About us

The formation of Machu Picchu is a reflection of its multicultural approach, with musicians from different Latin American countries bringing their traditions and rich musical history. The group was founded in 1986 in Stockholm, Sweden, but moved to Helsinki, Finland, in 1991, where it consolidated its presence in the local music scene, blending traditional Andean sounds with Latin American and Finnish influences.

The current members of Machu Picchu are:

• Roberto Cueto (Chile) – Guitar and vocals: Roberto Cueto is one of the founding members and an essential pillar of the group. As a guitarist and singer, he has been crucial in shaping the group’s sound, bringing his knowledge of Latin American and Chilean music. His voice and guitar style enrich the mix of traditional sounds that characterize Machu Picchu.

• Rodrigo Rodríguez (Chile) – Bass, mandolin, conga, bongo, and cajón: Rodrigo Rodríguez, with his versatility, plays a key role in the group’s rhythm section. His ability to play a variety of instruments, from bass to traditional percussion instruments like the cajón and congas, helps create the solid foundation that supports Machu Picchu’s dynamic sound.

• Pedro Castellón (Bolivia) – Charango, bamboo instruments, and vocals: Pedro Castellón, born in Bolivia, is known for his mastery of the charango, a small traditional Andean string instrument. His expertise with bamboo instruments and his vocal contributions are essential in maintaining the connection to the Andean indigenous roots, a distinctive feature of the group’s music.

• Tito Chauca (Peru) – Zampoña, wind instruments, percussion, and vocals: Tito Chauca, originally from Peru, is one of the pillars in the creation of Machu Picchu’s Andean sound. The zampoña, a traditional wind instrument, is one of the most recognizable instruments of the Andes, and Tito contributes not only with his instrumental skills but also with his voice and percussion expertise.

• Jovani De la Cruz (Peru) – Zampoña, wind instruments, percussion: Jovani De la Cruz, also from Peru, shares with Tito Chauca the responsibility of keeping the legacy of traditional Andean sounds alive. His mastery of the zampoña and other wind instruments and percussion, along with his voice, enhances the color and richness of the group’s music.

The influence of the members on the formation:
The diversity of countries and musical traditions that the members bring to the group contributes to Machu Picchu’s unique fusion, which not only includes Andean sounds but also a contemporary interpretation that makes it accessible to a global audience, especially in a setting like Finland. This blend of traditions is reflected in both their compositions and live performances, capturing the essence of Latin American rhythms and melodies while merging them with Finnish musical elements.
Machu Picchu’s formation has remained relevant for over three decades, demonstrating the group’s ability to adapt to changes while maintaining a deep respect for the roots of Andean and Latin American music.

The influence of past members:
The constant rotation of musicians in Machu Picchu has allowed the group to experiment with a wide range of musical styles and approaches. Each member who has passed through its ranks has left a significant mark on the group’s sound, enriching the proposal of merging traditional Andean and Latin American music with local Finnish influences. The musicians who have been part of the formation have played a crucial role in the group’s evolution, keeping the Andean musical tradition alive while also renewing it with new interpretations and approaches, ensuring the freshness and relevance of Machu Picchu in the Finnish music scene.
This constant flow of talented musicians has allowed the group to remain dynamic, innovative, and committed to spreading Latin American music in Finland while continuing to explore new ways to connect with the country’s diverse audience.

Past members of Machu Picchu:

Carlos Herbozo: Carlos was part of the group in its early years and participated in the recording of two of Machu Picchu’s most important albums: La Colegiala Volumen 1 and A la Vida Volumen 2. His contribution helped shape the group’s initial sound.

Javier Herbozo: Javier, Carlos’s brother, was also part of the group and participated in the recording of La Colegiala. His presence in the group contributed to the fresh and authentic approach to Andean music that Machu Picchu promoted.

Rodolfo Cueto: Rodolfo Cueto, Roberto Cueto’s brother, was part of Machu Picchu during several stages and recorded on key albums such as La Colegiala, A la Vida, and Nin Kaunis Oma. His contributions to guitar and vocals were crucial in defining the group’s sound.

Ciro Yacila Changano: Ciro Yacila was an important member who recorded on all three of Machu Picchu’s albums. His experience and talent helped give the band’s compositions an authentic and traditional Andean flavor.

Fredy Vilcapasa: Fredy, who participated in the recording of A la Vida, was a valuable member of the band, contributing his musical skills and voice to the group’s development during that period.

Ramón Donoso: Ramón also participated in the recording of A la Vida. His collaboration was key to the band’s development during that phase.

Jorge Díaz Dowling: Although his involvement is not directly linked to specific recordings, his contribution to the group is part of the mosaic that forms Machu Picchu’s history.

Mikko Nousiainen: Mikko Nousiainen, from Finland, was a key member who brought a Finnish perspective to the group. His participation in wind instruments and his collaboration in creating a more experimental sound helped Machu Picchu maintain an innovative style, strongly rooted in Latin American traditions while also influenced by the Finnish music scene.

Legacy:
The participation of these musicians not only defined the different stages of Machu Picchu but also helped preserve the Andean music tradition in Finland, adapting it to a European context and promoting its spread to new generations. Each member brought their talent and experience, enriching the group’s unique sound. This has allowed Machu Picchu to remain a cultural and musical beacon both in Finland and internationally.

Cultural legacy:
Machu Picchu has not only distinguished itself through its concerts and albums but also through its work in music education in Finland, offering workshops in schools and other cultural institutions. Their music has served as a bridge between two worlds, showcasing the richness of Latin American musical traditions and introducing them to new generations in Finland.
Their impact on the Finnish music scene and the Latin American community in the country remains significant. Thanks to their work and dedication, Machu Picchu has become a symbol of cultural diversity, bringing Andean music to stages where these sounds are rarely heard but where the audience receives them with deep appreciation.

Conclusion:
Machu Picchu has played a key role in spreading Latin American culture in Finland, successfully integrating Andean musical traditions with the cultural richness of the Nordic country. Their contribution to the Finnish music scene remains notable, and their legacy continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts of Latin American music in Finland and beyond.