Myths and legends of Cusco: Mystical tales from the Inca land

Cusco, the navel of the Inca world, is a territory where history merges with the mystical. Throughout the centuries, tales have been passed down about gods, sacred mountains, guardian spirits, and inexplicable events that have shaped the identity of Andean culture. Here we present the most enigmatic myths and legends of Cusco.

1. The Myth of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo: The Origin of the Inca Empire

According to tradition, the god Inti (Sun) sent his children Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo from Lake Titicaca with the mission of founding a great empire. They carried a golden scepter which, upon sinking into the fertile earth, would indicate the ideal place to establish Cusco. After a long journey, the scepter sank in the valley of present-day Cusco, marking the beginning of the Inca Empire.

2. The Myth of the Ayar Brothers: The Creation of Cusco

Another myth about the origin of the Incas tells the story of the Ayar Brothers, four brothers and their wives who emerged from a cave in the hill Tamputoco. After many trials and betrayals among them, only Ayar Manco managed to reach the valley of Cusco, where, with the help of the gods, he founded the sacred city. This tale highlights the Incas’ struggle for their land and the divine power that protected them.

3. The Apus: Protective Spirits of the Sacred Mountains

In the Andean worldview, the Apus are sacred spirits that inhabit the mountains and protect the communities. Some of the most important Apus in Cusco are:

• Apu Ausangate: Considered the supreme guardian of the Cusco Andes, its snow-capped peaks provide the region with water and energy.
• Apu Salkantay: A powerful mountain representing strength and respect in the Inca tradition.
• Apu Pachatusan: Protector of the city of Cusco and its connection with the cosmos.

It is believed that the Apus listen to the pleas of the inhabitants and offer protection, but they can also punish those who do not respect nature.

4. The Serpent of Sacsayhuaman: The Guardian of the Stones

The imposing stones of the Sacsayhuaman fortress are not only a testament to Inca architectural genius but also hide a mystery. It is said that the spirit of a gigantic serpent rests in its walls, a protective being that watches over the place since time immemorial. Ancient Inca priests believed that this serpent held the wisdom of the gods and that those who dared to defy it met a tragic fate.

5. The Curse of Inca Atahualpa: The Lost Treasure

Legend has it that the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, before being executed by the conquistadors, ordered an immense treasure to be hidden somewhere in the Andes. It is said to be protected by ancestral spirits and that any greedy person who tries to find it will be punished by the gods. Many explorers have searched for the treasure, but none has returned successfully.

6. The Condor and the Maiden: A Tragic Love Story

A beautiful young woman from Cusco was observed from the heights by a condor, who, enchanted by her beauty, decided to abduct her and take her to his nest in the mountain. Over time, the maiden fell in love with the condor, and together they had a child, half-human, half-bird. However, the young woman’s family managed to rescue her, separating her forever from her beloved. It is said that since then, condors fly over the Andes with a melancholic song, remembering their lost love.

7. Lake Titicaca and the Creation of the Incas

According to legend, the god Viracocha emerged from Lake Titicaca to give life to the world. He then created Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo and sent them to civilize mankind. The lake is considered sacred because, according to the Incas, it was the point of origin of their civilization. To this day, the inhabitants of the Uros floating islands believe that ancestral spirits dwell in its waters.

8. The Ghost of the Santo Domingo Convent

Built over the ancient Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Santo Domingo convent holds tales of apparitions and mysterious presences. It is said that the spirit of a monk from the colonial era wanders the halls at night, guarding the secrets of this sacred temple. Some visitors claim to have felt a strange energy or seen shadows moving among the ancient stones.

9. The Mysterious Q’eswachaka Bridge

The Q’eswachaka suspension bridge, woven with ichu fibers, is rebuilt every year by local communities following an Inca tradition. It is believed that the spirits of the ancestors watch over the bridge and that anyone who tries to cross it with bad intentions will suffer a fatal destiny. This bridge is an example of how ancient Inca practices have survived to this day.