Christo Blanco, Cusco

Standing tall over the city of Cusco is the Christo Blanco or the statue of Jesus Christ. Perched over a hilltop, it offers a spectacular view of the city and the central Plaza de Armas can also be seen from there. Legend has it that the Pukamoqo hill, upon which the Christo Blanco stands, was considered to be a spiritual location for the Incas. Christo Blanco is about 10 min walk from Saksaywaman and you can easily combine both in a single tour. Made of white stone, this statue was gifted by the colonial Palestinian refugees. Just before they left for home in 1945, they gave it as a sign of their gratitude for the refuge that they had been offered by the Peruvians.

The hilltop is a photographer's delight because panoramic views of the entire city can be captured from there. And once it gets dark, the statue is artificially lit and can be seen glowing from the city. The statue is a reminder of the generous hospitality that the Peruvians showed to the Palestinians. You do not need much time to see the statue and admire the view from the hilltop. It is surely worth a visit and should not be given a miss at any cost—don’t forget to click a mandatory photo at Christo Blanco.