We give you the opportunity to delve deeper into the culture of Peru by taking you to places and events that make up part of the living culture of modern day Peru. Many traditions have not changed in centuries and are as important today as they always have been.
Whether you have a few hours or weeks to step off the tourist trail, we can ensure you experience more of the real Peru, safely and without damaging the very culture you come to visit.
These are the major festivals that take place throughout the year, any of which can be easily incorporated into your tour.
There is a long history of Shamanism in Peru dating back to the Chavin culture (1200 BC to 200 AD). The Spanish conquest and introduction of Christianity could not eradicate the traditions and beliefs that were so deeply embedded in the culture, so today the two belief systems exist side by side.
There are many ways to explore the ancient traditions and religions of Peru as part of your trip here, from a simple coca reading ceremony to a retreat involving all aspects of shamanism and healing. As well as being a trekker’s heaven, the magical quality of the Andes Mountains make for the perfect place to practice yoga, massage and other alternative therapies. Please ask us for more details and ideas on how to incorporate any of these activities into your tailor made trip.
Inti Raymi dates back to Inca times. It was one of the most important festivals and still is today. The festival is held on 24th June, close to the winter solstice and honours the Sun God (’Inti’). This is an important time in the agricultural calendar as it is when the crops are harvested. [...]
Every year, the usually sleepy town of Paucartambo bursts into life in celebration of the Virgin del Carmen. The town is situated at 3017 meters above sea level, and is about a 4 hour drive from Cucso.
La Virgin del Carmen is also known as Mamacha Carmen, the Saint of the Mulatos. Legend says that a [...]
Semana Santa or Easter week is celebrated all over Peru, but is perhaps at its most impressive in Cusco. Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and ends on Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection. As well as the Catholic traditions of following the week’s events with gospel readings and prayer [...]
Corpus Christi is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Cusco. Before the Spanish conquest the Incas had a similar tradition whereby the mummies of previous Incas were brought out and paraded around the streets. The mummies were replaced by the Catholic saints but still the ceremony today has many references [...]
This festival takes place in the Sinakara valley above the village of Mawayani near to the magnificent snow capped mountain called Ausangate which means ‘Snow Star’ in Quechua. In recent years this festival has been growing and nowadays people travel from far and wide to be a part of it.
The legend says that Jesus Christ [...]
