The four lakes and the freedom path

Cusco from its mythical origins to the present has been a cultural epicenter. Many men have seen in this valley a blessing, its location in the center of the Andes, its benign climate, and the waters of the mountain range that irrigate its mountains, so many were those that the Andean man worked and turned them into andeneria (style of terraces used to cultivate different products) so that the land provides food, corn, potatoes, quinoa, and other super cereals that made this civilization one of the greatest on earth.

Later, after the Spanish invasion in 1535, Cusco was still the living heart of the network of roads that crossed the Andes and united America, its proximity to the mercury mines of Huancavelica, made it a key point in the trade of silver extracted during the colony, from the mines of Potosí, at present-day Bolivia, the largest silver deposit in the world. This mercury brought by the mules and the muleteers was essential for the correct extraction of the silver and the subsequent shipment to Europe through the Rio de la Plata ports.

In the second part of the 18th century, King Charles III’s reforms, known as the Bourbon reforms, were applied in the Spanish colonies. These sought to increase shipments of silver from America, for which greater tax collection points and control of the work of the natives were created, who were exploited in heartless conditions. It is in this historical context where we find Jose Gabriel Condorcanqui, known to history as Tupac Amaru II, one of the last descendants of the Inca nobility who had resisted the Spanish invasion for 40 years. These descendants of the Inca lineage still retained certain "privileges" such as being in charge of some lands, mules, or horses for the transportation of minerals. These were known as Arrieros, (muleteers), they were mestizos who enjoyed the support and respect of the Andean people but were forced to silently witness the abuses of which their brothers were victims.

In November of the year 1780 Tupac Amaru, captured and executed an official of the Spanish crown, starting a movement of revindication of the American people. This movement sought to stop the Spanish abuse and exploitation, the restitution of the Inca state, and the humane treatment of the inhabitants of the Andes, whatever their social status. The importance of this struggle is given by being the first cry for independence in South America, nine years before the French Revolution began and simultaneously with the independence wars of the thirteen colonies.

The places where all these events happened are beautiful places with lagoons that reflect the southern Andes. History still lives in each of these valleys and waits for you, so that you can be part of it. Travel with us to learn, enjoy and discover this biosecurity experience designed to make it an unforgettable day.

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