Spiritual
The word “spiritual” means different things to different people. For some, it just means spending time in nature. For others, it means having a more mindful experience, with time for reflection and activities such as meditation and yoga. And for some people, it means really incorporating these, as well as the traditional spirituality of the Andes, into each and every day.
We are happy to tailor your experience to include as much or as little of these things as is right for you.
Inca Spirituality
In reality, there was no separation of “church and state” for the Incas. The ruling Inca was considered to be descended from Inti, the Sun God. He was the official head of their religion. Any Inca site would have to include, and be focused around, temples worshiping Inti, as well as other members of the Inca pantheon of gods. Therefore, any tour of an archaeological site in Peru, no matter how traditional, is also going to include a spiritual element.
The Quechua people, of whom the Incas were part, were a deeply spiritual group. The Andean cosmology centers around Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain gods), and each individual had a direct and personal relationship with them. Even today, it is common to see people pour a bit of each drink onto the ground as an offering to Pachamama before taking a sip themselves.
The Quechua sense of spirituality and approach to the world in which they live is actually built into their language. For example, the word for “meeting” includes the sense of meeting for a good purpose. That one would always meet with a good intention for a good outcome. Even if you are meeting over a problem, the point is to find an equitable solution.
Andean cosmology is based on a sense of oneness with nature and a constant connection with the gods– on a striving for finding balance and harmony between all people and the world within which they live. Something which, these days, seems almost more mystical than aliens and star gates.
Despachos
Offerings, called despachos, were commonplace, and still are in many high communities of the Andes. These despachos are like mandalas made from flowers, grains, fruit and other things that are believed to be favored by Pachamama and the Apus. The ceremonies are performed for all sorts of reasons – for improved health, for healthy herds and crops, for healing, for good luck. Any time a new project or building is started is a great time to have a despacho. We invite you to include one of these in your personalized itinerary. It’s a great way to begin your journey here, as well as to be part of a beautiful ancient tradition.
Day Tours
Although we’d love the chance to create the perfect itinerary for you, you also have the possibility of simply choosing among our day tours for when you have some free time. On these tours, we can include visits to sacred sites, a despacho, or perhaps a yoga class. Please note that the more advance notice you can give us, the better. We work with some of the best guides in Cusco so they tend to get booked far ahead of time!
Check back with us as well, as we are in the process of developing specific half day tours, full day tours, and 3 and 7 day spiritual retreats.
Treks with Massage and Yoga
The Quechua sense of spirituality and approach to the world in which they live is actually built into their language. For example, the word for “meeting” includes the sense of meeting for a good purpose. That one would always meet with a good intention for a good outcome. Even if you are meeting over a problem, the point is to find an equitable solution.
Andean cosmology is based on a sense of oneness with nature and a constant connection with the gods– on a striving for finding balance and harmony between all people and the world within which they live. Something which, these days, seems almost more mystical than aliens and star gates.
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Tel/WhatsApp: +1 475 202 3669
On the Ground Tel/WhatsApp: +51 974 213 172