The Quechua are indigenous South American Indians who live in the Andean highlands of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. They are descendants of the ancient and highly-civilized Incan Empire.The Quechua language, and its culture, is diverse and widespread across South America, with about 46 different sub-languages and 12 million native speakers. In Peru, nearly a quarter of the population speaks Quechua, many of whom are concentrated in the mountainous regions of the Andean highlands.

The Quechuas in the Andes are nominally Roman Catholic since colonial times although traditional religious forms still persist in many regions, blended with Christian elements. Quechua ethnic groups also share traditional religions with other Andean peoples, particularly belief in Mother Earth (Pachamama), who grants fertility and to whom burnt offerings and libations are regularly made.

Quechua women wear the colorful traditional costume, complete with bowler style hat which has been worn by Quechua and Aymara women since the 1920s when it was brought to the country by British railway workers and are still commonly worn today. The traditional dress being worn today is a mixture of styles from Pre-Spanish days and Spanish Colonial peasant dress.