Location and Landscape

Apu Mamacha Simona stands northeast of Cusco, in the district of Ccorca. Travelers can reach it in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From a distance, its silhouette resembles a woman carrying a blanket. The slopes of this sacred mountain hold archaeological remains of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient inter-Andean communication route.

From its summits, visitors can admire Apu Salkantay, its counterpart Apu Huanacaure, Nevado Chicon, and other majestic peaks.

Ancestral Devotion and Oral Tradition

Origins of the Name Mama Simona

The name “Mama Simona” reflects Spanish influence. Before colonization, people referred to this Apu by names such as Apian and Yauriac (Bolivar, 2015).

Historians agree that in pre-Hispanic times, different rituals took place here. However, during the extirpation of idolatries, the Spanish renamed it “Simón” after a biblical figure.

Over time, the name evolved into “Mama Simona” (Bolivar, 2015).

Legends and Symbolism

Many legends about the Apus revolve around lineage conflicts. According to the inhabitants of Ccorca, both Apu Salkantay and Apu Ausangate sought Mama Simona’s love, offering her gold and silver.

To prevent conflict between them, she chose to stay with Apu Machu Quimon, who stands above her (Chávez, 2001).

Spiritual Significance and Feminine Energy of Mama Simona

Author: Joan De la colina Roman

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References:

• Bolívar Yapura Wilber (2015) Mama Simona: memoria ancestral y contemporánea, en Arqueología y Sociedad

• Apaza Flores Raul(2024) Conversaciones con maestro Raul

• Chávez Chávez, J.A. (2001) Investigaciones arqueológicas de alta montaña en el sur del Perú.

To the south of the valley of Cusco, is the Wanakawri or Huanacaure mountain, this huaca in the same way that Saqsaywaman are representative axes of the sacred geography of the city.
For the Mestro Alejandro Apaza this mountain is like the father of Cusco with direct relation to the Hanan Pacha (high world).

And it is not for less in time of the Incas the Hunacaure had a telluric component in addition to keeping close relationship with the Inti, sun (Ziólkowski, 2015).

At the same time, it also connected with the Rainbow and Amaru (a sacred term for the snake), in other words, the thunder as both progenitor and intermediary (Ziólkowski, 2015).

Huanacaure: The First Waka Inka and Sacred Mythical Origin

According to studies, the Huanacaure was the first Waka Inka in the Cusco region being the first site of worship that would later open space for the other wakas.

The myths related to this place indicate that one of the brothers of the first Inka, Ayar Uchu, transformed into stone to create an object of worship for his descendants, allowing communication with his father the Sun (Ziólkowski, 2015).

Another myth is related as the first settlement of the founders of Cusco coming from Paqareqthanpu (Paucartambo). According to Juan Santa Cruz Pachacuti this place would be the origin of other mythical wakas as Pitusiray and Sawasiray (Pachacuti,1613).

The same stone that transformed Ayar Uchu into a Wanka (medium monolith) was transported during wars and rituals, reaching as far as Quito. With the arrival of the Spanish, they destroyed this divinity (Zecenarro, 2003).

Currently, roads, aqueducts, terraces, and dams cover its slopes. The relationship between the Huanacaure and Cusco is also visible, with alignments between them, such as Avenida El Sol, which extends toward the mountain, and the Saphi River.

Author: Joan De la colina Roman

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References:

• Ziólkowski, M. S. (2015). Pachap Vnancha: El calendario metropolitano del estado inca (1ra edición). PTSL ; Ediciones El Lector.
• Zecerrano,German(2003) Apus tutelares y asentamientos del Cusco Preinca
  Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamayhua J. de Santa Cruz(1993) Relacion de antiguedades deste reyno del Piru (estudio etnohistorico de P.Duvoils y C.Itier)

The hummingbird, known as “Kinti” in Quechua, holds deep spiritual significance in Andean cosmology. It is revered as a messenger between worlds, carrying wisdom from the spirit realm and transmitting energy that connects humans with the divine.

The concept of “Hummingbird Energy Transmission” refers to the way in which the hummingbird serves as an intermediary of high-frequency vibrations. It promotes transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of the soul’s journey.

Symbolism of the Hummingbird in Andean Traditions

Energy Transmission and Spiritual Connection

In Andean ceremonies, offerings known as “despachos” often include images or feathers of hummingbirds, invoking their energy to facilitate transformation (Villoldo, 2006).

Furthermore, this bird hovers in stillness despite rapid wing movements, serving as a metaphor for spiritual focus amidst life’s chaos. This stillness in movement is a lesson in mindfulness, reminding individuals to stay present while navigating life’s challenges.

Hummingbird Medicine and Shamanic Practices

Hummingbird energy is considered a form of spiritual medicine in Andean shamanism. Those who carry this energy, often called “hummingbird people,”. They are believed to have an innate ability to seek out the nectar of life—the beauty and sweetness that existence offers—despite hardships.

Initiates in Andean spiritual traditions may undergo rituals where they invoke hummingbird energy to strengthen their inner guidance and adaptability (Jenkins, 2013).

One such ritual involves connecting with the energy of the hummingbird through meditation, visualization, or direct encounters in nature.

The hummingbird’s role in Andean spirituality goes beyond its physical presence—it represents an energetic transmission of resilience, beauty, and divine connection.

Those who embrace this bird energy can learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace, remaining focused on their soul’s higher purpose.

Whether through meditation, ritual offerings, or direct encounters, invoking the essence of the bird allows for profound spiritual transformation.

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References

• Abercrombie, T. (1998). Pathways of Memory and Power: Ethnography and History Among an Andean People. University of Wisconsin Press.
• Villoldo, A. (2006). Shaman, Healer, Sage: How to Heal Yourself and Others with the Energy Medicine of the Americas. Harmony.
• Jenkins, D. (2013). The Lost Wisdom of the Inca: Spiritual Vision and Initiations from the Andes. Bear & Company.

In the Andean spiritual tradition, Feminine Energy is revered as a powerful force of creation, healing, and transformation. This sacred energy is deeply connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and manifests through nature, intuition, and the cycles of life.

Furthermore, the Ñusta Karpay, or “initiation of the Ñustas,” is a profound set of energetic transmissions that help awaken and balance this divine feminine power within individuals, regardless of gender.

Who Are the Ñustas?

The Ñustas are ancient Incan priestesses, goddesses, and feminine spirits that embody different aspects of wisdom, love, and power.

Each Ñusta represents a unique frequency of feminine energy, offering guidance and healing to those who connect with them. Some of the most revered Ñustas include:

These Ñustas are invoked through sacred ceremonies, meditation, and direct transmissions in the Ñusta Karpay initiation process.

The Feminine Energy Transmission

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

Modern society often overemphasizes masculine energy—action, logic, and productivity—while undervaluing the feminine qualities of intuition, receptivity, and nurturing.

As more people awaken to the wisdom of the Ñustas, there is a greater potential for harmony between humanity and nature.

For those seeking a deeper connection with their feminine essence, the path of the Ñustas offers a sacred invitation to embrace intuition, love, and harmony with all beings.

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References

• Jaramillo, A. (2018). The Andean Sacred Feminine: Connecting with the Ñustas for Spiritual Growth. Inner Traditions.
• Wilcox, J. (2013). Masters of the Living Energy: The Mystical World of the Q’ero of Peru. North Atlantic Books.
• Villoldo, A. (2006). Shaman, Healer, Sage: How to Heal Yourself and Others with the Energy Medicine of the Americas. Harmony.
• Sullivan, L. (1988). Icanchu’s Drum: An Orientation to Meaning in South American Religions. Macmillan Publishing.

The Apu Pitusiray and Sawasiray, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the province and district of Calca, are the most emblematic mountains of these lands. The Andean people consider these two peaks inseparable, deeply intertwining them in their spiritual and cultural traditions.

Sacred Symbolism in Andean Cosmovision

For the Apaza family of the Qero Nation, both mountains hold a sacred presence in their prayers and spiritual geography.

The Andean people see these two peaks as symbols of loving union, fertility, and marital well-being, believing they represent a pair of spouses.

The Myth of Pitusiray and Sawasiray

Among the local inhabitants and in the broader Andean imaginary, a powerful mythology surrounds these mountains. The legend tells the story of an Ñusta (Inka princess) named Sawasiray, who falls in love with a humble farmer, Pitusiray.

However, their love is forbidden, as her father, the Inka Urqu Waranqa, has already chosen another suitor for her: Rumi Maki.

In an effort to win Sawasiray’s hand, a contest is arranged—whoever can bring water to the dry community of Urco will marry the princess.

Rumi Maki emerges victorious by constructing a canal from the Qan Qan lagoon. However, during the wedding ceremony, Sawasiray and Pitusiray flee to the snowy mountains of Lares.

In punishment, the gods turn them into stone, forever standing as the peaks of Pitusiray and Sawasiray (Thornton, 2011).

Interpreting the Myth: Cosmic Balance and Order

This tragic love story symbolizes adultery or the disruption of social order. The gods’ act of transforming the lovers into stone serves as a cosmic restoration of balance.

These snow-capped mountains continue to provide water to the land, ensuring fertility and productivity.

Their peaks, covered in snow, eventually melt under the sun’s rays, nourishing the earth below and maintaining the cycle of life (Sanchez, 1992).

Author: Joan De la colina

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References

• Thornton, Gillian, Las Montañas Respiran: La Cosmovisión de la Comunidad de Rayampata Representada a Través del Mito Pitusiray-Sawasiray (2011). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 1182.
• Sanchez Garrafa, Rodolfo (2006) Apus de los cuatro suyos: Construcción del mundo en los ciclos mitológicos de las deidades.
• Sanchez Garrafa, Rodolfo (2006) Pitusiray y Sawasiray: mitos de alianzas y restauración cósmica.

Fire has always been a sacred element in many spiritual traditions worldwide, and in the Andean cosmovision, it plays a crucial role in connecting the physical and spiritual realms.

The Fire Ceremony is an ancestral ritual that allows participants to offer prayers, release negativity, and seek transformation through the sacred flames.

The Role of Fire in Andean Spirituality

In Andean traditions, fire is not merely a physical phenomenon but a living entity with consciousness.

The ceremony provides an opportunity to align with nature and restore harmony in one’s life.

How this Ceremony is Performed

Each Fire Ceremony follows a structure that varies depending on the lineage and tradition of the paqos leading it. However, most ceremonies include the following elements:

1. Preparation and Sacred Space – The ceremony begins by setting up a sacred space, often outdoors, where participants gather in a circle around the fire. The mesa (sacred altar) may be prepared with offerings such as coca leaves, flowers, and sacred stones.
2. Invocation of Sacred Beings – The paqo or shaman calls upon the spirits of the fire, the four directions (North, South, East, and West), and other sacred entities to bless the ceremony.
3. Offerings and Intentions – Participants write their prayers, fears, or wishes on small pieces of paper or prepare natural offerings such as wood, resins, or medicinal herbs. These are then placed into the fire as an act of release and transformation.
4. Chanting and Music – Participants use traditional Andean songs, drums, and chants to elevate the energy and create a connection with the spiritual world.
5. Closing and Gratitude – After the fire consumes the offerings, participants express gratitude to the spirits and may receive personal messages or insights from the paqos.

The Meaning and Benefits of the Fire Ceremony

The ritual is not just about letting go but also about igniting new intentions and embracing personal growth.

How to Participate in Fire Ceremony

If you are interested in attending a Fire Ceremony, it is essential to do so with respect and openness. Many Andean communities and spiritual centers offer these ceremonies, guided by experienced paqos.

Here are some recommendations:

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References

• Villoldo, A. (2006). Shaman, Healer, Sage: How to Heal Yourself and Others with the Energy Medicine of the Americas. Harmony.
• Merlino, S. (2019). Andean Wisdom: Shamanic Teachings for Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation. EarthSky Books.
• Rösing, I. (2003). The Teachings of the Incas: A Guide to Andean Spirituality. University of Arizona Press.