The+Despacho+Ceremony

The Desperado Ceremony is an Andean tradition honoring Pachamama (mother earth) and Apus (mountain spirit). It is described as a formal prayer to the gods. In this ceremony, the leader will make many symbolic sacrifices such as food or clothing. These offerings are put on a piece of paper and folded up. The leader will take this package to bless the body and get rid of all the negative energy inside. It is then burned and participants face away to let the spirits eat the offering in peace. This would be a great experience for everyone to experience this and we may encounter this on our trip though the Andes. This is very important to their traditions and is performed at special events.