June 21, 2017: Uchumachi

As our time together in Bolivia is wrapping up, people are finalizing post-program travel plans and soaking up our last few moments together. We have been lucky enough to experience Coroico with great weather, and as you all already know, amazing activities and opportunities. Yesterday was another one of those days as we hiked up Uchumachi. Uchumachi is known as a sacred mountain with a lot of energies and spirits living at the top in the cloud forest. Most people don't hike through the cloud forest because of this. We had an early wake-up call at 4:45 AM to start our hike by 5:00 AM. Lucio led the group up the steep incline with a heavy bag full of snacks and our offering for Pachamama. When we finally made it to the top, my hair was wet from the humidity of the clouds and from ducking under wet branches and leaves. We sat around with Pedro and Negra (the local hotel dogs who joined us on the slippery hike) eating snacks and resting for a while before making an offering. The offering was put together by Don Augustin, a yatiri, or shaman, which included a llama fetus, candies, incense, and colorful llama yarn. At the top of Uchumachi we took turns sprinkling alcohol on the offering while asking Pachamama for different things. I made the offering for my family and my new friends here in Bolivia.