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Inkayni Peru Tours offers you a tour that includes Andahuaylillas, a small town that hides a treasure worth to see. Andahuaylillas is part of our South Valley tour. Let’s get familiar with this place learning some interesting facts about it.

La plaza de Andahuaylillas, está ubicado en la provincia de Quispicanchi, Cusco.

Andahuaylillas main square is located in Quispicanchi province, Cusco.

Location:

Andahuaylillas is located in Quispicanchi province, Cusco. It is at an altitude of 3121 m.a.s.l. and a latitude of S13°39’56.77″.

Climate:

Cusco in general has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy.

The dry season: From May to October

The weather during this period is predominantly dry especially in June, July and August. Days are bright and sunny with a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) while nights are much colder sometimes with a low temperature of 0 °C (32 °F).

The rainy season: From November to April

During this time Cusco receives a greater amount of rainfall. Average daytime temperatures are higher than the dry season at 18 °C (64 °F) while night temperatures can be as cold as 9 °C (48 °F).

The best season to visit Andahuaylillas:

Tour operators consider May through October, the dry season, their high period and best season to visit Andahuaylillas. This is because there is minimal chance of rain and the mountains are lush and green from the passing rainy season.

La Capilla de Sixtina de América por dentro

What makes the town of Andahuaylillas especial?

This small town is home to one of the best constructions in history time. Here you can find the Saint Peter Apostle church, well known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”, which according to the popular opinion is one of the most impressive and beautiful catholic churches in America.

Why is Saint Peter Apostle church known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”?

The church was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century, on top of a huaca, or sacred place for the Incas.

It is known as the Sistine Chapel of America because of the magnificent frescoes that adorn its walls. You can find inside a Mudéjar-style painted ceiling (Mudéjar being an Iberian artistic style with moorish influence). The ceiling is a spectacular example of craftsmanship and use of kur-kur, a pre-Hispanic method of construction using cane, straw and mud.

The interior walls are covered in Baroque frescoes by artists from the Cusco School (escuela Cusqueña), the colonial and religious artistic tradition.

How to get to Andahuaylillas?

There are different options for you to get to this small but lovely town. The cheapest is by taking a bus from Cusco to Andahuaylillas. It may cost less than S/. 5.00 (Peruvian Soles), and it takes from 40 to 50 minutes to get there.

You can also take a taxi and ask for the best deal. It is a 30-minute ride. The price varies, not only because of the distance but also because of the driver’s rate and service.

Los retablos fueron tallados en madera y recubiertos en pan de oro, esta técnica también se puede observar en paredes y techo de la iglesia.Los retablos fueron tallados en madera y recubiertos en pan de oro, esta técnica también se puede observar en paredes y techo de la iglesia.

It is complemented with abundant canvases with frames covered in gold leaf highlighting fine paintings such as the ‘Crucifixion’, ‘The Baptism of Christ’, ‘Archangel St. Michael’ and the painting of the Virgin of the Rosary painted by Diego Quispe Tito.

FAQs:

How can I get to the Sistine Chapel of America once I arrive in Andahuaylillas?

The bus or taxi will take you to the Andahuaylillas main road. From there you have to walk for about 20 minutes to get to the Sistine Chapel of America. While walking, you can enjoy the view and talk to the locals to get familiar with the place.