ANDAHUAYLILLAS

A pretty town 35 km. (22 miles) away from Cusco along the paved highway to Puno. Its unique church, San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, is the biggest attraction for the visitor. Built at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the interior of this church is decorated with murals from the same era attributed to Luis de Riaño, depicting the road to heaven and the road to hell. His work is also seen in the paintings which decorate the baseboards and an oil painting of the Archangel Michael. This church also houses a majestic organ, numerous paintings of the Cusco School of Painting, silverwork and Baroque altars. the Main Square of Andahuaylillas, with its leafy pisonay trees is one of the most beautiful in the region.

A few km. away is the town of Huaro, where it is said that sorcerers lived in the times of the Incas. In Huaro there is a magnificent colonial church whose murals are by Tadeo Escalante, one of the last masters of the Cusco School of Painting.

Best Tours including an Andahuaylillas visit:

• Northern & Southern Kingdoms - 27 days.

More information:

• On the trail of art and history (newsletter article).