Imagine being 12 years old, witnessing your parents and older brother die in a public execution, killed brutally—horses, swords, the whole ordeal—while a crowd watches in chaos.
Suddenly, you find yourself sent to Spain, alone, with no family or home, just a child bearing a notable last name and a one-way ticket to an uncertain future.
This is the story of Fernando Túpac Amaru, or “Fernandito,” the youngest son of Peru’s legendary rebel, Túpac Amaru II.
Fast forward to April 2025, and Cusco has just welcomed his “symbolic remains” back from Madrid. A small amount of dirt in an urn? Perhaps.
However, this marks a homecoming 243 years in the making, generating significant excitement. On April 7, 2025, Cusco’s authorities executed this repatriation, making it a noteworthy event—part historical reflection, part celebration. So, who was Fernandito, and why does he hold such importance after all this time?
And what about his father, the man who posed a considerable challenge to the Spanish colonial powers? Let’s explore this story—consider it a journey through rebellion, tragedy, and a lasting legacy.
Born Into a Rebel Family
Fernando Túpac Amaru Bastidas was born in 1768 in the beautiful highlands of what was colonial Peru. His father, José Gabriel Condorcanqui, known as Tupac Amaru II, was a respected “kuraka,” a local indigenous leader with ties to Inca royalty.
Fernando was a charming young man; he spoke both Quechua and Spanish well and was not afraid to stand up to the Spanish for the unfair treatment of his people.
His mother, Micaela Bastidas, was an inspiring figure—smart, strong, and key to many of their important decisions.
As the youngest of three brothers, Fernando grew up with Hipólito and Mariano in a home that buzzed with revolutionary spirit. Their lives changed dramatically in 1780 when his father started a rebellion against the Spanish.
He was angry about the mita labor system, which forced many indigenous people to work under terrible conditions, and the heavy taxes that burdened them.
Eventually, he adopted the name Túpac Amaru, after the last Inca ruler whom they executed in 1572, and inspired thousands to join him, including indigenous people, mestizos, and unhappy criollos.
Even though Fernando was just a teenager, he bravely joined his family in a great rebellion in their quest for freedom.
The Day That Changed Everything
Tupac Amaru’s rebellion started strong—kicking butt at Sangarará in 1780. He and his wife, Micaela Bastidas, killed Spanish governor Antonio de Arriaga; however, the Spanish rule wasn’t messing around. By 1781, events took a tragic turn.
Spaniards captured Túpac Amaru II, Micaela, and their children near Cusco. On May 18, 1781, in what is now the Plaza de Armas, a horrific scene unfolded.
Fernando, only 12 years old, witnessed the public humiliation of his family. Micaela was hanged after she had to watch her son, Hipólito, undergo tongue cutting and display.
Túpac Amaru II suffered a similar fate: they cut out his tongue, tied his hands and feet to four horses in an attempt to dismember him (which ultimately failed), and ended his life with a beheading. The crowd, numbering in the thousands, witnessed this brutality.
According to the Harvard University Press, the Spaniard scattered his body parts throughout different parts of the region. As for Fernando, he stood there, a child witnessing the destruction of his family.
Why was he spared? Spanish law deemed him too young, as it did Mariano, who was 17. However, “spared” is a misleading term—they were both destined for exile.
A Hard Life Begins
After the execution of his parents, the Spaniards imprisoned Fernando and his younger brother Mariano under brutal conditions.
They denied them food and water, forced them to stay awake, and only gave them rotten scraps to eat. There were no mattresses, and a cruel device kept them from sleeping properly.
To wipe out Tupac Amaru’s bloodline, Spaniards castrated the brothers; they remained in this inhumane prison for two years until a new order sent them and about 80 other prisoners to Lima, the capital of Peru.
Shackled by hands and feet, guards forced the prisoners to walk 1,100 kilometers barefoot, despite their terrible health.
They received no proper food or rest and were constantly abused. According to Fernando’s letters, the journey lasted 60 days and nights.
Many died along the way from dehydration, hunger, and exhaustion, including a woman whom others dragged for part of the trip.
Once in Callao, captors took them to the Real Felipe Fortress, where they endured two more months of horrible treatment.
They were kept in the dark, forced to sleep standing up, and could not relieve themselves properly. Despite the suffering, Mariano encouraged Fernando to stay strong and not surrender to despair or suicide.
Shipped Off and Forgotten
Eventually, they moved to Spain, where the trip continued to be brutal. Food was scarce for the crew and even worse for the prisoners. Fernando and the others could only eat what they earned from cleaning the ship.
Unfortunately, Mariano died during the voyage, and only a few survived. In Spain, authorities imprisoned Fernando in several jails, including the harsh castle of San Sebastián in Cádiz. There, he slept on the floor, ate hard bread, and the Spaniards forbade him to speak.
Hygiene was so poor that many developed mouth infections. Fernando and other Indigenous inmates received much worse treatment than Spanish prisoners or even African slaves.
Later, when Fernando turned 17, he went to a school in Getafe, where he received an education but was still kept under control.
He began to write letters and memories to his deceased family, to the Spanish courts, and to the children he would never have. He admired the French Revolution as a symbol of freedom.
Despite pressure to forget his heritage and support the Spanish Crown, Fernando remained loyal to his roots.
He died in 1799 at the age of 29, after years of physical and emotional torture. Poverty, loneliness, and the impossibility of return mark Fernando’s daily struggle.
By 1798, he died in Madrid, without fanfare, and they buried him in an unmarked church grave. Though history has lost his remains, his legacy endures, waiting for Cusco to recognize his contributions.
The 2025 Homecoming
Fast forward to April 7, 2025. Cusco’s mayor, Luis Pantoja, and his team located Fernando’s burial site in Madrid—a crypt beneath the San Ginés church.
Thanks to Madrid’s city hall and the Spanish catholic church, Fernando’s remains could come back to his land of origin.
There were no remains, only soil, so they collected this earth, referring to it as “symbolic remains,” and brought it back home. The plane arrived at 2:30 a.m., encountered some delays (as expected), and missed a formal congressional welcome.
By 6 p.m., the casket holding his remains was at Club Cusco, ready for a tribute celebrating the legacy of the 1780 rebellion. Fernando’s return is a celebration of Peru’s indigenous roots and a defiance against colonial erasure.
Agents from the National Police stood guard over the casket, which was placed on a Peruvian flag. Artists decorated the urn itself with designs that echoed Inca architecture, highlighting the strong connection to Peru’s ancestral heritage.
This tribute isn’t just for Túpac Amaru, but also for everyone who fought for independence and freedom throughout the generations.
A ceremony to honor Fernando and his Family
Cusco’s mayor arranged a parade through the city, in which local authorities and delegates from Cusco Region’s 13 provinces also participated.
The ceremony ended up in the main square and served as a reminder of the tragic events that took down in May 1781.
Despite being so young, hardship marked his life. Today, over two centuries later, Cusco is welcoming him with the respect he never got in life, honoring his legacy and that of his family in their fight for justice.
His father’s uprising shook the Viceroyalty, resulting in over 100,000 deaths (both Spanish and rebels) and instilling fear in the colonizers.
Although it did not succeed, it ignited a spark for future independence. Fernando, the boy who survived that turbulent plaza, embodies this resilience and has finally returned home.
Why Fernando’s a standout
Let’s be honest: Fernando didn’t wield swords or command armies. He was a young man caught in turmoil, ultimately surviving exile.
That’s what makes him remarkable—he persevered. His family’s rebellion was a significant turning point, and he remains its last representative.
Bringing him home isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a statement of pride. Peru embodies the sentiment, “We remember. We’re proud.”
Additionally, it’s interesting to note that his name inspired a certain rapper—Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni, was a Black Panther who embraced revolutionary ideals.
In conclusion, Fernando is the underdog who made it back, reminding us that history has a long memory and a sense of irony.
Fernando Túpac Amaru and his brother Mariano endured horrific treatment after their family opposed Spanish rule in Peru.
Captors imprisoned, tortured, and forced them to march over 1,000 km to Lima. Even after they sent them to Spain, their suffering continued.
Mariano tragically died during the journey, while Fernando spent years in prison, remaining true to his identity.
He passed away young but left behind a written account of his harrowing experiences that continue to resonate today.
Cusco is celebrating him with ceremonies and tributes. It’s a serious occasion, but it retains a relaxed atmosphere.
The next time you visit, consider raising a glass of chicha in honor of Fernandito or simply acknowledging him at the Plaza de Armas.
Finally, to learn more about these stories, stay tuned to our blog! Viagens Machu Picchu can also assist you in visiting the Andean sites of Fernando and Tupac Amaru in Peru. Feel free to contact us for more information; the adventure in Peru awaits!
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