Cusco
The old Inca capital in the Andes, where offerings to the earth, called despachos, and to the mountain spirits, called apus, are still made.
Practised and told of here
Best time: May to September, with festivals in June and August.
Cusco was the centre of the Inca empire, and its Qorikancha, a temple of the sun, was built over by a church after the Spanish conquest. In the surrounding region Quechua communities keep a religion of reciprocity with the Pachamama, the earth, and the apus.
Andean offerings
A despacho is a bundle of coca leaves, sweets and other items wrapped and offered to the earth by a specialist called a paqo or altomisayoq. It is a gesture of thanks and a request. Many Peruvians also take part in Catholic worship.
Pilgrimage
In June the Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage takes thousands up to a glacier at about 4,700 metres. In August farmers make offerings to Pachamama. The festivals blend Quechua and Catholic elements.
Tourism
Cusco has many agencies that sell 'shaman' experiences. Some are run by Andean specialists, and others by outsiders. Visitors should look for a community-run option and ask about fees and permission.
A respectful visit to Cusco
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Qorikancha See the Inca stone walls under the church.
- Sacsayhuaman Visit the hilltop Inca complex.
- San Pedro market See coca and offering items on sale.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Cusco" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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