The Church of San Pedro Apostol in Andahuaylillas is the most astonishing colonial interior in the Cusco region, and the reason it is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Americas becomes obvious the moment you step inside. From the outside, it is a simple adobe church with a white facade on a peaceful plaza shaded by trees, in a small village about 45 kilometers south of Cusco at around 3,100 meters. Inside, every surface is decorated: walls covered in murals, painted and coffered ceilings with Mudejar-style geometric patterns, carved and gilded altarpieces, colonial canvases in gold frames, and a pair of historic organs in the choir loft that are among the oldest in the Americas. The church was built in the early colonial period as a center for the evangelization of the Andean population, and its imagery was designed to teach: near the entrance, a famous mural of the paths to heaven and hell contrasts the narrow road of virtue with the broad road to damnation, and the main doorway carries an inscription in several languages, including Spanish, Latin, Quechua, Aymara and Puquina, reflecting the many peoples the missionaries sought to reach. Much of the mural work is attributed to the painter Luis de Riano, a student of Italian masters working in Lima, and his workshop, painted in the 1620s. Andahuaylillas is the main stop on the Andean Baroque route, which also includes the chapel of the Purified Virgin at Canincunca and the church of San Juan Bautista in Huaro, each with its own painted interior. Fit: art lovers, history buffs, couples and anyone who thinks they have seen enough churches.
How to visit: Andahuaylillas is about an hour from Cusco by road, and pairs naturally with Tipon on a south valley day, or with Palccoyo or the road to Rainbow Mountain, which pass nearby. The church has its own entrance ticket, sold through the Andean Baroque route program, which supports conservation and community projects; it is not part of the Boleto Turistico. Photography inside is generally not allowed, so buy a guidebook or postcards if you want images to take home, and give yourself time to let your eyes adjust to the dim light and the density of the decoration.
What to look for: the heaven and hell mural at the entrance, the multilingual inscription around the doorway, the coffered ceiling, the gilded main altarpiece, the baptistery decorated with paintings, and the organs in the choir loft. A local guide, often available at the door, can point out the details and tell the story of the restoration that brought the murals back from damage and neglect in recent decades. The plaza outside, with its large trees and quiet benches, is a pleasant place to sit afterward.
Practical notes: the church is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon, with closures for masses and religious celebrations; Sunday mornings are especially busy with services. Dress respectfully. Local buses toward Urcos pass through the village, but a taxi or private driver makes it easy to add Huaro, Canincunca and Tipon in one trip.
What to expect
The experience
A village church with an extraordinary painted and gilded interior, visited on its own Andean Baroque route ticket, about an hour south of Cusco.
Best time
Weekday mornings, avoiding Sunday masses.
How long
About an hour, plus travel; add Huaro and Canincunca for a fuller visit.
Tips
Hire a guide at the door, look for the heaven and hell mural and the multilingual inscription, and combine with Tipon.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The most spectacular colonial church interior near Cusco.
- Families
- A short visit; children enjoy spotting the details in the heaven and hell mural.
- Couples
- A peaceful village plaza and an unforgettable interior.
- Pair with
- Tipon and the south valley, or Palccoyo on the same road.
- Time needed
- An hour on site, a half day with travel and nearby stops.
Good questions
Why is it called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas?+
Because almost every surface inside is covered in murals, painted ceilings and gilded altarpieces, an extraordinary ensemble for a small village church.
Is Andahuaylillas included in the Boleto Turistico?+
No. It has its own ticket on the Andean Baroque route, which also covers other churches in the area.
Can I take photos inside?+
Photography is generally not allowed inside the church. Check the current rules at the entrance.
What else is on the Andean Baroque route?+
The church of San Juan Bautista in Huaro and the chapel of the Purified Virgin at Canincunca, both with painted interiors.
How do I get there?+
About an hour by road south of Cusco. Local buses toward Urcos pass the village, but a taxi or private driver is easier if you want to combine it with Tipon.
