Indigenous experiences - South America

Across the world pockets of indigenous people have managed to keep their way of life almost completely intact over many centuries, and some allow visitors to experience these ancient and fascinating cultures first hand. Whether it's Shamanism workshops in Peru or Aboriginal art, there's always something new the locals can teach you...

South America
Indigenous experiences are available all over the South American continent, and while the Inca Trail in Peru is the obvious candidate, an even more intriguing possibility awaits in Iquitos. Accessible only by air or boat, workshops are held here that allow travellers to learn the secrets of Shamanism. Blue Morpho Tours (www.bluemorphotours.com) run trips heavy on rituals and medicinal plants.

Alternatively, Sacred Earth Travel (www.sacredearth-travel.com) offers the chance to get to know the Mapuche people of Chile over four days. This includes joining in dances and local games, eating traditional meals, language lessons and being taught indigenous weaving techniques.

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Search: Peruvian Shamanism | Iquitos | Mapuche
Related articles: Jungle trekking | Popular pilgrimages