+51 902 759 110 | +51 963 851 960 [email protected]

Surprised by the Cusco flag? Here we’ll tell you its true story

The Cusco flag is a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. The design of the flag was inspired by the indigenous beliefs of the Andes. According to these ancient beliefs, the rainbow was seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. 

The flag of Cusco was officially adopted in the early 20th century, as part of a movement to promote Peruvian nationalism and preserve the cultural heritage of the country’s indigenous people. Additionally, the flag was embraced by the people of Cusco, and it became a symbol of unity and pride for the city.

Over the years, the flag of Cusco has become an important symbol of Peruvian identity and heritage. It is usually displayed on special occasions, such as independence day, national holidays and cultural festivals.

A short story about the Cusco flag

The first recorded use of the rainbow flag in Peru was associated with the cooperative movement that emerged in the early 20th century. The current design of the flag was created in the early 1970s by a local radio station named Radio Rural. 

In 1973, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the radio station, Raúl Montesinos Espejo proposed the rainbow flag. He claimed that it belonged to the Incas. However, Montesinos never provided evidence to support this claim and the flag was accepted without further proof. Despite this, the flag gained popularity, but was mistakenly linked to the Inca Empire. In 1978, the Cusco Province officially adopted the flag, making it the second flag of the region. 

Surprised by the Cusco flag? Here we'll tell you its true story

In 2021, a golden disk known as the Echenique’s sun was added to the flag. This was done to differentiate the Cusco flag from the widely recognized LGBT flag. The Echenique’s sun is an ancient piece of goldsmithing. It was gifted to the Peruvian President José Rufino Echenique during his visit to Cusco in 1853. The Echenique’s sun has been the official emblem of Cusco since 1986.

However, in 2010, María Rostworowski stated that there is no evidence of the Incas using such a flag. This conclusion was confirmed by the Congress of the Republic of Peru and the National Academy of Peruvian History. These organisms stated that the use of the incorrectly named “Tawantinsuyu flag” is erroneous. The concept of a flag did not exist in the Andean world and was not part of their historical context.

Importance of the Cusco flag

Today, the flag of Cusco continues to be an important symbol of the city and its people. Also, it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

In recent years, the flag has become increasingly popular as a symbol of Peruvian identity and heritage. Also, it can be seen displayed in homes, schools, and public spaces, and it has become an important symbol of national pride. The flag is also often used in tourism, appearing on brochures, postcards and other promotional materials for the city.

Surprised by the Cusco flag? Here we'll tell you its true story

In addition to its symbolic importance, the flag of Cusco is also a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. As one of the most important centers of Andean culture, Cusco is considered to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire. Its flag represents the rich history and cultural heritage of the entire country.

With its rainbow design and spiritual significance, the flag is a powerful representation of the history of the city, and it will continue to be an important symbol of the region and the country for many years to come.

Explore the marvels of Cusco with us

Cusco, Peru, is a city steeped in history and culture. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors come to Cusco to explore its rich history, admire its Spanish colonial architecture, and immerse themselves in the local culture. 

The city is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, making it a great starting point for outdoor adventures such as hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Also, Cusco is known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and lively festivals, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a unique blend of history and culture.

You can check our most popular tours to this region:

Surprised by the Cusco flag? Here we'll tell you its true story

Leave a Reply

Why Book With Us?

  • No-hassle best price guarantee
  • Customer care available 24/7
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • Expert Local Guides

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+51 902 759 110

info@ericksontravelincorporated

Proceed Booking