Spiritual Tour: Authentic Patacancha & Sacred Valley Andean Ceremony
Unearth the Last Incas: A Transformative Spiritual Journey
Live beyond imagination and connect with the ancient heart of Peru on this exclusive Spiritual Tour in the Sacred Valley and Patacancha. This is more than a trip; it's an immersive dive into the living traditions of the Andes.
Journey to Patacancha, a high-altitude Andean community often referred to as the home of the "Last Incas". Here, you will witness and participate in the deep-rooted faith, vibrant traditions, ancestral habits, and authentic Patacancha typical costumes that have survived for centuries. This unique cultural exchange offers unparalleled insight into the Andean worldview.
The Highlight: Sacred Andean Shamanic Ceremony
The core of this transformative experience is the Sacred Andean Shamanic Ceremony. Under the guidance of a respected Andean Shaman, you will participate in an ancient ritual known as the "Offering to the Apus and Pachamama."
This spiritual travel experience is a rare opportunity to engage with genuine Inca cosmology and feel the deep connection between the Andean man and his environment.
Authentic Andean Gastronomy: The Ceremonial Pachamanca
Your cultural immersion culminates in a traditional Andean gastronomic event: the ceremonial Pachamanca dish. This unique, pre-Inca form of cooking involves baking different ingredients on hot stones buried under the ground.
Savor the rich flavors of ingredients like fresh trout, lean alpaca, tender chicken, and a variety of native vegetables, all prepared in this ancient, communal style. It’s an unforgettable meal that perfectly complements your Patacancha cultural tour.
You can start from your hotel in Cusco, the Sacred Valley or Ollantaytambo
Very early, we leave for the village of Patacancha where we will meet with the Homestay family to guide us to the pastures where lamas, alpacas and sheep are grazing. There, we will participate in a lama ceremony and learn how the Andean people thank nature. After the ceremony, we will return to the village of Patacancha where we will also share the typical Andean Pachamanca dish. The Homestay family will explain to us what are the principal ingreients and the whole cooking process. It will not just be a demonstration, but we will all be assistants in the process. While waiting for 40 minutes for the meal to get ready, the Homestay family will give us a small demonstration of their textile arts, which is part of their daily life as they are themselves producing their own typical, colorful costumes in the whole region. Then, we can taste our Pachamanca meal and say goodbye to the family to continue by private transport to the beautiful archeological site of Pumamarka. After that, we will descend by car to the village of Ollantaytambo, visiting the archeological site with beautiful terraces, water sources, Palaces and its Holy Huaca that today is known as the Sun Temple. In the time of the Inca, this was a very important village. Back to our hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
Prices and discounts
A minimun group size would be 2 persons. The bigger the group, the lower our cost per person: please, find our prices and discounts bolow!
FAQ: Patacancha Spiritual Tour & Andean Ceremony
1. The Spiritual Experience
What exactly happens during the Shamanic Ceremony? You will participate in an ancient ritual called the "Offering to the Apus and Pachamama." Led by a respected Andean Shaman, we will create a ceremonial offering to give thanks to the Mountain Spirits (Apus) for their protection and to Mother Earth (Pachamama) for the food and life she provides. It is a peaceful, meditative experience focused on gratitude and connection with nature.
Do I need to be religious to participate? Not at all. While this is a deeply spiritual experience rooted in Andean cosmology, it is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. We only ask that you come with an open heart and a respectful attitude toward the local traditions.
Who are the "Last Incas"? We visit the community of Patacancha, a high-altitude village where the local people have maintained their ancestral traditions, weaving techniques, and lifestyle with very little influence from the modern world. They are often called the "Last Incas" because of their direct lineage and their preservation of pre-Hispanic customs.
2. Food & Culture (The Pachamanca)
What is a "Pachamanca"? The Pachamanca is a traditional Andean cooking method that dates back to pre-Inca times. It involves digging a hole in the ground, heating volcanic stones, and burying marinated ingredients to cook slowly underground. It is not just a meal; it is a celebration of the harvest and the earth.
What creates the menu for the Pachamanca? Our menu features authentic local ingredients cooked to perfection. You will taste fresh trout, lean alpaca meat, and tender chicken, accompanied by native Andean potatoes, sweet potatoes, broad beans (habas), and corn.
I am a vegetarian/vegan. Can I still eat the Pachamanca? Yes! While the traditional dish includes meats, the cooking process also prepares delicious native vegetables and tubers. Please let us know your dietary restrictions in advance so we can ensure there are plenty of vegetarian options prepared separately if needed.
Logistics & Preparation
How high is Patacancha and will I get altitude sickness? Patacancha is located at a high altitude (approx. 3,800m / 12,500ft), which is higher than Cusco and the main Sacred Valley towns. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend that you spend at least 2 days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before this tour. Drink plenty of water and move at a relaxed pace.
What should I wear? Because of the high altitude, the weather can change quickly. We recommend dressing in layers. Bring:
Is it appropriate to take photos of the ceremony and the locals? This is a cultural immersion, so respect is key. Generally, photos are allowed, but please always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of community members or the Shaman, especially during the sacred moments of the ceremony. Your guide will advise you on the most respectful moments to take photos.
Booking
Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, this is a wonderful educational experience for families. However, please keep in mind the high altitude and the quiet nature of the ceremony. We recommend it for children who are comfortable with nature and willing to engage with a new culture.
What is included in the price? [You will need to confirm this part, but usually:] The price includes private transportation, the English-speaking guide, the Shaman's services and ceremony materials, and the full Pachamanca lunch.
Reserve here