The Iconic Andean Chullo Hat

The Iconic Andean Chullo Hat, Aracari Travel

As winter in Peru draws to a close, Andean guides in Cusco and Puno may soon swap their wooly layers for lighter trekking garb, packing away their colorful Andean chullo hat until the next chilly day. The chullo is the iconic Andean stocking cap with earflaps, usually made from the wool of sheep, llama, alpaca, or (for the luxurious) vicuña. The thickly-knit hat insulates from the harsh elements of the mountainous region.  Wearers can also tie that hat beneath the chin for even more insulation in extremely cold or windy conditions.

History of the Chullo Hat

Chullos have been used in the Andean Mountain region by its indigenous people for thousands of years. The different colors, patterns and weaves have significance throughout the region, as they are often used to distinguish between communities. While for many years it was seen as an unfashionable mark of the lowest class of Peruvian society, the chullo has always been an integral part of the cultural fabric.

But though the chullo is iconic to the Andes, there is some disagreement to its origin. As Arturo Jimenez Borja details in his book “Indumentaria Tradicional Andina” (“Traditional Andean Clothing”), archeological evidence shows that headwear in the Basque country of Spain was shaped more like the chullo than that of pre-colonial Peru, where the four-pointed Huari was the hat of choice. Other academics fiercely defend the chullo’s pre-Hispanic origins as the debate continues.

Authentic Andean chullos are popular souvenirs for travellers that want to bring home a memory of Peruvian culture. Many modern clothing designers add feathers, pompoms, tassels, and other extra adornments to their hats, but these tend to be added in questionable taste and without respect to Andean culture. The best chullos can be purchased in and around Cusco, particularly in towns where the chullo still has cultural significance.

Related Post

The Opening of the MALI Permanent Collection This Wednesday afternoon, there was no lack of diversity amongst the crowds at Lima’s illustrious Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI, for short), one of the ...
Peru Travel Report: Visit to Chuquibamba community When organising visits to local communities in Peru, it is essential for us that we ensure the visit is authentic, tasteful and, above all, representa...
GETTING TO KNOW THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF PERU Peru is home to 51 indigenous communities, all of whom have a unique culture and way of life. Among the 31 million people who live in Peru, about 80% ...
Traveling for Wellness in Peru As more people across the globe look to shrubs, herbs and other vegetation for their natural wellbeing benefits, Aracari is anticipating a boom in tra...
Callao Monumental – Visiting The Center Of Urban Art in Lima Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the ...
Environmentally Friendly Travel in Peru: Aracari’s Water Bottle ... At Aracari, our passion for delivering unsurpassed travel experiences is as strong as it is for promoting and protecting the communities and destinati...