Shipibo Culture in Lima: Visit to an Urban Amazonian Community
This off-the-beaten-path Lima experience is fun, educational and very Peruvian. It is perfect for those that need a break from archeology and architecture but still want to learn more about Peruvian culture and its diversity. On this Lima tour and cultural exchange, we visit an urban community of the Shipibo-Konibo, an indigenous Amazonian people. The Shipibo are known in Peru for their very recognisable art and handicrafts. In particular the Shipibo textiles are very popular Peruvian handicrafts.
During the tour, we learn more about Shipibo art, culture and traditions, and their interesting but often tragic history and current efforts to keep their culture alive. We’ll also share with our host family and will see and try out Shipibo techniques for ourselves. If you’re more of an observer, that’s perfectly fine as well!
Options
From airport or port shuttle
Pick-up from airport or port: The guide will pick you up from the airport or the port shuttle (recommended pick-up time: 9:30 am)
Pickup included
What's included in Shipibo Culture in Lima: Visit to an Urban Amazonian Community
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
You’ll head to Cantagallo, the neighborhood where the Shipibo-Konibo settled a long time ago. It is about a 45-minutes drive if the traffic is not too bad but we promise you won’t get bored observing the bustling streets of Lima. You'll meet several members of this urban indigenous community and learn more about their culture, traditions and recent history. You'll hear how these strong Shipibo artisans are fighting to preserve their traditions and keep their culture alive. They struggled and had to start again from the bottom, but they have found a good way to get ahead by showing and teaching their art. Not only the typical Shipibo textiles and handicrafts, but also modern Shipibo fashion.
The very recognisable Shipibo style, which is the foundation not just of their art and handicrafts but of their indigenous culture is named Kené. It was declared a National Cultural Heritage in 2008 and refers to geometric patterns painted or embroidered on the face or body, ceramics or textiles. The designs of kené represent an energy or a positive force. It can be expressed, among others, through embroidery, painting, jewelry and body painting. You will get the chance to try out some of these techniques yourself. This is accompanied by Ikaro singing, medicine songs usually performed by shamans in healing ceremonies. Like all indigenous, they are very spiritual people, even if they live in the big city now.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Proceeds from this tour benefit the Shipibo families and artists visited
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Shipibo art workshop
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
