Latest news with #Kallawaya
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Indigenous leaders end world voyage with prayer for nature
The leaders of 22 Indigenous peoples from five continents held prayers for nature in Chile on Sunday at the end of a 46-day pilgrimage around the world. The "Indigenous sages" carried out an ancestral ceremony of the Anasazi people, who lived in the Chaco Canyon before European settlement in what was to become the US state of New Mexico. It was a ritual that, for the first time, brought together peoples from all over the planet -- travelling together on a journey that began in Italy and passed through India, Australia, and Zimbabwe before concluding in Chile. During their closing ceremony, representatives of peoples such as the Khalkha of Mongolia, the Noke Koi of Brazil, and the Kallawaya of Bolivia sang, danced, and prayed to the rhythm of drums, around an altar where they lit a sacred fire. "The feathers represent the continents, and today, for the first time, we have the five continents," said Heriberto Villasenor, director of Raices de la Tierra, an NGO dedicated to the preservation of Indigenous cultures. At the end of the event, the leaders embraced and shared a message, urging greater care for the environment. "We are part of nature. We are not separate from it. We are at a critical moment when so much destruction has taken place, much of it at human hands," Rutendo Ngara, 49, a representative of the South African group Oba Umbuntu, told AFP. The leaders also shared their concerns about what is happening in their own home regions. "Unfortunately, they are trying to extract uranium in Mongolia. It is an important element that is supposed to remain underground," Tsegi Batmunkh said. In January 2025, the French nuclear group Orano signed an agreement with Mongolia to exploit a large uranium deposit in the southwest of the country. The leader of Brazil's Noke Koi people, Yama Nomanawa, called for an end to the "destruction of the Earth" -- particularly in the Amazon basin. According to a 2024 study published in the journal Nature, scientists estimated that between 10 and 47 percent of the Amazon region will be exposed to forest loss by 2050, which could lead to widespread ecosystem change. "The Earth is crying out very loudly, but no one is listening. The jungle is screaming; it is not being respected by humans. Let's protect life, save life here on the planet," the 37-year-old Brazilian Indigenous leader said. axl/ps/dc/aha
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Indigenous leaders end world voyage with prayer for nature
The leaders of 22 Indigenous peoples from five continents held prayers for nature in Chile on Sunday at the end of a 46-day pilgrimage around the world. The "Indigenous sages" carried out an ancestral ceremony of the Anasazi people, who lived in the Chaco Canyon before European settlement in what was to become the US state of New Mexico. It was a ritual that, for the first time, brought together peoples from all over the planet -- travelling together on a journey that began in Italy and passed through India, Australia, and Zimbabwe before concluding in Chile. During their closing ceremony, representatives of peoples such as the Khalkha of Mongolia, the Noke Koi of Brazil, and the Kallawaya of Bolivia sang, danced, and prayed to the rhythm of drums, around an altar where they lit a sacred fire. "The feathers represent the continents, and today, for the first time, we have the five continents," said Heriberto Villasenor, director of Raices de la Tierra, an NGO dedicated to the preservation of Indigenous cultures. At the end of the event, the leaders embraced and shared a message, urging greater care for the environment. "We are part of nature. We are not separate from it. We are at a critical moment when so much destruction has taken place, much of it at human hands," Rutendo Ngara, 49, a representative of the South African group Oba Umbuntu, told AFP. The leaders also shared their concerns about what is happening in their own home regions. "Unfortunately, they are trying to extract uranium in Mongolia. It is an important element that is supposed to remain underground," Tsegi Batmunkh said. In January 2025, the French nuclear group Orano signed an agreement with Mongolia to exploit a large uranium deposit in the southwest of the country. The leader of Brazil's Noke Koi people, Yama Nomanawa, called for an end to the "destruction of the Earth" -- particularly in the Amazon basin. According to a 2024 study published in the journal Nature, scientists estimated that between 10 and 47 percent of the Amazon region will be exposed to forest loss by 2050, which could lead to widespread ecosystem change. "The Earth is crying out very loudly, but no one is listening. The jungle is screaming; it is not being respected by humans. Let's protect life, save life here on the planet," the 37-year-old Brazilian Indigenous leader said. axl/ps/dc/aha
Telegraph
13-02-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect way to discover the magic of South America
The Andes, the Pampas, rainforests, coastlines, lost civilisations, starry deserts and sultry tango halls… there are so many reasons for you to succumb to the lure of South America, a vast land of more than 20 million square kilometres that offers myriad opportunities for exploration. And that variety permeates everything: the people, histories, landscapes and the food on your plate – which might range from Michelin-starred dining to corn beer and roast guinea pig. All of life, in all its effervescent, irrepressible, colourful glory, can be found here. It's a lot to take in. But, thanks to centuries of accrued knowledge and expertise, Cox & Kings knows how best to tackle it. Its Grand Tour of South America group trip is a coast-to-coast adventure in high style for curious travellers. Seamlessly linking two oceans, four countries, must-not-miss sites and special experiences – how about meeting a spiritual Kallawaya healer? – it will reveal the continent's contrasts, cultures and unique rhythms. Peru: into the Inca Cox & Kings' Grand Tour begins in Lima where, in the buzzy Miraflores neighbourhood, you can get to know your travel mates over a pisco sour or two. Groups will be no more than 20 like-minded travellers, usually fewer – all the better for sharing the experience. And what an experience, which starts with a tour of this energetic foodie capital. Then it's a short flight to Cusco, centre of the Inca empire, where every perfectly placed stone seems to tell a story. You'll plunge straight into the Sacred Valley, via the cobblestone alleys and hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo, to sleep amid Andean peaks. Next morning it's all aboard the wide-windowed Vistadome train for a scenic rail ride into the cloud forest to reach matchless Machu Picchu. An expert guide will reveal the secrets of the hill-tumbling Inca city; staying at characterful cottages in Machu Picchu Pueblo means there's no need to rush. Bolivia: across the Andes Another of South America's unforgettable rail trips is the literally breathtaking ride from Cusco to Puno. Surging across the mighty Peruvian Andes, it pauses at the Abra La Raya – the journey's highest point at 4,300m – before reaching Lake Titicaca's ethereal shores. After that, Bolivia beckons, one of the continent's lesser-visited countries – which a Cox & Kings escorted tour can help you discover in supreme comfort. Make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by immersing yourself into local life: visit a local shrine, meet a traditional healer or discover how reed boats are made. It's a good insight to gain before boarding a hydrofoil to Bolivia's Uros Iruitos – floating reed islands – first made by the ingenious Uros people to escape the Inca and still a living culture. From tranquil isles to bustling capital: La Paz is a short drive away. This canyon-draped city, where cable cars are central to the public transport system, is a fascinating place. Don't miss the Witches' Market, where witch doctors offer to tell your fortune and hawkers sell dried llama fetuses for good luck. Argentina: latin sizzle Passionate, elegant, delicious: Buenos Aires is the sort of city you visit and don't want to leave. The Grand Tour spends two nights here, time enough to soak up the atmosphere, wander amid the elegant mausoleums of Recoleta Cemetery (the resting place of Eva Peron), admire the cathedral (where Pope Francis was once archbishop) and hang out in the vibrant La Boca district. Being a Cox & Kings' Superior trip, the hotels are always top-notch; the Alvear Art is no exception – it's a sleek bolthole with artworks on the walls and a rooftop pool that offers sweeping views over the city. Brazil: water wonders If Buenos Aires is one of South America's human marvels, Iguazú Falls is a masterstroke of Mother Nature. This cluster of cascades, over 2km wide, is surrounded by subtropical rainforest that's alive with howler monkeys, tapirs, caimans and even jaguars. It's a short flight to reach and, with two days here, you'll have time to explore the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Also, as you'll be staying at the only hotel inside the Argentine national park, there's the chance to view the crashing torrents at sunrise and sunset when it's closed to day-trippers. Then go out with a bang. Rio de Janeiro is arguably the world's most magnificently sited city, tucked amid jungly mountains and fringed by golden sands. You could do worse than spend your final day listening to bossa nova while lazing on the beach. But a city tour is a must, taking in the views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, and raising a caipirinha with new friends to toast a magical trip. Four more South America trips to explore 1 Tracing Chile Rather than crossing South America, why not trace its length? Cox & Kings' Splendours of Chile group tour gives a sense of the continent's latitudinal diversity by travelling the skinny country top to tail, from the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the peaks of Torres del Paine. 2 Peru deep-dive Cox & Kings' Train to Machu Picchu group trip is for those looking to plunge into Peru. Combine Inca riches with condor-swooped Colca Canyon, shimmering Lake Titicaca and the charming colonial-era town of Arequipa. 3 A taste of Brazil Brazil is bold, brilliant – and dauntingly big. But Cox & Kings' Brazil: Wildlife & Waterfalls tailor-made trip offers a perfect taster: Rio, Iguazú, the unique urban design of Brasília, and the wildlife-teeming wetlands of Pantanal. 4 Peru and Bolivia paired Peru and Bolivia make the ideal couple. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Andean Highlights trip marries their lakes, peaks and pulsating cities with must-see Machu Picchu and a 4x4 adventure to the dazzling salt pan of Salar de Uyuni.
