ANDAHUAYLILLAS & RAQCHI

ANDAHUAYLILLAS.-  “Rumicolca” was once the gigantic stone gateway to the Cusco valley, and we pass through the narrow valley it guards on our way to the village of Andahuaylillas, whose famous colonial church is known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of its beautiful painted ceiling and other art treasures.

 

RAQCHI.- During the dry season, which corresponds with the tourist high season, the villagers of Raqchi make beautiful pottery.

The ruins of Raqchi are known as the Temple of Wiracocha. Legend has it that the temple was erected to propitiate the creator god after the area was devastated by a volcanic eruption. The stone of the district is predominantly volcanic.

The inhabitants of Raqchi are dedicated to the production of traditional pottery, made by hand and available for visitors to purchase.