Paucartambo and the Feast of V
It is only 115 kilometers from Cuzco, but the road is so difficult and transportation so scarce and bad, we almost didn't reach Paucartambo. This has its benefits: Few travelers come to this tiny village that is lost in the jungle. Paucartambo, as well as being surrounded by a stunning landscape and being on the road to Tres Cruces, is an entrance to Manu National Park and is famous for its Big Party, held in honor of the Mamacha (virgin) del Carmen between 15 and 17 July. I assure you the terrifying road full of holes is worth it if you travel to Paucartambo for those dates. Precisely because of its isolation, the party feels like it is taking place in times gone by.There are wonderful costumes, exotic processions, hypnotic dances and fascinating syncretism, with a mixture of Inca traditions, Catholic, and Spanish conquistadors, you are really transported to another dimension.
