Calca offers several cultural points of interest: pre-Columbian walls in the town’s streets and squares, religious traditions, archaeological sites in the district, and markets with a Sunday rhythm. For planning, it helps to understand their locations: the image of the Virgen Asunta and its procession belong to the town of Calca; Urqo and Unu Urqo are located in the district. This takes you from the townscape to archaeological sites and recurring traditions.

Walls and Squares in the Townscape

Pre-Columbian walls have been preserved in the streets and squares of the present-day town of Calca. Historical traces are therefore part of the townscape in several places. Calca’s main square is noted as a place of interest for visitors. The colonial church of Calca is also listed as a place of interest.

The Image of the Virgen Asunta and Her Celebration

The image of the Virgen Asunta has been in Calca since the colonial period and arrived there from Spain in 1753. During the celebration of the Virgen Asunta, the image is carried in a procession through the streets and across the square of Calca after Mass. During the Festividad de la Virgen Asunta, worshippers in Calca perform more than 20 dances. The celebration thus combines a specific historical connection with a recurring tradition of processions and dances.

Archaeological Sites in the District

The route to the Urqo archaeological zone begins at Calca’s main square. It first covers 2 kilometers on a paved road, for which a travel time of 5 minutes is given. This is followed by 2 kilometers on a drivable unpaved road; the stated travel time to the structures and carved rock is 10 minutes. Road surfaces and travel times may change. Check the route before setting out.

In the district of Calca, Urqo is home to a tower and a huaca known as Wiracocha Urqo. Another tradition is associated with Unu Urqo: the staging of the myth of Unu Urqo takes place in the district on the first Sunday of every October. From 10 a.m., visitors gather in the open area of the Unu Urqo archaeological zone to watch 200 local performers. Urqo and Unu Urqo offer different points of focus: Urqo highlights archaeological remains, while Unu Urqo features the recurring staging of a myth.

Markets and Clothing

Calca has two popular markets offering a wide variety of food for sale. A Sunday market is held every Sunday. Residents of neighboring communities bring products there to sell and wear traditional clothing. This weekly rhythm offers a practical point of reference if you would like to include a market visit in your plans.

Local textiles and garments in the district also provide insight into different design features. They differ in, among other things, their colors and Chumpi or Pallay patterns; the embellishments on Ch'ullus and Monteras; the size of the ponchos; and the number and design of the Pollera skirts. A comparison therefore goes beyond colors or patterns: embellishments and garment design are also among the differences noted.

Religious Art

A 2012 report puts the collection of the Church of San Pedro Apóstol at 66 panel paintings, 38 polychrome sculptures, and 15 carved and gilded frames. The inventory figures thus cover different forms of religious art: painting, sculpture, and elaborately designed frames.

Discover more destinations: Yucay, Ocongate, Santa Teresa, Oroya, Sicuani, Soray, San Pedro, Huaro

For the broader travel overview: Cuzco.