Takanakuy — Christmas ritual fights

Santo Tomás, capital of the province of Chumbivilcas (Cusco region), at 3,660 meters above sea level, is not a mere battle of 25 December. The municipality made the village the starting point of its "Ruta del Quorilazo", the circuit of the attractions of the province: three places, listed in the national inventory of Peruvian tourism, are visited in and around the village.

The colonial temple of Santo Tomás

On the village square stands the 17th century stone church, jewel of the Andean Baroque: Latin cross plan, two bell towers, side foothills and wooden gate carved in the stone, decorated with floral motifs. Inside, a major altarpiece in Baroque style, a carved and golden pulpit with gold leaf, and a pinacoteca of colonial canvases — thirteen paintings, for most of the apostles' allegories.

Declared a cultural heritage of the nation as early as 1944, the temple was restored by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture — structures, murals, sculptures and retables — and returned to the population in December 2021. It is the religious heart of the Christmas festival: the carguyoq of Takanakuy honour the Child Jesus there.

The Wamanmarka Archaeological Zone

In the district of Santo Tomás, Wamanmarka's citadel line terraces, enclosures, stairs, temples and funeral areas. Its origins date back to pre-inca cultures — Wari or Collao — before the Incas developed most of the visible constructions. The site is a stage of the Ruta del Qorilazo, as well as the gastronomic corridor of Kututo, where one tastes the dishes based on cuy, the pig of India of the Andes.

Chsucchu thermal springs (Chuqkcho)

The hot springs of Chsucchu, in the community of Llique Curahuata, are the relaxation of the heights: after the lively air of Santo Tomás and the emotion of the fighting, a warm bath facing the mountains of Chumbivilcas. Hiking, camping and observation of the flora and fauna of the Andes complete the visit.

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