Marketing Mysticism and the Purchase of Pilgrimage: The Rise of Spiritual Tourism in Cusco and Iquitos, Peru

Abstract

This thesis presents my findings on the Peruvian spiritual tourism industry in both Cusco and Iquitos, based on six weeks of fieldwork during Summer 2005. New Age and Peruvian spiritual belief systems have converged to form current Andean mystical and Amazonian shamanic practices. Increasing numbers of foreign tourists, whether believers in the New Age or not, are coming to gain a deeper understanding of these spiritual belief systems through participation in sacred rituals and ceremonies. The effects of such tourism are similar to other cultural tourism industries, such as increased competition, matters of authenticity, and performance of culture. Other issues are more specific to the spiritual tourism industry, such as the physical and sexual exploitation of tourists. But there are also many positive outcomes of this spiritual interchange, such as individual physical, mental, and emotional healing.