Journeys > International Journeys > Peru

    Journey to Mystical Peru NOVEMBER 1-15, 2011

And....Other dates through 2013

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Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Tipon, Quillarumiyoq, Saqsaywaman, Qoricancha  

Lake Titicaca – Amantani, Tequile, Amaru Doorway, Uros Islands, Sillustani

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY:

Despacho Ceremony

Coca Leaf Reading

Weaving Demonstration and Talk

Q'ero Blessing Ceremony

Special Guests:

Mallku – Author of five books on Andean Culture and Practices

Jorge DelGado - Author of the Andean Awakening

Note to our Travelers:

We know you have been called to visit Peru and we are committed to providing you with the best opportunity to realize the fruits of such a pilgrimage.  Our well planned and thoughtful journeys are spiritual in nature and we welcome people of all beliefs, faiths, and religious convictions to join us.  This is a private journey limited to our group, travelling together in private transport. We create a safe and supportive environment for each person to commune with the deepest part of themselves and God, Goddess, All That Is, Earth, Divine, Higher Self.  We believe your insight, wisdom and intuition afford the best resources to accomplish this. We have time in silence, time for meditation or contemplation and plenty of time for you to experience the sacred sites in the way you are guided to do so.  You will never be rushed through a site.  We plan our visit at times when we have quiet and privacy and the least of the crowds.Local shamans, medicine people and guides join us to add elements of their cultural and spiritual knowledge to our experience.  These presenters are scheduled AFTER we have had our personal time at the sites.  If there are any ceremonies or rituals to be performed, we leave this to the native people to facilitate as they are the natural keepers of the sites and land.

FLIGHTS:

Plan for your international flight from home to arrive in Lima early morning and continue on to Cuzco.   Flights from Lima to Cuzco should be scheduled to arrive in Cuzco by 9:00 AM. If you are attending Part 2 of the journey to Lake Titicaca, book your return flight from Juliaca to home.  Please speak to us before booking your flights and we will be happy to assist with your travel arrangements.

Day 1

The group will be met at the Cuzco Airport and driven in private van to our charming and cozy hotel in the Sacred Valley.  The elevation in the Sacred Valley is lower than Cuzco, allowing for an easier adjustment to altitiude.  We drive through the lush Sacred Valley taking in the beauty of the landscape.

Market at Chincer

Connecting with the Earth at Chincero

CHINCERO:  Our first stop is Chincero, a breathtaking site above the small town and marketplace.  At this gentle site we take time to connect with Pachamama (the Earth), relax a while and enjoy our lunch.    We check into our hotel and relax a bit and in the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner where we get to know each other, learn about our journey and receive a copy of the daily itinerary.  Water, light snacks, lunch and dinner are provided.  

Day 2

MORAY: Awaken in the lush and mystical Sacred Valley and step into the ancient/future. Today we will visit Moray, a site that resembles a sunken amphitheater with circular terraces carved deep into the earth. This ancient earth sculpture may have been an Inca agricultural research site where medicinal plants were brought from the jungle to learn to flourish at different altitudes.  We take the path down to the left to make our own personal discoveries about what this site is and what it has to offer us.

MARIS SALT MINES: We drive through the pastoral landscape of the Sacred Valley to our destination at Maris.  Salt beds that have been tended by generations of the same families are stepped down the mountainside.  We have the option to hike down from here and cross the river at Urubamba. Breakfast. 

Day 3

OLLANTAYTAMBO: the Incan Temple of the Sun is also known as The Pyramid of Pakaritambo, or The Dawning Place of Tomorrow.  It is also known as the Lemurian (read Edgar Cayce, Churchward on Lemuria or books and articles on the Lost Continent of Mu) Temple of Love – and that vibration can be felt in this place. There are many springs with flowing waters and the site has a very calming effect.  Inca structures and streets still exist in the town and we will enjoy walking through them and visiting an authentic Inca home.   We have free time in the afternoon to enjoy our lunch and explore the town. Ollantaytambo has many wonderful shops and restaurants to explore.  Breakfast.

Day 4

MACHU PICCHU: In the early morning we board our train to Machu Picchu and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush Urubamba Valley.  Machu Picchu, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World and the Sacred Crystal City waits.   The total meaning and the varied uses of Machu Picchu are still unknown; why it was built and what purpose it served, who lived there and when they departed and why.  It is widely agreed that the main intent of this stunning city, sometimes steeped in rain forest clouds, was a spiritual and ceremonial left.

Clearly its creators intended the journey to the sacred city to be a powerful experience for anyone who makes the pilgrimage.   The fairytale ruins amongst the peaks of mountains, buffered by forests and deep gorges are extraordinary.  The ruins and ceremonial sites are breathtakingly beautiful and rich with the heartbeat of Pachamama (Mother Earth).After checking into our hotel, we will explore Machu Picchu. 

As Spiritual Archaeologists we will discover the places on the grounds that call us and locate our personal power spots.A highlight of our journey is our stay at world renowned Sanctuary Lodge Hotel on the grounds of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a pilgrimage of a lifetime and we endeavor to make it the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible. Staying at the Sanctuary gives us easy access to Machu Picchu; to come and go when we feel so inclined.  

"And so I climbed the Earth ladder, through the awful labyrinth of lost jungles, up to you, Machu Picchu." Pablo Neruda, Heights of Machu Picchu, 1950.

Day 5

MACHU PICCHU: We greet this magnificent site at the break of day, before the main influx of people and tour groups.  When the grass is still wet with dew we can overlook the pristine Crystal City of Machu Picchu laid out in the image of a condor.  Sometime later this morning we will have a guide – for those who wish to hear one of the stories of this place.  Our train leaves mid-afternoon to Cuzco. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6

CUZCO: You will love this warm, welcoming delightful city.     The ancient Incas cultivated an advanced awareness of energy and the knowledge of how to utilize each vibration for growth and transformation. Each of over 300 temples were built at a specific point of power within the city.  There are said to be 1,500 temples and altars in the mountains surrounding Cuzco. The city of Cuzco was laid out in the form of a Puma with Saqsaywaman as the head.   We embark on a walking tour of Cuzco today.  We  visit some of the temples in the area; learn to navigate from our hotel to the square, shops, restaurants and other points of interest.

HATUN RUMIYOC STREET: Right outside our hotel, we step onto the best known street in the city.  One of its cut-stone walls features the famous 12-cornered stone, which was once part of the ancient palace of Inca Roca, one of the rulers of Tahuantinsuyo or Incan Empire. This lively street is a gateway to the picturesque San Blas quarter at one end and the Main Square at the other.

QORICANCHA - TEMPLE OF THE SUN: Cuzco means "navel" or "left" and was considered by the Inca to be the left of the universe.  Qoricancha is at the left of the left of the universe. Qorikancha ("site of gold") houses the Sun Temple, the most important temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun.Convent of Santo Domingo:  The convent was built on the foundation of Inca stone structures -the most finely crafted in Cusco- taken from the Inca sanctuary.

SAN PEDRO MARKET: Enter the world of flowers, fruits, breads and just about anything you might need.   The San Pedro Market is a delight, with many wonderful and unusual sights and sounds.

PLAZA DE ARMAS: Known in Inca times as Huacaypata, or "the warriors' square".  Events in Cusco's history: it was here that the conquistador Francisco Pizarro declared Cusco under Spanish occupation; it was here that Túpac Amaru I, leader of the indigenous resistance movement, was killed. The spectacular Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) was hosted here.  Beneath the now existing churches and cathedrals are the temples of the Inca.  The Cathedral: Large slabs of granite taken from the Inca fortress at Saqsaywaman were used to build the cathedral between 1560 and 1664.   One of the most imposing structures in Cuzco, Its façade, built in Renaissance style in contrast to the Baroque and silver of its lavish interior. The cathedral houses important collections of gold and silver work of the colonial period, elaborately engraved wooden altars and a beautiful collection of oil on canvas paintings from the Escuela Cuzqueña (Cuzco School).The Del Triunfo church, a small auxiliary chapel, was built in 1539 on top of the palace of Inca Wiracocha.During our stay in Cuzco, we will reside at the charming and conveniently located Amaru. Breakfast. 

Day 7

SAQSAYWAMAN: Located just above Cuzco and its powerful energy will remain in your mind and heart long after our journey is completed. The ancients understood that the stones would be the one thing to remain after everything else was gone.  Ancient/Future wisdom is vibrating in the stones and accessible to those who visit this amazing place.   The city of Cuzco is laid out in the shape of the Puma and this site is the head of the Puma.

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QENKO: In Quecha the word Qenko means “zigzag” – a perfect description of the nature of this site zigzag cave and its mysterious altars carved from rock.

Rock at Qenko Inside Qenko

TAMBOMACHAY: Also known as El Bano del Inca (the bath of the Inca).  Canals, waterfalls and aqueducts run through terraced rocks.  May have been an ancient spa.

Breakfast

Day 8

QUILLARUMIYOC (Temple of the Moon): We travel out to the countryside in another direction today to the mystical Temple of the Moon.  This site is rarely visited by tourists.  It is said that the Temple of the Moon is a feminine site used for initiation rites.  We will bring a box lunch with us and enjoy a picnic on the hillside.

Breakfast, Lunch.

Waterfall at Quillarumiyo

Moon Temple at Quillarumiyoc

Day 9

TIPON: Outside of Cuzco up a winding dirt road, at the top of a mountain, lies the lush and magical site of Tipon.  The water flowing from the top and through the left of the site is said to be the merging of the female and male energies.  It is also said to be a representation of the original Inca Empire – Chile, Equador, Peru and Bolivia.  This ceremonial site has a feeling of serenity and peace.  The waters here are purifying and uplifting.We return to Cuzco in time for lunch, a rest and some free time for exploring the city.   Breakfast.

Day 10

PISAC: We travel by bus this morning to Pisac, a charming Andean Village.   The Pisac ruins are located high above the village and are a fine example of ancient stonework. The name derives from "pisaca", meaning partridge, and this ancient city appears to have been laid out to resemble a bird with the terraced fields forming the wings.

There appears to be both a practical and spiritual intention to the layout of the city. The temples are built both into and around natural rock formations that may have been of special spiritual significance to the Inca.    The Sun Temple can be easily recognized by its curved outer wall. As at Machu Picchu, there exists here a Hitching Post of the Sun (a large carved stone). This stone was used on a midwinter's time (Winter Solstice) to bind the sun and prevent it from sinking any lower in the sky.      After our time at the ruins we will visit the Pisac Market- the largest in this area of Peru.  Today we enjoy our lunch in Pisac and our farewell dinner in Cuzco this evening.  Breakfast, Dinner.  

Day 11

After breakfast we say our goodbyes with great love and gratitude for our time together. We leave with memories, experiences and new friendships to warm our future days.  Those leaving for home today will take their flight to Lima and home.

END OF PART 1

Those continuing on to Part 2 or the journey to Lake Titicaca will be boarding a bus at 7:30 AM for the journey south.   Our enjoyable journey is laced with stops at  interesting sites along the way:

ANDAHUAYLAS: Known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes", the 17th Century church is resplendent with outstanding gold leaf frescoes, an impressive doorway and a gilded altar.  The church also houses fine paintings by Riano, Diego Quispe, Tito and Tadeo Escalante, as well as some anonymous artists and possibly the great Spanish painter Murillo.

RAQCHI (Temple of Wiracocha): An Inca temple of monumental dimensions, the temple is divided in two naves and each nave of 11 giant columns. Prior to its destruction by the Spaniards, the temple had what is believed to be the largest single roof in the Incan Empire, having its peak at the central wall, then stretching over the columns and some 25 meters (82 ft) beyond on each side. The site has many structures to explore.

SICUANI: In this town we enjoy a typical Andean meal served buffet style.

LA RAYA: Midway on our journey to Puno we stop at high point of LaRaya to view the landscapes.  We can see the Altiplano (arid and dry plains) uniting with the Quechua Zone – rivers and valley.

PUKARA: The most important and oldest ceremonial left of the Altiplano and the origins of the Andean Culture. Arrive in Puno at 5PM and check into our hotel.  Relax…it’s been a long day and we have gone up in altitude.  Tonight and tomorrow are times for taking it really slow and relaxing.  We will spend our time in Puno at the charming and top rated Bed and Breakfast. Breakfast,  Lunch.  

DAY 12

PUNO:  Relax today – it’s a time for altitude adjustment.  Later in the afternoon will offer a museum visit or other activity for those who want to participate. Breakfast. 

DAY 13

Early this morning we board our boat for the islands of Uros, Amantani and possiblyTequile.

UROS ISLANDS: The unique Uros people predate the Inca and live on forty two self-fashioned floating islands in Lake Titicaca. The Uros use bundles of dried totora reeds to construct reed boats and to make the actual floating islands.  Most of the Uros people have moved to the mainland but a few hundred still live on and maintain the islands.

AMANTANI: Amantaní is an island in Lake Titicaca with two mountain peaks, Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth).  There are ancient Inca and Tiwanaku ruins on top of both mountains.   Most of the inhabitants live in adobe houses.  We will have the experience of being a guest at one of the homes on Amantani. As guests we are expected to bring food (such as rice, sugar, fruits, school supplies, art supplies) for the lodging and cooked meals the families supply.   Sweets and sugar are not recommended as regular dental care is uncommon on the island.There is a nightly traditional dance shows for the tourists where they offer to dress us up in their traditional clothes to participate.  Dinner, Breakfast.  Home Stay

DAY 14

TEQUILE: We leave the island of Amantani after breakfast and take our boat to Taquile. Taquile is an island on Lake Titicaca known for hand woven textiles and clothing, regarded among the highest quality handicrafts in Peru.  Knitting is performed exclusively by males starting at the age of eight.  Women exclusively make yarn and weave.   Breakfast, Lunch. Hotel: 

DAY 15

AMARU MERU DOORWAY: Early this morning we travel along the edge of Lake Titicaca to the Amaru Doorway.  This is one of the highlights of our journey to Peru.  In the book, Andean Awakening, Jorge Luis DelGado claims discovery of this portal.  Located along the coastline of Lake Titicaca, the Amaru Doorway feels very alive.  There are many tales surrounding this multidimensional portal – we will go and discover our own.  We share a wonderful Lunch.

SILLUSTANI: On the shores of Lake Umaya near Puno Peru are tombs built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas.  This is a place of the Aymara people who the Inca conquered in the 15th Century.  Many tombs have been compromised by grave robbers while others are left unfinished.   Worship of ancestors was an integral part of the Aymara culture and the chullpas stand as a reminder of the connection between life and death. Insides of the tombs were shaped like a woman's uterus and – as is the tradition throughout Peru – corpses were mummified in  fetal position to emulate and recreate their birth.   Lizards are carved into the stones because of their ability to re-grow their tail - considered a symbol of life and rebirth. Openings in the buildings face east.  The belief is that the sun is reborn by Pachamama each day.

JULIACA AIRPORT: Our last stop on the journey.  Book you flight to Lima later in the afternoon – Around 4PM is good.  From Lima you will continue home.   We have concluded this mystical journey, for now.  I say “for now” because I have learned that the gifts and realizations of the journey continue long after we have arrived home.

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http://www.PortalsofTranscendence.com

email me at PeruJourneys@gmail.com

or Phone 928-274-2265

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