This rainbow flag was introduced to Peru in 1973 by Raúl Montesinos Espejo, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of his Tawantinsuyo Radio station.

As the flag's popularity grew, Cusco mayor Gilberto Muñiz Caparó declared it an official emblem in 1978.

In 1973, on the occasion of the station's twenty-fifth anniversary, Raúla Montesinos Espejo proposed the rainbow flag, presenting it as belonging to the Incas.

The first flag used earlier consisted of a scarlet background and a coat of arms dating back to Spanish times, given in 1540.

It is a golden disk that was given to the Peruvian President José Rufino Echenique during his visit to Cusco in 1853 and official emblem of the department, province and city of Cuzco since 1986.