Paucartambo is a province and town in the Cusco region of Peru, famous for its traditional and colorful Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen (July), its colonial architecture (white houses with blue balconies), and its natural beauty, especially the sunrise at the Tres Cruces de Oro (Three Golden Crosses). Its Quechua name means "colorful place," and it is home to important Andean and Amazonian dances and traditions, with a notable archaeological site in Paucona.
Paucartambo Facts
Location: Southeast of the city of Cusco, in a valley crossed by rivers.
Meaning of the name: From the Quechua words Pawqar (colorful) and Tampu (lodging), meaning "colorful inn" or "colorful place."
Architecture: Cobblestone streets, colonial houses of white adobe with blue balconies.
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: The most important festival, featuring dances (such as the Paucartampus, Ccoscos, Saqras, and Chunchus), parades, processions, and a mock battle between the Coyas and Chunchus, between July 15th and 19th.
Natural Attractions:
Three Golden Crosses: Famous sunrise over the mountains.
Paucona: Pre-Incan archaeological site with structures fused with colonial buildings.
Culture: Museum of the Peoples, showcasing the Andean and Amazonian cultural fusion; creation of floral carpets during Holy Week.
In short, Paucartambo is a culturally rich and visually appealing destination, especially known for its festivals and its Andean natural surroundings, in contrast to the nearby Amazon region.
Calendar of Festivities in Paucartambo.
February 3rd: Anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Carnival Festival - Charcay Paucartambino.
Holy Week (Lord of Holy Monday, Lord of the Sentence, Lord of the Fall, Holy Sepulchre, Our Lady of Sorrows, etc.)
May 3: Cruz Velacuy (Lord of Ccolcca, Conchupata, Yawarpata, Tres Cruces, Cruz Pampa, etc.)
Corpus Christi
June 21: Anniversary of Political Creation
July 16: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
October 8: Our Lady of the Rosary
November 1: All Saints' Day
