Mystical Tourism in the Las Huaringas Lagoon Complex (Peru)

Abstract

This research addressed mystical tourism in the complex of 14 lagoons called “Las Huaringas” in the Piura region of Peru, particularly at Laguna Negra (the most visited) and Laguna Shimbe (the largest). These practices are widely embraced by the local population, as well as national and international visitors. The research design was phenomenological, and information was collected through semi-structured interviews with 65 participants. To protect the identity of each participant, the collected information was classified and processed using a code as follows: S (shaman), R (local resident), PTD (public transport drivers), T (tourist), LG (local government), and a number (1,2,3...) according to the order of data collection. Additionally, field observation and participant observation of the interaction between healers and participants at the lagoons were used. Field observations at Laguna Negra were conducted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This allowed for the identification of shamans from Huancabamba, various parts of Peru, and foreign countries, along with tourists and participants in diverse rituals. The complete immersion in the natural environment of the lagoons, participation in flowering rituals (including bathing in the lagoons), and ingestion of San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and other psychoactive beverages allowed for experiencing the ritual as both tourists and residents do, thereby acquiring a profound understanding of the study. Data collection ceased once information saturation was reached. After transcribing the interviews, they were analyzed using axial coding. Information triangulation was employed by cross-referencing data obtained from field observations and interviews. The results showed that tourists' search for local cultural expressions, the hope for physical or spiritual healing, and the fulfillment of personal goals and desires generate the meanings they assign to the Huancabamba rituals. The healers play the role of mediators in the quest to achieve the participants' personal objectives, promoting faith in the Christian God and His saints, as they attribute part of their powers of intersection and healing to them. The results regarding the perspective of the residents on mystical tourism in Huancabamba were twofold: on the one hand, they recognize the benefits to the local economy and the healing of illnesses thanks to the medicinal properties of the plants. On the other hand, they highlight the distortion of shamanic practice with the presence of fraudulent healers who take advantage of tourists' needs.