UJ #18 - In love in Peru
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Nature-lov<strong>in</strong>g couples can enjoy<br />
a series of romantic activities<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g their time <strong>in</strong> Cusco.<br />
and spiritual balance, and reach<strong>in</strong>g absolute <strong>love</strong> whilst <strong>in</strong><br />
harmony with ones self and with nature,” comments Lizeth<br />
Giurfa of the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.<br />
The Arac Mas<strong>in</strong> transports couples <strong>in</strong>to one of the most<br />
important local ancestral rituals, which is still practiced <strong>in</strong><br />
some Andean communities. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the ritual, the couple<br />
undergoes a series of offer<strong>in</strong>gs as guided by a shaman<br />
who shares songs and prayers <strong>in</strong> Quechua. Because this<br />
ceremony is not legally recognized, it is often chosen by<br />
couples who – previously married or not – wish to renew<br />
and strengthen their bond.<br />
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel<br />
The bride and groom dress <strong>in</strong> traditional garb – she<br />
wears a lliclla, and he wears a chumpi – and make<br />
their entrance on a carpet of roses, with four areas<br />
separated by maize gra<strong>in</strong>s of different colours. Each<br />
colour represents an important aspect of the union: red<br />
symbolizes power, white, purity, yellow, <strong>love</strong>, and purple,<br />
balance. The shaman then uses the sacred qu<strong>in</strong>tu – a<br />
symbol composed of three coca leaves – to purify the<br />
couple before giv<strong>in</strong>g them the chance to share their<br />
The Sumaq Machu<br />
Picchu Hotel, located<br />
a short distance from<br />
Machu Picchu, offers<br />
special packages for<br />
couples.<br />
vows with each other. The ritual ends with a b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the couples hands, us<strong>in</strong>g a cha<strong>in</strong> of flowers.<br />
The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel <strong>in</strong> the town of Aguas<br />
Calientes offers a special area designed to conduct<br />
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel<br />
these types of ceremonies. The service <strong>in</strong>cludes the<br />
shaman, the bride and grooms traditional garments, and<br />
a private <strong>in</strong>terpreter. The hotel’s modern <strong>in</strong>stallations<br />
come together with Andean details, creat<strong>in</strong>g a warm<br />
experience with a mystical touch, right <strong>in</strong> the shadow of<br />
the stunn<strong>in</strong>g Machu Picchu Mounta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The Arac Mas<strong>in</strong> is<br />
an experience that<br />
looks to connect<br />
the couple with<br />
each other, and to<br />
the Andean deities.<br />
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel<br />
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel<br />
Andean wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ceremonies are led by<br />
a local Shaman.<br />
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