Huasao is one of the most famous towns in the South Valley of Cusco. It stands out for its beautiful natural landscapes, colonial temples, gastronomic delights and the fame of its sorcerers. Yes, in this town the best and most acclaimed ‘shamans’ of the Cusco region meet. Learn a little more about the tourist attractions of Huasao and why it is known as the ‘Village of the sorcerers’.

• The village of the sorcerers
• Location
• Route from the city of Cusco
• Route map
• History of Huasao
• Tourist attractions
• Climate
• Photos of Huasao
• Tips and more information

Chaman – Huasao

The village of the sorcerers

• Huasao is known as the ‘Village of the sorcerers’. It is that dozens of shamans specialized in making ‘moorings’, ‘coca leaf readings’, ‘payments to the land’ and different esoteric services that follow the Inca tradition of the place meet there.
• The practice of this tradition has its origins in the same Inca period. The location of the town, at the foot of the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain (the highest in Cusco), means that the priests who preside over religious ceremonies of this type stayed there.
• Huasao is home to some of the most renowned sorcerers in Cusco. Most of the clients are the people of Cusco from distant lands. They know who the best ‘shamans’ are. Most are looking for a coca leaf ‘reading’, a ‘tie up’ with their dream partner, or simply a ‘cleanse’ for good luck.
• Of course, in Huasao there are also pseudo sorcerers who are unaware of the shamanic tradition that is inherited from generation to generation. Even so, the tourist infrastructure in the town is still low.
• In this town you can also visit the so-called wetlands of Huasao. This natural space offers beautiful landscapes with wooden sculpture with fictional characters. It also has a lagoon where species of flora and fauna of the place live.

Location

• Huasao is located in the town of the same name, Oropesa district and Quispicanchi province.
• It is part of one of the towns that make up the so-called ‘South Valley of Cusco’ whose main tourist attractions are: Tipón, Piquillacta and Andahuaylillas.
• The town of Huasao is located 19 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. It is located 3,150 meters above sea level. In the distance you can see the snowy Huaypun and Pachatusan.

Route from the city of Cusco

To get to the town of Huasao you must follow the following route:

• From any part of the city of Cusco you must reach Avenida La Cultura.
• In this avenue you must board the buses of the company ‘Huasao’.
• The bus trip will take you to the town of Huasao. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes. The cost of the ticket is 2 Peruvian soles.

Route map

Map to get to the town of Huasao

History of Huasao

• Huasao is a Cusco town whose origins date back to the same Inca period and even earlier. Just 15 kilometers from this town, the Wari settlers (XVII – XIII AD) lived in the citadel of Piquillacta.
• Later the Incas arrived. One of the closest human settlements to Huasao is the current archaeological site of Tipón, built in the 15th century by orders of the Inca Huiracocha.
• From this time it is presumed that the Inca priests settled in Huasao who worshiped the nearby snow-capped mountains, such as Pachatusan or Upper Ausangate.
• During the colonial period in Huasao and the other nearby Andean towns, Catholic churches were built where the ancient Inca temples were. Inevitably, Inca religious belief fused with aspects of the new faith brought from Spain. Thus, today the ‘shamanism’ of Huasao combines aspects of both religions.
• Since 1995, every August Huasao receives shamans from all over Peru and the world. This event is called ‘the Kintu Raymi’.
• Today Huasao is famous for its reputation as a ‘Sorcerers town’. Also for its beautiful wetlands. Its streets preserve a special silence and mysticism that draws the visitor’s attention.

Tourist attractions

• The village of the sorcerers – The Huasao people draw attention for their signs offering shamanic services. One of the most famous is Martín Pinedo. There it is attended especially on Tuesdays and Fridays, considered favorable due to the energy load. August and December are also highly sought after by visitors. In August ‘payments to the land’ are made and in December ‘flowering baths’.
• The wetlands of Huasao – The wetlands of the town of Huasao are famous for their wooden sculptures with fictional characters such as Groot, Baby Groot and Ents. What is sought is to give a message of protection to the environment. In addition, its small lagoon offers an ideal landscape to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Birds such as the Andean duck or the gray heron live there. Admission for adults costs only 2 Peruvian soles.

Climate

• Huasao has a cold temperate climate with maximum temperatures of 23ºC. during the day and a minimum of 3ºC. at night.
• The rainy season occurs from November to April, especially the months of January, February and March. The dry season occurs from May to October, especially in June, July and August.

Photos of Huasao

Tips and more information

• Payment to land in the Andes is one of the most common practices of the shamanism in Huasao. August 1 is the ‘Day of the Earth or Pachamama’. Offerings to the land are made on that date. For the Incas, the land or ‘Pachamama’ was a divine entity that ruled over the life or death of men through the sowing or harvest of agricultural products.
• Huaso is a few kilometers from the famous archaeological sites of Tipón and Piquillacta. Take advantage of your trip to meet them. An easy and safe way is to buy the South Valley tour of Cusco.
• Huasao, like Oropesa and Huaro, are towns with a proven tradition in the preparation of bread. During your visit, do not forget to bring the famous chutas, oropesas and huaro breads with you.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024