Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

For an evening of Andean music and dance, the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo is the classic choice. Founded in November 1924 by Luis Alberto Pardo Durand, and known as the Centro Musical Cusco until 1933, it was the first organisation in Cusco dedicated to collecting and preserving the folk music and dances of the region. The Peruvian government has recognised it as the first folkloric institution of Peru, and many people in Cusco regard it as the city's most respected guardian of folklore.

The centre holds performances every day at its venue on Avenida El Sol, at number 872. A typical evening runs from about 18:30 to 20:15, beginning with a visit to its museum of traditional costumes and instruments and a short cultural video, followed by around 75 minutes of dance. Explanations are given in English as well as Spanish, so visitors can follow the story behind each piece.

The repertoire is huge, with more than 50 dances collected over the decades, and a cast of around 70 artists. Pieces performed have included carnival dances from Tinta and Cusco, the Majeños, whose dancers wear plaster masks, wide-brimmed hats and riding breeches, and the Saqra, whose costumes are embroidered with insects and other creatures. The music is played live, and the colour and energy of the costumes make the show appealing to children as well as adults.

The centre has a long performing history. It toured to Lima's Municipal Theatre in 1958 with the historian Luis E. Valcárcel, travelled to Argentina and Bolivia in the early 1960s, recorded its first LP in 1966 and won festival prizes in Ecuador and Arequipa. Construction of the present premises on Avenida El Sol began in 1972.

The show is included in Cusco's tourist ticket, and tickets can also be bought at the door. It suits families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to understand the festivals they may see in the streets. Arrive a little before 18:30 to see the museum. The early-evening timing means the show fits neatly between an afternoon of sightseeing and dinner, and it is a good way to prepare for festivals such as Inti Raymi or Corpus Christi if your visit coincides with one.