Andean ceremonies have an incredible history, with traditions dating back centuries. While the best-known ceremony in much of the Andes is the Pago a la Pachamama (offering to Mother Earth), there are many. In the Cusco area, Ayni Peru offers this private ceremony, along with an extraordinary mask ceremony, cleansing, and even a llama/alpaca blessing. Ceremonies for special events, along trek routes, and as part of your private Cusco, Sacred Valley or Lake Titicaca tours.
A client favorite is the colorful and lively llama blessing ceremony. With Ayni Peru, travelers visit a remote area, where dozens of llamas and alpacas have been gathered for a show of gratitude. Along with villagers, clients will dance, help to gather the gentle animals, and prepare an offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth. The offering is to thank Pachamama for the water, grass, and environment that allows their animals to thrive. The llamas and alpacas are thanked what they provide to their community; warm wool for weaving and their work transporting crops and other heavy loads. At the conclusion, everyone continues to the village for a traditional Pachamanca lunch of roasted native potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, broad beans, local cheese, and more. If you´re interested in a ceremony during a trek, llama blessings are an amazing option. Lares, Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate treks are the ideal options with this ceremony.
Another fascinating option is the mask ceremony, which deals with purification of the soul and spirit. This Andean ceremony is best for anyone with special interest in Andean religion. The ceremony begins before sunset, and ends during the night. Participants wear the masks of their “false selves”, as the soul and spirit are cleansed. The ceremony culminates with the masks being thrown in a fire, symbolizing a return to your true self. Ayni Peru would love to incorporate an Andean ceremony in your trek or tour. Options include a Pago a la Pachamama, Llama/Alpaca blessing, ceremony of the masks, and cleansing ceremonies. The ideal locations for ceremonies are the Cusco and Lake Titicaca areas, or along various trek routes. Please contact Ayni for specific details and questions: info@ayni-peru.com!
