Pukamuqu, Mountain summit in Cusco Region, Peru.
Pukamuqu is a mountain summit in the Cusco Region of Peru, sitting at around 3,600 meters above sea level. At the top stands the Cristo Blanco statue, and from there the whole city of Cusco and the surrounding valleys spread out below.
The name Pukamuqu comes from Quechua, the language of the Inca, and roughly means 'red hill'. The Cristo Blanco statue was placed here after the 1950 earthquake, when Palestine donated a copy of a figure from Syria to Cusco.
The Cristo Blanco statue at the top brings together Catholic and Andean traditions in one place. Visitors can see offerings left at its base, reflecting how people from Cusco weave together different spiritual practices in daily life.
The hike to the top starts from Cusco along marked trails and takes between one and two hours depending on the route you choose. Because of the altitude, it is a good idea to spend at least a day in Cusco before attempting the climb.
The Cristo Blanco statue is a copy of a figure that was originally made in Syria and now stands in Bethlehem. Most visitors are surprised to learn that a Palestinian donation connects this Andean summit to the Middle East.
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