Every year, Cusco bursts into a vibrant celebration of colors, music, and traditions, blending Incan beliefs with Catholic devotion. The city transforms into a spectacle of faith, where joy fills every street corner. This cultural adventure is an unmissable experience in the heart of ancient Cusco.
The Corpus Christi festival originated in Belgium as a Catholic tribute to the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Initially, it went unnoticed, but everything changed when, in Italy, a sacred host began to bleed as a priest broke it. This event profoundly impacted the community and elevated the celebration into a highly significant festival.
The Incas honored their gods with grand ceremonies. Every year, they celebrated Inti, the Sun God, with a massive procession of mummies belonging to the Panacas, or royal families. These rituals treated the mummies as if they were still alive, offering them food, clothing, and tributes. Beyond the procession, the festival served as a gathering point for communities across the empire, who traveled to Cusco to exchange goods.
With the arrival of the Spanish, evangelization reshaped ancient traditions. In 1572, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo ordered the replacement of the Incan mummies with images of saints and virgins, brought from different neighborhoods and surrounding towns. During its early years, the festival included the presence of the Royal Ensign of the Incas, an honorary title granted to an Incan noble. This figure had the right to appear in ceremonies dressed as an Inca and to carry symbols of power such as the Mascaipacha (royal headdress) and the royal standard.
During the festival, Cusco's historic center overflows with processions, and vehicular traffic is restricted. Walking is the best option, so wear comfortable shoes, as the processions involve long and slow walks.
Since Corpus Christi takes place in June, Cusco experiences intense sunshine. Protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a hat or cap. Additionally, stay hydrated, as the altitude and climate can affect your endurance.
To avoid inconveniences, watch over your belongings. The large crowds can lead to unfortunate incidents, so carry only essentials. Also, pay attention to the dance troupes and image carriers, as the rhythm of the procession can catch the inattentive by surprise.
Fifteen images of saints and virgins parade in this grand procession, each with its unique history and characteristics:
Just as the Incas believed their mummies remained alive, Cusqueños attribute miraculous and amusing stories to the sacred images. Legends tell of San Sebastián and San Jerónimo racing each year or San Sebastián attempting to court Santa Bárbara. Another widely known tale suggests that once gathered inside the cathedral, the saints hold a secret meeting to discuss Cusco's future.
You can’t experience Corpus Christi without tasting Chiri Uchu, the festival’s signature dish. Its name means “cold spicy†in Quechua and brings together ingredients from all regions of Peru, reflecting the Incan tradition of trade and exchange. Its key components include guinea pig, chicken, sausage, toasted corn, cheese, rocoto (spicy pepper), and cochayuyo (Andean seaweed). Each bite is a fusion of flavors that connects you to the country’s rich gastronomic history.
Corpus Christi is not just a festival; it’s a journey through Cusco’s history, culture, and faith. The streets come alive with devotion, the saints seem to awaken, and the city pulses with an energy like no other. If you visit Cusco during this celebration, get ready to immerse yourself in an experience where every detail, from the grandeur of the procession to the unmistakable flavor of Chiri Uchu, will make you feel part of a tradition that transcends generations.
Tambomachay, located just a few kilometers from the city of Cusco, is an archaeological site that holds the mysticism and grandeur of the Inca civilization. Considered a ceremonial center for water worship, this complex is famous for its aqueducts, channels, and fountains that continue to function even after centuries.
Traveling along Cusco’s coffee route awakens the senses. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee, the majestic Andean landscapes, and the deep connection with the land make this journey truly unique. From Cusco’s historic streets to the lush jungles of Quillabamba, coffee is more than just a beverage—it is a way of life that blends tradition, passion, and nature.
The city of Cusco is well known as the Historical Capital of Peru, this city is popular for its vast history, its majestic colonial and Inca architecture and its vibrant culture. It is not only a world-class tourist destination, but also a place where the past and the present coexist in perfect harmony. Here we explain the wonders that make Cusco an unforgettable place.
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