Each of us is a shaman awakening to his/her own power. This is a journey of further awakening where we will be working with well-respected shamans to connect with the sun, moon, the elements of water, fire, and wind as well as the powerful feminine energies of the Andean Triangle. It is an opportunity to delve deeper into our innermost selves for healing and transformation. This journey begins with opening and connection on the shores of Lake Titicaca, then continues the journey in the Crystal City of Machu Picchu and culminates in the depths of the Amazon jungle. As it is an intensive experience, it will challenge you. We will be doing some walking and climbing, but this should not frighten anyone away as all of it is done in meditation and at a moderate pace. In the Amazon, we will be staying in basic Amazonian cabins with few amenities. For those who accept the challenge, the personal rewards will be great. This is a journey unlike any other.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Lima and transfer to domestic flight to Cusco. Transfer from airport to hotel in Cusco. Day to rest and adjust to the altitude. A coca leaf ceremony will be held after we settle into the hotel to help us adjust to the altitude. In the late afternoon we will have a small ceremony with the personal item that represents you. A light welcome dinner will be provided in the evening.
Dinner included.
Day 2:
Morning free and afternoon city tour.
Breakfast included.
Day 3:
We will travel by luxury bus to Puno, stopping along the way at Andahuayillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya and Pucara. We will spend the night in Puno.
Breakfast included.
Day 4:
Travel from Puno to Copacabana, Bolivia, stopping at the portal of Amara Muru for a ceremony to balance energies. Then we will proceed to the border and on to Copacabana were we will have a pago ceremony in the afternoon at the Intiwatana. The pago ceremony is a ritual dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. It is here that you will set your intention for the rest of the journey. Night in Copacabana.
Breakfast included.
Day 5:
On this day we will travel by boat to the Islands of the Moon and Sun. On the Island of the Moon we will connect with the element of water and the feminine energy within us. On the Island of the Sun, we will do a ritual to cleanse away any heavy energy we are carrying by working with Pachamama, Mother Earth and will have a water blessing from a sacred spring. Night in Copacabana.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6:
The morning is free to explore Copacabana then in the early afternoon we will depart for Puno. In Puno we will visit a museum dedicated to the Coca plant and Andean traditional costumes and dances. Night in Puno.
Breakfast included.
Day 7:
Today we will travel by train to Cusco, stopping along the way at La Raya, the mountain pass between the department of Puno and Cusco. Night in Cusco.
Breakfast included.
Day 8:
Free day to rest, shop or explore Cusco.
Breakfast included.
Day 9:
Sacred Valley tour where we will visit the market and ruins in Pisac, the Temple of the wind in Ollantaytambo, as well as a few spots along the way. We will also visit the Casa de Milagros Orphanage: see www.chandlersky.org. Night in Ollantaytambo.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 10:
Morning train to Machu Picchu. We will transfer to our hotel, and take an afternoon, tour of Machu Picchu. Please see the dietary note for this day..
Breakfast included.
Day 11:
San Pedro ceremony in Machu Picchu. This is a day of ceremony and fasting, a light meal will be provided in the evening.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12:
Morning free to explore Aguas Calientes; soak in the hot springs or rest. In the mid-afternoon we will depart for Ollantaytambo by train where will be met and driven to Cusco. Night in Cusco.
Breakfast included.
Day 13:
Free day in Cusco for shopping and exploring. Night in Cusco.
Breakfast included.
Day 14:
Transfer from hotel to airport for flight to Lima and Iquitos. Night in Iquitos.
Breakfast included.
Day 15:
Morning visit to Belen market to see the shaman market area. Travel by speedboat on the Amazon River and Tamshiyacu River to Refugio Altiplano. Ayahuasca ceremony in the night.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 16-20:
Time to relax and enjoy the serenity of the jungle. There is nothing scheduled during the days at the lodge leaving each person time for their own personal pursuits. The reason for this is to allow each person as much time as they need for reflection following the ayahuasca ceremonies. Although there are no planned activities, you may wish to go kayaking on the river or walking in the jungle, these can be arranged in the mornings with Scott. There will also be plenty of time for swimming in the river, reading, writing or relaxing in a hammock. You will be able to partake in a minimum of three Ayahuasca ceremonies.
All meals included.
It is highly recommended that you keep a journal of your experiences. Ayahuasca gives us many insights both during and after ceremonies.
Day 21:
Return by speedboat to Iquitos for flight to Lima and connecting flights to North America.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due conditions beyond our control.
Dietary Note: Due to the shamanic nature of this journey is not recommended that you eat pork or any pork products (that includes bacon, ham, or salami) during the entire three weeks. There will also be times when it is not advisable to eat red meat, to eat spicy food, to eat citrus fruit or drink citrus juice, to drink alcohol, and to have sex. You will be informed of these times. Some short periods of fasting will be required for full benefit of the experience.
What to bring:
- For our opening ceremony we ask you to bring one small item that you feel best represents who you are.
- Walking shoes with a good grip and sandals
- A day pack
- A rain poncho
- A sun hat
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
- Flashlight
- A journal and art supplies, if so inclined
- Swimming suit
- Clothes that can be layered and are comfortable (for the jungle ceremonies a long sleeved shirt and long comfortable pants). Please note that the dress code for this journey is very causal.
- A donation for the orphanage, Casa de Milagros. For suggestions, please visit their website: www.chandlersky.org.
- All regular prescription medications and vitamins for the full tour, plus a few days extra in case of travel delays.
Note: Some medications, such as antidepressants, should not be taken with ayahuasca. You will want to discuss this with me or with your physician in advance.
What to avoid bringing:
- Items of great monetary or sentimental value.
- Fancy clothing – the tour is very casual.
- Anything you cannot carry or drag yourself, in some places porters are not available. (I recommend bringing one suitcase or large backpack and a daypack).
Other Health Concerns:
Malaria is a concern of many travellers to the Amazon. It is at your discretion whether you choose to take anti-malarial medication or not. In the areas we will be in there have been no cases of malaria for many years. For a natural option you may wish to investigate the use of Olive Leaf Extract. For more information see www.healingleaves.com.
Altitude sickness is a concern of travellers to the mountainous areas of Peru. Check with your doctor to see if prescription medication or aspirin would be good for you. Other options to investigate are Cell Food at www.cellfood.com, Ginkgo Biloba, or other oxygen drops.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
You will fly into the airport at Cusco where we will be met and then transported to our hotel in Cusco. On this first day you will have a chance to rest from your long journey to Peru and to acclimatize to the altitude before we begin our journey of expansion and discovery. After checking into our hotel will have a short coca ceremony, where you will be introduced to the sacred Kintu and the ritual of chewing coca leaves to help with the altitude. In the late afternoon we will have a short introduction and getting to know each other ceremony with the objects you brought. In the evening a light dinner will be provided.
Day 2:
This day will be an easy day to enjoy Cusco. In the morning you will have time to wander and explore and in the afternoon we will have a private guided city tour. According to some archaeologists Cusco was founded around 1100 AD, but other have indicated it is much older. Located in a valley south of the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Cusco is a magical and beautiful city surrounded by mountains. It is a fascinating mix of pre-Inca, Inca and Spanish architecture. Walking up and down its narrow streets is an adventure in itself as there are unexpected treasures to see and explore around every turn. The narrow streets and alleys hold beautiful Spanish style houses with ornate balconies and the famous megalithic walls with their massive polygonal (many sided) perfectly fitted stones. Cusco's history is ancient, glorious and harsh, but underneath the history one can sense an energy that is strong, powerful and uplifting. This powerful energy does give one a sense that Cusco is the “navel of the world”. It is here in Cusco that the four corners of the Inca world merged. In addition to this, at the Qorikancha are the 42 ceques, or energy lines, that link the 342 guacas, or sacred sites, in the Empire. Could this be the energy that pulsates through the city? This is a day to see, feel and experience Cusco with all your senses.
Day 3:
On our third day we will take a luxury bus to Puno. Our first stop will be the picturesque mountain town of Andahuayillas with its Spanish cathedral called the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its beautiful frescos and architecture. Our second stop will be in Raqchi, were we will visit the spectacular Temple of Wiracocha. Then, we will stop at Sicuani for a traditional Andean lunch. After lunch we will stop at La Raya, which is the highest pass of the journey, at 4,321m above sea level, with its breathtaking views of the mountains. It is from this point that the sacred Vilcanota River, also called the Wilkamayu, begins. This river begins in the mountains of La Raya, flowing north to join the Urubamba river and later the Ucayali river which then flows into the Amazon River.
Our last stop before Puno will be in Pucara, a petroglyphic site dating from the pre-Inca Pukara period.
As we descend towards Puno we will get our first views of Lake Titicaca, Mama Cocha or Mother Lake, the most sacred lake of the Andes. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,856 m above sea level. According to legend, it is also the birthplace of Andean civilization. It is from Lake Titicaca that Wiracocha, the creator, brought the sun, moon, stars and planets out of the lake to take their place in the sky thus providing light for a dark world. With time the sun and the moon had children who also arose from the lake and went on to populate the four corners of the world. In Inca mythology, when Tayta Inti, father sun, saw that the people of the world were living no better than animals he sent his son, Manco Capac and his daughter, Mama Ocllo, to rule and teach the people. These two were then sent forth to found the Inca Empire with its centre at Cusco. Legend has it that they were given a golden spear and told to go north. They were to establish a city in the place that the golden spear fully entered the ground. The place where the spear entered the ground was Cusco, the navel of the world.
On the shores of Lake Titicaca are the towns of Puno, on the Peruvian side, and Copacabana, on the Bolivian side. Puno is a town built by the Spanish as a resting place between the silver mines of Potosi, Bolivia and Cusco.
Day 4:
This morning we will head south along the shores of Lake Titicaca to our first stop at the “Gate of the Gods” or Amara Muru Doorway. This inter-dimensional portal, which faces the sacred lake, lies in a wonderland of strange natural rock formations that are in stark contrast to the surrounding area. Here we will have a ceremony to create inner harmony and feel a connection to the powerful energies that reside here. If you step back and look up above the door you will see Amara Mara, the consort of Amara Muru, who lies on top of the portal forever guarding it. Legend says that Amara Muru stepped through the portal leaving this 3-dimension forever. There are also many legends in the area, telling of people who have gone through the portal never to return, although I do know one person who entered the portal and did return.
From Amara Muru we continue to travel along the Lake to the Bolivian town of Copacabana. Copacabana means “view of the lake” from the Aymara kota kawana. Copacabana is a lakeside resort town full of colour. In the late afternoon we will take a 30 minute walk up to the Intiwatana, a pre-Inca astronomical observatory, with it breathtaking views of the sacred lake and the town of Copacabana. We will be joined by Don Adolfo, the principal shaman of Copacabana, who will explain its significance and lead us in a pago, a ceremony of offering. During this ceremony we will be offering a gift to Pachamama, Mother Earth, and the Apus (the Mountains) and state our intentions as we formally begin our journey to the most sacred sites in the Andes. Here on the shores of Lake Titicaca, we activate the powerful crystal energy within each of us.
Day 5:
Early the next morning we will travel by boat to the most sacred islands on Lake Titicaca, the Island of the Moon and the Island of the Sun. The first stop of the day is on the Island of the Moon. This quiet peaceful island is surrounded by crystal clear water and in the distance we can see the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountain range with Apu Illampu standing guard over the area. You will be given a chance to cleanse yourself and swim in the lake before we climb to the temple of the Acllahusi, the cloister of the chosen women or virgins of the sun and one of the most powerful centres of feminine energy on earth. Near the temple, we will hold a ceremony to connect with the feminine elements of earth, water and the moon.
Leaving the Island of the Moon we travel a short distance by boat to the Island of the Sun. We will arrive take a 15-minute scenic walk to the Sun Temple complex which is an amazing sacred site that includes the Puma Rock, the ceremonial Table, the remains of the Chinkana Inca settlement and the Sacred Water Spring that lies within. With the sacred water of spring we will perform a purification ceremony. This ceremony will connect us to the sun, moon and our inner crystal. Will also work with Pachamama in an earth ceremony to release all our heavy energies. As the sun starts to lower in the sky and the lake reflects the pink, orange and red of the setting sun, we make our way back to Copacabana.
Day 6:
We will have a leisurely start to the next day with the morning free to stroll the town's colourful streets, to shop, to explore or to just sit and soak up the powerful lake energy. You might wish to visit the local cathedral, which contains “La Virgen de la Candelaria” or the dark virgin, believed to have miraculous healing powers. The original statue, which was carved from cactus in 1583 by Francisco Tito Yupanqui the nephew of the Inca Emperor Huayna Capac, has made the church Bolivia's most revered pilgrimage. In the early afternoon we will board a bus and make our way back to Puno, Peru. After checking into our hotel we will visit a unique little museum dedicated to the coca plant and to traditional costumes and dances.
Day 7:
Today we will take the train back to Cusco. It will be a day to sit back and relax and enjoy the rich scenery of the Altiplano and then the Vilcanota valley. We will following the path of Wiracocha, the Andean creator, from his arising on Lake Titicaca and pilgrimage to Cusco, Machu Picchu and then into the Amazon.
Day 8:
This is a free day to relax and explore Cusco.
Day 9:
Day nine we will venture by private bus and guide into the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley is separate from the Cusco Valley. This will be seen as we climb the winding roads out of Cusco to reach a small plateau before we begin our decent into the rich farmlands of the Urubamba Valley. We will be following the Urubamba River, which cuts through fields and rocky gorges beneath the snow-capped peaks of mountains. The scenery is breathtaking as we make our way to our first stop at Pisac. The town of Pisac is nestled in the valley and is a thriving market town. We will stop for a short visit at the market before driving up the mountainside to the Inca ruins high above the valley. Pisac is a defensive, religious and agricultural site. Next we will stop for lunch in the beautiful Urubamba Valley. After lunch we will proceed to Ollantaytambo and the spectacular Sanctuary of the Wind. The town of Ollantaytambo is a special town in that it is an original Inca town with the original town layout as well as many of the original buildings. Rising above the town are the immense ruins of megalithic structure. Here, one feels the presence of the ancients as Wayra (wind) whispers the secrets of the Universe.
Day 10:
Today in the morning we board the train for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Along the way we follow the fast flowing Urubamba River as makes its journey towards the Amazon River. Along the way we will pass the start of the Inca Trail and see examples of terraced fields and Inca settlements. We will arrive in Aguas Calientes or Pueblo Machu Picchu around 10 a.m., where a representative of our hotel will meet us. After we have settle into our hotel we have lunch in one of the local restaurants. Around 12:30 p.m. we will board a bus for the ride up to the Crystal City of Machu Picchu. Everyone who enters the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is touched in some way by it. Kucho, the principal shaman of Machu Picchu, will guide us through this most amazing wonder. Explaining the power points, astrological and astronomical significance and other esoterical wonders found in the Sanctuary. It is a tour unlike any other tour to Machu Picchu. We will be stopping in several places to meditate and feel the powerful energies within the Sanctuary.
Day 11:
On this day we will return to Machu Picchu in the very early morning for a full day of personal work with the teaching plant, San Pedro or Huachuma. San Pedro is a sacred healing plant used for thousands of years by the local people. This medicinal plant aids us in connecting to our inner self, connecting to Mother Nature and in any healing work that needs to be done. The work with San Pedro is different for each person as we come to the plant as individuals but when we release control of the journey and the outcome a great transformation takes place. In the late afternoon we will make our way down to Kucho's hostel were we will continue the ceremony and have a light dinner before returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 12:
On our last day in Aguas Calientes you will have until 3 pm either to return to explore the Sanctuary (at your own expense), explore the town, take a swim the mineral pools or just relax. We will return to Ollantaytambo in the late afternoon by train. There we will transfer to a bus that will take us back to Cusco.
Day 13:
Day thirteen is a full day of rest in Cusco. You can reflect, explore or do last minute shopping before we head to the jungle.
Day 14:
Day fourteen we fly into Iquitos in Northern Peru situated on the Amazon River. Iquitos is the capital of the Department of Loreto and stands on the west bank of the Amazon River. There are only two ways to reach Iquitos by air and by river. We arrive in this bustling colourful city by plane. We will check into our hotel, have a chance to wander on the Promenade, check out the waterfront market and have dinner. We will be spending the night here.
Day 15 - 20:
The following morning we will visit the Belen market, which is a colourful and picturesque market built on and along the river. Here we will walk through the shaman's market where our host Scott will explain some of the many natural herbs used by shamans and healers in the area. Then we will travel from Iquitos by speedboat along the Amazon River to Refugio Altiplano. On the mighty Amazon you will see large cargo boats, passenger boats, and, canoes for the Amazon is the main link to many towns and villages within this vast area. We will also keep a close lookout for grey and pink river dolphins as they play in the water around our boat. Along the shore we will see villages and the greatest array of green foliage available on earth.
Refugio Altiplano is a lodge situated about a two-hour boat ride from Iquitos. It is a sprawling Lodge on the banks on the Tamshiyacu River. There we will be staying in basic two-story thatched roof cabin with large balcony complete with hammocks for relaxing and watching the on-going dance of life in the jungle. Each cabin is double occupancy on each floor. Although all cabins have solar powered electricity the supply of electricity is limited and there are no outlets for electrical devises. Each cabin has a bathroom with cold running water. These cabins are of a typical Amazonian style, which blends into the jungle both figuratively and literally. During the day you will have the opportunity to go kayaking or fishing on the river, walking in the jungle, visiting the herbal garden, meditating in the Miradora high above the jungle floor, or just hanging out in the hammocks around the central house or your cabin. In the evenings you will have the opportunity to experience the wonder and magic of Ayahuasca in ceremonies conducted by shamans Scott and Walter. You will have the opportunity to partake in a minimum of three Ayahuasca ceremonies. During our stay at the Refugio all meals will follow the dietary rules of ayahuasca. Have no fear you will be served healthy, wholesome, plentiful meals.
Day 21:
On day twenty-one we travel back to Iquitos by speedboat in time to catch our afternoon flight to Lima.