The local people believe that the sacred snow-capped mountain is the region's protector

On a hill above this town, at a bend in the road overlooking an impossibly green valley, someone has painted a sign on a post. It says “Dios esta aqui.” God is here. No matter what your religious beliefs, this place makes you believe in a higher power.

This is where magical things happen. On the day of the summer solstice, not one…but two….rainbows appeared in the sky, one above the other. Two perfect arcs framing the mountain below.

Everywhere, people stopped what they were doing, just to stand and stare.

The local people believe that the sacred snow-capped mountain is the region's protector.

Living among these people, with their earthy spirituality and colorful traditions, is a major attraction of this part of the country. Most still wear their traditional costumes—not just for fiestas, but every day—and they are fiercely proud of their culture. (Where else can you pop in for a shamanic cleansing as if you were going to the dry cleaner’s back home?)