CULTURE, RITUALS AND NATURE: EXPERIENCES OF MYSTICAL TOURISM IN NORTHERN PERU
Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Departament Of Business Science, Lima, Peru, Miguel Ángel Ruiz-palacios, Cristiana Pereira-teixeira-de-oliveira, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Rector And Head, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Miguel Angel Tejada-garcía, Claribel Rosario Salvador-garcía, Leli Velasquez-viloche, Franklin Córdova-buiza
GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites December 20, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.30892/gtg.56438-1352 via OpenAlex
Summary
Cultural tourists in Peru's northern coast seek authentic experiences, spiritual healing, and personal fulfillment through Andean rituals. The study involved 65 participants and highlighted the role of shamans as intermediaries who enhance faith in deities and lagoons. While locals acknowledge the benefits of increased tourism, they also face challenges such as scammers and poor organization. Traditional shamanic rituals were found to enhance perceptions of authenticity and emotional impact, with the natural landscape adding to the sensory experience.
Study at a glance
| Design | ethnographic study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 65 |
| Population | cultural tourists participating in Andean rituals |
| Key finding | Tourists seek authentic cultural experiences and spiritual healing through Andean rituals, while shamans play a key role in enhancing these experiences. |
Abstract
This study explored cultural tourist experiences of Andean rituals on Peru's northern coast using ethnographic methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 65 participants, field notes, and observations of interactions among shamans, patients, and lagoons. Findings show tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, spiritual healing, and personal fulfilment. Shamans act as intermediaries, fostering faith in deities and lagoons. Locals recognize both the benefits (e.g., increased tourism) and challenges (e.g., scammers, lack of municipal organization) of mystical tourism. The study concludes that traditional shamanic rituals enhance perceptions of authenticity and emotional impact, with the natural landscape enriching the sensory experience.