Paucartambo, which means “flowered tavern” in Quechua, is situated in the district of Pasco in the south-east of Peru. It was right in the commercial route between Cusco, the capital of the great Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyo) and the Amazon valley Kosñipata. It is mostly known for the incredible sunrises that occur in the month of July.

Between the 15th and 16th of July Paucartambo is also the place to be to celebrate the festivities of La Virgen del Carmen, also called Mamacha Carmen. There is a great gathering which initiates this great feast on the Plaza de Armas in this Andean Village where many music bands play and different choirs singing in Quechua, this way introducing beautiful choreographies which tell parts of Peru’s history.

On the main day of the celebration there is a big procession to bless all the participants and to scare away the demons. Special dancers called Saijras (“devils”) show of by doing some acrobatic stunts on roof tops which date back from the Inca and colonial era. At the end there is a war against the demons and the faithful ones end up triumphing.

Come along and celebrate these two wonders of the wonderful historic city of Paucartambo with us!!

Day 1 (JULY 15TH): We will leave Cusco for the city of Paucartambo at around 2 pm. After about 4 hours of traveling we will arrive to Paucartambo, entering the city through the famous bridge “Carlos III”.  The bridge was constructed in 1775 to replace the many bridges made by the indigenous which weren’t so strong. During the afternoon we will see the best folkloric music and dance in this region. The county of Paucartambo is considered to be the richest area in folklore in all of Cusco. At midnight there will be a tour in honor of the Virgin Carmen. At 12 a.m. we will start the journey to the main destination of our trip- Tres Cruzes de Oro (Three Golden Crosses). From here, with good luck we will be able to witness the special sunrise, which only occurs in this area and is an amazing, indescribable phenomenon.

Day 2 (JULY 16TH): In the morning we will return to Tres Cruzes, where you will be on your own for breakfast and then you will have free time for the rest of the morning. At midday we will participate in mass at the main temple. Then we will have the unbelievable experience of observing the parade of the patron saint of Paucartambo “La Mamacha Carmen”. At the same time we will see the different colorful dances parading through the street, including the traditional dances: C´apac Negrp, Coyacha, Los C´ollas, and Los Cilenos. At about 3 pm we will return to Cusco.

For more information, please contact info@amautaspanish.com or infodosmanos@dosmanosperu.com