Wali Wasi

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

Culture and Arts

By Lorraine Caputo

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. “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 the visions he has. He executes his works not only with traditional materials like paint and wood, but also with plants, earth and dung. You can view his oeuvre at www.huancainos.com/marticorena.htm.

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 are definitely entering another world when you visit Wali Wasi.

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.