¿WHO WE ARE?
We are the Q’ero Nation, the last descendants of the Inka civilization, living high in the majestic Andes Mountains of Peru. Our lives are deeply intertwined with the sacred traditions and beliefs passed down through countless generations in our communities: Hatun Q’eros, Markachea, Totorani, Hapu, and Quico Grande. Living at altitudes between 7,000 and 14,000 feet above sea level offers us a perspective unlike any other. To us, the towering mountains are not just landscapes — they are Apus, protective spirits who guide and watch over us.
Every day, when we look up at the peaks, we feel the unbreakable bond with our ancestors and with Pachamama, our beloved Mother Earth. Nature is not just our home — it is a sacred sanctuary, deserving of our reverence and care. Through ancient rituals, we offer our gratitude to Pachamama and the Apus, always seeking harmony with all life. Each ceremony, whether to give thanks for a good harvest or to ask for protection, strengthens that connection and reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
The remoteness of our communities has helped us preserve our customs, free from the distractions of the modern world. We are the guardians of a timeless legacy — a way of life where the earth, the spirits, and the stars guide our every step. In the silence of the mountains, we hear the echoes of our ancestors, calling us to remember who we are — Q’eros — connected to each other and to the entire universe.
OUR SACRED CONNECTION TO NATURE
We live where the Andes embrace the vast Amazon rainforest. This meeting of worlds has taught us to respect and carry the wisdom of both the highlands and the jungle. In the lower valleys, we plant corn and potatoes — not just food, but sacred gifts from our ancestors. Each variety holds its own story and purpose, planted with prayers and rituals that honor the earth for its generosity.
Higher up, where the winds blow colder and the soil grows thin, we raise alpacas and vicuñas, animals whose warm fleece sustains us through the harsh winters. Alpacas are not merely livestock — they are symbols of our cultural wealth, and caring for them is an art passed down through generations. Our stone and straw homes stand strong against the storms, a reflection of our deep adaptation to this land.
Everything we do follows the principle of Ayni — sacred reciprocity. We give to the land, and the land gives back. We care for each other, and our community cares for us. This balance — this harmony — is at the heart of who we are.OUR ANCESTRAL TEXTILES
Weaving
is one of the most sacred expressions of our culture. Every thread carries the
voices and prayers of our ancestors. In our community of Quico Grande — the
Last Inka Ayllu of Paytiti — weaving is not just a craft; it is a spiritual
practice. Each color, each pattern, holds ancient knowledge, encoded into the
fabric like a living library.
When you
hold one of our textiles, you hold the energy of the Andes, the spirit of
Pachamama, and the wisdom of the stars. Our weavings are prayers in physical
form, offerings of beauty, protection, and connection to the world. When you
bring one into your home, you receive not only a piece of cloth but a living
story — a piece of our spirit and gratitude.
LIVING THE TEACHINGS OF OUR ANCESTORS
Like our ancestors before us, our lives are journeys of spiritual transformation. In these times of Pachakutec — a new era of global change — we are called to awaken, to remember the ancient ways of harmony, gratitude, and balance. Through our ceremonies, rituals, and teachings, we reconnect with our true selves and help others do the same, finding the path back to nature’s wisdom.
We see the Earth not as something to be owned, but as a living being — one that offers healing, guidance, and a path back to wholeness. This is the gift we offer the world: to teach how to live in harmony, to heal through the intelligence of nature, and to walk with respect upon the Earth.
WHY WE SHARE OUR WISDOM
Some of
us have left our remote communities to walk in cities and foreign lands. We do
not do this to leave our culture behind, but to share it. We carry the
teachings of our ancestors in our hearts, offering them to anyone willing to
listen. In a world that has forgotten how to slow down, how to respect nature,
and how to live in balance, we offer a bridge — a way back to harmony, to
remembering that we are all part of the same sacred web of life.
This is
our responsibility. To care for our community, for Quico Grande, the Last Inka
Ayllu, and to share our sacred knowledge so that others may remember how to
live in harmony with the Earth.
Through Wayra Qeros, our non-profit organization founded in 2006, we work to preserve indigenous knowledge and create new alliances between humanity and nature. Our programs offer workshops, talks, and educational experiences where people can learn our sustainable practices and Andean worldview. We also build networks with other indigenous communities and organizations, forming a global movement rooted in respect, reciprocity, and sustainability.
Through Wayra Qeros, we invite the world to remember the ancient intelligence of nature. We hope to inspire people not only to care for the Earth but to nurture their own emotional and spiritual well-being, learning to live in harmony with themselves and all life. We believe the future depends on our ability to reconnect with the natural world — not as something separate from us, but as part of us.
Every story we tell, every textile we weave, and every ceremony we share is an invitation. An invitation to remember. To remember that we belong to the Earth. To remember the beauty and power of simplicity. To remember that by honoring the land, the sky, and all living beings, we heal ourselves and the world.
This is who we are. We are the Q’ero Nation, the Last Inka Ayllu of Paytiti, walking between ancient wisdom and modern life, carrying the voice of the Earth to all who are ready to listen.
Founded in 2006, the Wayra Qeros Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the ancestral wisdom of the last Inka ayllu, Quico Grande, and to promoting harmony between humanity and nature. Its mission is to transmit Indigenous knowledge that encourages a life in balance with the natural world.
Through workshops, talks, and educational activities, the Foundation teaches sustainable practices based on the Andean cosmovision, inspiring people to recognize their connection with the Earth and adopt responsible behaviors. The Foundation works in collaboration with other communities and organizations, promoting reciprocity and cooperation toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Mission
Our mission is to preserve the ancestral wisdom of the last Inka ayllu, Quico Grande, by sharing sacred knowledge about living in harmony with nature. Through the teaching of sustainable practices and the transmission of the Andean worldview, we aim to inspire people to live in balance with their environment, promoting the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of communities and the planet. We foster collaboration and reciprocity, planting the essence of Ayni to build a healthier and more harmonious future for all.
Vision
Our vision is to become a global reference in the preservation of Indigenous culture and wisdom, creating a movement that values and promotes the deep connection between human beings and nature. We aspire for our teachings and practices to inspire future generations to adopt a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the Earth—where mutual respect and cooperation are the foundations for a more just, joyful, and healthy world.
We, the women of Awaq Ñustas and members of the Wayra Q’eros Foundation, are not just weavers with our hands—we are weavers with our souls. Every thread we touch is a sacred connection to the Pachamama, to our sacred mountains, to the sky, and to our ancestors. Our artisanal work is a manifestation of our spirituality and the energy that flows through the earth and the cosmos.
We have acquired a sacred plot of land in the Sacred Valley of Huaran, measuring 1,780 square meters. It is here that we envision building our Cultural and Spiritual Center. This space will be far more than just a place to sell our creations. It will be a sacred home where we can:
Exhibit and Share Our Work: A space to display and offer our handmade pieces, each woven with the energy of our mountains—each piece a deep expression of our Andean worldview.
Preserve and Teach Our Culture: A place where we can teach our Andean traditions to the younger generations, and to anyone who wishes to learn from our ancestral wisdom.
Promote Respect and Love for Mother Earth: A sacred space to share the spiritual path of harmony with Pachamama, the mountains, and the elements—living in balance with the universe.
Integrate Future Generations: A welcoming place for children and youth to reconnect with their roots, learning the traditions of our Inca ancestors and embracing the balance they taught us.
Your donation is a vital part of making this dream a reality. With your support, we can continue to honor our heritage, preserve our traditions, and secure a future for our daughters and sons—one where they walk the sacred path of our ancestors.
Voices from the Loom - Weaving with de Soul
Your Support Is Essential
Every thread we weave not only helps us provide for our families—it is also an act of resistance, love, and deep reverence for our land and traditions. By donating, you become a vital part of our journey, helping ensure that our creations continue to be an authentic expression of our spirituality and culture.
Your generosity will help us:
Build the Cultural and Spiritual Center in the Sacred Valley.
Provide quality materials for our artisans.
Keep alive the legacy of our ancestors and our spirituality.
Create educational opportunities for future generations.
How To Donate
Every contribution, no matter the size, has a powerful impact on our lives. With your help, we can continue weaving our future and sharing our culture with the world. If you would like to support us, please click the donation button below and become part of our family.
We welcome you with open arms and hearts full of gratitude.