The Flact of Cusco
Table of Contents
Hello, traveler!
Welcome to the city of Cusco — the heart of the former Inca Empire and a place full of living history.
The team at Bigfoot Machu Picchu put together this blog just for you.
If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for reliable and clear information about the flag of our city. Well, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from design and colors to its deeper meaning and cultural importance. These are some of the most common questions travelers ask us:
What does Cusco’s flag look like?
What are its main features?
What are the colors, and what do they represent?
Why is it such an important symbol in Cusco?
Get ready to understand one of the most recognizable icons in Cusco — and what it really means to the people who live here.
What does the Cusco flag look like?
The flag of Cusco is bright and colorful. If you’ve walked through the city already, you’ve probably seen it hanging from balconies, flying in the main square, or displayed on official buildings.
At first glance, it looks like a rainbow — it has seven horizontal stripes in different colors.
Because of that, many people confuse it with the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Don’t worry—you’re not the only one! We’ll explain the difference further down.
What are the characteristics of the Cusco flag?
The design is simple but powerful. It features seven horizontal stripes of equal width and no shield, symbols, or text.
It was first promoted in 1973 by Raúl Montesinos Espejo, a Cusco-based radio host who proposed the flag as a symbol of the city’s Andean legacy.
In 1978, the Municipality of Cusco officially adopted it as the city’s emblem, and since then, it’s become a strong representation of regional pride.
What colors are in the Cusco flag?
From top to bottom, the stripes are
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Light blue (sky blue)
Blue
Violet
Yes — just like a rainbow. But there’s a key difference: the natural rainbow has six colors, while Cusco’s flag has seven, thanks to the inclusion of light blue, which sets it apart.
What is the design of the Cusco flag?
The flag’s design features seven horizontal bands, all of equal size, and no extra elements. It’s a clean, bold design that speaks through color alone.
Each stripe represents something meaningful, rooted in the Incan worldview and traditional Andean values.
It’s a modern symbol — yet deeply tied to ancient history.
What does each color mean?
Each of the seven colors represents a concept that was important to the Inca civilization and is still respected in modern Andean culture:
Red: The Earth, Pachamama, and the love for Cusco.
Orange: Society, culture, and collective creativity.
Yellow: Energy, strength, and the sun — considered sacred by the Incas.
Green: Nature, agricultural abundance, and hope.
Light Blue: The sky, space, and Andean spirituality.
Blue: Infinity, the sacred, and the unknown.
Violet: Wisdom, knowledge, and respect for the ancestors.
Why is the Cusco flag important?
In Cusco, the flag isn’t just for decoration — it’s a living symbol of identity.
It reflects the pride of a people whose culture is still alive, whose history is still honored, and whose roots run deep into the Andean soil.
Every June — during Inti Raymi and the anniversary of Cusco — the flag is displayed all over the city, from government buildings to local homes.
It’s a collective expression of Andean pride and cultural resilience.
Is it the same as the LGBTQ+ Pride flag?
No — although they look very similar, they’re not the same flag.
The Cusco flag has seven stripes, including light blue, while the LGBTQ+ Pride flag has six (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet) and no light blue stripe.
Beyond the visual differences, their meanings are completely distinct:
The Cusco flag represents Andean identity, the legacy of the Inca Empire, and the values of the Tahuantinsuyo.
The LGBTQ+ flag is a global symbol of diversity, inclusion, and the fight for equal rights.
Both are meaningful in their own ways, and both deserve respect — but it’s helpful to know the difference, especially when traveling through Cusco and exploring its local culture.
Are you ready to live one of the most incredible experiences on the planet?
Machu Picchu is not only a wonder of the world, it is a journey that transforms your soul.
Machu Picchu Tickets, makes your dream of seeing the sacred city of the Incas come true with tours carefully designed for all styles of travelers. Whether you’re looking for an epic hike along the Inca Trail, a scenic train tour or a private getaway, we have the perfect trip for you.
Normally booked 60 days in advance.
