Nature and spirituality intertwine in a celebration full of joy and meaning. Andean wedding ceremony in Peru preserves its ancestral heritage in the modern world and finds inspiration in this magical connection with the land and enduring traditions. 

With ancient rituals, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), traditional music, and profound symbolism, this matrimonial union transcends conventional love. Therefore, in this blog, you will discover the sacred charm of Andean marriage in the majestic Andes of Cusco while immersing yourself in a spiritual and cultural experience that unites two souls and entire communities. 

In the heart of the Andes, in Cusco, Peru, there is a scene of breathtaking beauty where couples can seal their love uniquely and transcendently. Andean wedding in Peru hold a strong spiritual value, where the bride and groom thank Pachamama and seek blessings from the Apus. These great protective spirits originate in the mountains and are considered the closest living ancestors of the Incas.

What is the Andean Wedding Ceremony?

Andean marriage is a form of marital union practiced in indigenous communities of the Andes. Imagine walking along ancestral trails surrounded by imposing snow-covered mountains while the wind softly carries mystical whispers. The Andean wedding ceremony is in a sacred location meticulously chosen for its energy and spiritual significance. 

This type of wedding in Peru is characterized by its profound spiritual essence and intimate connection with Mother Nature and the Andean deities. The couple becomes a reflection of the sun and the moon, uniting their hearts and spirits for eternity. Guided by the protectors of the mountains, the Apus, they are prepared with love and wisdom, purified with medicinal plants, and blessed with the perfect duality they represent.

Inca wedding ceremony

What is the Inca marriage like?

In the Andean wedding or Inca marriage in Cusco, various rituals and ceremonies are performed, which may include the participation of shamans or spiritual authorities, as well as the making of offerings to the Pachamama and other Andean gods. 

Traditions and rituals

Andean wedding traditions and rituals in Cusco reflect the deep connection with nature and spirituality.

Engagement Ceremony

Here drinks are shared to symbolize the communion and union of the bride and groom.

Blessings and prayers

During the ceremony, a shaman or spiritual authority may perform blessings and recite prayers in the official language of the Incas, Quechua. These sacred words seek to invoke divine protection and bless the couple. 

Traditional music and dance 

Traditional music from the Peruvian Andes is played during the ceremony, and, in the end, a celebration full of dances takes place.

Community Festivity

The Andean marriage is a celebration that involves the whole community. It is a moment of reunion, joy, and solidarity, where family and friends come together to celebrate and share traditional foods.

Clothing

For a journey through time, you may wear a traditional dress with Andean embroidery that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage.

For the bride:

• Pollera: This long, voluminous dress is made of colorful fabrics and adorned with embroidery and lace. The pollera can vary in design and style depending on the region. In Cusco, the bride can wear a traditional costume typical of the area and a modern dress with Andean embroidery.

• Manto or Lliclla: It is a kind of shawl or blanket that the bride wears over her shoulders. It is also made of colorful fabrics and is usually decorated with embroidery.
• Traditional hat or Montera: Some brides wear a traditional hat or Montera to complement the costume.

For the groom:

• Traditional costume: The groom wears dark or bayeta pants and ojotas during the ceremony.
• Andean Poncho: The groom wears a traditional Andean-style poncho over a shirt or polo shirt.
• Chullo: A woolen cap with earflaps commonly used in the Andean region.

In modern Andean marriages, you may notice that they combine elements of traditional dress with contemporary touches, which can generate a greater variety in the attire used.

Symbolism

In Peru, the most recognized symbol of Andean marriage is the exchange of the “chumpi” (in Quechua) or woolen engagement sash. These chumpis are usually woven and resistant in their elaboration.

The meaning of the exchange of “chumpis” in Andean marriage is related to the union of two people and the fusion of their lives in a single path. It symbolizes the union and mutual commitment of the spouses.

To strengthen the union, you can also opt for a special toast with a traditional drink offered to the sacred mountain to protect the union from that moment on.

Connection with Nature

The connection with nature is a fundamental part of Andean marriage, as many Andean communities have a deep spiritual and cultural relationship with their natural surroundings. 

Offerings to Pachamama:

Pachamama, or “Mother Earth,” is an ancestral deity worshipped in Andean culture. During the marriage ceremony, offerings are made to Pachamama, such as coca leaves, flowers, seeds, and other natural elements. These offerings symbolize gratitude and connection to Mother Earth and nature. 

Outdoor Ceremony: 

Andean weddings in Cusco, Peru, are often held in natural spaces such as the Sacred Valley, Salkantay Mountain, Ausangate Mountain, and lakes, immersing the couple in the beauty and energy of nature during the ceremony. 

Natural Elements: 

During the ceremony, the shaman uses various natural elements like flowers, leaves, branches, and stones, representing vitality and connection with nature. These elements may also be present in the decoration, floral arrangements, and even the couple’s attire.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

At Salkantay Trekking, we offer our Salkantay Trek Honeymoon to couples who love to connect with nature and wish to unite in a traditional ceremony where the sacred mountains act as silent witnesses. 

The Salkantay trek is considered among the top 25 hikes in the world by the prestigious National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine, offering you the opportunity to experience a beautiful and authentic honeymoon amidst dreamlike landscapes. 

Imagine the excitement of renewing your wedding vows with the love of your life in the most incredible setting you can imagine: a stage where the majesty of the mountains blends with the ancestral energy of the Andes. You’ll have the chance to spend incredible romantic nights with your partner in the most exclusive campsites, immersing yourselves in the intimacy and beauty of nature until you reach Machu Picchu. 

To learn more about our Salkantay Honeymoon Trek, don’t hesitate to visit our website. You’ll find details about available dates, services, and how to make your honeymoon a truly unforgettable experience. Undoubtedly, the ancient Andean wedding ceremony in Peru will transport you to a spiritual world where you can connect with nature and experience eternal love. In Cusco, are you ready for this unique and transformative experience?

Written by: Estefany Huamani.

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