Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
unique for their rococo embellishments - bringing together the Spanish love of all things ridiculously ornate with an
earthy indigenous iconography and color palette. In other words, the type of artistry that could only exist in Peru.
Here are two of the best:
1 IGLESIA COLONIAL DE CHINCHERO
( 8am-5:30pm; admission with boleto turístico)
Located 30km west of Cuzco, in the small
market town of Chinchero, this turn-of-the-17th-century church is built on the site of
an old Inca temple. (In fact, pre-Columbian terraces surround the complex.) Its interi-
ors are draped in colorful murals and the baroque altar is smothered in gold leaf. Be
sure to examine the murals on the exterior facade, too - one of which depicts the cap-
ture of Túpac Amaru.
2 IGLESIA DE SAN PEDRO
(admission S10; 7am-5:30pm)
In scenic Andahuaylillas (45km southeast of Cuzco), this
incredible church is referred to by the locals as the 'Sistine Chapel of Latin America.'
It dates to the 17th century and houses countless exquisite works, most notably an An-
dean baroque ceiling that is a masterpiece of
escuela cuzqueña
(Cuzco School) art. Ru-
mor has it that there are countless gold treasures locked in the church and the villagers
all take turns guarding it. Is the rumor true? All we can tell you is they take their job
very
seriously.
Activities
Trekking
The Cuzco area is a hiker's paradise, with ecosystems that range from cloud forest to high
alpine environments. The most famous trek is the stunning Inca Trail, but it can get
crowded and permits are required. If for some reason you can't secure a permit, there are
other paths that lead to Machu Picchu - so there are alternatives. Likewise, treks to less-
trafficked locations , such as Choquequirau, Ausangate and Vilcabamba, are also avail-
able.
