The village of Andahuaylillas is located an hour outside of Cusco and was our recent destination one Sunday afternoon. Although our main reason for visiting Andahuaylillas was to visit the Museo Andean Rituals that was said to contain the remains of an alien-human hybrid mummy, we found the beauty and quaintness of this little town absolutely endearing.
Andahuaylillas was founded around 1572 reduced by the Viceroy of Peru, Francisco de Toledo.
Andahuaylillas main attraction is a humble looking church, called the “Church of San Pedro of Andahuaylillas” known throughout Peru. The picturesque colonial church The church was built to impress and impress it did – and does. It is sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes because of the extent and quality of its frescoes.
The history of that church is not benign. Using a common form of intimidation throughout the new world, by the Conquistadores build this grand church in 1631, as a statement of conquest on top of the base of an ancient Inca temple. This actual church was one of the first attempts in this area to impress and convert the pre-Spanish inhabitants of Peru.
Although we did not spent anytime inside the church, we found the history interesting. The town itself stole my heart with it’s quaint beauty and welcoming personality.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
