Andahuaylillas [PHOTO ESSAY]

The village of Andahuaylillas is located an hour outside of Cusco and was our  recent destination one Sunday afternoon. Although our main reason for visiting Andahuaylillas was to visit the Museo Andean Rituals that was said to contain the remains of an alien-human hybrid mummy, we found the beauty and quaintness of this little town absolutely endearing.

Andahuaylillas was founded around 1572 reduced by the Viceroy of Peru, Francisco de Toledo.

Andahuaylillas main attraction is a humble looking church, called the “Church of San Pedro of Andahuaylillas” known throughout Peru. The picturesque colonial church The church was built to impress and impress it did – and does. It is sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes because of the extent and quality of its frescoes.

The history of that church is not benign. Using a common form of intimidation throughout the new world, by the Conquistadores build this grand church in 1631, as a statement of conquest on top of the base of an ancient Inca temple. This actual church was one of the first attempts in this area to impress and convert the pre-Spanish inhabitants of Peru.

Although we didn’t spent anytime inside the church, we found the history interesting. The town itself stole my heart with it’s quaint beauty and welcoming personality.

I hope you enjoy this photo essay of our day this post brought to you by SkyScanner, your destination for the lowest, cheapest and most bargain airfares online:

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