During the Tahuantinsuyo, the ancestors had a special connection with nature and the animals that inhabited it. For the Inkas, certain animals were considered sacred due to their connection with the gods. According to the Andean Cosmovision, man and Pachamama (Mother Earth) had a permanent relationship and were separated into 03 planes: Hanan Pacha (world above), Kai Pacha (world below) and Ukhu Pacha (world below).
The condor, the snake and the puma were especially venerated because they represented each one of them.
The Andean Condor
This majestic bird of prey lives in the Andes mountains and was the most important sacred animal of the Inkas. The condor was considered a divine messenger and was believed to be able to fly between the earthly world and the spirit world. For the Inkas, the condor was a symbol of strength, freedom and power. Their culture worshiped the condor and represented it in their art, such as ceramics and textiles.
Today, Andean condors can be found in various places in Peru, such as the Colca Canyon (Arequipa) and the Mirador de Cóndores de Chonta. Mirador de la Cruz del Condor in the Colca Canyon, located in Arequipa, is one of the most popular places to observe condors.
It is home to a large number of them and the best thing. They can be seen while they glide through the skies! In addition, the view of the canyon, one of the deepest in the world, is impressive.
The Snake
For the Inkas, the sacred character of the snake was related to the Ukhu Pacha (world of the dead), since when a person died he left the earthly world and joined another infinite dimension.
They also considered it as a symbol of wisdom, that is why in the Yachay Wasis (House of Knowledge), they represented it on their walls. The snake is still revered in some regions of Peru.
The Puma
This imposing feline, a symbol of strength and skill, was the third sacred animal of the Inkas. This was considered a wise, strong and brave animal, and was related to the Kay Pacha (underworld).
This is why the Inkas built the ancient city of Cusco in the shape of a puma, with Saqsaywaman being the head and the Qorikancha the tail.
Today, pumas still inhabit the Andes mountains and can be found in places like the Manu National Park in Madre de Dios and the Sacred Valley of Cusco.
Some rescued pumas can also be seen in sanctuaries, such as the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary in Cusco, where visitors have the opportunity to see pumas up close and learn more about the conservation of this and various other animals.
For all this, the sacred animals of the Inkas: the condor, the snake and the puma, played an important role in the culture of our ancestors. To this day, these animals continue to be a key part of Peruvian biodiversity. Let’s take care of them!