Cristo Blanco, White statue on Pukamuqu mountain in Cusco, Peru

Cristo Blanco is an eight-metre statue of Jesus with arms open toward the city, standing on the summit of Pukamuqu hill about 5 km from Cusco's historic centre, at 3,600 metres above sea level. It is built of granite faced with marble and plaster, and its height makes it a lookout over the city.

The statue was erected in 1945 as a gift to Cusco from the city's resident Palestinian Arab Christian community, formerly a colony. It stands on the summit of Pukamuqu hill, five kilometers from the historic center. In 1972 its location was included in the Monumental Zone of Cusco, declared a Historical Monument of Peru, and since 1983 it has formed part of the central zone listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.

The statue was a gift from Cusco's resident Palestinian Arab Christian community, as the source calls the former Arab Palestinian Christian colony, and was erected in 1945. Christ faces the city with open arms, giving the impression of watching over Cusco from the hilltop. The figure stands 8 metres tall at 3,600 metres above sea level.

You can reach the statue on foot from Plaza de Armas in about 30 minutes, or take a taxi to the parking area near the mountain. The area is best visited in daylight to enjoy the views fully and stay oriented.

The statue was a gift from Cusco's resident Palestinian Arab Christian community, as the source calls it, and was erected in 1945. It stands on Pukamuqu hill at 3,600 metres above sea level, five kilometres from the historic centre, and its open arms face the city.