Mystical and Ancestral Experiences Offering to Mother Earth Ceremony
Join a Pachamama ceremony in Cusco, an ancestral offering to Mother Earth and the Apus led by an Andean priest, and discover the worldview that remains alive in the communities of the Andes.
A thank-you to Mother Earth
Summary
The Offering to Mother Earth, known locally as Pago a la Tierra, is one of the most important ceremonies of the Andean tradition. Through an offering, communities give thanks to Pachamama, Mother Earth, and to the Apus, the spirits of the mountains, for life, health and harvests.
In this Pachamama ceremony in Cusco, you take part in a ritual led by a paqo, an Andean priest, in a natural setting on the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, you learn the meaning of each element of the offering, such as coca leaves, seeds, grains and flowers, and you can express your own intentions.
Therefore, it is a respectful and meaningful experience to understand the Andean worldview and the relationship of reciprocity that communities maintain with nature. Since it is a half-day experience, you can combine it with the City Tour or the Sacred Valley.
Highlights
Itinerary
08:30 - 09:00
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in the historic center of Cusco before the ceremony.
Our team picks you up at your hotel and then takes you to the ceremony site by private transportation.
09:00 - 09:30
Transfer to the ceremony site
Drive to a natural setting on the outskirts of Cusco, especially chosen for its views.
We head to a natural space on the outskirts of the city, with views of the sacred mountains surrounding Cusco.
09:30 - 10:00
Introduction to the Andean worldview
Learn the meaning of the ceremony before it starts.
Before starting, your guide explains the principles of the Andean worldview, such as reciprocity or ayni, as well as the role of Pachamama and the Apus in the life of the communities.
10:00 - 11:30
Offering to Mother Earth ceremony
Offering led by an Andean priest.
The paqo prepares the offering with coca leaves, seeds, grains, flowers and other symbolic elements. Then you take part by placing your own coca leaves with your intentions, while the priest performs the traditional invocations.
11:30 - 12:00
Closing and conversation
Time for questions and reflection.
At the end of the ceremony, you have time to talk with the Andean priest, through your guide, about the meaning of the offering and Andean spirituality.
12:00 - 12:30
Return to Cusco
Return by private transportation to your hotel when the ceremony ends.
Finally, we return to Cusco. The tour ends at the Main Square or near your hotel in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the historic center of Cusco
- Private round-trip transportation
- Ceremony led by an Andean priest
- All offering elements
- Guide and interpreter in English or Spanish
- Permanent assistance during the experience
What's not included?
- Meals
- Coca leaf reading (optional)
- Tips for the guide and the Andean priest
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen and hat
Water
Passport or identification document
Weather
The ceremony takes place outdoors. Mornings in Cusco can be cold and the sun intense; however, in the rainy season the ceremony can be moved to a covered space.
Best season
The experience is held all year. However, August is considered the month of Pachamama, when the earth is open to receive offerings, so it is an especially meaningful time.
Recommendations
It is a spiritual ceremony, so an attitude of respect and silence is requested during the invocations. Also, ask your guide before taking photos or filming.
Gallery
FAQ
What is an Offering to Mother Earth?
The Pachamama ceremony in Cusco is an Andean ritual of offering and gratitude to Pachamama and the Apus, in which a set of symbolic elements is prepared and then given to the earth.
Do I need to hold any particular belief to take part?
No. The Pachamama ceremony in Cusco is open to people of any belief, as long as they take part with respect for the Andean tradition.
Who leads the ceremony?
A paqo, an Andean priest from a local community with knowledge of the traditional rituals. Meanwhile, your guide acts as interpreter.
Can I do the ceremony privately?
Yes. The experience is offered as a private service, whether individually, as a couple, as a family or as a group.
Can it be combined with another tour?
Yes. Since it is a half-day experience, it can be combined with the City Tour in the afternoon or held during a Sacred Valley tour with prior coordination.
Can I take photos?
It depends on the moment of the ceremony. Therefore, your guide tells you when it is appropriate to take photos and when silence is recommended.
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