The air is a tad brisk this evening, scented by the garden. I stroll the courtyard and into the interior rooms of Wali Wasi, studying the paintings and sculptures. I turn to artist Pedro Marticorena Oroña Laya, who accompanies me on this exploration, and said, “They are all so different, their styles—as if created by different people.”

“I have many people speaking through me,” he explains.

Pedro Marticorena Oroña Laya is a laya (traditional Andean priest or shaman); these paintings and sculptures are based on his visions. He executes his works not only with traditional materials like paint and wood, but also with plants, earth and dung.

Wali Wasi (House of Spirits) is Marticorena’s home. It serves as his studio and gallery, as well as a meeting place for laya. You may be able to arrange a coca-leaf reading for yourself. Quechua is also taught.

On the physical plane, you may be journeying only to the outskirts of Huancayo. But on a spiritual plane, you definitely enter another world on a visit to Wali Wasi.

Location:
Hualahoyo 2174, off Avenida de los Ángeles, in Distrito de Umuto, on the outskirts of Huancayo.
Huancayo, Peru

Culture and Arts

Travel Tips: Unannounced visits are discouraged; contact Señor Marticorena for an appointment, or a local tour agency to arrange a guided visit.

Price Description: Donations are accepted.

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:By appointment.

Travel Skills: None

In Huancayo, Torre Torre and Cerrito de la Libertad.  You can travel to Huancayo from Lima on the train, or from Huancayo to Huancavelica on the Tren Macho.

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 14 Aug 2007

Updated: 14 Aug 2007

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