Just 45 minutes from Cusco, in the quiet town of Andahuaylillas, lies a temple that has rightly been called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This is the Chapel of Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas, a jewel of Andean Baroque that amazes all who visit.
A Facade That Keeps a Secret
A first-time visitor might think it’s a simple church. Its adobe walls, modest doorway, and stone bell tower don’t suggest anything extraordinary. But this exterior sobriety is part of its charm: upon crossing the door, what is revealed is a completely different world, as if entering a golden chest hidden for centuries.
The Burst of Art Inside
-Inside, every corner of the chapel is covered in beauty. Murals, frescoes, altarpieces, and canvases combine to envelop the visitor in an atmosphere of art and spirituality.
-The coffered ceiling is a marvel in itself. Made of wood and painted with floral and geometric motifs, it creates the sensation of a living heaven floating above the faithful.
-The altarpieces, covered in gold leaf, glisten in the dim light that enters through the windows and convey the feeling of being in a sacred and majestic space.
-The murals on the walls are much more than decoration: they were conceived as a visual language to teach the Christian faith to the Andean people.
-The atmosphere is overwhelming: everything speaks at once, everything tells a story.
The most striking mural: Heaven and Hell
-Of all the works, one stands out with particular force: the representation of the path to heaven and hell.
-On one side, luminous angels guide good souls to salvation. On the other, dark demons drag the damned toward eternal fire. The scene is stark and direct, designed so that anyone—even those unable to read—would understand the moral message.
-In its time, this mural was a tool of evangelization. Today, centuries later, it continues to send shivers down the spines of those who contemplate it, reminding them that art can be as powerful as words.
Much of the decoration was done by Luis de Riaño, a disciple of the Italian painter Angelino Medoro. But his work was not a simple copy of European art: a unique fusion is perceived in the chapel.
Christian symbols coexist with details typical of the Andean world: intense colors, local forms, and a distinct sensibility that transformed the Baroque into something hybrid, unique to Cusco. This combination is the essence of Andean Baroque, a style that exists only in this region and makes the Andahuaylillas Chapel a unique treasure.
An Experience Beyond Art
Visiting the chapel is not just about observing ancient paintings. It is about being enveloped in an environment where color, gold, and darkness tell stories of faith and power. It’s listening to the silence and feeling how every detail was designed to inspire respect, devotion, and awe.
Upon leaving, the simplicity of the façade reappears, but nothing feels the same: one knows that within lies a world of beauty hidden in the heart of the Andes.
Tips for visiting the Andahuaylillas Chapel
If you want to make the most of your visit, here’s a practical guide:
🚍 How to get there
-From Cusco, you can take colectivos or buses to Urcos. Just ask to be dropped off at the Andahuaylillas plaza.
-The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
-You can also book a tour to the South Valley, which usually includes the chapel along with other archaeological sites and colonial churches.
🎟️ Entrance
Access to the chapel is with the Andean Baroque Route Ticket, which also includes the churches of Huaro and Canincunca.
The cost is usually affordable, and the proceeds help preserve these temples.
🕒 Hours
-It’s usually open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
-It’s recommended to visit in the morning, when there are fewer visitors and the experience is more peaceful.
📸 Photography
Taking photos or videos inside the chapel is prohibited. This may disappoint some, but it actually helps you experience the moment with more attention and respect. The visual memory you take away is much more valuable.
🌞 Helpful Recommendations
-Bring cash: there aren’t always ATMs or card payments in the town.
-Dress comfortably, as if you’re visiting as part of a tour, you’ll likely walk through other nearby towns or sites.
-Spend at least 30 to 40 minutes in the chapel; it’s not a place to quickly pop in and out, but rather to linger over the details.
Other attractions in Andahuaylillas (Cusco)
1. Andahuaylillas Main Square
A picturesque space surrounded by colonial houses with carved wooden balconies. It’s the town’s meeting point and an excellent place to take photos.
2. Runa Wasi Museum
A small but interesting community museum displaying pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces and colonial artifacts found in the area. A perfect complement to a visit to the church.
3. Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary
A smaller chapel that houses religious images highly venerated by the locals, with a lively popular devotion during patron saint festivals.
4. Landscapes of the South Valley
Andahuaylillas’ natural surroundings are filled with mountains, terraces, and farmland. A walk or bike ride offers incredible views of the valley and the Vilcanota River.
5. Inca Trail and nearby archaeological remains
Ancient Inca trails and small huacas (huacas) are still found in the surrounding area. They are less visited, but ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences.
6. Local crafts and textiles
In the plaza and surrounding areas, you’ll find artisan workshops creating textiles, ceramics, and carvings. Many still maintain traditional techniques inherited from their grandparents.
💡 Extra travel tip
If you have more time, take advantage of your ticket and visit the other churches on the tour: Huaro, with its impressive mural of the Last Judgment, and Canincunca, a small chapel on the shores of Urcos Lagoon. Together, they complete the Andean Baroque experience.
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