Something about Peru reaches deep into your soul and changes you. I recently visited this magnificent country on my second visit to research and curate a trip for my women's wellness adventure travel company. Once again, I found myself profoundly moved. While Peru's breathtaking landscapes, Machu Picchu, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage are well-known, the deep-rooted connection to the earth truly touched me.
On this trip, I learned about the reverence the indigenous people in Peru have for Pachamama - Mother Earth. Pachamama isn't just a concept or a distant deity; in Peru, she's a living, breathing presence that permeates many facets of life. Pachamama is considered the provider of all life. People believe she is responsible for the crops' health, the land's fertility, and the family's well-being. This deep respect for Pachamama is reflected in various rituals and ceremonies designed to honor her and seek her blessings.
While in Peru, I did a four-day trek in the Andes highlands, surrounded by stunning shades of green and snow-capped peaks. The entire time, I encountered only a few small Indigenous communities of farmers and the occasional herd of alpacas. After reaching the summit of our biggest climb, our guide, Nilton, led us in a gratitude ritual to Pachamama. We stacked small rocks and offered thanks to the mountains and the wind. At that moment, high above the world, I felt a profound sense of unity with my surroundings and peace in my world.
This reverence for the earth extends well beyond mountaintop rituals. It permeates every aspect of Peruvian life.
In the food markets of Cusco, I saw it in the incredible variety of potatoes and corn - a testament to centuries of careful cultivation in harmony with the land. The Incas weren't just farmers but stewards of the earth, understanding the delicate balance of biodiversity long before it became a global concern.
In healthcare, the connection to the earth is evident. I watched an herbalist in the San Pedro market prescribe natural remedies as people came to her stand with their ailments. When I was having a hard time breathing on our trek at over 15,000 feet elevation, Nilton gave me a plant to rub and told me to breathe in deeply. And when I had a painful foot, the shaman shop in Cusco gave me a plant-based cream.
I went to Peru to explore how I wanted to curate a trip for my future groups. As with all travel, we get such unexpected gifts. Observing the profound respect for the earth and the integration of ancient wisdom into daily life reminded me of the delicate interconnections between all living things and the divinity of nature.
In Peru, I found more than beautiful sights and exciting adventures. I found a deeper connection to the earth, ancient wisdom, and myself.
Are you inspired to experience Peru's magic? Through LH Adventure Travel, I host global women's wellness travel adventures that blend hiking, cultural immersion, and self-care. From day hikes to cooking classes, spa visits, and rituals led by Andean healers, these journeys offer a taste of the sacred and the beautiful in Peru.
For those with their own tribe, I also arrange private group adventures.
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