A Sacred Ceremony

THE FORMER INCA regions of Peru are lands shaped by tradition. Explorers here will find a tapestry made up of spiritual belief, mythic storytelling and an astounding sense of life. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Machu Picchu, a 15th-century marvel perched atop an Andean mountain ridge that remained hidden from the western world for almost 500 years.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel found beside this phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Site, now invites guests to connect with Incan heritage in a very personal way.

Pachamama, the Earth Mother, has long been one of the most revered deities among the indigenous people of the Andes. She is a fertility goddess with the power to give and sustain life. She is present in every mountain and rules over the planting and harvesting season. The wife of Pacha Kamaq, the Creator of the World, she is mother to Killa, the Moon Goddess and Inti, the Sun God—the most venerated deity of them all.

From your base at the hotel, you will meet with an Andean shaman who will lead you to the verdant gardens for a truly unforgettable experience. During the hour-long ceremony, you will prepare and present small gifts to Pachamama, including flowers, grains and candy. Natural perfumes will create a transportive aroma, and you will be led to sing in the traditional Quechua language. You will ask Pachamama for her blessings of health and prosperity, as the powerful natural energy of the nearby ruins fill you with vitality.

This unique, calming activity is a fitting finale to an escape that is sure to be packed with adventure, and promises to be a talking point for years to come.