Andahuaylillas

Andahuaylillas is a small town in the Southern Sierra of Peru, surrounded by mountains and lands used for farming. It's very quiet, featuring a historical church that is described as the "Sistine Chapel of America." Most of its locals are farmers or are involved in the cattle industry.

Map of Andahuaylillas

You can take buses in Cusco to Andahuaylillas. Take the buses going towards Urcos.

• San Pedro de Andahuaylillas (Sistine Chapel of America). This church, which was started in 1570 and completed in 1606, was built by the Jesuits. It sits on top of an indigenous ceremonial site. It is known for its beautiful murals, which earned it the name of the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas". While simple on the outside, it's extremely dramatic and decorative on the inside. It's also claimed to hold a wealth of gold and silver treasures, so many that locals volunteer to watch the church 24 hours a day for security purposes. S/10 per person (non-Peruvians). 

• Hospedaje Policlinico El Sol, Garcilaso 514, ☏ +51 84 22 7264. Small hotel and spa in a colonial style home. US$10. 

• Cusco - About an hour drive northeast on highway 3 from Andahuaylillas is the former Incan capital of Cusco. It's very historic, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.