Cusco is much more than Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. For art and history lovers, the Andean Baroque Circuit is the best option. It is a tour of 4 temples that show beautiful architectural works made by mestizo artists during the Viceroyalty. The trip begins in the city of Cusco and ends in the town of Canincunca, on the road that connects the Imperial City with the city of Puno.

• What is Andean Baroque?
• What are its characteristics?
• The Andean baroque circuit
• Temple of the Society of Jesus
• Church of San Pedro Apostle of Andahuaylillas
• Temple of San Juan Bautista of Huaro
• Chapel of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca
• How to make the Andean baroque route?

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful architectural works offered by the Andean Baroque circuit in Cusco

What is Andean Baroque?

The Andean Baroque is an artistic movement that was born in the Andes of Peru during the Spanish Viceroyalty. This movement was centered on the architectural works of the churches and was carried out mostly by mestizo and indigenous artists. The evangelizing objective of the different religious missions generated this type of art mainly in territories such as Quito, Cusco, Arequipa and Puno.

What are its characteristics?

The main characteristics are the abundance of themes of the Andean cosmovision such as the Inca gods, the sun and the moon. There are also many decorations based on animals such as the puma, the snake, the vizcacha, among others. The Andean baroque is a mixture of religious themes such as biblical passages and the customs and myths of the Andean tradition.

The Andean baroque circuit

The circuit or route of the Andean Baroque is a historical and artistic excursion promoted by the Society of Jesus. It begins at the Temple of the Society of Jesus, in the city of Cusco. Then you visit the Church of San Pedro Apostle of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of America. Finally the circuit ends at the Chapel of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca. The latter surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes that characterize the South Valley of Cusco.

Temple of the Society of Jesus

The Temple of the Society of Jesus is located in front of the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It is considered, together with the Cathedral of the city, the most beautiful church. Its facade is made of carved stone. Its altar is carved in wood and covered with gold leaf. The samples of art elaborated by the Cusquenian School as well as sculptures are representations of the Andean Baroque. They emphasize the marriage of the nephew of San Ignacio de Loyola. This architectural work was taken as an example for the realization of other temples in the area.

Temple of the Society of Jesus located in the main square of the city of Cusco

The Temple of the Society of Jesus is not included in the Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket. To access it you must pay at the door of the temple. Another option is to purchase the ticket of the Andean Baroque Circuit, which includes the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, the Temple of San Juan Bautista de Huaro and the Chapel of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca.

Church of San Pedro Apostle of Andahuaylillas

This beautiful temple was probably built in 1610 over an Inca sanctuary. It is located 39 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The beauty of its paintings framed in gold leaf and engravings on the ceiling gave it the nickname of Sistine Chapel of America. It has two organs from the seventeenth century, the oldest in Latin America. Its walls are samples of the Cusquenian School. In general, its canvases depict the life of St. Peter and St. Paul. Among the main works are the ‘Baptism of Christ’ and ‘The Virgin of the Rosary’ by Diego Quispe Tito. On the main altar is San Pedro Apostle, patron saint of the district.

Exterior of the church of San Pedro Apostle of Andahuaylillas

Temple of San Juan Bautista of Huaro

The colonial temple of San Juan Bautista de Huaro is located 43 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It was built with adobe and simple stone in the second half of the sixteenth century approximately. In 1972, it was declared a Historic Monument. It is estimated that inside there are up to 50 pieces of painting and sculpture of the Cusco School, mostly made by the Cusco artist Tadeo Escalante. Its walls, ceilings, everything has ornamentation even with details in gold leaf. Among the most emblematic works of the enclosure are ‘The Holy Family’ and ‘The Scene of the Last Judgment’, which includes Santa Rosa de Lima.

Temple of San Juan Bautista of Huaro

Chapel of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca

This religious temple is located in the town of Huaro, 44 kilometers from the city of Cusco. In 1974, it was declared a Monument belonging to the Cultural Heritage of the Nation. It is estimated that it was built in the early seventeenth century over an Inca and pre-Inca ceremonial center or cemetery. The interior consists of a single room adorned with paintings with themes related to the flora and fauna of the place. There are also geometric themes that the inhabitants still represent in their textiles.

Beautiful panoramic view of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca Chapel

How to make the Andean baroque route?

To take the Andean Baroque Circuit, tickets must be purchased at the Compañia de Jesus in Cusco or in Andahuaylillas. The route follows the beautiful landscapes of the South Valley as well as its archaeological parks. There are passenger service buses that leave from the Avenida de la Cultura and can take you to the different destinations of the baroque circuit that are outside the city. Another option is to take a private transportation service.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Silvia P.

“A must!“

“I found it an extraordinary route. Not only for the syncretism of the style with its marked influence, but also for the realism of some of the paintings. Although baroque is not the style I like the most, I highly recommend this route and its 4 churches. It is incredible that these architectural jewels do not have any governmental support.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 11, 2024