Aracari’s Weekly Insight #15: Apu Salkantay

By Simon

Question:
Why do local people in the Cusco region refer to Mount Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay”?

Answer:
Many locals of the Cusco region refer to Salkantay as “Apu Salkantay” as this is a term of reverence and worship. “Apu” literally means “Spirit of the mountain” or “mountain god”.

This was an important part of the religion of the Inca Empire: the Incas had great respect for mountains such as Salkantay and Ausangate as they towered towards the skies – home of the “Inti” Sun god – and the stars. They believed that a spirit or god resided within these mountains that protected their culture .

Today I walked right past Salkantay, here’s some photos:

Aracari’s Weekly Insight #15: Apu Salkantay, Aracari Travel
Aracari’s Weekly Insight #15: Apu Salkantay, Aracari Travel

You can read my day by day account of the lodge to lodge Salkantay Trek here.

Related Post
 The Latest from Kusi Kawsay School in the Urubamba Valley Educational institution, Kusi Kawsay in Pisac celebrated its 5th anniversary this year, and looking at recent advances the school has made, it is clea...
 Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima Reopens after Renovations The Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, one of the most luxe accommodation options in Lima, reopened its doors after months of renovations. With a new rest...
 “Bird Watching” in Barranco: Las Pallas features Peruvian artisans’ av... Some of you may be familiar with one of our favorite hidden gems in Barranco: Las Pallas.  For those of you who are not, this is one stop you should a...
 Peruvian Art Talk in London was a Big Hit! We are absoutely thrilled to have had a very successful turnout at the Instituto Cervantes in London, where Marisol Mosquera gave a talk on Peruvian C...
 AYNI for the world. A Celebration of Art and Hope https://vimeo.com/426358187 Ayni is the Andean practice of reciprocity – ‘I help you today, you help me tomorrow, and together we make a new world.’ ...
 South America’s hidden jewel was never hidden to Aracari… We've been planning journeys to Bolivia since Aracari was founded because we've always believed it was well worth a visit. Just at Pia says in her art...