Ica protects one of the most enigmatic towns in Peru. The history transmitted by its ancient inhabitants exposes the powerful presence that the sorceresses of Cachiche had. Among the arid soils of Ica is a mystical place that was inhabited by sorceresses who practiced the dark arts. Currently, it is the birthplace of witches, shamans or healers who are instructed to cure all kinds of illnesses or damages. The inhabitants of the town of Cachiche have balanced traditions and those activities that attract hundreds of tourists, between believers and skeptics, who turn to experts to carry out “jobs” that offer them some type of benefit.
The town of witches in Peru
Santa Rosa de Cachiche was simplified to just Cachiche, the name given to a hamlet that became the town of witchcraft. During the viceregal era, women from Europe found refuge in Peru after escaping from the Holy Inquisition, which had ordered them to be burned alive when it was considered that they were desecrating what they considered sacred. Leaving the capital they arrived in southern Peru. These figures brought with them powerful knowledge - unorthodox - to cure diseases or bewitch people, especially when love was not reciprocated, even to cause harm. At that time, one of the most requested by visitors was the famous witch Julia Herández Pecho, Díaz's widow. She managed to turn that Ica town into a fascinating epicenter of occultism. The 'older witch' dedicated her life to this type of activities, being of great help to those who did not have the financial resources to receive medical care or acquire medicines. She passed away at the age of 106, leaving behind a terrifying prophecy before she died.
The legend of the seven-headed palm tree
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ica. In this arid space a large palm tree grew, which had seven heads. The Peruvian legend, which extends through generations, tells that the witches of Cachiche had the desire to know more, to open new portals that would allow them to see the future. To achieve this goal, they had to hand over one of them to make a sacrifice. Upon learning that she was chosen to be murdered by the cult, Hernández fled and hid at the top of the palm tree. One of her peers discovered her and cast a spell on her that drained her life until her death. During the agony, she cast a curse, stating that when she grew a seventh head on the palm tree, a misfortune would occur that would destroy the town. Everyone witnessed the great power it had when a flood occurred in Ica in 1998, suffering consequences after being completely flooded. Some locals blamed her for what happened, sparking fear among them. The inhabitants have kept their promise to protect the town, so they are attentive to the growth of a new head. When they see the initial formation, they themselves take it upon themselves to cut it down, perhaps with the intention that a misfortune like in the nineties will not be repeated again.
The bronze statue.
Tourists often march and take photographs at the bronze statue of Julia Hernández, in the heart of the town itself. Some talk about the birds resting on top of her being actually ancient witches reincarnated into animals that do not wish to leave her older sister.
How to get to Brujas de Cachiche Ica?
There are many ways to get to the town of Cachiche. You can get there in a private car, in tourist buses, with minibuses and even in motorcycle taxis that are available in the Plaza de Armas of Ica. Cachiche can be found just 4 kilometers from the center of Ica. It is advisable to visit this town between 8 am and 6 pm.
What activities can be done in the Witches of Cachiche?
Cachiche is a small town, so the attractions or places to visit are limited, however, very interesting to make your trip worth it. Whether in Cachiche or a few kilometers away, you can get the following attractions:
1.-The Cachiche Theme Park.
The park was opened at the end of 2018 and contains worlds belonging to the Ica tradition, in addition to respecting the huarango forest and the statues that are already found in the surroundings.
2.-The seven-headed palm tree.
This palm tree is also another of the tourist attractions of Ica, with its own legends and is special for having a curious shape: six palm trees that look like snakes grow from the ground, instead of emerging upright. It is said that a witch mentioned that Ica would sink when the seventh head of the Seven-Headed Palm Tree grows. And the seventh? Well, by belief it is always cut off by people before it comes to light, since people continue to give their opinion about what the witch Julia Hernández said. And the prophecy seems to be true: in 1998 the river overflowed and Ica was left under water, resulting in thousands of people being affected. Because? That year the seventh head was not cut off.
What is the best time to visit Brujas de Cachiche?
Cachiche has a desert-type climate, so any month of the year can be ideal to visit and get to know it. During the year, there is virtually no rain in Cachiche. As for its temperature, it has an average of 19.3 °C. The month of April has the lowest precipitation, with an average of 0 mm. While January reaches its peak, with an average of 3 mm.
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