Posted by Team Tunupa / July 06, 2025
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is more than a world-renowned archaeological and culinary destination — it is also a sacred center of spiritual pilgrimages. Here, the traveler connects with ancient traditions, ceremonial trails, and mountains considered alive. In this Andean land, faith is walked, and culture is breathed.
What is pilgrimage tourism?
Pilgrimage tourism in Cusco refers to journeys taken for spiritual or religious purposes to sacred places in the region, many of them nestled high in the Andes. Both local and international visitors participate in rituals and festivals where Catholic devotion is blended with ancient Andean spirituality. More than just a trip, it’s a deeply emotional and spiritual experience — a reconnection with faith, nature, and ancestral memory.
Iconic Pilgrimages in Cusco
Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i
Among the most powerful expressions of pilgrimage tourism in Cusco is the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage. Held on the slopes of the snow-capped Ausangate, in Quispicanchi province, this sacred journey brings together more than 60,000 pilgrims each year. Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it features traditional dances, nighttime rituals, and ancestral chants — all in deep communion with the apus, the sacred mountain spirits of the Andes.
Sanctuary of Señor de Huanca
Just 50 minutes from Cusco, in the highlands of San Salvador, lies the Sanctuary of Señor de Huanca — a place of miracles, promises, and healing. Every September, thousands of pilgrims walk for hours to this sanctuary, offering songs, prayers, and acts of devotion. Surrounded by mountains and silence, Huanca becomes a sacred space for physical and spiritual healing, where Andean and Catholic traditions intertwine.
Spirituality in Andean Life
Pilgrimage tourism in Cusco reveals one of the deepest dimensions of the Andean soul: the fusion of the Catholic and the ancestral. Rituals, dances, clothing, and festivities are living expressions of this cultural syncretism, shaping the spiritual identity of Peru.
Pilgrims are not just seeking religion, but also reconnection with the Earth, with their roots, and with each other. This tangible spirituality is walked, felt, and celebrated. It’s what makes Cusco an ideal destination for those searching for more than just sightseeing, for those seeking a transformational journey.
When to Join a Pilgrimage
The main pilgrimages happen between May and September, the dry season. Special dates include:
- Corpus Christi Cusco (June)
- Inti Raymi (June 24)
- Señor de Huanca (September)
Planning Your Trip
- Cusco’s altitude: At 3,400 meters (11,150 ft), acclimatize for at least one day before any hike.
- Weather: Expect sunny days and cold nights. Bring layers and sun protection.
- Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ): Connects Cusco with Lima and major cities. Arrive early during peak season.
- Travel agencies: Many agencies in Cusco offer tailored tours to sacred sites with cultural and logistical guidance.
Where to Eat During Your Pilgrimage
Gastronomy is also part of the spiritual journey. After long walks and moments of reflection, tasting traditional Cusco dishes becomes a ritual in itself.
- In the heart of the city, Tunupa Restaurant Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas, offers a sacred fusion of flavors and culture — with live Andean music and dance.
- In the Sacred Valley, Tunupa Urubamba is the perfect retreat to rest, surrounded by nature and traditional cuisine. Its criollo buffet is among the best near Cusco.
Experiencing Cusco with the Soul
Touring Cusco is not just about visiting ruins — it’s about immersing yourself in living traditions. Every pilgrimage, every dance, every offering to the land is a chance to connect with something greater.
To walk Cusco is to walk through time. To breathe its air is to carry the whispers of the Andes. Let the silence of the mountains, the songs of the pilgrims, and the ancestral memory of the land guide your steps.
Live Cusco from the soul.
