The Vivid & Exciting Virgin of Paucartambo Festival
Just four hours from the Imperial City of the Incas, Cusco, is the scenic colonial town of Paucartambo, instantly recognizable with its red-roofed mud-brick homes. Once a year this sleepy town bursts into bright colors and frenzied activity. From all over Peru people gather to celebrate Paucartambo´s Virgen of Carmen Festival. From July 15th-18th devotees and revelers venerate the Mamacha Carmen, patron of the mestizos.
It all starts in Paucartambo´s Main Square,
where singing quechua choirs kick off the festivities. The streets fill with traditionally costumed dancers accompanying the Mamacha Carmen statue (its origins are unknown but it is thought to have been brought from Spain in the 16th century). Elaborately costumed Sajra dancers, representing demons, perform on the rooftops, pausing their clownery and dances to hide their faces and howl in fear as the Mamacha Carmen passes in front of them.
Paucartambo takes this festival seriously- each family group in the town represents a “house” responsible for displaying a certain costume and dance. Those who live abroad come bearing proof of their family ties and thereby earn the right to dance, practicing for months for the main event and many times enduring some hazing along the way so that they´ll take their responsibility seriously…
The festival includes an mock holy battle between the faithful and the demons before concluding with the farewell festival, the kacharpari.
The famous sunrise over Manú Jungle at Three Golden Crosses Lookout, in the Acjanaco Mountain Pass 35km from Paucartambo is not to be missed. In the months of May, June, and July the clouds create an array of forms, colors and tonal 
gradations not seen in other areas or in other parts of the year. Locals believe, due to the illusions created by the clouds, that during this time the sun comes out dancing.
Nearby, one can find the Ninamarca Tombs archeological complex. It comprises 17 stone and clay tower mausoleums known as Chullpas, built to house mummified Incan remains. The Watoqto arqueological site is can also be found in this area- come and admire the precise stonework with which the Incas constructed these inclined walls and circular constructions.
If you’re interested in making the trip to Paucartambo, feel free to contact the experienced experts of Pirwa Travel, based in nearby Cusco, for information or assistance. You can reach them at pirwatravel@gmail.com.