Ep 9. Spirit Warriors of Peru

In season 1 episode 9 of Beyond Survival With Les Stroud, titled Spirit Warriors of Peru, Les Stroud heads to the Peruvian Andes, where he spends time with a group of local people known as the Q'ero. The Q'ero are a traditional indigenous people who live high up in the mountains and have a deep connection to the natural world around them.

Les joins the Q'ero on a journey into the mountains as they look to perform a ceremony to honor their ancestors and ask for protection and guidance from the spirit world. The Q'ero believe that everything in the natural world is alive and has a spirit, and they seek to maintain a balance between themselves and the spirits of the world around them.

Throughout the episode, Les learns about the Q'ero's spiritual traditions and the ways in which they survive in the harsh mountain environment. He participates in rituals and ceremonies, including the Kintu offering, which involves the burning of coca leaves and other offerings to the spirits.

The Q'ero also teach Les about the importance of living sustainably and protecting the natural world. They show him how they use every part of the animals they hunt and how they use organic, natural materials to build their homes and create their clothing.

Throughout the episode, Les is struck by the deep connection that the Q'ero have to the natural world and the way in which they view everything around them as sacred. He learns about their history and how they have maintained their traditional way of life despite the challenges they have faced.

As he spends time with the Q'ero, Les reflects on his own connection to the natural world and the ways in which he can incorporate some of their teachings into his own life. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the natural world around us and living in harmony with the environment.

Overall, Spirit Warriors of Peru is a fascinating and insightful episode that provides a glimpse into the spiritual traditions and way of life of the Q'ero people. Les Stroud's interactions with the Q'ero are respectful and enlightening, offering viewers a unique perspective on this traditional indigenous culture.