In a region that is tucked down in between the Andes Mountains in Peru, extends between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and runs alongside the Vilcanota River, lies the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley has come to be a popular destination for tourism in Peru, promoting tours, hikes, and lots of photography. This province is perhaps most famous for its breathtaking geography that simultaneously surrounds its rich history and the present-day lives of the native people who called the Sacred Valley home; a place where modernity and tradition as in equilibrium.
Otherwise known as El Valle Sagrado de Los Incas, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this region was the birthplace and epicenter of the Incan people, and is now home to their ancient …show more content…
Tours offer a glimpse into the daily life of the citizens of the Sacred Valley, including their markets, neighborhoods, and agricultural fields, and even small local petting zoos which feature obscure animals indigenous to this region. However, most of the native people do not mind the multitude of tourism too much, and see it as an economic opportunity. For instance, since Sacred Valley tourism mainly surrounds its Incan past, a sort of “spiritual tourism,” which focuses on ancient healing methods performs by natives has become increasingly popular with sightseers. But, this has been controversial in regard to the distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation in exchange for commodification of their beliefs, some even referring to it as a tourist trap. However, behind the veil of tourism in the Sacred Valley, lies a genuine, hardworking society comprised of locals who intend on preserving their heritage by continuing to follow centuries-old practices and observing ancient festivals and celebrations brought to them by their ancestors. The dominant culture in the Sacred Valley is the Quechua people, descendants of the Incas, who have lived in this region for about 600 years. Like the Incas, the Quechua people also heavily rely on agriculture that is grown on communally own land, therefore the harvest is evenly distributed among contributing families. In addition, the Qechua people are also similar to the Incas in their affinity for music and dance. Music and dance are not only involved in most of their traditions, but also are a big part of everyday life; walking down dirty roads and seeing the locals playing instruments, singing, and dancing is not an uncommon occurrence. The Quechua people are also well known for their brilliantly
Otherwise known as El Valle Sagrado de Los Incas, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this region was the birthplace and epicenter of the Incan people, and is now home to their ancient …show more content…
Tours offer a glimpse into the daily life of the citizens of the Sacred Valley, including their markets, neighborhoods, and agricultural fields, and even small local petting zoos which feature obscure animals indigenous to this region. However, most of the native people do not mind the multitude of tourism too much, and see it as an economic opportunity. For instance, since Sacred Valley tourism mainly surrounds its Incan past, a sort of “spiritual tourism,” which focuses on ancient healing methods performs by natives has become increasingly popular with sightseers. But, this has been controversial in regard to the distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation in exchange for commodification of their beliefs, some even referring to it as a tourist trap. However, behind the veil of tourism in the Sacred Valley, lies a genuine, hardworking society comprised of locals who intend on preserving their heritage by continuing to follow centuries-old practices and observing ancient festivals and celebrations brought to them by their ancestors. The dominant culture in the Sacred Valley is the Quechua people, descendants of the Incas, who have lived in this region for about 600 years. Like the Incas, the Quechua people also heavily rely on agriculture that is grown on communally own land, therefore the harvest is evenly distributed among contributing families. In addition, the Qechua people are also similar to the Incas in their affinity for music and dance. Music and dance are not only involved in most of their traditions, but also are a big part of everyday life; walking down dirty roads and seeing the locals playing instruments, singing, and dancing is not an uncommon occurrence. The Quechua people are also well known for their brilliantly