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EXPLORING THE RISE OF COMMERCIALIZED SHAMANISM AND ITS EFFECTS

ON PERU’S CULTURAL INTEGRITY

ABSTRACT

In recent years the tourism industry has become an economic powerhouse in Peru, leading to many

consequences in relation to indigenous knowledge. Shamanism has specifically become increasingly

commercialized in order to harness the attractiveness of what is known as spiritual or shamanic tourism. The

issue with this commercialization is the dilution and misrepresentation of indigenous cultures, as well as the

decline of authentic shamans in the Sacred Valley and Amazon. Exploring these consequences can increase

understanding in the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge in a way that both benefits and respects

indigenous communities. This paper analyzes how the history of shamanism and tourism has led to both

positive and negative effects concerning indigenous culture, as well as shamanism’s commercialized presence

in Peru today.

Keywords: shamanism, Peru, commercialization, tourism, indigenous knowledge,

spiritual tourism, Ayahuasca

EXPLORING THE RISE OF COMMERCIALIZED SHAMANISM AND ITS EFFECTS ON PERU’S

CULTURAL INTEGRITY

The burgeoning fascination with shamans has come to dominate the tourism industry in Peru,

specifically relating to a new branch of tourism called the spiritual, shamanic, or mystic tourist industry. The

mysticism and history has begun to draw many tourists to the Sacred Valley and jungle in order to experience

the native culture and spirituality of the Inca and Amazonians. Not only has this created a new source of

income for residents, it has allowed for increased exposure of indigenous culture and knowledge to those

visiting Peru. This in turn has had both negative and positive consequences on the cultural integrity of

shamans themselves and their shamanistic practices. The subsequent commercialization of shamanism, while

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