For the Quichuas of Peru, Bolivia and northeast Argentina, La Pachamama represents earth, fertility and holiness.

According to Adán Quiroga, Pacha meant the universe, earth, and time. Pachamama is a deity that represents female fertility, whose power lies in being able to conceive. According to legend, she inhabits the snow-covered peaks of mount Cachi, where, through time, she has strengthened her connection with earth, healed wounds, ruled over the elements and made the land fertile.

Originally, in the “Kolla” dialect, Pacha meant time, however, with time, cultural assimilation and different interpretations of the myth she was eventually identified with earth.

On August 1^st, day of Pachamama, the Quichuas burry a clay container full with food, coca leaves, alcohol, wine and cigarretes as an offer to her. They also tie black and white strings made of lama wool to their neck, ankles and wrists in order to avoid her wrath.