Sacred Journeys - Peru

Heart of the Pachamama
A Heart Opening Sacred Journey to the Land of the Inca
with Andean Medicine Man, Healer & Wisdom Keeper, Puma Quispe Singona
September 12 - 19, 2008

Lake Titicaca Extension – for Spring Equinox Ceremony & Celebration
September 19 – 23, 2008
 

Past Tour



Tour Leader: Puma Quispe Singona - Speaking to thousands of people globally and inspiring them in his special heartfelt way, Puma Quispe Singona is described as “magical, compassionate and wise beyond his years”. With a deep reverence for Pachamama (Earth Mother) and an ancient understanding of the Cosmos, Puma’s gift lies in the ability to open people’s hearts firstly to themselves, then to their family and ultimately to their global community. Trained by his Grandfather since the age of 6, Puma has been walking the path of a traditional Andean Medicine Man and is recognized as a holder of ancient wisdom. Learn more about Puma on our About Your Tour Leader page.

 

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Tour Description

Join us in exploring the mysteries of the majestic Andes and mystical Machu Picchu and find enlightenment and inspiration in this warm and harmonic land. Stroll around the colourful town of Cusco, wander through the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas and travel back through time while rediscovering ancient Inca sites in Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

As we seek out various temples and sacred sites and experience and participate in Sacred Ceremonies and Traditional Rituals led by Medicine Man, Healer & Wisdom Keeper, Puma Quispe Singona, we will be deeply immersed in the enigmatic culture of the Incas. Connect with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Incan goddess of fertility and the harvest, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for this great Earth. Open your heart as you listen to the whispers in the wind and let the Condors guide you to find your inner peace and balance.

Enjoy a unique opportunity as we immerse ourselves in Puma’s local community of Chinchero, visiting local community groups and Puma’s family. Experience the joy and peace of the Peruvian culture and people. Let their smiles and laughter inspire you to show kindness to all who you encounter and remind you to share joy with yourself and the world.

Puma’s gifts, and our intentions for this journey, are heart-opening, connection to Pachamama and the Apus, working with the Mesa, community involvement, inter-generational and family connections, and honouring and acknowledging ALL that you are. As we move through the sacred sites and ceremonies with this intention, the journey will take on a deeper meaning for each of us. Puma speaks much about connecting and healing through the heart – yourself, your family and your community. What is YOUR intention for healing?

Our Optional Excursion to Lake Titicaca is an opportunity not to be missed. Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating Islands. These islands, made of Tortora reeds, are home to the Uros people who, according to legend, existed before the sun when the earth was cold and dark. The islands attract visitors from all over and offer an opportunity to learn about ancient practices and traditions and a chance to admire the simple way of life of the people. Assist in a Dream Pillow project with local under privileged children and help offer them magical dreams and a vision for a brighter future. Visit a local centre for women and children and give back to the people who have given you so much on this remarkable journey.

You may wish to take advantage of an optional Coca Leaf Reading with Puma who has an incredible gift with reading the coca leaves. A private coca leaf reading supports you with insights into your current life situation and creates a space where you can connect with your own deeper knowing in order to pursue the goals of your personal path. Using ancient methods of “reading” the coca leaves, Puma will guide you on your own journey to self-discovery and will assist you with healing techniques which may include energy work and cleansing. Having a coca leaf reading in the Andes with the support of the Apus is a powerful experience.

Please join us on this unique and very special sacred journey!

 

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About Your Tour Leaders


Puma Quispe Singona

Speaking to thousands of people globally and inspiring them in his special heartfelt way, Puma Quispe Singona (on left) is described as “magical, compassionate and wise beyond his years”. With a deep reverence for Pachamama (Earth Mother) and an ancient understanding of the Cosmos, Puma’s gift lies in the ability to open people’s hearts firstly to themselves, then to their family and ultimately to their global community. Trained by his Grandfather since the age of 6, Puma has been walking the path of a traditional Andean Medicine Man and is recognized as a holder of ancient wisdom.

He is a prominent citizen within his local community and a member of the Elders Council in Chinchero, Peru as well as the Co-founder of Cusi Huayna, a youth group focused on re-strengthening the community through the remembrance of traditional dance, story and weaving. Currently at 27 years of age, he is accredited to sharing the secrets of the Andes with hundreds of tourists each year as a guide on the Inca Trail while continuing to study with Quechua elders throughout the Sacred Valley.

Today Puma plays an active role in world affairs by sitting on several international and indigenous councils including the World Wisdom Council, whose honorary chair is Mikhail Gorbachyev. Through this work, he is ensuring the contribution of indigenous wisdom toward strengthening the vision of global harmony and healing.
 

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Tour Summary
 

Main Tour
Day 1 Arrive Lima
Day 2 Fly to Cusco
Day 3 Cusco
Day 4 Sacred Valley - Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Day 5 Chinchero - Community Immersion
Day 6 Machu Picchu
Day 7 Machu Picchu; to Cusco
Day 8 Fly to Lima for departure, or continue on to Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca Extension
Day 8 Travel to Lake Titicaca
Day 9 Uros Floating Islands & Dream Pillow Project
Day 10 Aramu Muru’s Doorway, Spring Equinox Ceremony, Cutimbo
Day 11 Mother's Club; optional Coca Leaf Reading
Day 12 Fly from Juliaca to Lima for departure                               

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Detailed Itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1 Friday, September 12: Arrive in Lima
Arrive in Lima from your home city and transfer to your hotel for a night’s rest. Let your dreams this evening welcome you to this sacred land and offer insights into the spiritual journey which awaits. (Overnight in Lima)

Day 2 Saturday, September 13: Fly from Lima to Cusco (B, D)
Today we fly over the majestic Andes to Cusco. Make sure to have your camera ready for some spectacular photo opportunities. On a clear day you can see all the valleys and peaks and the tiny mountain towns scattered among the hills. In the afternoon we will have our introductory meeting to go over all the exciting activities we have planned for our journey. Spend the rest of the day independently to adjust to the altitude and wander through the colourful town. In the evening we will gather together for our Welcome Dinner of typical Peruvian cuisine and enjoy a show of traditional dances and entertainment. (Overnight in Cusco)
Day 3 Sunday, September 14: Full Day City Tour and Incan Sacred Sites (B)
Wake up early for a private meditation and set your intention for your journey. At breakfast fill up for a full day of sightseeing. We will enjoy a city tour of Cusco to immerse ourselves in the smiles and laughter of the local people and stop at various Incan Sacred Sites for ceremonies. We will also have a moment to visit the markets for some local handicrafts. Later we visit Coricancha, one of the most revered temples, dedicated to the Sun God, whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. Wander the courtyard which was once filled with golden statues and view the ancient relics, mummies and textiles in the nearby underground Archaeological Museum. At Sacsayhuamán, we will marvel at this architectural wonder and learn the mystery and legends of how this stone-walled complex was constructed. We continue on to Tambomachay, a favourite resting place of the Incas, commonly referred to as the “Baños del Inca” or “Baños de la Ñusta“, (Baths of the Incas or Baths of the Princess). This site once used for ritual bathing, is believed to be a temple dedicated to the water element. Connect and listen as the crystalline water springs flow over the magnificently carved stones. Later we move on to explore the Temple of the Moon and its underground caves that are thought to once have held mummies of the ancient Incas. We end off by stopping at Kusilluchayoc, an ancient shrine hidden in the countryside, for a private ceremony. (Overnight in Cusco)

Day 4 Monday, September 15: Sacred Valley: Pisac and Ollantaytambo (B, D)
After breakfast we make our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the area between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, catching sight of ancient Incan remnants, reminders of the region’s immense ceremonial importance. This long narrow valley starts near Urcos in the south and crosses Ollantaytambo towards the north before its stretch of broad plains, rugged peaks, and incomparable beauty finally reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu. Its fertile lands have been home to the Incas for thousands of years and their mysteries and legends still resound. We drive into the hills to the picturesque town of Pisac to admire the colonial architecture and the awe-inspiring scenic beauty. At the Inca site near Pisac we stop at the ancient solar observatory, which we will enter through the ancient Temple of the Condor, for a private ceremony. We then make our way back to the town of Pisac for lunch and take time to explore the Andean Marketplace to purchase lovely handcrafted treasures to take home. After lunch we continue on to Ollantaytambo, the Sanctuary of the Wind, renowned for its ancient fortress. We visit the royal baths and fountains for a shamanic energy cleansing ceremony by Unu, the Water element, and then make our way along the murmuring river to the Temple of the Condor for a few moments of reflection and silent meditation. Ending off our afternoon, we stop at the main altar area of the temple to receive our blessings from Wayra (Wind Element), the guardian of the site. As we watch the sun set, take time to reflect on the day before returning to our hotel for the night. (Overnight in the Sacred Valley)

Day 5 Tuesday, September 16: Chinchero and Community Immersion (B)
Chinchero, a small village located high up in the windswept plains, offers spectacular views over the Sacred Valley and the snow capped peaks of the Andes. Renowned for its beautiful traditional weavings, this town is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Here we immerse ourselves in Puma’s community to support local projects. We will also have the pleasure of meeting Puma’s family to learn more of their traditional ways and practices and perhaps hear a few stories and tales. We may be hosted by the Cusi Huayna, an incredible group of dancers, musicians and artisans who do a lot of wonderful work in the community, of which Puma is one of the founding members. Enjoy a meal together and have time for a question and answer sharing period. We may also meet Puma's Mother, Francesca, who is also deeply involved in the community by supporting children to go to school, providing clothing, hot meals, etc. and working with the local women in the Weaving Circle. She may also have a "micro-lending" circle that has started by this time. If there is something specific happening in the community while we are there, or any projects for ongoing involvement after the tour, we will make sure we weave that in! Tonight we wish for beautiful dreams and visions as we prepare for our journey to Machu Picchu tomorrow. (Overnight in the Sacred Valley)

Day 6 Wednesday, September 17: Machu Picchu (B, L)
Today we enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamaba River to the charming village of Aguas Calientes. After checking into our hotel we make our way by bus to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu for our spiritual awakening. “The Lost City of the Incas” is an inspiring and beautiful sacred site, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used primarily as an astronomical Observatory, Machu Picchu now attracts thousands of visitors each year to connect with the sacred energies of this special place. Because it sits within 3 corresponding high peaks of power which create an energy triangle, it is a perfect spot to sit and meditate, to focus your intent, and to grow your awareness. During our time here we will visit the Temple of the Sun and Moon, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the spiritual center of the site - the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun, to connect with the upper and lower worlds and the elements of air, and fire. Enjoy a few moments for private reflection and exploration, before being guided by our leaders into a powerful sacred ceremony to connect with the universal energies that encompass us – a life changing experience! (Overnight in Aguas Calientes)

Day 7 Thursday, September 18: Optional return to Machu Picchu; Ollantaytambo and Cusco (B)
This morning take advantage of an optional return to Machu Picchu to embrace more of what this sacred place has to offer. In the afternoon we make our way by train to Ollantaytambo and then travel by bus to Cusco for the night. Enjoy the evening at your leisure to share your experiences with your new friends or to privately reflect on your personal transformation. Make sure to stroll through this charming town one last time to purchase some gifts and handicrafts for loved ones back home. (Overnight in Cusco)

Day 8 Friday, September 19: Fly back to Lima for departure home
Return to Lima for you departure home with new-found wisdom and insights or continue on to Lake Titicaca for a wonderfully unique cultural experience.
 

Lake Titicaca Extension

Day 8 Friday, September 19: Travel to Lake Titicaca (B, L, D)
Early departure this morning by bus to Lake Titicaca which sits over 3800 metres above sea level, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. Notable for its people who live on the Uros, a group of artificial islands made of floating reeds, this remarkable place is one not to be missed. As we journey here we will stop at various temples and sacred sites to connect with the energies of the highlands and Pachamama. We arrive early evening at Lake Titicaca, the heart of the Andean feminine energy, to be welcomed by the loving embrace of powerful MamaCocha. Evening at your leisure. (Overnight at Taypikala Hotel)

Day 9 Saturday, September 20: Uros Floating Islands, Dream Pillow Project (B, L, D)
Arise early this morning to revel in the morning sun before embarking on a private boat trip on the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca to the Uros Islands. These islands of Tortora reeds are home to the Uros people who, according to legend, existed before the sun when the earth was cold and dark. Once used as a mobile defense system, the islands now attract visitors from all over and offer an opportunity to learn about ancient practices and traditions and a chance to admire the simple way of life of the people. Although the Uros claim to have “black blood” which makes them impervious to the cold, they are a warm and inviting people and we will all be welcomed with open arms and hearts. In the afternoon we will gather for our “Dream Pillow” project with local children from the community to help them create magical dream pillow cases. The craft project is an opportunity to teach the children the importance of dreams, wishes and goals, and also teaches them how to visualize and manifest their dreams to help make them come true. As they create their beautiful crafts we will be engulfed by the youthful and contagious laughter of these vivacious children, who although poor and underprivileged, have a joy so powerful any personal worries or misfortunes are momentarily forgotten. (Overnight at Taypikala Hotel)

Day 10 Sunday, September 21: Aramu Muru’s Doorway – Spring Equinox Ceremony; Cutimbo. (B, L, D)
This morning we journey to Aramu Muru’s Doorway in the Valley of the Spirits to celebrate the Spring Equinox, a time for new beginnings and discoveries and a time for birth and rebirth. Upon arrival we pause to reflect at the Inca’s Sun Seat facing the Lake, to connect with its nurturing feminine energies. We then tread carefully upon large rock formations in the shapes of a serpent and puma to connect with the energies of the Lower and Middle Worlds. As we trek to the Doorway we pass by the mysterious Valley of the Spirits and a mystical arrangement of natural rock formations. At Aramu Muru’s Doorway, known to be a portal into other dimensions, we will be led into ceremony to honour our own personal growth and transformation and our own rebirth and crossing into our new life. In the afternoon we make our way to Cutimbo to explore the Archaeological Complex. This pre-Hispanic cemetery, which belonged to the Lupaca and Colla Lordships, contains remnants of ancient Incan relics, petroglyphs that date back over 8000 years, and ancient Incan structures and burial towers known as chullpas. In one of these towers we will be led into chants and meditations to connect with the ancient spirits. (Overnight at Taypikala Hotel)

Day 11 Monday, September 22: Mother's Club; optional Coca Leaf Reading (B, L, D)
Today we immerse ourselves in the local culture once again with a visit to the Softly International Centre for Children and Mothers to help serve lunch and enjoy traditional local music and dance. The center helps about 60 local children with a daily hot breakfast and pre-school classes, while the mothers learn to make handicrafts to sell in the markets. Now it is our chance to give back to the Peruvian people for all their gifts and the offerings of their land by donating toys, school supplies and gifts as well as our own personal stories which they eagerly await to hear; a truly magical and heartwarming experience and a perfect end to our journey. In the evening take advantage of an optional Coca Leaf Reading with Puma to hear what the future holds. A private coca leaf reading supports you with insights into your current life situation and creates a space where you can connect with your own deeper knowing in order to pursue the goals of your personal path. Using ancient methods of “reading” the coca leaves, Puma will guide you on your own journey to self-discovery and will assist you with healing techniques which may include energy work and cleansing. Having a coca leaf reading in the Andes with the support of the Apus is a powerful experience. (Overnight at Taypikala Hotel)


Day 12 Tuesday, September 23: End of Journey
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Juliaca to Lima to bid our goodbyes. We will have use of day rooms to share our final thoughts with our new found friends and to relive our wonderful memories before our return home from Lima.
 


Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Tour Inclusions & Price
 

Main Tour Includes:
Accommodation at 3 star hotels
Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners
Flight from Lima to Cusco
Flight from Cusco to Lima if not continuing to Lake Titicaca
Transportation by Private Bus
Train to Machu Picchu
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu with shuttle service
Entrance fees to Archaeological Sites and Temples
Private Ceremonies and Rituals

Lake Titicaca Extension Includes:
Accommodation at 3 star hotels
All Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
Transportation by Private Bus and Boat
Flight from Juliaca to Lima
Entrance Fees to Sites Visited
Private Ceremonies and Rituals

Special Added Features:
Travel with Puma, an insightful and knowledgeable Andean Medicine Man, Healer & Wisdom Keeper
Full day at Machu Picchu with optional return the next day
Special Spring Equinox Ceremony at Aramu Muru’s Doorway
Optional Coca Leaf Readings with Puma

Tour does not include:
Airfare to and from Lima
Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian)
Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary
Cost to obtain valid passport
Gratuities
Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip itinerary
 

Tour Price Per Person (Land Only)        Single Supplement    

USD $2499.00 Main Tour                            USD $630.00
USD $789.00 Lake Titicaca Extension         USD $295.00

 

Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.

 

Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca