{"id":59756,"date":"2025-05-12T13:09:39","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T18:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/?p=59756"},"modified":"2026-07-19T23:19:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:19:00","slug":"myths-of-cusco-mysteries-that-wont-let-you-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/myths-of-cusco-mysteries-that-wont-let-you-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Mysteries of Cusco: “Stories That Won\u2019t Let You Sleep”"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Misterios<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably heard the most famous tales of Cusco \u2013 the ones they tell every visitor during a city tour.
But let me tell you \u2013 that\u2019s just the tip of the Andean iceberg! There are stories, folktales, legends and local anecdotes that go far beyond origin myths, archaeology or ancient civilisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this short piece, we\u2019ll share stories known only to the true locals of Cusco<\/a>.
Will you be horrified? Or are you one of those who love fear, mystery and suspense? We\u2019re about to find out! Delve deep into the heart of Cusco\u2019s eerie tales and enjoy this collection \u2013 your very own ticket into<\/a> the mysteries of the Andes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you fascinated by urban exploration<\/strong> videos? And\u2026 what exactly gives these explorations that creepy edge? The answer is simple \u2013 the fear inspired by darkness<\/strong>. Let me tell you, back in the day in Cusco, it was quite common for many areas to have no electricity at all<\/strong>. This made the darkness especially intimidating, and only a few were brave enough to venture out under such conditions<\/strong>. Each avenue, street, alleyway \u2013 even the plazas \u2013 were dimly lit, often just by old lampposts giving off a faint orange glow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was in these shadowy conditions that the legends were born \u2013 tales, stories and real-life accounts that terrified more than a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re visiting Cusco<\/strong> and want to take home more than just the standard tourist experience<\/strong>, have a read of these iconic legends that haunted the highland areas of Cusco<\/strong>. Among them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mystery of the Pishtaco<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Misterios<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This name, which originally comes from Ayacucho<\/strong>, spread into the darkest corners of Cusco<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pishtaco, whose name comes from the Quechua word pishtaku<\/em>, meaning \u201cto cut into pieces<\/strong>\u201d, is portrayed as a figure with rather sinister and industrial intentions<\/strong>. These individuals were said to extract human fat from their victims<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to some historians, Pishtacos have existed since the time of the Spanish conquest in Peru<\/strong>. However, their presence was most noticeable during the 1980s. At that time, weapon development in Peru was on the rise<\/strong>, and human fat became highly valuable \u2013 used in bullet casings and even in instruments such as bells<\/strong>. That\u2019s where the Pishtacos came in \u2013 they were the ones who supplied this fat to companies in exchange for large sums of money<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They mainly operated in the high Andean regions, which, back then, had little to no security<\/strong>. Reports even claim that the amount of fat extracted by Pishtacos during their peak was extremely high, with some of it even being exported beyond Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this, people deeply feared the infamous Pishtacos \u2013 no one wanted to cross paths with such individuals. Today, it\u2019s become a legend that still stirs intrigue, fear and fascination \u2013 even among the locals \u2013 turning this myth into a chilling blend of history and horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up next, we\u2019ll share a gripping local tale inspired by this very legend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Pishtaco of Salkantay<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Misterios<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The story goes that a muleteer was travelling with his wife and their four mules while guiding a couple of tourists along the Soraypampa<\/a> trail \u2013 a route that connects the mighty Salkantay<\/a> mountain with the citadel of Machu Picchu<\/a><\/strong>. Once his work was done, the man and his wife set off on the same path to return home. However, night was beginning to fall, and darkness started to envelop the landscape. Faced with this unexpected turn, they decided to take a shortcut known as Manchayhuayo<\/strong> \u2013 a name that means \u201cthe cave that frightens\u201d \u2013 located near the Salkantay pass<\/strong>. Despite its ominous reputation, it was the quickest way home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they arrived at Manchayhuayo<\/strong>, the couple paused in front of a cave when, all of a sudden, they heard a voice behind them. It was the fearsome Pishtaco<\/strong>, ready to carry out his evil deed. Terrified, they froze on the spot. Yet upon seeing the woman, the sinister man was instantly taken by her beauty. With a deep voice, he asked the muleteer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Hey there, friend\u2026 do you want to live?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The muleteer, bewildered and fearful, nodded. Without hesitation, the Pishtaco made his demand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014If you wish to live, you must hand over your wife. Only then will you be free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man, heartbroken, leaned close to his wife and whispered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014If we don\u2019t do what he says, he\u2019ll kill us both\u2026 and our children will be left all alone. I promise I\u2019ll come back for you, my love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With tears in his eyes, he handed his wife over to the Pishtaco and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Alright, sir\u2026 I\u2019ll leave you my wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pleased with his triumph, the Pishtaco took the woman and one of the mules back to his lair \u2013 the cave. Inside, the woman looked around in horror, spotting cooking pots, a sharp knife, and a water bucket. When it was time to sleep, she lay on the Pishtaco\u2019s bed and said softly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014When I sleep with my husband\u2026 he wears nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pishtaco, with a mischievous grin, followed her suggestion. The woman then added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Please, bring me a bucket of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pishtaco, slightly confused, replied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014But\u2026 the river is far, and it\u2019s already dark out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She insisted, with a tone of disappointed longing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014My husband always brings me water, no matter the cold or the night…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eager to impress her, the Pishtaco set off naked into the night to fetch water from the river. However, he hadn\u2019t noticed that, before he left, the woman had taken the sharp knife and made a very fine cut at the bottom of the bucket. When the Pishtaco returned, the bucket was empty. He went back again and again, unable to understand why the water kept \u201cdisappearing\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While he repeated his trips to the river, the woman seized her chance to escape quietly. When the Pishtaco realised she was gone, he shouted in rage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Where do you think you\u2019re going, you treacherous woman?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He ran after her, but the cold, his nakedness, and the water dripping down his legs numbed his body. Just as he was about to reach her, he slipped off a cliff and fell into the abyss below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman finally made it home and embraced her husband through tears, having escaped from horror. As for the Pishtaco, he did not survive. Injured, naked, and with no one to help him, he perished in the darkness of his own lair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What did you think of that tale? Fascinating, isn\u2019t it? Stories like this are part of the rich oral tradition in places like Salkantay<\/strong>, Cusco, and the surrounding Andean highlands. If you\u2019re visiting, don\u2019t hesitate to ask your guide about these legends \u2013 you\u2019ll uncover a side of Cusco that few ever get to see\u2026 the mysterious side of the Andes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Legend of the Kharisiri<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Misterios<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might be surprised to learn that the dreaded Kharisiri<\/em> bears an eerie resemblance to the Pishtacos<\/em><\/strong>. However, his story carries a more spiritual undertone<\/strong>, deeply rooted in the Andean worldview. The term \u201cKharisiri\u201d<\/em> was used by Indigenous peoples to refer to certain friars, whom they regarded as \u201cdangerous necromancers<\/em>.\u201d This perception arose from misunderstood religious practices, often associated with occultism and the manipulation of supernatural forces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highland communities claim that the Kharisiri also shares traits with the condemned<\/em><\/strong>\u2014wandering spirits that roam the mountain ranges and volcanoes<\/strong>, striking fear into those who dare to cross their path. Like the Pishtacos, the Kharisiris were said to extract fat from their victims<\/strong>, particularly from the area near the kidneys. Although the exact purpose of this extraction remains unknown, many believe it was part of spiritual rituals rather than purely physical or economic motives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most unsettling aspect of these accounts is that victims who claimed to have been attacked showed no visible scars, wounds, or bleeding. Even so, their bodies would begin to waste away, slowly weakening, as though their very life essence had been taken from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is said that the Kharisiri operated in silence, using a small bell to summon the victim\u2019s spirit<\/strong>. Then, with a tiny lantern, he would illuminate the right side of the abdomen<\/strong> to carry out the extraction in the dark. Finally, he would pass a statue of the Virgin of Remedies<\/a><\/em> over the affected<\/strong> area while reciting a prayer, which caused the wound to close instantly and almost magically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These chilling details support the theory that the Kharisiris had a more spiritual goal\u2014almost as if they were consuming their victims\u2019 souls<\/strong>, leaving behind only an empty shell. In the highlands of San Salvador, Pi\u00f1ipampa<\/strong>, and other remote areas surrounded by majestic mountains, locals speak of an even more disturbing form of these entities: the \u201cblack sheep<\/strong>\u201d<\/em>\u2014damned spirits condemned to wander the hills for all eternity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a doubt, this information is fascinating, but hearing it told around a campfire or on a moonless night can truly spark the imagination\u2014and draw you into the darkest corners of the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Mysterious Black Sheep<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No one knows exactly when it happened, but this story was passed down to me by my grandfather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long ago, in the remote village of Chalqui<\/strong><\/a>\u2014more precisely near the mystical Torre de Chalqui<\/a><\/em> in Espinar, Cusco<\/strong>\u2014families didn’t follow a conventional pattern. Life in these highlands was marked by poverty and frequent domestic strife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One such family consisted of a father, his wife, and their two children. Arguments were constant<\/strong>, mostly due to the lack of work and the overwhelming scarcity of money<\/strong>. One day, a fight escalated so badly that the man, fed up, shouted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”I\u2019m tired of arguing with you! I\u2019m going to sleep in the cemetery\u2014the dead give me more peace than you!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To which the woman replied without hesitation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Is that so? Then go! And if you can\u2019t find work, I hope some lost soul gives you a job.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blinded by anger, the man grabbed his bicycle and rode off to the small cemetery a kilometer away. Once there, he took out a small bottle of liquor and began drinking as the cold night crept in. Using his jacket as a blanket, he lay down on an old tomb<\/strong> and gradually fell into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That night was unlike any other. While he slept, his body twitched, and he was drawn into a strange dream: a large black bag slowly approached him<\/strong>. But it wasn\u2019t just any bag\u2014it spoke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Did you come looking for work? You\u2019re disturbing my nap\u2026”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man couldn’t wake up. The bag drew closer, repeating the same words until finally, it said something different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Do you think you\u2019re dreaming?… We\u2019ll meet tomorrow morning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He woke up with a start<\/strong>. Around him, dawn was breaking and the liquor\u2019s warmth had faded. Trembling and full of regret, he whispered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”What a horrible dream\u2026 My wife\u2026 my kids!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wasting no time, he got on his bicycle and headed home. Along the way, he encountered a black sheep wandering alone, without flock or shepherd. Driven by guilt and desperation, he thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”If I take this sheep home, maybe my wife will calm down, and we\u2019ll have food. Thank you, God!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He tied the sheep to his back with a rope and murmured with gratitude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Thank you, little sheep. You\u2019ll be delicious for my family.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as he neared a cliff by the Torre de Chalqui<\/em>, a voice whispered in his ear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Where are you taking me?… You think you\u2019re going to eat me? Why have you led me off my path?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man froze. No one was around\u2014and the voice came from directly behind him\u2026 from the sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”You think you\u2019re going to eat me? I\u2019m the one who\u2019ll eat you. When we get to your house, I\u2019ll devour your soul\u2026 and your wife\u2019s too.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a panic, the man untied the rope and hurled the sheep off the cliff<\/strong>. Then, without looking back, he fled on his bicycle, heart pounding and soul trembling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to villagers, two weeks later, the man died under mysterious circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peruvian traditions are full of stories where animals represent spiritual forces, whether as protectors or malevolent entities. These kinds of tales remind us of the deep respect that should be shown towards nature, animals, and Pachamama<\/a>, as in the Andean world, every being and every place holds a spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Machu and the Paya: A Local Myth<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do you consider yourself \u2013 or have you ever been told \u2013 that you’re a very beautiful woman<\/strong>? If so, let me tell you that your admirers, fans\u2026 and even stalkers might not be the only ones after you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the city of Cusco, soul-stirring stories have been told since ancient times. One of the most chilling is that of the feared Machu<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Machu<\/em>, a Quechua word meaning \u201cthe old man\u201d, doesn\u2019t simply refer to an elderly person. It is said to be a malevolent spirit in human form that roams the night in search of beautiful women<\/strong>. According to oral tradition, this being doesn\u2019t walk among the living in the usual way. It appears in dreams<\/strong>, when the body sleeps and the soul is most vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People say the Machu easily falls in love with beautiful women<\/strong>, and his goal is to leave his “seed” in one of them. Several women claim to have dreamt of a tall man dressed entirely in black, wearing a hat that partially hides his face<\/strong>. In the dream, they try to run, to scream\u2026 but nothing works. Their body is paralysed and their voice is trapped in their throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one knows exactly where this spirit comes from. What is clear, however, is that the sensation of seeing \u2013 or feeling \u2013 it is deeply disturbing. Many are left with psychological scars and a fear that\u2019s hard to shake off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you’re a man and think you’re quite handsome<\/strong>, don\u2019t think you’re safe. There\u2019s also the Paya<\/em>, another Andean spirit whose name in Quechua means \u201cthe old woman\u201d. Just as the Machu haunts women, the Paya seeks out attractive men, visiting them at night while they slee<\/strong>p. She crawls toward them, watches them, touches them\u2026 and sometimes even tries to “possess” them spiritually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than one Cusco local has shared encounters with these spirits<\/strong>. So if you ever hear similar stories from villagers, don\u2019t brush them off as mere superstition. They might just be warnings\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let me tell you a true story about one such encounter\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Son of the Machu<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A long time ago, in the province of Chumbivilcas<\/a><\/strong> (Cusco), there lived a woman of remarkable beauty, admired and desired by many\u2014especially by the town\u2019s mayor<\/strong>. But she was not easily won over<\/strong>, for she had clear goals in life, one of which was to become a professional. This ambition didn\u2019t sit well with the mayor<\/strong>, who constantly promised her a beautiful and prosperous future if only she chose to stay by his side. Still, the woman never gave in to his tempting offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One day, as they were talking, the mayor pulled out a ring with a giant diamond and proposed to her. The woman responded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Where did you get that from? Don\u2019t you think you\u2019re overdoing it?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To which the mayor replied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Anything for the most beautiful woman in the world. Accept this ring and be my wife!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman, laughing mockingly, answered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”You could bring me the moon or a thousand diamonds\u2014it wouldn\u2019t matter. I won\u2019t accept because you don\u2019t understand what I truly want.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slightly irritated, the mayor gave her a suspicious look and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Fine. If not today, then tomorrow…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as she walked away, the woman replied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”Not tomorrow… and never<\/em>!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What she didn\u2019t know was that she had unknowingly provoked the wrath of the mayor<\/strong>\u2014without realising who he truly was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That night, while she was asleep, a man appeared in her dream calling to her, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014”You rejected my love\u2026 You rejected it! Now you must accept my blessing…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She woke up in terror, and upon looking at herself carefully, she saw that her belly resembled that of a woman nine months pregnant. To her shock, she realised she was in labour<\/strong>\u2014without knowing who the father was or how she had ended up in such a state<\/strong>. When the delivery was over, the nurses began to scream in horror. The reason? The newborn baby had horns and a tail<\/em>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one truly knows what happened to the child, but ever since that day, beautiful women have become more cautious. As for the woman in this story, it is said she lost her mind. The mayor? He disappeared\u2014because it turns out he was<\/em> the Machu all along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stories like these often hold something fascinating\u2014sometimes they’re just traditions or beliefs<\/strong>. If you\u2019re visiting the city of Cusco, feel free to ask the locals\u2014they\u2019ll tell you the Machu is real<\/strong>. And if you live in Cusco and want to protect yourself from him, they say you must sleep with a kitchen knife under your pillow<\/strong>. Only then will you be safe from this spirit. Another tip? Sleep wearing a man\u2019s garment<\/strong>\u2014this will trick the Machu into thinking there\u2019s a man in the house, and he will leave. In the high Andean regions, men are seen as protectors<\/strong>, so\u2026 cherish your husband if you have one!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned in this blog, these are beliefs you may choose to follow or not\u2014but do remember that Peru embraces Mystical Tourism<\/a><\/em>, which blends habits, offerings, and traditions with the presence of both positive and negative divinities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mystery of the Apus<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve made it this far, chances are you\u2019ve heard of the Apus<\/strong><\/a>\u2014sacred spirits and guardians of lakes, forests, wildlife, and agriculture<\/strong>. Their origins are steeped in mystical and cultural significance, but if we uncover the mystery they hold, you\u2019ll understand that \u201cgreat power comes with great sacrifice.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power the Apus <\/strong>possess is rarely questioned, mostly because its source remains unknown. One prevailing hypothesis suggests that the Apus are emotional beings\u2014happy or sad\u2014depending on the state of the natural world they protect<\/strong>. Some locals believe that the Apus were once ordinary people who survived something extraordinary<\/strong>. In the high Andes, during the rainy season, lightning strikes<\/strong> are frequent and intensely powerful. Now, imagine being struck by one of those bolts\u2026 According to legend, that is exactly how an Apu is born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those rare individuals who survived a lightning strike were infused with immense energy. Afterward, they developed a heightened sensitivity to nature\u2014they could hear a bird\u2019s chirp with deep clarity and even sense the movement of tectonic plates. With such abilities, they became guardians of the mountains and their surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Apus chose to live atop the highest peaks to better protect <\/strong>not just the mountain itself, but everything within its reach. Perhaps this is why lightning is more common in the highlands and not in cities\u2014the Apus dwell where lightning follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Jarjacha: A Highland Legend<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You’ve now reached one of the most terrifying parts of Andean mythology<\/a>. Speaking of the Jarjacha<\/em> is to speak of the darkness<\/strong> that haunts the Peruvian highlands. Several horror films explore what these beings are\u2014one of the most well-known is Jarjacha: The Demon of Incest<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jarjachas originate from the remote villages of Ayacucho<\/strong><\/a> and are said to roam the high Andean regions of southern Peru<\/strong>. These creatures resemble llamas with human faces<\/strong> and wander the mountains at night. Their origin is tied to sin\u2014specifically incest<\/em>. In the highlands, this grave transgression is punished by transforming the offender into a Jarjacha, doomed to roam in the body of a llama until devoured by its executioner: the puma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, Jarjachas became craftier and began to roam village paths at night<\/strong>, hiding among humans<\/strong>. It\u2019s said that anyone who sees one may die of fright, as the sheer terror of their appearance is enough to paralyze even the bravest. Though many highland villagers are considered \u201ctoughened,\u201d even they fear the Jarjacha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who have encountered one say the only way to protect yourself is to carry a mirror<\/strong>. Jarjachas cannot stand to see their reflection<\/strong>\u2014it forces them into a trance, reliving who they once were and the horror of what they\u2019ve become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s a grim twist: should the villagers succeed in killing a Jarjacha<\/strong>, it doesn\u2019t end there. The creature returns<\/strong>\u2014this time in an even more horrifying form, known simply as \u201cthe demon.\u201d<\/em> Dressed in a black spectral cloak, it seeks revenge on anyone who crossed its path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fortunately, you can experience the horror safely\u2026 through the screen. The movie we mentioned captures this Andean nightmare in chilling detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Great Chincana: Mystery in Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is well known that the grand fortress of Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/a> is considered a ceremonial centre<\/strong>, whose secrets and mysteries have slowly been revealed over time. Among them, the Chincana Grande<\/a> holds one of the most fascinating enigmas associated with this archaeological complex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve walked around Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/a>, you\u2019ve likely come across an enormous rock placed over an ancient path, of which only a few traces remain today<\/strong>. That rock now acts as a seal over a series of underground catacombs <\/strong>filled with mystery and intrigue. It is said that when the entrance was still open, many people got lost trying to explore its corridors and galleries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mitos
Old entrance to Chincana Grande<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As shown in the image above, there once was a well-structured staircase leading inside<\/strong>. However, due to safety concerns and the repeated disappearances of people, the entrance was sealed off with this massive stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let us tell you a story that will surely capture your imagination:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Legend of the Golden Corn Cob<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The story dates back to the 1980s<\/strong>, when the Great Chincana became infamous as those who ventured inside often never returned. This sparked the curiosity of three students, who, along with locals from the areas surrounding Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/strong>, decided to explore the catacombs hidden beyond the Chincana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the day of the expedition, the locals tied a long and sturdy rope to the students as they entered the corridors. The students advanced into the deeper areas<\/strong>, until at a certain point, the rope was mysteriously cut from within, leaving them completely lost inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They wandered in circles, trapped in the darkness of the unknown. In a desperate attempt to find help, one of them tried to return on his own, leaving the other two behind<\/strong>. Unfortunately, he got lost and was never seen again<\/strong>. Meanwhile, the two remaining students, while still waiting, saw from a distance a majestic Inca figure breathing fire, his eyes ablaze with flames<\/strong>… One of the students, overcome by fear, suffered a heart attack. The Great Chincana became his final resting place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last student ran endlessly, and during his frantic escape, he stumbled upon a vast treasure of gold. Yet, rather than greed, it was fear that urged him onward. In the midst of panic, he grabbed a single golden corn cob and kept running<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A long time passed, and the students were eventually declared missing<\/strong>. One day, during a normal mass at the Convent of Santo Domingo<\/strong>, the priest heard knocks coming from an unknown door. When he opened it, he was shocked to find a man in a dreadful state\u2014malnourished, with an enormous beard and the marks of time etched into his body and soul<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do we know what happened to each student? That man was one of them. He recounted everything. Nearly a hundred years had passed<\/strong> while he wandered through the catacombs of the Chincana, until the day he heard the distant sound of a mass and followed it to the convent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He handed over the golden corn cob to the church<\/strong>, and in his honour, it was used as decoration within the convent. This is the most well-known story in Cusco about the Great Chincana, and thanks to it, many believe that the Chincana once connected all the major sites in Cusco<\/strong>, and possibly even places far beyond. It is said that the Incas built these catacombs for strategic purposes<\/strong> during the expansion of their empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019ve already booked, or are thinking of booking, our Free Tour <\/em>to Sacsayhuam\u00e1n<\/a>, don\u2019t hesitate to ask our guides about this story. As we mentioned earlier, it\u2019s almost a rule for us Cusque\u00f1os to know these legends<\/strong>. So don\u2019t be left wondering\u2014come and live this story with us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unknown Stories and Legends<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already told you some of the most well-known stories and legends from the Andes of Peru<\/strong>, especially those that surround the imperial city of Cusco<\/strong>. But if we were to tell you every<\/em> story that exists in the imperial city, let me tell you\u2014we\u2019d never finish\u2026
But don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve selected the most fascinating ones, the kinds that will leave you with more than just curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Soldier Who Drags Chains<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This story is both a bit frightening and sad at the same time<\/strong>, as it\u2019s linked to what locals often refer to as \u201cthe condemned\u201d. These condemned souls are believed to be wandering spirits sent back to earth by God, as they left something unfinished in their lives. Now, they must complete their tasks\u2014but as the not-living. The most common belief about the condemned is that they\u2019re people who passed away with something important left unresolved<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This particular story was told to me by my mother, and it begins like this:
Back in the 1980s<\/strong>, there was a young man with very few resources<\/strong>, trying to make ends meet by working as a porter. Sadly, the little money he earned was spent on alcohol, as he had had a rough childhood. One day, while intoxicated, he was taken against his will by a patrol from the Fifth Mountain Brigade in Cusco. At the time, this was not unusual, as military service was compulsory<\/strong>\u2014especially if you had no ID or weren\u2019t enrolled at a university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The young man was harshly trained by his instructors and eventually became one of the most outstanding cadets in the brigade<\/strong>. His superiors would often assign him night watch duty<\/strong> because of his sharp instincts, reliability, and loyalty to the nation. However, as is often the case, envy and ill-will can be found even in the most disciplined places. Some of the other cadets grew jealous of his accomplishments and, in a cruel attempt to undermine him, decided to hide his rifle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What might seem like a prank was, in fact, a deadly mistake. In the military, one of the strictest rules is never to lose your weapon<\/strong>. The punishment for such an offence is severe\u2014especially considering that in the 1980s, the Peruvian army was far more ruthless and unforgiving than it is today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Desperate and terrified, the cadet searched everywhere for his missing rifle, but it was nowhere to be found. When he reported for duty the next day without it, he was shackled and flogged. The punishment was so brutal that, due to the injuries and internal bleeding, he tragically died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mitos
Marshal Agust\u00edn Gamarra Barracks – Fifth Mountain Brigade<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To this day, people say that around the complex of the Fifth Mountain Brigade, the eerie sound of chains being dragged can be heard at night<\/strong>. According to other soldiers\u2019 accounts, what they saw was a man in uniform, dragging heavy chains along his arms, while faint sobs echoed in the background. It is said that the spirit of the young soldier still searches for his rifle every night<\/strong>, which is why the sound of chains continues to haunt the barracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mermaids in the Huatanay River<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Mitos
This is what the Huatanay River looked like before<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re visiting Cusco, chances are you\u2019ve already been to\u2014or plan to visit\u2014Huancaro<\/a><\/strong>, located in the district of Santiago<\/strong>. The most distinctive feature of this area is its river, the Huatanay<\/a>, which nowadays sadly lacks water and is heavily polluted. However, long ago, this river was far more beautiful<\/strong> and its flow was much stronger, even reaching all the way to the main road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in those times, people spoke of the existence of mermaids<\/strong>. But these weren\u2019t the magical creatures who grant eternal life\u2014their story is a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the river’s flow was still high, Huancaro<\/strong> was known for its picanter\u00edas<\/a><\/em>\u2014traditional eateries where locals would often drink chicha de jora<\/strong><\/em> (a fermented corn drink) and return home very late. It is said that mermaids would attack these men, as they were easier to deceive. The most infamous spot was the first bridge of Huancaro<\/a>, since it was there that the so-called \u201cdrunkards\u201d would pass. Before crossing the bridge, they would hear the beautiful voice of a woman calling out to them<\/strong>. Under the effects of alcohol, they were enchanted by the sirens\u2019 singing and would lean over the railings. Once they were close enough, the mermaids would grab them by the neck and drag them down to the deepest part of the river. Many men disappeared this way, never to be seen again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is a small legend about the Huatanay Rive<\/strong>r\u2014one that certainly fills the past with mystery. Remember: if you walk by this river, don\u2019t add to its pollution<\/strong>. Now you have one more reason to understand that every place has something that makes it special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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La Qhayqasqa: Tales of San Jer\u00f3nimo<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This story is known only to the people living in the district of San Jer\u00f3nimo<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is said that in the area of Pata Pata<\/a><\/strong>, there exists a malevolent spirit that frightens anyone nearby\u2014especially those who decide to take a nap in the area. You might be asking: \u201cA nap? Why would anyone take a nap in the middle of a forest?\u201d Let us explain. For many years now, people who live in places like San Jer\u00f3nimo or more remote areas outside the city often rest in these spots after long hours of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this, several locals from Pata Pata have been victims of this spirit<\/strong>. According to legend, they rested in a place that belongs to another being<\/strong>… La Qhayqasqa<\/em>. Below, we share a short film about this entity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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