Paucartambo - 15th to 18th July

Every year, the usually sleepy town of Paucartambo bursts into life in celebration of the Virgin del Carmen. The town is situated at 3017 meters above sea level, and is about a 4 hour drive from Cucso.

La Virgin del Carmen is also known as Mamacha Carmen, the Saint of the Mulatos.  Legend says that a wealthy young woman was on her way to Paucartambo to trade a silver dish.  She came across a beautiful head that spoke to her once she placed it on the dish.  When she arrived into the town the villagers gathered around and saw light shining from the head.  A wooden body was made to complete the statue and ever since the Virgin has been honoured and celebrated.

The festivities begin in the main square of the town with many different dances and songs representing many different areas and traditions. There is a long procession with many different costumed people following the Virgen as she is carried around the streets, adorned with flowers and decorations.  Amoung the many costumes are the Capaq Negro which represent the African slaves that once worked in a nearby silver mine.  At the end of the festivities there is a re-enactment of a war between the devils and the believers, who of course always come out the winners!

Another 3 hours drive from Paucartambo town is Tres Cruces, ‘3 crosses’ where, due to the geographical characteristics of the area fantastic sunrises can be seen, especially in the months of June, July and August.

It is also easy to combine the Paucartambo festival with a journey into the Manu National Park in the Amazon jungle. Please contact us to find out more about how these destinations can be combined.