Ritual de Refrescamiento y Limpieza

Location:
Tierradentro, Colombia

Other Activity

By Lorraine Caputo

After months of being on the road, you may need to have Ritual de Refrescamiento y Limpieza done. The Refresh and Cleansing Ritual is an ancient custom of the indigenous peoples here that is yet being preserved and recuperated. Agriano Piñacue and Victoriano Quinto, two traditional curanderos, or medicine persons, of the Nasa nation do these ceremonies. Appointments must be made at least two to three days in advance, as the ritual is timed to the moon phases.

Travel Tips: To make arrangements for a Refresh and Cleansing Ritual, contact Doctora Carmen Leonor Acosta, director of the Oficina de Turismo in Popayán (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2:30-6:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon, 2-5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Carrera 5 4-68, Tel: 09-2-824-2251 / 311-307-2299, E-mail: oficinaturismoPopayán@hotmail.com, Web: www.turismoPopayán.com). She speaks English.

Price Description: There is no charge for the ritual; however, it is suggested that you give a tip of $5-8, or a gift.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

You Need to Bring: Respect for this indigenous tradition. This is not a side-show attraction, it is a serious ceremony.

The Tierradentro archaeological sites, renowned for their painted tombs. The church in San Andrés de Pisimbalá, and the markets of neighboring indigenous villages, especially Inzá.