Living Traditions: discovering the culture of the Sacred Valley

1. Coca Leaf: Sacred and Social

Your first association with coca leaves might be one of drug lords, crime and addiction. But actually, coca leaves have been part of everyday life in the Andes for thousands of years—not recreationally, but spiritually and medicinally. In the Sacred Valley, coca is a symbol of respect and a medium of communication with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits).

Visitors are often invited to chew coca or drink coca tea to help with altitude sickness, (and it sure helps!) but locals use it in ceremonial rituals called despachos, where offerings are made to ensure harmony and balance in life. These small, ornate bundles often include coca, flowers, and sweets, and are burned or buried during sacred ceremonies. If you have the chance to experience this ceremony, who knows what
it might bring you. In the meantime, enjoy your harmless cup of tasty tea!

2. Festivals Tied to the Earth and Cosmos

Time in the Sacred Valley is deeply connected to the agricultural calendar and celestial cycles. The Inti
Raymi festival, held every June 24, honors Inti, the sun god, during the winter solstice. Though the
largest celebrations happen in Cusco, smaller, deeply rooted ceremonies take place throughout the
valley. Oftentimes these festivals combine elements of Christianity with traditional customs into a unique
celebration.
Towns like Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, all have their own festivals trhoughout the year.
Villagers dress in traditional clothing, play Andean music, and perform dances that reenact ancient
myths. These festivals are more than performances—they’re acts of devotion and community cohesion.

3. Traditional Weaving: Stories in Thread

Weaving in the Sacred Valley is not just a craft—it’s a cultural language. Passed down from mother to
daughter for generations, traditional weaving practices preserve sacred symbolism. Each pattern tells a
story: a mountain, a river, a crop, or a spiritual protector.
In towns and local communities, cooperatives run by Indigenous women offer demonstrations of dyeing,
spinning, and weaving with alpaca and sheep wool. These textiles are often used in daily clothing,
ceremonies, and trade, maintaining a deep connection to ancestry. We love to take you for a close and
personal encounter!

4. Communal Work: Ayni

One of the most powerful and enduring customs in the Sacred Valley is ayni, the principle of reciprocity.
In Andean worldview, life is a network of give-and-take relationships—between people, nature, and the
spiritual world. Ayni is practiced in everything from farming (neighbors help each other plant and
harvest) to building homes. It fosters strong social bonds and ensures survival in a harsh but generous
landscape. Tourists who volunteer or stay with local families often witness ayni firsthand.

5. Markets and Barter Traditions

Markets in towns like Pisac and Urubamba are more than tourist attractions—they’re the continuation of
ancient trade practices. While money is common now, barter systems (called trueque) still operate in
more remote villages, especially on designated days. These markets are also places where local customs,
music, language, and fashion come alive. You’ll see women wearing monteras (traditional hats), children
learning Quechua, and elders sharing news in ways that go back centuries.

6. Spirituality in Daily Life

In the Sacred Valley, spirituality isn’t confined to temples or ceremonies—it’s infused in the everyday.
Mountains are seen as living beings. Water is sacred. Crops are planted with prayers. It’s not uncommon
for locals to leave small offerings on the ground when drinking chicha (a traditional corn beer) or
traveling through mountain passes.
Andean spirituality is a blend of Inca beliefs and Catholic influence, resulting in festivals where saints are
paraded alongside Inca deities. This syncretism makes for vibrant, uniquely Andean expressions of faith.
A Culture That Endures
The Sacred Valley of the Incas isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a place where ancient customs breathe
and evolve. These traditions form the backbone of community, identity, and resilience in the face of
modern challenges. The connectedness – with each other, family, the surrounding mountains and all the
new friends we make along the way might be the strongest characteristic of the Sacred Valley People,
and we can’t wait to show it to you first hand!

Have you visited the Sacred Valley or experienced Andean culture firsthand? Share your thoughts in the
comments below!