In the Andes the winter solstice is seen as rebirth. At this time of year all of nature renews itself. The harvest and subsequent break that the earth needs have come to an end, the ground is now ready once again to be sown. This is the time when life returns to the earth in all its splendor, the sun now moves closer bringing its light and warmth. The eve of the solstice is the longest night of the year, during the following six months the nights grow shorter and the days longer.
It is not only nature that renovates itself but also humans. The indigenous populations know what it is to be part of nature and have established reciprocal relationships.
The importance of these relationships is expressed through social, cultural and religious identity and is bound to the principal natural elements: the sun (father sun), the earth (mother earth), trees such as the cinnamon tree and animals. All are sacred in this world where life is the most important treasure.
The New Year is the moment when humans and nature join together in harmony celebrating the New Year or the start of a new cycle of life.
Program - 21st of June
4:30 A.M. Collection from Hotel 5:00 A.M. Travel to place where we receive the first rays of the sun.
- Meditation and ceremony to receive the Andean New Year. 8:00 A.M. Return to Cusco.
This Inca ritual, which many Andean communities still continue, consists of offering gifts to Mother Erth in thanks for all that she provides for the people and animals.
Temascal is an ancient indigenous tradition in the Americas. It involves a small chamber made from wooden poles and covered with cloth so that its circular interior is totally sealed apart from the door which can also be covered.
Situated 35 kilometers from Puno and very close to Lake Titicaca, amidst green fields, we find what is considered one of the wonders of the region: The door of Aramu Muru, a stone construction seven meters wide and seven meters tall.
