The last Incas | Q'eres

Indigenous cultures of Peru developed for thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish in 1532 and comprised a large number of ethnic groups who live in present-day Peru. At the time of the Spanish arrival, people living in the Andes and to the west were dominated by the Inca Empire, which had a complex, hierarchical civilization.



The Q'ero people are the last direct descendants of the Inca, who live in one of the most remote places in the Peruvian Andes's rugged elevations of snowcapped mountains. According to the Vanishing Cultures Foundation Inc., six major Q'ero villages are home to about 600 people and 6000 llamas & alpacas. Q'ero people's lives are Earth-centric and revolve around farming potatoes and mazes, rearing alpacas, and weaving wool. The unique Inca-like patterns characterize their master weaving style. Grass-thatched roofs cover the huts built with stone and earth, preserving the traditional way of life of the Q'eres people.



The Q'ero practice mutual reciprocity to achieve life in balance with nature and community and respect for all living things. The Q'ero people are known to practice mysticism and pass on ancient knowledge through oral traditions that preserve their cultural identity. Although the Q'ero do not practice any particular religion, they are highly spiritual and live in harmony with Mother Earth or "Pachamama." Small chortan-like structures with offerings for Pachamama mark mountain passages between villages.