SacredSitesJourneys-Logo-Sm.jpg (15505 bytes)SACRED SITES JOURNEYS
Since 1994 ...Spiritual Pilgrimages
to the world's most important Sacred Sites
to enliven your Body, Mind and Spirit


                      

PERU

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Sacred Sites: Machu Picchu,
Cusco & the Sacred Valley of the Incas

August 9 - 18, 2015

 

 

Post-Tour Extension to Lake Titicaca

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August 18 - 21, 2015

Post-Tour Extension to BOLIVIA
Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku

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August 21 - 23, 2015


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TOUR REGISTRATION CLOSED

Seventeen sacred travelers from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, England & Germany
will meet at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport on Sunday, August 9, 2015
to fly to Cusco for the beginning of our spiritual pilgrimage.
If you'd like to follow our daily tour activities, please bookmark this page and check back August 9th - 23rd.


If you wanted to join us this year, but were unable to do so, start making your plans now
for our 2016 sacred journey, which will be held  July 3 - 12, 2016.
Full details to be posted soon on our website at www.SacredSitesJourneys.com


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DESCRIPTION

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According to the Andean Elders, many thousands of years ago the Andes was chosen to be the site
of one of the greatest civilizations of Spiritual Light and Wisdom to ever exist on Earth.
Great builders and enlightened sages flocked from east and west, carrying with them the best
of the doomed civilizations of Atlantis and Lemuria.
Known as the Viracochas, the “Gods,” these missionaries proceeded to construct megalithic temples out of blocks
weighing 100 tons or more on the summit of towering Andean peaks.
They covered these colossal structures with sheets of solid gold and then placed inside them ancient power objects,
esoteric symbols, and mystery teachings regarding the secrets of the cosmos and the goal of human life.
Their magnificent civilization would survive for tens of thousands of years.
Then in 1532 came the Spanish invasion...and destruction.

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Then, almost 500 years later, beginning in 1992 the Andes awakened to a new cycle of time.
According to the Andean Elders and Dalai Lama, at that time the most powerful center of earth energies shifted
from the Himalayas (masculine energy) to the Andes (feminine energy) as part of the Pachacuti ("Turning of the World"),
the New Dawn or New Sunrise. The glorious Andean civilization of the past has since re-emerged,
and its ancient wisdom and mysteries are now being recovered.


If you feel a resonance to the Andes and its enlightened civilization then you are being called to visit!
These powerful energies are calling you to come and reconnect with a part of yourself you have lost and are ready to recover.
Just as the ancient Andean civilization has returned, so will the limitless part of yourself!
We offer you experienced guides, expert teachers of the mysteries, and adept shamans to assist you
in your special journey back to your Unlimited and True Self.


And...You'll Receive Blessings from the Pachamama!

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We've scheduled our Sacred Sites Journey to PERU in August, the month of the Pachamama, the Mother Earth.
This is a time in the Andean world when many people make their heart-felt offerings to Her,
giving thanks for Her support in sustaining the lives of Her children.
You'll be able to participate in ancient traditional rituals to offer your Thanks and to receive Her many Blessings!

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During this transformative spiritual pilgrimage you will experience traditional Andean rituals
to connect with the Pachamama (Mother Earth) in all Her forms....
the Serpent, Puma and Condor, the totem animals of the Three Worlds;
the elements of earth, wind, fire and water;
and the sacred apus, the famous mountain spirits of the Andes.


Three Worlds of the Incan Cosmology
are depicted in the three photos above:
The Lower (Ucu Pacha), Middle (Kay Pacha) & Upper (Hanan Pacha) World,
and their Totem Animals - the Serpent, Puma and Condor.


During this spiritual pilgrimage you'll be presented with the opportunity to learn the lessons they have to offer:
how to use them in your life to be in balance with yourself
as you further open your heart for personal, as well as planetary healing.

twinkle.gif (912 bytes)SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT OF THE SACRED JOURNEY! twinkle.gif (912 bytes)
Machu Picchu, the Ancient Crystal City of Light


During your 2 days at one of the world's most powerful sacred sites,
you'll enter Machu Picchu twice for group and individual sacred exploration.

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Mark Amaru Pinkham, a trained Andean shamanic practitioner, will faciliate meditations, sacred ritua
ls and initiations
to assist you to
tap into the transformational energies that are still present in its various temples.


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PERSONNEL

Featured Speaker: Mark Amaru Pinkham
Author, Andean Shamanic Practitioner
and Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition

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Co-Founder of Sacred Sites Journeys
Mark has lead many of our spiritual pilgrimages to Peru since 1994.

Mark Amaru Pinkham is a trained Andean shaman who has been traveling throughout the Andes since 1993 in order to unlock more and more of their enigmatic mysteries. Mark has been initiated into two Andean esoteric societies and apprenticed with an Andean shaman for three years in order to acquire the secret and hidden information about Peru that has been passed down through the ages, and to directly experience its mysteries first-hand. Mark's desire is to share his accumulated wisdom with all sincere seekers of truth.

He is the author of five books that cover the secret mysteries of many ancient civilizations, including that of the Andes. Some of his books are The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom, Conversations with the Goddess, and Guardians of the Holy Grail: The Knights Templar, John the Baptist and the Water of Life and World Gnosis: The Coming Gnostic Civilization.

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Throughout our Andean pilgrimage Mark Amaru will lead the group in ancient Andean shamanic rites, as well as share his in-depth knowledge of Andean esoteric history of the Incas and the Viracochas. He will assist you to connect with the energies of the Three Worlds of the Incan Cosmology - the Lower (Ucu Pacha), Middle (Kay Pacha) & Upper (Hanan Pacha) World, and their Totem Animals - Serpent, Puma & Condor.

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A Message from Mark: "Our sacred pilgrimage to Peru is extremely important for those on a serious spiritual path. During your time in the Land of the Pachamama, I will assist your spiritual transformation by inviting you to participate in traditional potent Andean Shamanic rituals within the most powerful feminine vortex on Earth. I will also reveal many of the most paradigm-shattering esoteric secrets of the last 100,000 years which I have gathered as an initiate while traveling extensively throughout Peru for the last 20 years. I've been to sacred sites in many countries, but in my estimation, those in Peru hold a special place in the history of our planet's ancient civilizations. The jaw-dropping megalithic architecture...the esoteric mysteries that go back hundreds of thousands of years....the majesty and dynamic spiritual power of the Andes....they perfectly combine to give the spiritual traveler the experience of a lifetime! I will be honored to assist you on your Path to "come home!"

For more information about Mark, Click Here

Tour Director: Andrea Mikana-Pinkham
Andean Shamanic Practitioner
and Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition

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Co-Founder & Director of Sacred Sites Journeys
Mark has lead many of our spiritual pilgrimages to Peru since 1994.

Andrea has been leading our spiritual pilgrimages annually to Peru since 1994,
and has taken over 25 groups there since that time.

Andrea Mikana-Pinkham is an Andean Shamanic Practitioner and Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition, having received shamanic training from Elders in Peru since 1994. She has also been initiated into two Andean esoteric societies.

Andrea has traveled to Peru over 31 times and led over 25 spiritual pilgrimages there since 1993. She has developed an extensive network of hotel and restaurant owners, as well as spiritual teachers, artisans and craftspeople who will help her to make your journey one that you will treasure for the rest of your life!

A Message from Andrea: Regarding Fair Trade - Over the years I've been leading groups to Peru, I've taken people to visit the local artisan families, encouraging them to buy from these people, to cut out the corporate "middle man". This helps ensure that the Peruvian artisans receive a fair price for their products, that communities are healthy, and the environment is preserved. So enjoy your time with them, and do bargain. It's expected. Just pay a fair price!


Meeting REAL Peru: I'll be honored to introduce you to my family of the Pachamama - long time friends and my god-children and their families. You'll experience the REAL Peru, not just the tourist version. In the end you'll know you've been wrapped in the arms of the Pachamama, and will always have a home in Peru.

redball.gif (144 bytes)  To read In the Arms of the Pachamama,
Andrea's account of a healing ritual she participated in with one of her former groups,
Click Here
Note: This is a pdf file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open it.
You can download it FREE at http://www.Adobe.com

For more information about Andrea, Click Here


Tour Guide: Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona

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Oscar is a Licensed Tour Guide and has worked with Mark and Andrea on past Sacred Sites Journeys.
He has a Masters Degree in Anthropology and is pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Archaeology.
Our group members have found him to not only be extremely knowledgeable about all the sites we'll visit,
but also very warm-hearted and supportive of our spiritual approach to the sacred journey.

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BRIEF ITINERARY
Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas & Machu Picchu
August 9 - 18, 2015

Day 1. Sunday, August 9. To Cusco, Introductory Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D)
AM: Later morning flight Lima/Cusco
Arrive, transfer to hotel; check in; rest
Evening Introductory Meeting at the hotel
Welcome Dinner
Overnight Cusco.

Day 2. Monday, August 10. Sacsayhuaman, Despacho with Q’eros (B/L)
AM:Visit Sacsayhuman, with Meditation & Inti (Sun) Initiation
Buffet Lunch with the group
PM: Andean Ritual/Despacho/Blessing with Q’ero Ritual Specialist
Dinner on your own.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 3. Tuesday, August 11. Coricancha and Tambo Machay (B/L)
AM: Visit the Coricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun
Buffet Lunch with the group
PM: Visit Q'enlo and Tambo Machay
Dinner on your own.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 4. Wednesday, August 12. Depart to Sacred Valley: Pisac; Pisac Market; Seminario; To Ollantaytambo (B/L/D)
AM: Depart Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Visit Pisac - Pachamama Meditation
Buffet Lunch with the group
PM - Visit Pisac Market
Continue to Ollantaytambo; arrive and check in at hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Ollantaytambo.

Day 5. Thursday, August 13. Ollantaytambo (B/D)
AM: Visit Ollantaytambo - Condor Meditation & Initiation
PM: Lunch on your own; Free Time
PM: Early evening Group Meeting and Sharing Circle
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Ollantaytambo.

Day 6. Friday, August 14. To Machu Picchu (B/L)
AM: Board the Vista Dome train to Machu Picchu
Arrive Arrive Aguas Calientes; Check into hotel
Visit Machu Picchu - Puma Meditation & Initiation
PM: Lunch onsite
Free time at Machu Picchu.
Return to Aguas Calientes.
PM: Early evening Group Meeting and Sharing Circle
Dinner on your own.
Overnight Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.

Day 7. Saturday, August 15. Free Time; Machu Picchu (B)
AM: Free Time  - Return to Machu Picchu on your own. Have a massage or visit the hot springs.
PM: Lunch on your own.
Visit Machu Picchu - Serpent Meditation & Initiation
Return to Aguas Calientes.
PM: Early evening Group Meeting and Sharing Circle
Dinner on your own.
Overnight Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.

Day 8. Sunday, August 16. Depart Machu Picchu; Chinchero; Return to Cusco (B/L)
AM: Board the Vista Dome train to Ollantaytambo
Arrive & transfer to Urubamba
PM: Buffet lunch with the group
Visit Chinchero
Return to Cusco; arrive and check into hotel.
Free Time. Dinner on your own.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 9. Monday, August 17. Cusco – Free Day; Farewell Dinner (B/D)
Free Day to explore on your own, shop, rest and integrate.
Lunch on your own.
Evening Farewell Dinner with Folklore Show
Overnight Cusco.

Day 10. Tuesday, August 18. Flight to Lima (B)
AM: Transfer to airport
Return flight to Lima.
Arrive Lima.
Service ends with arrival in Lima.


Post-Tour Extension # 1: Lake Titicaca
August 18 - 21, 2015

Day 10. Tuesday, August 18. To Lake Titicaca/Chucuito (B/L/D)
AM: Tourist bus to Puno including visits to various sites and lunch
PM: Arrive Puno. Transfer bus station / Chucuito. Arrive hotel and check in.
Dinner hotel
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 11. Wednesday, August 19. Uros Islands; Cotimbo (B/L/D)
AM: Visit Uros Floating Islands Return to hotel. Lunch
PM: Visit Cotimbo
Return to hotel. Dinner hotel
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 12. Thursday, August 20. Aramu Muru’s Doorway; Free Time (B/L/D)
AM: Aramu Muru’s Doorway
PM: Return to hotel. Lunch hotel.
Free time.
Dinner hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 13. Friday, August 21. To Lima (B)
AM: Free time
Later AM: Transfer to Juliaca airport
Service ends on arrival in Lima.


Post-Tour Extension # 2: Tiahuanaco/Puma Punku, Bolivia
August 21 - 23, 2015

Day 13. Friday, August 21. To BOLIVIA / Visit Tiahuanaco (B/Box L/D)
AM: Check out of hotel. Depart in private vehicle with guide to the border at Desaguadero. Cross border.
PM: Meet Bolivian guide. Depart to Tiahuanaco. Box lunch from hotel on the way.
Arrive Tiahuanaco. Visit to site.
Check into hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Overnight Tiahuanaco.

Day 14. Saturday, August 22. Visit Puma Punku/ To PERU (B/L/D)
AM: Visit to Puma Punku
Return to hotel. Lunch at the hotel.
PM: Check out of hotel.
Depart to border at Desaguadero with Guide. Arrive and cross border.
Meet Guide and continue to Chucuito. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 15. Sunday, August 23. To Lima (B)
AM: Free time
Later AM: Transfer to Juliaca airport
Service ends on arrival in Lima.

 

 

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ITINERARY
August 9 - 18, 2015
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1. Sunday, August 9. Flight Lima to Cusco, Introductory Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D)
Our Sacred Journey to Peru begins today with the flight from Lima to Cusco. Please book the international flight to Lima to arrive by 6:00AM local time this morning, in order to connect with your later morning group flight to Cusco booked by Sacred Sites Journeys.
(NOTE: Once you register, Sacred Sites Journeys can refer you to the local family-owned airport hotel that we've used with our groups in Peru since 1994. You will be able to book pre-tour services with them directly (in English) in case you need to arrive in Lima before Sunday, August 9th. Services include: meeting at the airport by an English-speaking representative from the hotel, private transfer to the hotel for overnight (includes breakfast), and transfer back to the airport on Sunday, with assistance checking in for the flight to Cusco.)

Peru-Cusco-MainPlaza-2.jpg (37174 bytes)At the Lima International Airport, check in for your flight that has been booked for you to Cusco by Sacred Sites Journeys. (Complete details to be provided in the final itinerary sent to group members before you depart to Peru.)

Depart Lima on a spectacular 55 minute flight over the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains. As you fly into Cusco, colorful capital of the ancient Inca Empire, breathe and take in the welcome greetings from the snow-capped Apus (sacred mountains). Deplane, claim your luggage and exit the terminal. Meet SSJ's local tour representative for your transfer to the hotel in the heart of the city. After checking into your room, take time to rest this afternoon to adjust to the change in altitude from sea level in Lima to over 11,000 ft. here in Cusco.

According to one early Spanish chronicler, the Inca emperor Pachacuti made a pilgrimage to Tiahuanaco in Bolivia, a very ancient sacred site, and wanted to copy the perfection in the construction that he had seen there in the construction of Cusco's temples. Cusco was not built as a city as we know them today, but rather was an enormous sacred area, the dwelling place of the Inca nobility and the center of the Inca cosmos. It's name means "navel". Pachamama-3.jpg (23381 bytes)

During a later afternoon Group Meeting Mark Amaru Pinkham will facilitate your introduction to Pachamama Land and will explain the Incan Cosmology of the Three Worlds and the Pachamama, including the Totem Animals - the Serpent, the Puma and the Condor. One of these power animals will reveal itself to you through drawing special cards. You'll then be able to focus on your totem during a short meditation facilitated by Mark to help you begin to connect with its sacred energies.

You'll enjoy a group Welcome Dinner, of traditional Peruvian cuisine, at a local restaurant.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 2. Monday, August 10. Sacsayhuaman and Despacho with Q’eros (B/L)
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This morning we're off to the sacred site of Sacsayhuaman (satisfied falcon), a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the Spanish Conquest in 1536CE, a fierce battle took place here between the conquistadors and natives. Many of the Andeans were killed; their bodies were left on the battlefield and became the food of the falcons, thus the name Sacsayhuaman.

Here we'll see some of the most amazing megalithic architecture - walls made of giant stones, fitted together perfectly without any mortar! Some researchers believe that Cusco was originally laid out in the shape of a puma, the totem animal of the Kay Pacha, the middle world in the Incan cosmology. The belly of the puma was the main plaza, the river Tullumayo formed its spine, and the hill of Sacsayhuaman its head. The zigzag walls at this amazing site represent the teeth, as well as the path of the lightning,Illapa, a revered earth elemental for the Incas.

There are three parallel walls built in different levels. The limestone boulders used for the lower levels are the largest, with one about 28 ft.PeruSacsayhuaman.jpg (23342 bytes) tall, weighing ) and weighing over 150 tons. They are megalithic architecture supreme! Many researchers believe they were built long before the Incas, during the time of a world-wide civilization that was highly-advanced technologically. In the Inca spiritual tradition, the three walls Peru-Cusco-Sacsayhuaman-LaChincanaGrande-Aug2013.jpg (25745 bytes)represent the Three Worlds: Uku Pacha (underground stage), the Kay Pacha (earth's surface stage) in the middle, and the Hanan Pacha (sky stage) on the top. These three levels are also symbolic of the Totem Animals: the Snake or Amaru, the Puma, and the Condor or Kuntur.

The ancients believed this sacred temple was for enlivening the Mach'aqway, Kundalini, or spiritual energies. With our local guide we'll visit many of the out-of-the-way sacred areas of the site. At La Chincana Grande Mark Amaru will facilitate a meditation to connect with Taytay  Inti, Father Sun, as well as an initiation into the Intic Churincuna - Claim your birthright as a Son or Daughter of the Sun!

Afterwards we'll have lunch at a local restaurant on a hillside above Cusco - spectacular views! Excellent traditional Peruvian cuisine!

Peru-Cusso-ArteMercedes-1.jpg (20458 bytes)Located at the restaurant is the artisan shop of Mark's long-time "family" who are some of Cusco's best silversmiths. They have a wide assortment of power animal amulets for you to choose from to wear in order to gain the support of that totem animal of one of the Three Worlds (designated by the card you chose last night at the introductory meeting) throughout our sacred journey. As well, your will soak up the powerful energies at each of the sacred sites you will visit. Peru-Cusco-DonMariano-Despacho-2.jpg (31370 bytes)


In the later afternoon we'll receive a
traditional Incan blessing from a Q'ero Elder. These ritual specialists are among some of the last remaining descendents of the Incas. They will perform a despacho, a traditional ceremonial offering to the Pachamama, during which you will be invited to focus your intentions for your sacred pilgrimage. They will also pray to the Apus (sacred mountains) to bless each person on the journey.

Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own this evening.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 3. Tuesday, August 11. Cusco: Coricancha, Inca Temple of the Sun; Q'enko, Tambo Machay (B/L)
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This morning we visit the Inca Temple of the Sun, the Coricancha, "the corral of gold". Though it was primarily dedicated to the Inca Creator God Viracocha and their Sun God Inti, the Coricancha also had other shrines to the Moon, Venus, the Pleiades, and various weather deities such as lightning and the rainbow. The first Spanish who entered Cusco reported that ceremonies were conducted around the clock here, and that it was opulent with gold beyond belief! The carved granite walls were covered with sheets of pure gold; the large courtyard was filled with life-size pure gold sculptures of animals and a field of corn; the floors were covered in solid gold. This sacred temple was also used as an astronomical observatory and calendrical device to calculate precessional movement. Forty ceques, or lines of energy ran from the temple for hundreds of miles to major celestial points on the horizon. Four of these represented the four quarters of Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire. Others pointed to the equinox and solstice points, and still others to the heliacal rise positions of different stars and constellations highly important to the Inca.

Spanish historians recorded that the Golden Solar Disc was hanging in the Coricancha when they arrived. The Inca priests and priestessesPeru-Cusco-Coricancha-SolarDisc.jpg (14805 bytes) immediately hid it and from there the story is one of which legends are made. One version says that the Incas took it deep into the jungle past Machu Picchu to hide it from the conquistadors, and that it was never found by the Spanish. To this day, expeditions have been mounted to search for Paititi, the lost city of the Incas where it is supposed to reside. None have found the sacred object. Other legends say that it was taken to Lake Titicaca and there it resides to this day, on an etheric dimension, sending out its rays of Unconditional Love to assist in the upliftment of humanity during this time of the Pachacuti - the Andean legend of “the turning of the world” - to a new state of elevated consciousness. Still another legend says that when struck in a particular way and while chanting certain sacred sounds, that the Disc could be used to transport the priest kings between dimensions. It is said that Aramu Muru, known in traditional Peruvian history as Manco Capac, the first Inca, used the Disc to open the interdimensional portal at Aramu Muru's Doorway located near the shores of Lake Titicaca, stepped through, and was never seen or heard from again on the third dimension.

Lunch is another delicious buffet of traditional Peruvian cuisine.


Peru-Cusco-Qenko-1.jpg (16210 bytes)After lunch we're off to
Qenko, one of the most ancient of the local sacred sites. We’ll see a very weathered stone thatPeru-Cusco-Qenko-Aug2013.jpg (17448 bytes) has been used in rituals by the local  Andean Elders/ritual specialists for many years. And we’ll explore the cave with its seemingly molded stones.

Next is Tambo Machay, reported by the Incas to the Spanish chroniclers to have been used by the nobles and priests as their private fountains and baths. The spring that supplies the water has flowed here for hundreds of years, from a source deep inside the Pachamama that has never been identified. Here we'll see more of the megalithic construction from very ancient times, as well as evidence of Inca occupation and use. We'll connect in sacredness with the water element Unu by using the energies from the two streams of water that flow on either side of the fountain, one with female energy and the other with male energy. We'll cleanse our chakras and energy body, letting go of the old to make way for the new.

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Return to the hotel Dinner is on your own again this evening.
Overnight Cusco.

Day 4. Wednesday, August 12. Depart to Sacred Valley: Pisac; Pisac Market; Seminario; To Ollantaytambo (B/L/D)
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Wake up early this morning, pull your curtains, and welcome in the healing rays of Taytay Inti, Father Sun. After breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled between the majestic snow-covered Apus and fed by the waters of the sacred Urubamba River, the Willka Mayu (sacred river.)  The Incas considered it to be the major artery for the movement of water collected from the smaller tributaries of the earth, to take it back to the cosmic sea, from where it is taken up into the sky within the Milky Way (Mayu) and recycled through the universe. The Milky Way was considered to be the celestial reflection of the Urubamba River. (Urubamba = Fields of Light).Peru-SacredValley-Awanacancha.jpg (19663 bytes)

Our first stop in the Valley is at the Awana Cancha Center, a weaving center with the goal to keep alive the traditional textile arts. We'll see members of the cameloid family - llama, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos. Alapacas have thick wool; they're the most commonly used for clothing, while the vicunas are small and delicate with fur considered the finest. You'll be able to meet the animals, feed them, as well as learn about the the harvesting of the different wools,   the natural dying techniques and have a chance to see native weavers showing their different weaving styles and dress.

Peru-Pisac-5.jpg (28772 bytes)We drive further into the valley to the village of Pisac and up into the hills to the ancient solar observatory to walk along the winding trail, full of magnificent vistas of the hills and valleys below, to the most sacred area of the site, the ancient Sun Temple, where we enjoy a knowledgeable tour of the site with our local guide. Afterwards you have free time for individual meditation at the main energy vortex of the site, the Intihuatana, the Hitching Post of the Sun, to connect with its powerful energies, and the energies of the Pachamama. Peru-Pisac-4.jpg (38750 bytes)

Afterwards we walk down to our bus and drive to Doña Clorinda's Restaurant Pisac for a nutritious and delicious buffet lunch of traditional Peruvian dishes, lovingly prepared by her family.

Then it's Retail Therapy time at the Pisac marketplace! You can shop til you drop for locally-made colorful sweaters, ponchos, gloves, hats, jewelry, textiles, and other handicrafts. Mark Amaru will take those who are interested to a shop that offers shamanic tools and power objects.

We depart to the other end of the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest Inca towns in Peru. We check into our hotel. Rest and relax in the beautiful gardens on the hotel grounds before our group dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Ollantaytambo. 

Day 5. Thursday, August 13. Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo - Condor Initiation (B/D)
Peru-Ollantaytambo.jpg (10412 bytes)After breakfast we walk to the nearby plaza to visit the sacred site of Ollantaytambo, with its megalithic pre-Inca stonework. Also known as the Sanctuary of the Wind the site was an Inca fortress/temple that is one of the most impressive in Peru, both for its powerful sacred energies, as well as its unique history as one of the only places where the Incas defeated the Spanish! Ollantaytambo ranks right up there with the great mysteries of megalithic construction!

Who Built Ollantaytambo? "How were such titanic blocks of stone brought to the top of the mountain from the quarries many miles away? How were they cut and fitted? How were they raised and put in place? Now one knows, no one can even guess. There are archaeologists, scientists, who would have us believe that the dense, hard andesite rock was cut, surfaced and faced by means of stone or bronze tools. Such an explanation is so utterly preposterous that it is not even worthy of serious consideration. No one ever has found anywhere any stone tool or implement that would cut or chip the andesite, and no bronze ever made will make any impression upon it."   A. Hyatt & Ruth Verrill ----America's Ancient Civilizations

Some researchers believe that the main altar of the temple was constructed with huge pink granite boulders from the stone quarry named Kachiqhata (Salt Slope) that is located about 2.5 miles away on the other side of the valley, by the upper side of the opposite south-western mountains. They believe that the boulders were carved partially in the quarries, and taken down to the valley's bottom across the river and then were transported to the top of the hill using the inclined plane and log rollers or rolling stones as wheels. The Inca did not have the wheel, so they used llamas, leather ropes, levers, pulleys, and the power of hundreds and even thousands of men. Perhaps this is indeed how this mind-bobbling site of megalithic stones was built. OR, is it possible that the site was already there when the Incas arrived, and like Sacsayhuaman, was built by an ancient world-wide civilization that was highly-advanced technologically. We'll explore this theory on-site.

Peru-Ollantaytambo-6-Tanupa.jpg (26942 bytes)Entering the site, as we gaze up at the surrounding mountains we see the profile of Tunupa, looking out over the valleyConsidered by some researchers to have been the Incas to be the God of Wisdom, his identity is still debated today. On June 21, on the winter solstice, the sun rises just over the crest of his crown. Whoever built this ancient site could have been using it as a solar observatory. To the side of the mountain are the somewhat inaccessible remains of an area that the Incas used to store food.The storage area was up high, thus offering significantly lower temperatures for the proper storage of corn, potatoes, beans and other foods. Peru-Ollantaytambo-Fountain.jpg (18023 bytes)

Our first stop at the site is at the area that the Incas used for fountains. At the royal fountain we'll see very fine details of construction that are not likely to have been made with stone or bronze tools. Note the stair-step design in the photo here denoting the Chacana, the Andean Cross, the symbol of the Three Worlds. The engineering used to design and complete this fountain is complex. The spout of water flows continually, fed by the nearby stream, though it can be stopped if you put your finger in the center of the flow! And then will resume when you do the same thing. Amazing!

Peru-Ollantaytambo-CondorRock.jpg (15971 bytes)Afterwards we walk beside the gurgling stream to a peaceful out-of-the-way area of the site - the Temple of the Condor, where we have timefor a meditation and initiation to connect with the Condor, the powerful Totem of the Hanan Pacha, the Upper World, which symbolizes our Higher Self. Take time to receive the messages that will certainly be given to you! Peru-Ollantaytambo-7.jpg (36685 bytes)

Then we'll climb up to the main altar area of the temple where we'll receive our blessings from Wayra, the Wind element, the guardian of the site. Open yourself to the wayra kawsay, the living energy or spirit of wind. What is its message for you today?

Lunch is on your own; eat at the hotel or at one of the restaurants in the village.

This afternoon you have free time to rest, integrate and prepare for our journey tomorrow to Machu Picchu.

We'll meet at the hotel in the later afternoon for a
Sharing Circle & Introduction to Machu Picchu with Mark Amaru. Dinner at the hotel. 
Overnight Ollantaytambo.

Day 6. Friday, August 14. To Machu Picchu - Puma Meditation/Initiation; Free Time (B/L)
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After an early breakfast, we check out of the hotel and walk around the corner to the train station, where we board the Vista Dome train to Machu Picchu (Old Peak). We travel alongside the wild Urubamba River deep into the mountain valleys of the high jungle surrounded by the snow-covered Apus on our approximately 1½ hour trip. We arrive at Aguas Calientes, the small village at the base of Machu Picchu. Porters from our hotel will meet us at the train station and take our bags to the hotel. We walk to the bus station and board a park bus to take us up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Crystal City of Light!

Most traditional archaeologists adhere to the story that Machu Picchu was built by the Sapa Inca Pachacuti starting in about 1440 BCE and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. Machu Picchu was not a conventional city, but was a country retreat town for Incan nobility. It is estimated that a maximum of only about 750 people resided in Machu Picchu at any one time, and probably only a small fraction of that number lived in the town during the rainy season and when no nobility were visiting. There are various theories as to what role the site played in Incan life, from the country retreat, to astronomical observatory, to a hidden spiritual center. And hidden place and well protected is was, located far up in the mountains, so that visitors had to travel up long valleys littered with Incan check points and watch towers to get there. Remarkably, the Spanish conquistadors missed the site, and the Inca city remained hidden until the 20th century.

Hiram Bingham (November 19, 1875 – June 6, 1956) a professor from Yale, explorer, treasure hunter and politician from the United StatesHiramBingham.jpg (8237 bytes) re-discovered the citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911 with the guidance of local indigenous farmers. Bingham was not a trained archaeologist. On July 24, 1911, Melchor Arteaga led Bingham to Machu Picchu, which had been largely forgotten by everybody except the small number of people living in the immediate valley (possibly including two local missionaries named Thomas Payne and Stuart McNairn whose descendants claim that they had already climbed to the ruins in 1906). Also the Cusco explorers Enrique Palma, Gabino Sanchez and Agustín Lizarraga are said to have arrived at the site in 1901. Soon after Bingham announced the existence of Machu Picchu others came forward claiming to have seen the city first, such as the British missionary Thomas Payne and a German engineer named J. M. von Hassel. Recent discoveries have put forth a new claimant, a German named Augusto Berns who bought land opposite the Machu Picchu mountain in the 1860's and then tried to raise money from investors to plunder nearby Incan ruins. At any rate, Bingham was the first to put forth the theory that the site is the place where the “Virgins of the Suns” lived and why for the Incas, it was considered to be holy ground.

But is there more to the story of who built Machu Picchu and when? Just as we've already discussed about the other sacred sites in Peru? Of course! The construction displayed at the ancient site spans many types of building, and definitely there is the megalithic construction, as well as what is recognized as the Inca construction. Since the site wasn't discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors, it remained as a time capsule. The stoneworks show astonishing differences in quality of craftsmanship. In many places there are walls in the lower levels of the fine quality that is the hallmark of ancient Andean stoneworks. Then as the walls rise, the quality of work diminishes. The lower layers are always finer and more precise than those above. One gets the feeling that these are remnants of old walls that were discovered and built upon by later hands. So, could it have been that the Incas didn't build Machu Picchu, as they might not have built Sacsayhuaman, Pisac or Ollantaytambo? Quite possibly all of these sites could have been built in antiquity by the technologically-advanced civilization that seems to have spanned the globe. We'll explore these theories as we visit the site.

This morning you've finally arrived at this ancient place of your dreams! At 8,000 ft. you're at one of the most mysterious and sacred places on earth! We'll visit the Temples of the Sun & Moon, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, the world-famous spiritual center of the site, the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun, and the Pachamama Rock.
For a full description of the areas of the site visit, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

At an out of the way place Mark Amaru will facilitate a
meditation and initiation to connect with the energies of the Puma, the totem animal of the Third World. This powerful animal teaches us how to live in the physical plane, our 3-D world.

Full of the sacred energies we take a break and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the on-site Sanctuary Lodge, perhaps accompanied by the joyful music of local Andean musicians. You have free time to re-enter the Sanctuary to explore on your own. Find the spot that calls to you and take time to sit and meditate among the powerful energies. Still your mind and listen with your heart to what the Ancient Ones have to tell you! They have a unique gift for you if you are willing to receive it!

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For more photos of Machu Picchu visit our website gallery: http://www.SacredSitesJourneys.com/Peru-PhotoGallery-1.htm

To visit our Peru album on Facebook, visit: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.118694647148.105155.634657148&type=1&l=a55df6c645

Return on the bus to Aguas Calientes. Check in at the hotel. You have free time this evening. Maybe take a leisurely soak in the local hot springs, for which the little village is named. Dinner on your own. 
Overnight Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.

Day 7. Saturday, August 15. Free Time; Machu Picchu (B)
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This morning you have free time for rest, relaxation and integration of the transformational energies you've engaged so far. Book a massage or energy work with local therapists. Lunch on your own. If you want to go up to Machu Picchu early you could climb the towering peak of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) to look down on the City of the Condor from above. Or, if you hike half way up Huayna Picchu and then around to the side of the peak,TheRiseOfSachamama-JessicaPerlstein-Sm.jpg (26079 bytes) you'll reach the Temple of the Moon, one of the most powerful feminine energy vortex areas on the planet! You can meditate in this small cave, the womb of the Pachamama. (Note: A reservation is required; Sacred Sites Journeys can book this for you after you register.)

In the afternoon we enter Machu Picchu for the second and final time. Away from the crowds of tourists, Mark will faciliate a meditation and initiation to connect with the energies of Amaru or Serpent, the Totem of the Uku Pacha, the Lower World. In our own consciousness this energy represents our unconscious, our dreams, our meditative states. Open yourself to receive the gifts of this powerful energy.


In the late afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes. You have free time and dinner is on your own.

Overnight Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.

Day 8. Sunday, August 16. Depart Machu Picchu; Chinchero; Return to Cusco (B/L)
We check out of the hotel after a later breakfast. We walk to the train station and board the later morning train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival we're met by our local guide. We drive to Urubamba, where we enjoy a buffet lunch.

Peru-Chinchero-Weaver.jpg (20940 bytes)Afterwards we continue through the Sacred Valley to
Chinchero, renowned for its weavers and for itsPeru-Chinchero-1.jpg (16106 bytes) impressive Incan ceremonial complex, which is located along the ceques, or ley lines that radiate from the Koricancha in Cusco. One of the local myths says that Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow, or Kuichy. The village may have been an important town in Inca times. Here we’ll see the most striking remnant of this period - the massive stone wall in the main plaza which has ten trapezoidal niches. The construction of the wall and many other ruins and agricultural terraces, which are still in use, are attributed to the building projects of Inca Tupac Yupanqui, who possibly used Chinchero as a kind of country resort. Also in the main plaza is an adobe colonial church, dating from the early 17th century, was built upon the foundations of an Inca temple or palace. In an out-of-the-way area, among the sacred stones, or huacas, we’ll take time for meditation to connect with the peaceful and ancient energies that are still very palpable here.

We continue to Cusco, arriving early evening. After we check into our hotel, you have free time. Dinner on your own.

Overnight Cusco.

Day 9. Monday, August 17. Cusco – Free Day; Farewell Dinner (B/D)
You have free time today for individual exploration, rest, integration and/or shopping. Lunch on your own.

This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner, a buffet of traditional Andean cuisine, followed by music and a folklore dance show.
Overnight Cusco. Hotel Ruinas or similar.

Day 10. Tuesday, August 18. Flight to Lima (B)
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport, where we check in for the return flight to Lima.
SSJ Service ends on arrival in Lima.

NOTE: Once you register, Sacred Sites Journeys can refer you to the local family-owned airport hotel that we've used with our groups in Peru since 1994. You will be able to book post-tour services with them directly in case you need to depart Lima later evening on tonight or tomorrow. Services include: meeting at the airport by an English-speaking representative from the hotel, private transfer to the hotel for overnight (includes breakfast), and transfer back to the airport for your international departure. 
Please book your international return flight from Lima to depart after 6:00PM on August 18th.

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IMPORTANT:
You will have time to relax and integrate the energies of the various sacred sites you will visit
so that your Sacred Journey will rejuvenate, restore and heal your body, mind and spirit!

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Post-Tour Extensions

 

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P
ost-Tour Extension
# 1: Lake Titicaca: Temple of Wiracocha, Uros Islands,
Cutimbo & Aramu Muru's Doorway
August 18 - 21, 2015

 

Day 10. Tuesday, August 18. To Lake Titicaca/Chucuito (B/L/D)
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After an early breakfast we check out of the hotel and transfer to the local bus station where we depart Cusco via First Class tourist bus south along the sacred Urubamba River, through the Altiplano, or high plains, the most extensive area of high plateau on Earth outside of Tibet. Lake Titicaca is its best known geographical feature. The Altiplano is dominated by massive active volcanoes. At various times during the Pleistocene epoch, both the southern and northern Altiplano were covered by the vast pluvial lakes. Lake Titicaca, straddling the Peru & Bolivia border, is a remnant of one of these.

Peru-Andahuaylillas-Mummy.jpg (15090 bytes)Stops at the colonial town of Andahuaylillas, the Temple of Wiracocha and museum in Pukara. At Andahuaylillas you'll have the opportunity to visit the colonial cathedral and the local museum that houses artifacts from the colonial era, plus a mummifiled skeleton that was found in the nearby hills that some researchers believe might not be all human.

We stop at Racchi at the Temple of Wiracocha. The most prominent structure is the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure that measures 302 ft by 84 ft. This structure consists of a central adobe wall with an andesite base. Windows and doors allow passage. It is flanked on each side by a row of eleven columns. The foundations measure 13 ft for both the wall and the columns are classic high Inca stonework with the remaining height built of adobe. 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 82 ft beyond on each side. The huge proportions of the temple, and its prominence on the site explain why the whole complex is also sometimes referred to as the Temple of Wiracocha.

Peru-Racchi-TempleOfWiracocha-1.jpg (23225 bytes)The Temple is the only Inka building for which we have an account of how people should walk through it. It is highly significant that the design of the building means that, on entering its two known doorways, progress of visitors is immediately blocked by a series of tall pillars that they are forced to walk around. If devotees took this as a suggestion as to how to proceed through the building, they would have begun to trace a path similar to a zig-zag motion. This could have been deliberate design; a way to express aspects of Inka cosmology in particular their relationship with Wiracocha. In processing through the temple, the devotees would have wound their way towards the statue of Viracocha, and the nearby volcano and spring.

According to Inca mythology, the creator god Wiracocha came to the region the Inka called Cacha but the local people there did not recognize him and tried to attack him. When he met them, he made fire fall from the sky and burn the hills around the Indians. The Cacha pleaded for forgiveness and he put the fires out and explained to them who he was. They then built a huaca (shrine) where Wiracocha had stood and gave him many offerings. When the Inka Huayna Capac came to the province of Cacha he saw the huaca shrine of Viracocha in the midst of the plain and asked why it was there. The people of the province told him of the miracle that Viracocha had performed. He decided that thePeru-Pukara-Museum-1.jpg (14472 bytes) remembrance of this event should be greater and ordered the erection of the temple.

Buffet lunch provided to the group.

 

Our last stop before Puno is in the small village of Pukara, where we visit the local museum, with displays of anthropomorphic monoliths, zoomorphic sculptures, ceramics, and other objects from the Pucara pre-Inca Culture (original and replica pieces).

We arrive late afternoon in Puno, port city on Lake Titicaca, gather our luggage and meet our local tour representative for our private transfer to our hotel in the nearby quiet village of Chucuito. We check into our rooms overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Titicaca. We are now in the heart of the Andean feminine energy, the powerful MamaCocha (Mother Lake).

You have free time until our dinner with the group at the hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 11. Wednesday, August 19. Uros Islands; Cutimbo (B/L/D)

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DepartPeru-LakeTiticaca-UrosIslands-2.jpg (35255 bytes) after breakfast to the port in Puno and board a motorboat for a short trip to the Uros Floating Islands, made entirely of the totora reed that grows in the Lake and named after the Uros people who inhabit them. Here you receive a warm welcome from these friendly island dwellers. After a short demonstration about how their islands are built and about their local economy and culture, you have an opportunity to visit their homes and get to know the people a bit. As well you can support their meager existence by purchasing their richly colored hand embroidered tapestries, pillow covers, and other handicrafts. And you'll be able to take a short optional ride out on the Lake in one of the reed boats, a peaceful time to relax and take in the powerful energies of the MamaCocha, the Mother Lake.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

 

Peru-LakeTiticaca-Cutimbo.jpg (15480 bytes)This afternoon, we drive back through Puno and a few miles outside to mysterious site of Cutimbo, dramatically situated atop a table-topped volcanic hill surrounded by a fertile plain. The main attraction is the well-preserved circular and square burial towers or chullpas, some of the most ancient architecture in all of the Andes. There are carvings on the chullpas of serpents and pumas, guardians of the lower and middle worlds that were worshipped by the Inca and pre-Inca inhabitants. Inside one of the chullpas, you'll have time to meditate to connect with the totem energies, as well as the Ancient Ones, the original builders of this spectacular site.

 

Return to the hotel. Dinner with the group. Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 12. Thursday, August 20. Aramu Muru's Doorway; Free Time (B/L/D)
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After breakfast depart south along the Pan-American highway to visit the inter-dimensional portal of Aramu Muru's Doorway, one of the most rarely-visited mysterious destinations in the World! Ancient legend says that it was here that the Lemurian sage Aramu Muru, who brought the ancient teachings from the island homeland to the Andes, left the third dimension as he walked through the Doorway, never to return in physical body. His consort Arama Mara, carved in stone over the Doorway, lies forever guarding this sacred site and inviting seekers to come and experience the palpable energies.

Who Built the Doorway? This approximately 22 ft. "gate" is literally carved into the solid rock, cutting through peculiar diagonal lines. The sheer size of it is mind-boggling for most researchers, as is the origins of its construction. Who built it? And for what purpose? That's the mystery! The construction is older than what is found from the Inca civilization; it could have been constructed by a pre-Inca civilization which is very ancient and of uncertain origin. The Incas themselves were evidently aware of the carving, but they didn't claim that they built it.

The local Aymara descendants of Incas have stories and myths about this enigmatic portal. Many of them refuse to come close to it, claiming that it's a portal for the Ancient Ones. Some even say that they've seen people disappear and reappear through the solid rock! Others tell tales of strange, tall men accompanied by glowing balls of lights, walking through the doorway. They also claim that the gate only opens to certain people and only at some times, that one must possess a certain wisdom in order to be able to pass through it.

For your
meditation, stand in the "tubes" on either side of the Doorway, energy vortexes with one spinningPeru-LakeTiticaca-AramuMuruDoorway-4.jpg (14201 bytes) clockwise and the other counterclockwise, to balance our male and female energies. Then enter the main portal where there is a a small, round indentation resembling a key hole, where you can place your forehead / Third Eye for meditation. Perhaps this could have been the place where Aramu Muru placed the Solar Disc to “open” the door, allowing him to pass through? Is this the portal to energies of Unconditional Love?

A Few Words from Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, Director of Sacred Sites Journeys: "The first time that I meditated here at the Doorway I easily "passed through it" into the state of Unconditional Love, an experience so intense that I didn't want to return to my normal waking world. After what seemed like hours of basking in these beautiful energies, I realized that Beings of Light were with me, lovingly encouraging me to return, reminding me that even though I was one of the original builders of this stargate, that it's my contract in this lifetime to bring others here so that they will to be able to experience these high frequencies, and thus uplift their consciousness. I very strongly felt the great honor in being able to do so. Which caused my consciousness to more easily come back into my physical body. I was so overcome with tremendous emotion that I could only sob quietly for several minutes afterward, still feeling the memory throughout all parts of myself of having been Home!"

AramuMuru-AramaMara.jpg (11420 bytes)Who were Aramu Muru and Arama Mara? Mark Amaru Pinkham in his book The Return of the Serpents of WisdomPeru-Cusco-Coricancha-SolarDisc.jpg (14805 bytes) states that they were sages from ancient Lemuria who brought the teachings of civilization and spiritual development to the Andes over 12,000 years ago when their island homeland was sinking beneath the Pacific Ocean. They established the Monastery of the Seven Rays, located somewhere near the shores of Lake Titicaca. They formed the Brotherhood of the Seven Rays to foster unity, service and spiritual growth. In the historical records Aramu Muru and Arama Mara become known as Manco Kapac and Mama Ocllo, the founders of the Inca Empire. When the Spanish entered Cusco and the priests and priestess removed the great golden Solar Disc from the Coricancha in order to save it from being melted down by the conquistadors, one legend says that it was taken south to Lake Titicaca.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

 

Peru-LakeTiticaca-Chucuito-FertilityTemple-3.jpg (15658 bytes)This afternoon you have free time. Perhaps you'd like to walk across the road from the hotel to the ancient Fertility Temple for a private meditation to focus on your creativity to birth a new idea, project, etc. Or enjoy a walking meditation using the labyrinth that is laid out in the hotel gardens. (Andrea available for instructions) Time allowing this evening and during other free time here at the hotel you can book an optional traditional Coca Leaf Reading with a local ritual specialist who reads the coca leaves to answer questions about health, career, relationship, etc.


Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

Day 13. Friday, August 21. To Lima (B)
You have free time this morning to rest, relax and pack. Later morning check out of the hotel and departure to the airport in Juliaca. Arrive and check in for the return flight to Lima. - Service ends on arrival in Lima.


Post-Tour Extension # 2: Tiahuanaco/Puma Punku, Bolivia
August 21 - 23, 2015

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Day 13. Friday, August 21. To BOLIVIA / Visit Tiahuanaco (B/Box L/D)
After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart via private vehicle with your local tour representative/driver to the Bolivian border. US Citizens: Obtain your Bolivia Tourist Visa and pass through Immigration. NOTE: The cost for this visa is NOT included in the price for this extension. The price for US citizens is $135.00. (This is the price at the time of posting here on our website; this could change.) The Visa is free for citizens of Canada, Australia and European countries.For citizens of other countries, please check with the Bolivian Embassy in your country. Your visa may also be free.

Meet your Bolivian tour guide and driver and depart via private vehicle to Tiahuanaco. Box lunch included. Arrive Tiahuanaco in the afternoon. (Note: You lose an hour when you cross the border into Bolivia, as Bolivian time is one hour ahead of Peru.)

Upon arrival at Tiahuanaco, visit this ancient site considered by many archaeologists and historians to be the cradle of the American civilization, and perhaps even the oldest ruins in the world! This city made of stone, found at an altitude ofBolivia-Tiahuanaco-AkapanaPyramid-1.jpg (21125 bytes) 12,500 ft. (over 2 miles above sea level!), was the seat of power for a vast pre-Incan empire. Modern archaeologists date the site to around 200CE. However, Arthur Posnansky, a German engineer, the first serious investigator of the site, and who dedicated fifty years to its study, dated its origins to 15,000BCE. As you explore the following areas of this ancient sacred site take time for meditation to connect with the powerful ancient energies that still exist here today. When do you think it was built? And by whom?

1) The Akapana Pyramid is the largest terraced pyramid of the city. It was once believed to be a modified hill,

but has since proven to be a massive human construction. On the summit of the Akapana, reached by wide staircases, there was a sunken court with an area serviced by a subterranean drainage system, which also served to amplify the powerful energies that radiated from the central vortex of the area. Some people can still feel them!Bolivia-Tiahuanaco-Kalasasaya-1.jpg (9452 bytes)

2) The megalithic entrance to the Kalasasaya Temple is a stairway that is a well-worn megalith carved from aBolivia-Tiahuanaco-SunkenTemple-2.jpg (22645 bytes) single block of sandstone. The statue in the center of the doorway is believed by many archaeologists and researchers to be a solstice and equinox marker.

3) The nearby Subterranean Temple or Sunken Courtyard is walled by standing stones and masonry infill, and houses one of the mysteries of the site: sculptured heads are inset in the walls that represent various races and ethnic backgrounds from all over the world...and maybe even from beings not of this planet! How did people from so long ago in our past know of the various races that populated different parts of the world at that time?

 

 

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4) The Ponce and Fraile anthropomorphic figures or monoliths, made from andesite stone that was transported from over 100 kilometers away, stand guard in the Kalasasaya, holding devices whose purpose has been much-debated. What do they look like to you? Use your intuition for psychic archaeology and see what they tell you about what they were and what they were used for.

 

 

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5) The Gateway of the Sun is the most famous part of the site. In this arched doorway the central figure represents the "Gateway God" and the others on both sides represent his numerous attendants. The figure with a feline face holding two staffs on the lintel of this massive arch represents the ruling god of the Tiahuanaco pantheon. Some researchers believe the carvings represent a Venusian calendar, which relates the culture to the sages that say they came first from Venus, then to Lemuria, and then to the Andes. What are the many mysteries associated with this ancient monument and site in general? What secrets does it have to share?

 

 

 

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Tiahuanaco Museum - Ancient Doorway and Bennett Monolith

 

Check in at the hotel next to the site. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Overnight Tiahuanaco.

 

Day 14. Saturday, August 22. Visit Puma Punku/ To PERU (B/L/D)
Bolivia-PumaPunku-HBlocks-1.jpg (13212 bytes)Check out of the hotel after breakfast and then you’re off to visit Puma Punku. "The Door of the Puma", which was perhaps the ancient port for  Tiahuanaco. It's an area filled with enormous stone blocks weighing between 100 and 150 tons scattered about like toothpicks. Explore the many mysteries about this enigmatic site: how the blocks were quarried, how the ancient builders seemingly handled them so easily when constructing the site, and what tremendous force could have scattered them about so easily. Some of the ancient piers are so large that hundreds of ships could have docked at them. Yet there is no ocean near them, other than the prehistoric coastline that is indicated by the remains of chalky fossils that have been found at the site. Today we can only still surmise what major geological upheaval occurred 12,000 years ago to tumble these gigantic stones and also raise the entire highlands from sea level to 2 miles into the sky.

 


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H-Blocks!

 

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Ancient Technology at Puma Punku


After your visit, depart with local tour representative/driver via private vehicle back to Peruvian border, where you obtain your tourist visa and pass through Immigration. Meet your driver and continue back to our hotel in Chucuito. Lunch on your own with the group along the way. Arrive at the hotel early evening and check in.
Dinner with the group at the hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.

 

Day 15. Sunday, August 23. To Lima (B)
You have free time this morning to rest, relax and pack. Later morning check out of the hotel and departure to the airport in Juliaca. Arrive and check in for the return flight to Lima. - Service ends on arrival in Lima.

 

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A Few Words from Sacred Sites Journeys Travelers to PERU

The Sacred Journey to Peru with Mark Amaru Pinkham was above and beyond what I expected. The re-connection with home and Mark's teachings were very beneficial & insightful. I came on this trip with the expectation of spiritual growth. I had no idea how my life would be changed by the profound beauty, history & energy of this place! The accommodations and the people associated with the tour were all wonderful. J. Noto - Seattle, WA

MarkAmaruPinkham-3-sm.jpg (17614 bytes)The shamanic pilgrimage to Peru was a success from all points of view. Our group leader & speaker Mark Amaru Pinkham was outstanding in his relationship to the individual members of the group and in his choice of shamen and healers. The sites we visited, the rites we participated in, and the results were extraordinary and personally tremendously meaningful. Mark has superb gifts as a spiritual adept and a communicator of essential truths. He is exceedingly generous with his care and attention for every member of the group.   H. Senn - CA

My experience in Peru with Mark and Andrea Pinkham was one of the most transformational experiences of my life! I could feel a connection with the ancient Andean Masters and their powerful energies in my very cellular memory as Mark shared his incredible stories and timeless information about them at all the sacred sites. Both Mark and Andrea helped set the stage for my heart-opening experience that helped me to connect during the tour with the wonderful woman that today is my wife!  J Kumle - NV

How do I condense such life-enhancing transformation as the journey to Peru with Mark Amaru Pinkham into a few sentences? I was led to wonderful experiences and cared for and supported at all times. I had the good fortune to encounter a shaman who helped me open my heart to myself. As a natural consequence, I have opened my heart to others.  My friends and business acquaintances have commented on my "aura" of peacefulness and joy. I am so happy that I overcame my fear of spending the money for these journeys because my experiences in Peru are priceless. I encourage everyone who is looking to deepen their spiritual connection to themselves, to the earth and /or to other people, to sign up for a Sacred Journey to Peru!  P. Caldwell - IL

Pepe and Andrea were a phenomenal team! They took excellent care of each group member, as well as the group in general. AndPeruMachuPicchuAndreaPepe.jpg (19862 bytes) they were most helpful at explaining the historical and sacred significance of the sites we visited. They helped us to connect with the powerful energies at each of them. D. Parker - AZ

The connection that I made to the Pachamama, the Mother Earth, was the most profound experience of my life! Everything in Peru is alive with energy! And offers it so willingly and lovingly to those who take the time to connect and honor it. I have never felt so loved or nurtured. During our journey Pepe and Andrea assisted us to make our connections with these palpable energies through the offering of Andean rituals and meditations at the sacred temples. And we had time to just sit and "tune in" and receive. Anonymous by request

Everything about the Sacred Journey to Peru was wonderful. Pepe was so full of wisdom and charisma. Andrea was organized, thoughtful, and inspiring. It is true...Peru changed me forever...and for the better! C. Silard - AZ

Pepe was totally perfect as our Guide. Andrea's enthusiasm and understanding of the places we visited really made the trip. C. Stephens - CA

Peru and her sacred sites are one of the places all serious spiritual seekers should experience in this lifetime! Machu Picchu called me home and I'm glad I heeded that call. The ancient energies of the site had much to share with me, on so many levels. I was able to get away from my everyday life and let go of all my concerns about it.. And therefore was able to open up to profound levels of healing. I'll never be the same, and am very thankful for that. And to Andrea and Pepe for facilitating my sacred journey so lovingly and competently. Anonymous by request

AndreaMarkPinkham-MachuPicchu.jpg (25772 bytes)Our trip was amazing!. Thank you for all the planning, preparation and execution that went into it. We felt very taken care of - no details to worry about. It all went smoothly, or what changed on the fly worked out just the way it needed to. I found Peru to be a deeply loving, simple, yet powerful place. J. Elk - CA

Thank you so much for such an enriching experience.  Andrea and Pepe were fantastic guides. All hotels, transport and baggage were managed without a hitch. So smooth! B. Brown - MA

I admired Andrea's ability to make things work so well during our Peru journey. Anyone who attempts to accommodate the needs of 28 people, for two weeks, in a third-world country has to be talented, patient, and extremely well-prepared. D. Cook, OH

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Sacred Sites Journeys Radio
F
rom the Vault - PERU

Part 1: The Inca Spiritual Tradition & Machu Picchu
To listen to an Mp3 recording of this program,
Click here

Part 2:  The Sacred Valley of the Incas
To listen to an Mp3 recording of this program,
Click here


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For a Glossary of Terms for Inca / Quechua Words: http://www.incaglossary.org/a.html

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INCLUSIONS

Your Sacred Sites Journey to PERU Includes:
-Two flights in Peru: 1) Lima/Cusco and 2) Cusco/Lima (or Juliaca/Lima if you take the post-tour extension or extensions)
- Other tour-related transportation in Peru, including bus and rail
- Roundtrip airport/hotel/airport transfers
- Luggage handling at hotels
- All site entrance fees
- First-class hotels, including taxes, service charges & daily buffet breakfast; 5 lunches; 4 dinners
- Pre-paid Gratuities
- Free Peruvian Tourist Visa upon your arrival in Lima
- Fully escorted from Cusco by Featured Speaker author and Andean shamanic practitioner Mark Amaru Pinkham
- Excellent bilingual Tour Guide


Special Highlights:
- Travel with author and Andean shamanic practitioner Mark Amaru Pinkham & other spirit-centered people
- Cusco Area: Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha & Tambo Machay
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Machu Picchu: 2 nights, 3 days, with plenty of free time to explore on your own!
- Special Initiations, Andean rituals & healing sessions with the Q'ero Elders and Mark Amaru Pinkham at sacred sites
- Special Welcome and Farewell Dinners


NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip international air to Lima, Peru
- Pre and post tour services in Lima

- Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary
- Cost to obtain valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, internet service, telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on the SSJ website or final trip itinerary

Your Sacred Sites Journey Extension to Lake Titicaca Includes:
- Travel with other spirit-centered people
- Fully escorted by local excellent bilingual Tour Guide on arrival in Puno
- Transportation by First Class Tourist bus to Puno; other tour-related transportation by private vehicle and boat
- Transfers: Bus station in Puno to hotel/ Hotel to airport in Juliaca
- Luggage handling at hotels
- All site entrance fees
- First-class hotel, including taxes, service charges & daily buffet breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Pre-paid Gratuities
- Bus trip to Puno: Visit to colonial church and museum at Andahuaylillas, Temple of Wiracocha at Racchi and Pukara Museum
- Uros Floating Islands
- Visit to burial towers at Cotimbo
- Visit to the interdimensional portal of Aramu Murus' Doorway
- Optional: Fertility Temple, walk the Labyrinth, traditional Coca Leaf Readings
- Time for meditation at all sacred sites

Your Sacred Sites Journey Extension to BOLIVIA Includes:
- Travel with other spirit-centered people
- Fully escorted by excellent bilingual Tour Guides in Peru and Bolivia

- Transportation by private vehicle to / from Bolivian border and to/from Tiahuanaco-Puma Punku
- All site entrance fees
- First-class hostal, including taxes, service charges & daily buffet breakfast at Tiahuanaco; First-class hotel, including taxes, service charges & daily buffet breakfast in Peru; 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- Pre-paid Gratuities
- Visit to both Tiahuanaco and Puma Punku, plus museum

NOT INCLUDED:

- US Citizens: Bolivian Tourist Visa: Cost at time of website announcement is $150.00, subject to change. This fee must be paid in cash, US Dollars (with no marks or tears of any kind on them), and must be submitted at the Bolivian border with 2 passport photos.

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PRICING

This tour is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your international flights to and from Lima, Peru (LIM).
ARRIVAL: Please arrive on Sunday, August 9, 2015 by 7:00AM in order to connect with our later morning flight to Cusco.
DEPARTURE: For your departure on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 OR Friday, August 21, 2015 or Sunday, August 23, 2015, please book your flight to depart after 9:00PM.
After you register, SSJ will be happy to refer you to an airline consolidator that can assist you to book your airline ticket.

redball.gif (144 bytes) DISCOUNT! Make ALL of your payments by check or money order and receive a 5% discount! This discount is INCLUDED in the price below listed for this payment option.

NOTE Regarding Credit Card Payments: We are only able to take credit cards for payment until 45 days before the tour begins, or until June 25, 2015.
After that you can pay with a credit card check, bank cashier's check, or money order. Or wire funds to our bank account (additional $25.00 fee applies for wires originating from outside the U.S.). Sacred Sites Journeys accepts VISA and MasterCard.

MAIN TOUR: August 9 - 18, 2015 - Per Person, double occupancy, land only (Group of 10):
$2,299.00 - via check or money order
$2,420.00 - via credit card

IMPORTANT:
This price reflects the cost of the airline tickets for the flights Lima/Cusco/Lima roundtrip. As of June 1st, the price increased. You will be billed for the difference in the amount originally budgeted for the tickets and the actual cost when they are paid for. So far, as of June 16th, the additional amount you would be responsible for is $69.00. However, in the volatile world of airline ticketing, this could change at any time.

ROOMMATES: Would you like to meet and make a new friend on your journey? If you're not traveling on the journey with anyone you know, and would like for SSJ to try to match you up with a suitable roommate, we'll be happy to try to do so. Over the last 20 years we've been operating these spiritual pilgrimages  to Peru we've seen many people become friends for life. (As well, we've had several marriages result from people meeting on our journeys.) Be open! Be flexible! It will be a rich and wonderful experience!

Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration for the trip open until 30 days before the departure date (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a roommate, you will be responsible to pay the single supplement. If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please register early.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: This is the additional price you will pay to have your own private room throughout the journey.
$349.00 - via check or money order
$367.00 - via credit card


POST TOUR EXTENSIONS
# 1 - Lake Titicaca: August 18 – 21, 2015 (Group of 5)
$629.00 - via check or money order
$662.00 - via credit card
IMPORTANT:
This price reflects the cost of the airline tickets for the flights Lima/Cusco and Juliaca/Lima. As of June 1st, the price increased. You will be billed for the difference in the amount originally budgeted for the tickets and the actual cost when they are paid for. So far, as of June 16th, the additional amount you would be responsible for is $44.00. However, in the volatile world of airline ticketing, this could change at any time.

Single Room Supplement:
$85.00 - via check or money order
$90.00 - via credit card

# 2 - Tiahuanaco/Puma Punku, Bolivia: August 23 – 23, 2015 (Group of 5)
$519.00 - via check or money order
$546.00 - via credit card
IMPORTANT:
This price reflects the cost of the airline tickets for the flights Lima/Cusco and Juliaca/Lima. As of June 1st, the price increased. You will be billed for the difference in the amount originally budgeted for the tickets and the actual cost when they are paid for. So far, as of June 16th, the additional amount you would be responsible for is $44.00. However, in the volatile world of airline ticketing, this could change at any time.

Single Room Supplement:
$25.00 - via check or money order
$26.00 - via credit card

Bolivian Tourist Visa for US Citizens: $150.00
To be paid by individual at the time of crossing the border into Bolivia; must be in cash US dollars, with no marks or tears on the bills

Note: The airfare for the return flight to Lima from Lake Titicaca/Juliaca for both of these extensions is usually the same as that from Cusco. However, if the airfare is a higher price, then you’ll be billed for this difference.

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REGISTRATION

TOUR REGISTRATION CLOSED

Seventeen sacred travelers from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, England & Germany
will meet at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport on Sunday, August 9, 2015
to fly to Cusco for the beginning of our spiritual pilgrimage.
If you'd like to follow our daily tour activities, please bookmark this page and check back August 9th - 23rd.


If you wanted to join us this year, but were unable to do so, start making your plans now
for our 2016 sacred journey, which will be held July 3 - 12, 2016.
Full details to be posted soon on our website at www.SacredSitesJourneys.com

To access our Registration Form, Click Here

Questions? Email info@SacredSitesJourneys.com
Or, call our office at 888 501-3853 (Toll free in the US) or 928 284-1429


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NOTE: All photos and text on this webpage are the Copyright of Sacred Sites Journeys/ Heartlight Fellowship.

Sacred Sites Journeys is NOT affiliated with any other sacred travel company.
Other sacred travel companies offering spiritual pilgrimages similar to ours
are using our text and photos. We did not give them permission to do so.
We believe that karma is very efficient, and that those who are not in integrity
will swiftly reap the negative benefits of such actions.


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Updated 7/292015
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