After exploring Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, my group and I traveled high into the Andes mountains into the town of Pacchanta located on the Ausangate mountain, which is located at about 14,000 feet. The Ausangate mountain is considered sacred to the local population, and is viewed as a powerful mountain spirit. Our group leader, a Quechuan, performed a spiritual ritual using coca leaves, grains, herbs, small figurines of the Gods, cloth, and many other objects to allow us safe passage into the mountain. After each item was added to the bowl, the guide said a prayer, closed the package, and then burned it.

The day after our arrival, we went on an 8-mile hike to see the seven sacred lakes, located at about 15,000 feet, accompanied by our local Quechuan guide who shared insights about the local culture. One example of something he shared was the story of Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess, and how she resides by the seven sacred lakes, providing life-sustaining water to the local communities. I also learned how many of the local people perform pilgrimages to the lake seeking spiritual renewal, and to heal. This picture shows one of the seven sacred lakes, each varying in size and showcasing different shades of blue.

After seeing each of the Seven Sacred Lakes, we descended down the mountain, seeing many wildly grazing alpacas, and even some native people dressed in bright Quechua clothing. Although the hike was grueling due to high elevation, it was an invaluable experience, as it allowed me to immerse myself in the most authentic forms of Quechuan culture, in a place that is hardly touched by the outside world. Ultimately, seeing the lakes was a breathtaking experience, as it gave me the opportunity to see beautiful blue lakes that are deeply intertwined in rich culture.