From Cusco|Andean Marriage in the Sacred Valley + Pachamanca

Nestled in the breathtaking Sacred Valley of Cusco, this immersive 7-hour adventure offers couples a unique opportunity to experience a traditional Andean marriage ceremony. Priced at $600 per person, the package includes a ritual led by an Andean priest, a delightful Pachamanca culinary experience, and a fascinating exploration of textile arts. With personalized attention, transportation, and live music, this vibrant celebration promises to create lasting memories amidst the stunning Andean landscape. What makes this Andean marriage ceremony so captivating?

Key Points

• Immersive 7-hour experience in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, featuring a traditional Andean marriage ceremony, Pachamanca culinary adventure, and textile exploration.
• Andean marriage ceremony conducted by a priest at Piuray lagoon, including a bridal procession, wedding dance, and gratitude to Pachamama and Tayta Inti.
• Pachamanca culinary experience with a menu of Andean dishes cooked in an underground oven, such as causa, soup, Pachamanca, and desserts.
• Opportunity to witness and participate in the traditional textile production process, including washing wool, dyeing with natural dyes, and weaving on a loom.
• Transportation from Cusco accommodations and live music performed by local musicians to enhance the culture throughout the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

For those interested in experiencing the sacred Andean marriage ceremony, this activity in the Sacred Valley of Cusco offers a unique culture.

Priced from $600 per person, the 7-hour experience includes a traditional Andean marriage ritual, a Pachamanca culinary adventure, and an exploration of local textile production.

Immerse in a 7-hour Andean cultural experience, featuring a marriage ritual, Pachamanca cuisine, and textile exploration.

Conducted in Spanish and English, the activity features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Participants can expect personalized attention, basic first aid, and medical insurance throughout the immersive journey in the Andean highlands.

Andean Marriage Ceremony

At the heart of this cultural experience lies the sacred Andean marriage ceremony.

This spiritual pact with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Tayta Inti (God Father Sun) is marked by:

• Andean priest-led ceremony at the Piuray lagoon, with gratitude expressed to Pachamama

• Change of clothes for the bride and groom into traditional attire, followed by a bridal procession to the altar

• Toast, wedding dance, and congratulations from guests, concluding with a final dance carrying the Achihua (a ceremonial bundle).

Pachamanca Culinary Experience

Complementing the sacred Andean marriage ceremony, guests will enjoy a Pachamanca culinary experience. This traditional Andean dish is prepared by cooking meats, potatoes, and other vegetables in an underground oven. The menu includes a starter of causa stuffed with potato, a soup of corn, vegetables or quinoa, and the main course of Pachamanca with chicken, beef, and pork. Sides of chaufa quinoa and cooked vegetables are served with sauces such as salsa huancaína and ocopa. Dessert options include dulce de quinua, mazamorra, or carrot cake, along with beverages like muña or coca mate.

| Starter | Soup | Main | Sides | Dessert |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Causa stuffed with potato | Corn, vegetable, or quinoa | Pachamanca with chicken, beef, pork | Chaufa quinoa, cooked vegetables | Dulce de quinua, mazamorra, carrot cake |

Textile Process and Souvenirs

As part of the Andean Marriage experience, guests are provided an explanation of the textile production process.

This includes:

• Washing the wool to prepare it for dyeing

• Dyeing the wool using natural dyes from local plants and minerals

• Warping the dyed wool on a loom to create the intricate patterns found in traditional Andean textiles

After the textile demonstration, guests have the opportunity to purchase handmade garments and souvenirs created by the local mothers, allowing them to take a piece of the Andean culture home with them.

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Transportation and Music

Transportation is provided for guests as part of the Andean Marriage experience. Visitors are picked up from their accommodations in Cusco and transported to the Sacred Valley.

During the journey, guests enjoy typical area music performed live by local musicians. The music sets the cultural tone, immersing participants in the Andean traditions they’re about to experience.

Upon arrival at the ceremony site by Piuray lagoon, the musical entertainment continues, creating a celebratory ambiance as the couple exchanges vows in the Andean marriage ritual.

Andean Ceremony Details

The Andean marriage ceremony is a sacred spiritual pact with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Tayta Inti (God Father Sun).

The Andean marriage ceremony is a sacred spiritual pact with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Tayta Inti (God Father Sun).

The ceremony begins with a reception featuring typical music and an introduction of the wedding party and guests.

An Andean priest leads the ceremony, which includes:

• Change of clothes for the bride and groom into traditional attire

• Bridal procession to the Andean altar at Piuray lagoon

• Marriage ceremony with gratitude to Pachamama

• Toast, wedding dance, and congratulations from guests

• Bride and groom returning with an Achihua and a final dance.

Pachamanca Meal Composition

The Pachamanca meal included in the Andean Marriage ceremony features a variety of traditional Andean dishes.

The menu begins with a starter of causa, a layered potato dish stuffed with fillings.

For the soup course, guests can enjoy options like corn, vegetable, or quinoa soup.

The main attraction is the Pachamanca, an underground stone-baked feast of chicken, beef, and pork.

Sides include a quinoa chaufa and cooked vegetables, accompanied by sauces like huancaína and ocopa.

For dessert, there are sweet options like dulce de quinua, mazamorra, or carrot cake.

The meal is complemented by a refreshing mate de muña or coca tea.

Additional Inclusions and Considerations

Besides the core activities, the Andean Marriage experience includes several additional inclusions to enhance the culture.

The Andean Marriage experience includes additional inclusions to further enhance the culture for guests.

Guests receive:

• Personalized attention and a dedicated reception area for the ceremony

• A basic first aid kit and medical insurance coverage for peace of mind

• A surprise gift to commemorate their participation in this unique cultural event

However, it’s important to note that the service is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds are available for cancellations caused by these factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Ceremony Be Customized to Personal Preferences?

The ceremony can be customized to personal preferences. Couples can work with the provider to incorporate special elements, such as traditional songs, rituals, or materials, to make the experience more meaningful and reflective of their desires.

Is the Pachamanca Meal Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The Pachamanca meal can be accommodated for vegetarians and vegans. It includes a starter, soup, side dishes, and desserts that are plant-based, so dietary restrictions can be catered to upon request.

Can the Tour Accommodate Guests With Mobility Challenges?

The tour can accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Accessible transportation is provided, and the ceremony and dining area are wheelchair-friendly. The organizers are happy to make any necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Textile Workshop?

The tour includes an explanation of textile production, such as washing wool, dyeing, and warping, but does not specify the amount of time allocated for the textile workshop. Visitors can also purchase garments made by local mothers.

Is the Wedding Certificate Legally Binding in the Participant’s Home Country?

The wedding ceremony is an Andean spiritual ritual and not legally binding in the participants’ home countries. The activity provides an authentic cultural experience but does not result in a legally recognized marriage certificate.

The Sum Up

This immersive Andean marriage ceremony in the Sacred Valley offers a unique cultural experience. Couples can expect a traditional ritual, a delicious Pachamanca feast, and an exploration of local textile arts – all while surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape and accompanied by live music. Priced at $600 per person, this 7-hour adventure provides personalized attention and transportation from Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: