, bakers, brick builders, as well as musicians and dancers who pay homage to the Virgen del Carmen and the Señor del Qoyllor Riti.
- Distance of the Cusco: 42 kilometers.
- Tour of temples in the South Valley: 3 kilometres
- Altitude: 3.450 - 3.200 m.a.s.l.
- Recommended time for the Route: half a day
These are not museum temples, they are living temples! Here, we share life and traditions, Quechua and the reality of the local people. We would like to show you the temples to visitors, but, at the same time, visitors should enjoy the scenery and the warmth of the people, their cultural wealth, gastronomy and handicrafts. We would like for you to visit with us, so we can contribute to a sustainable development while protecting and conserving the cultural and natural wealth, satisfying the needs of the population.
Father Carlos Miguel Silva Canessa, SJ – Parish Priest
