During your trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, and in general through the majestic Andes Mountains, you are likely to come across the word 'Apu' in your conversations or readings. In the Inca worldview, 'Apu' designated the spirits that inhabited the mountains. Even today, numerous people in Peru continue to venerate the mountains as sacred entities, highlighting the persistence of these beliefs over time.
This deep-rooted respect for the mountains reflects the profound spiritual connection that endures in Peruvian culture, adding a unique dimension to the experience of exploring this extraordinary region.
What are the Apus?
- The word 'Apu', of Quechua origin, translates as 'Lord'. The Incas used it to refer to the imposing mountains and snow-capped peaks that had great significance in their cosmovision.
- The 'Apus' were not only majestic geographical formations, but also protective spirits that watched over the safety of the people in their territory, protecting their livestock and crops. According to the Andean man's perspective, the mountains were divine entities that influenced the destiny of human beings, both in Inca times and in the periods before and after.
- In the Andean vision, each mountain has its own spirit, a distinctive name and a specific domain under its protection. Consequently, each region has its own 'Apu' or guardian mountain.
- Although the 'Apus' were combined as male spirits, female deities were also recognized in this category. For the Incas, the height of an 'Apu' was directly related to its importance, believing that those of higher altitude possessed a more significant influence on human destinies.
How did the Incas worship the Apus?
- According to Inca cosmology, the universe was structured in three planes: Hanan Pacha (the upper realm or realm of the gods), Kay Pacha (the realm of men) and Uku Pacha (the lower realm or underworld). The mountains, rising from the Kay Pacha to the Uku Pacha, constituted a means of direct communication with the gods, allowing the Incas to establish spiritual contact.
- Tribute to the 'Apus' was a sacred act for the Incas, who expressed their devotion through offerings that included chicha (corn liquor), llama tallow and coca leaves. Occasionally, they carried out human sacrifices known as Capacocha, performed mainly on the summits of the highest snow-capped peaks.
- A transcendental discovery was the 'Juanita Mummy' (also called the 'Lady of Ampato'), whose body was found in 1995 on the summit of the snow-capped Ampato. This archaeological event revealed significant details about Inca ritual practices, providing a unique insight into the relationship between the inhabitants of the Andean region and their sacred mountains.
These are the most important 'Apus' of the Incas:
In Cusco:
The Apus in modern Peru
- Although the Inca empire disappeared more than five centuries ago, it is important to note that the cult of the 'Apus' endures today. Peruvians, especially those who have grown up in traditional Andean communities, continue to cling to these beliefs that date back to Inca times.
- However, the ancient beliefs of the Andean world coexist intricately with the Christian traditions introduced during the Spanish conquest. In the contemporary reality of Peru, it can be observed how Andean communities have integrated elements of both worldviews, creating a unique synthesis that reflects the richness and complexity of their cultural heritage. This phenomenon evidences the capacity of adaptation and resilience of traditional beliefs in the face of external influences over time.
The Apus in the visit to Machu Picchu
- Exploring the Andean belief in the 'Apus' reveals itself in a fascinating way when undertaking the Inca Trail, an excellent option to immerse oneself in this cultural perspective. Throughout this 4-day, 3-night journey to Machu Picchu, tour guides and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the daily rituals dedicated to the 'Apus', offering an enriching vision of this spiritual connection.
- In Cusco, the ancestral Inca capital, the protection of several sacred 'Apus', such as Ausangate (with an altitude of 6,384 masl) and Salkantay (with an altitude of 6,271 masl), is evident. These towering mountain peaks impart an imposing presence that resonates with the spirituality ingrained in the region.
- Similarly, in Inca times, the inhabitants of the 'Inca City' worshipped the mountains Machu Picchu (with an altitude of 3,082 masl) and Huayna Picchu (with an altitude of 2,720 masl). These high geographical formations were considered sacred, reflecting the deep connection between the Incas and their natural environment.
A visit to Machu Picchu thus becomes a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich spiritual heritage of the 'Apus' and appreciate the unique interaction between nature, culture and history that define this extraordinary Andean region.
