The Q'ero Nation
The Last Children of the Inka · Guardians of Andean Wisdom
A Quechua people who, sheltered in the Andes of Paucartambo, preserved for centuries the worldview, ceremonies and sacred knowledge of Tawantinsuyo.
Who Are the Q'ero?
The Q'ero ('wood' in Southern Quechua, q'iru) are the Quechua community regarded as the «last descendants of the Inca bloodline». After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, a group took refuge above 4,200 meters of altitude, in Antisuyo, near the apu Ausangate. Their geographic and social isolation allowed them to preserve a cultural identity, a language, a spirituality and ancestral techniques that other communities had been losing. Until the «discovery» of the community by anthropologist Óscar Núñez del Prado in 1949, Q'ero oral tradition and practices remained intact.
Figures That Speak of a People
History of the Q'ero Nation
The Flight
After the fall of the Inca capital, a group took refuge in the heights of Antisuyo to preserve their rites and their bloodline.
The «Rediscovery»
Anthropologist Óscar Núñez del Prado met them at a festival in Paucartambo; soon afterwards the expeditions began.
John Cohen
Artist and filmmaker John Cohen lived within the community to document its weavings, music and way of life.
Heritage of the Nation
The culture of the Q'ero people was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the then INC.
The Q'ero Taki
The ancestral music Q'ero Taki (Inka Taki) was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
Andean Worldview
For the Q'ero, the cosmos is organized into three interconnected planes that coexist in harmony and reciprocity (ayni).
Hanan Pacha
The celestial and spiritual plane, inhabited by Inti (the Sun), the stars and the higher deities.
Kay Pacha
The earthly world where human beings live in respectful relationship with all creation.
Ukhu Pacha
The inner and deep plane of the earth and of oneself; the world of roots that nourishes life.
The Paqos and the Q'ero Priesthood
The paqos are the spiritual guides of the community. Each level is a path of service, discipline and deep respect for nature.
Kuraq Akulleq
The «elder sage who chews the sacred coca»; he attains universal energy (Taytacha and Mamacha).
Altomisayoq
Communicates directly with the Apus and the forces of nature; confirmed by the trial of lightning.
Pampamisayoq
Initiated by vocation, he is the specialist in the ritual of the offering and the despacho to Pachamama.
Values of Andean Life
Ayni
The law of fair exchange and of giving and receiving, the foundation of Andean life.
Minka
The collective work that brings people together for the benefit of the community.
Ama Suwa · Ama Llulla · Ama Qella
Do not steal, do not lie, do not be idle: three principles that order living together.
Yachay · Munay · Llankay
Intelligent knowing, love-will and right action: the three forces of the balanced being.
Official Recognitions
The Q'ero Nation holds two declarations as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, processed before the Ministry of Culture and the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
Cultural Heritage of the Nation
Recognition of the Q'ero Nation as part of the cultural heritage of the Peruvian nation. The declaration states that the community has preserved its identity over time, enriching the cultural heritage of Peru.
Q'ero Taki · Cultural Heritage of the Nation
Declaration of the Q'ero Taki (Inka Taki), the ancestral music of the Q'ero Nation, as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, for embodying the worldview, history and spirituality of the people.
Guardians of Mother Earth
Today the Q'ero are an international reference of mystical tourism and of care for Mother Earth. Their paqos continue to perform despacho, karpay and initiation ceremonies; their weavers keep ancestral techniques alive; and their Inka Taki music still carries the gratitude of the Nation to the apus. Inner Condor works with these communities with respect and reciprocity, helping ensure their legacy endures.
«The Q'ero bring humanity respect for the environment.»
Ethnodevelopment Coordinator, Regional Directorate of Culture of Cusco.
Images of the Q'ero Nation
Places, ceremonies and moments of a people who live in harmony with nature.
Bibliography and Studies
Books, theses, essays and institutional publications to explore further.
Q'ero wisdom lives on in every despacho, in every karpay, in every song to the apu.
At Inner Condor we work alongside the masters of the Q'ero Nation with respect, ethics and reciprocity. Discover our ceremonies and experiences, or visit our About Us page to continue exploring the Andean legacy.