CULTURE, RITUALS AND NATURE: EXPERIENCES OF MYSTICAL TOURISM IN NORTHERN PERU

Abstract

This study explored cultural tourist experiences of Andean rituals on Peru's northern coast using ethnographic methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 65 participants, field notes, and observations of interactions among shamans, patients, and lagoons. Findings show tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, spiritual healing, and personal fulfilment. Shamans act as intermediaries, fostering faith in deities and lagoons. Locals recognize both the benefits (e.g., increased tourism) and challenges (e.g., scammers, lack of municipal organization) of mystical tourism. The study concludes that traditional shamanic rituals enhance perceptions of authenticity and emotional impact, with the natural landscape enriching the sensory experience.