An Ancestral Holy Journey into The Highlands of Peru
A vacation to the Peruvian Andes can be so much more than beautiful views of mountains or exploring ancient Inca archaeological sites. A Peru visit, done correctly, will allow you to open your mind and soul, and it can also be a spiritual adventure! One which allows you to connect with an ancient Peruvian view of the world! A place where nature is alive, sacred, and deeply fused with human existence. This worldview of ancestral Peruvian origins is known as the Andean cosmovision, and it still guides local Andean communities today. Andean spirituality is not a religion in the traditional sense. However it is a way of observing and being able to interact the world around us. For travelers, discovering this world perspective can enrich every step of a journey through Peru. From walking the cobblestoned streets of Cusco, to exploring the Sacred Valley or standing in complete awe at the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Understanding Andean Spirituality
Andean spirituality is all about balance and reciprocity. The Andean communities believe that everything in the universe is connected. Humans, animals, rivers, mountains, stars, planets and even the weather. Each part of the universe has its own spirit and unique energy, as well as harmony. This comes from acknowledging and respecting the different natural forces.
One of the central concepts of Andean belief system is “ayni”, which means reciprocal give and take in the native Quechua language. Ayni is all about giving and receiving equally. When you take something from nature, you also give something back, whether through an offering, a prayer, or a simple act of gratitude to the planet.
Travellers who choose to immerse themselves in this way of thinking often feel more grounded and present. In the Andes, spirituality isn’t separated from daily life, it is actually it’s woven into the fabric of weaving communities, farming, cooking, storytelling, and community celebrations.
The Pachamama
No experience in Andean spirituality is complete without understanding everything about the Pachamama, or Mother Earth. She is the great provider for all life sources. From the soil that grows food, and the rivers that bring water, to the mountains that offer us shelter. In return, people show their gratitude through certain ancestral rituals and offerings to the Mother Earth.
As you trek through Andean communities, you can often see families making small ceremonial offerings to thank the Pachamama for the food on their table. During larger ceremonies, shamans create “despachos” which are beautiful bundles of petals, seeds, coca leaves, and sweets, which are offered to the Pachamama as a symbol of respect, reciprocity and thanks.
The experience of participating in a Pachamama ceremony can actually be life changing! It is all about a genuine, sincere connection. You will sit in circle with people from the community, guided by a spiritual leader, who performs a ritual that has been practiced for centuries.
The Sacred “Apus” of Peru
In Andean spirituality, the Andes mountains are the spirits that protect and guide the local Quechua people. Each community has its own Apus, and local people often greet the mountains with gestures of respect and admiration. In Cusco, some of the most worshipped Apus are Ausangate, Salkantay, and Veronica. Trekkers on the Ausangate Trail for example, often describe the feeling a presence beyond the natural beauty, just as if the mountain itself is alive and protecting them along their hiking trail. Those who approach the Apus with reverence may find a deeper sense of calm and peace during their hike. Simply by pausing to greet the mountain, to whisper a prayer, or leave a small offering can help you feel more connected along the trail.
Andean Rituals and Ceremonies
While Andean spirituality is a large part of daily lives, there are also sacred Andean practices that mark important transitions or express gratitude. Some of the most important and meaningful ancestral traditions include:
- A Despacho Ceremony An offering to the Pachamama, guided by a shaman
- A Coca Leaf Reading A traditional divination practice using the sacred coca leaves to seek guidance.
- Inti Raymi The Festival of the Sun in Cusco, a celebration honoring the dun God, Inti, the sun in June each year, to this date!
- Apachetas: Or Small stone prayer towers built along the Andean trekking trails as gifts to the Apus. You can add a stone, to ask for safe trek!
Each of these ceremonies is rooted in the philosophy of the deep connection with the earth, with the ancestors, and with the natural cycles of nature.
How to Experience Andean Spirituality
As a traveler to Peru´s mountains, how can you connect in a meaningful way with Andean spirituality?
Respectful Participation – Join in with an ancient ceremony like a “pago a la tierra” guided by a local shaman. Always with respect and openness not just curiosity.
Be Grateful – Before a meal or hike, say thanks the Pachamama for her fruits all along your trek!
Support Local Andean Communities – Choose local tour companies led by local guides who have inside knowledge of authentic Andean traditions and customs.
Learn Some Quechua! – Simple terms like “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) and “Sumaq” (beautiful) can deepen your connection to the local communities by trying to speak their native language.
Slow Travel – Andean spirituality invites us to slow right down, listen, absorb and feel. Rushing through archaeological sites in tour groups means you will miss the true essence of this Andean wisdom.
A Trek Through Sacred Mountains
Peru offers an array of opportunities to experience Andean spirituality in a completely natural setting.
Cusco
During Inca times, Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco overflows with spiritual energy. Visit the Korikancha, (Sun Temple), where Inca and colonial constructions still exist today!
The Sacred Valley
Known for its fertile lands and traditional farming and weaving communities. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is home to elaborate terraces, weaving villages, and sacred archaeological sites.
Machu Picchu: Beyond the spectacular archaeological site, Machu Picchu is a spiritual sanctuary. Many visitors come to meditate at the Intihuatana stone. It is thought to connect us with solar energy.
The Apu Ausangate
Trekking in the shadow of this glacial peak is a pilgrimage in itself.
Lake Titicaca
The highest navigable lake in the world is the birthplace of the Incas, according to local ancient folklore. This huge lake is filled with mythology, fable and spirituality.
Each of these different places invites you to explore! Take the opportunity for reflection, in these peaceful and calm sections of Peru, that give travelers the chance to reconnect with something so much bigger than themselves.
Lessons from the Andes
The timeless wisdom of the Andes carries important lessons for today’s way of life. You can live with reciprocity. Take only what you need, and give back whenever you can. Make sure you honor nature! Witness rivers, mountains, and animals as kin, not just natural richness to be exploited. Make sure you value the communities. Life is richer when shared. Take part in rituals and daily tasks with the local families and immersive yourself completely in their way of life. Trust natures cycles. The sun rises and sets showing us the different seasons. Trusting natural cycles brings a sense of calm and peace.
The Andes teach us to resonate with nature by seeking meaning in our often fast-paced modern life.
Walking Sacred Pathways
Traveling through the Peruvian Andes with an open attitude is to walk along the sacred pathways of Andean spirituality. It is a glorious opportunity to slow down, listen, and see the world with your eyes as well as feel it with your heart and your spirit.
As you stand before the magnificent Andes Mountains, Andes, when you participate in ancient ancestral ceremonies, or when you whisper thank you to the Pachamama before a meal, you are actually living ancient Andean traditions, in an immersive and fulfilling way. You are experiencing the heart of authentic ancient wisdom that has been in place for centuries. For those open and willing to embrace Andean spirituality it will take you on a sacred adventure through the Apus of Peru for a 4D experience that you will never forget. Join Kallpa Travel for an authentic Peru adventure into the essence of Peru and its ancient belief systems to find the true and real you!