The Q’eros Community of Cusco: Preserving Inca Roots

Q’eros, also spelled as Qeros or Q’ero, is a community of indigenous people living in the high Andes Mountains of Peru, particularly in the Cusco region. They are often referred to as the “last Inca community” because they are believed to be direct descendants of the Inca civilization. The Q’eros people have preserved many aspects of their Inca heritage, including their language, customs, and spiritual practices.

Here are some key points about the Q’eros community

Location

The Queros (Q’eros) community is located in the Cusco region of Peru. Specifically, they are primarily situated in the province of Paucartambo within the Cusco region. This region is in the southern part of Peru and is known for its stunning Andean landscapes, including high-altitude areas, jungles, and the proximity to the snowy peak of Ausangate. The Queros people inhabit various altitudes within this region, ranging from high-altitude regions exceeding 4,400 meters above sea level to areas in the Cusco jungle at around 1,800 meters above sea level. This diverse geography contributes to the rich cultural and environmental diversity of the Queros community.

Agriculture and Livelihood:

The Q’eros people primarily rely on subsistence agriculture, cultivating crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and corn at high altitudes. They also raise llamas and alpacas for their wool, meat, and as pack animals.

Spiritual Beliefs

The Q’eros are known for their spiritual practices, which combine elements of traditional Inca religion with Catholicism introduced by Spanish colonizers. They believe in the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world and the spirits of the mountains, known as “apus.”

Textiles and Handicrafts

Q’eros women are skilled weavers and create intricate textiles using traditional techniques. Their textiles often feature vibrant colors and intricate patterns that reflect their cultural heritage.

Cultural Preservation

The Q’eros have made efforts to preserve their cultural traditions, and their way of life has attracted the interest of anthropologists and tourists seeking an authentic experience of indigenous Andean culture.

Influence on New Age Spirituality

The Q’eros have gained recognition beyond their remote community due to their spiritual practices and the concept of the “Inca Trail of the Q’ero,” which has been popularized by Western practitioners of New Age spirituality and shamanism.

While the Q’eros community is often referred to as the “last Inca community” due to their cultural ties to the Inca civilization, it’s important to note that their heritage and practices have evolved over time and have been influenced by centuries of contact with Spanish colonialism and modernity. Despite these influences, the Q’eros have managed to maintain a strong connection to their Inca roots and continue to be a source of fascination and study for those interested in Andean indigenous cultures.