Sacred Mountains Expedition

Sacred Mountains, The Apus

The Andean worldview is a way of interpreting the world based on profound observation and understanding of the natural environment. For Andean cultures, the connection between natural phenomena and human existence was essential in shaping their comprehension of the universe. Through careful observation, the ancient inhabitants identified celestial patterns such as the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, the Moon’s movement, and the arrangement of the stars. This knowledge not only helped them understand seasonal cycles but also allowed them to integrate these cycles into their daily and spiritual lives, assigning names to the stars based on elements of their surroundings.

What stands out most about this worldview is its intertwining of three fundamental dimensions: the scientific, the spiritual, and the mystical. Celestial observations enabled them to recognize equinoxes and solstices and manage time, a vital resource for agricultural, ceremonial, and social activities. While their methods were less complex than those of today, they were remarkably effective for their needs.

At the heart of this worldview lies a deeply spiritual concept of the sacred. The sacred mountains, known as Apus, exemplify this. In Andean traditions, the Apus are revered entities symbolizing protection and guardianship over communities. These mountains are seen as keepers of natural and spiritual balance, and their veneration is a practice that has endured through generations.

The connection with the Apus is expressed through offerings and rituals that convey gratitude, respect, and unity. These acts range from simple gestures, such as placing coca leaves with sugar or chocolate, to elaborate ceremonies led by Andean priests. In rituals known as pagos a la Madre Tierra (payments to Mother Earth), agricultural products, animal fetuses, and other symbolic items are offered. These practices serve as living reminders of the interdependence between humans and nature.

Furthermore, the Apus have a specific hierarchy within the Andean worldview. In the Cusco region, for example, the most prominent Apus are Ausangate and Salcantay—majestic mountains representing power and complementarity. Together with others like Verónica, Chicón, and Sawa Siray, they form a network of sacred sites revered by both local inhabitants and those seeking to reconnect with this ancient spirituality.

By integrating the scientific, spiritual, and mystical, the Andean worldview not only reveals the wisdom of pre-Hispanic cultures but also invites us to reflect on our relationship with the environment and the importance of preserving these traditions in a modern world.

The Ancient routes and the Qhapaqñan

The Andean Road system spans nearly 30,000 kilometers from north to south and exceeds 60,000 kilometers when including its branches. This vast network integrates the ancestral pathways built by the Caral, Chavín, Huayri, and Quechua cultures, along with the Qhapaq Ñan, or “Path of the Lord,” which was laid over selected ancient routes and supplemented with infrastructure added to preexisting trails.

Starting from Cuzco, road system extended towards the four cardinal directions, marking the territorial division of the Tahuantinsuyo. This system allowed access to the four suyos (Quechua suyu: ‘region’ or ‘territory’)

The road system known as Qhapaq Ñan is “one of the most monumental achievements of human ingenuity, created in one of the planet’s most hostile natural environments. Due to its vast cultural, technical, and symbolic significance, this project conveys a powerful message to all nations of the world. It stands as a model of cultural cooperation.

During the Sacred Mountains expedition, travelers pass through diverse ecological zones, each offering unique flora and fauna. These range from cloud forests and the high Andean puna to the Sacred Valley, showcasing remarkable biodiversity and evolving landscapes.

The cloud forest near Machu Picchu, rich in orchids, ferns, and mosses, is home to the elusive spectacled bear, alongside butterflies and birds. In the puna, at over 4,000 meters, resilient plants like ichu grass thrive, and rare sightings of pumas and condors add to its mystique. Transition zones, like the Suni plateau, feature native crops and recovering flora like the chaucha tree. Finally, the fertile Sacred Valley supports vibrant agriculture and occasional sightings of wildlife descending from higher elevations.

This journey highlights the intricate relationship between nature and local communities, emphasizing the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems. Each zone reveals an inspiring story of biodiversity and adaptation across varied altitudes.