Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
piqued public curiosity and the interest of psychonauts who travel in search of these experiences. Extremely
powerful drugs, they can be highly toxic in the wrong hands.
Yet they are ubiquitous. In Cuzco, San Pedro is offered alongside massages by street hawkers;
ayahuasca
cere-
monies are advertised in hostels. Of course, travelers can decide what is right and wrong for them. It's important
to note that these are not recreational drugs. A real shaman knows the long list of dos and don'ts for practitioners,
and they screen participants. Ceremonies can require multiple days for preparation, fasting and extended rituals.
It is hard not to be skeptical about a store-bought spiritual experience. Many
cuzqueños
believe that it's a mock-
ery to make these sacred ceremonies into moneymakers. Still, participating in a 'guided ceremony' can be a lot
safer than scarfing down a powerful narcotic by yourself, as long as you trust the practitioners (in some cases, fe-
male guests have been attacked while under the influence). Avoid casual opportunities. Serious operations often
use a medical questionnaire. It's also advisable to look into ceremonies and ask previous participants about their
experience before signing up.
A good place to learn more about rituals of
ayahuasca
and San Pedro is the new Museo de Plantas Sagradas,
Mágicas y Medicinales in Cuzco.
Festivals & Events
Cuzco and the surrounding highlands celebrate many lively fiestas and holidays. In addi-
tion to national holidays (
Click here
)
, the following are the most crowded times, when
you should book all accommodations well in advance:
El Señor de los Temblores
(The Lord of the Earthquakes)
This procession on the Monday before Easter dates to the
earthquake of 1650.
FESTIVAL
Crucifix Vigil
On May 2 to 3, a Crucifix Vigil is held on all hillsides with crosses atop them.
FESTIVAL
Q'oyoriti
Less well-known than the spectacular Inti Raymi are the more traditional Andean rites of
this festival (see the boxed text,
Click here
)
, which is held at the foot of Ausangate the
Tuesday before Corpus Christi, in late May or early June.
FESTIVAL
Corpus Christi
Held on the ninth Thursday after Easter, Corpus Christi usually occurs in early June and
features fantastic religious processions and celebrations in the cathedral.
RELIGIOUS
