Particularly in the Andean world, pre-Colombian religious fervor has survived until today in age-old rites that link Man to Nature, where the earth enjoys huge symbolic importance.


The Pachamama or Earth goddess, dwells in the Urkhupacha, the Underworld, and provides her fruits to feed Man. Thus, within the reciprocal nature of the Andes, in August villagers make offerings called pagapus.


These offerings can include coca leaves, unwrought silver, chicha, wine and jungle seeds called huayruro believed to have magical powers. These offerings are made to the apu, the spirits of their ancestors who dwell within the mountains.


The coca leaf, a sacred plant which serves to mediate between the inner world (the Apu and the Pachamama) and the outer world (that of Man) is found in countless mestizo religious celebrations in communities in the country's interior and even urban centers. Spread over a blanket on the ground, coca leaves are then "read" to predict the future.


Main Peruvian cultural expressions and traditions: