After breakfast, gather for our Group Introductory 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 & Andrea to help you begin to connect with its sacred energies.

After our meeting, 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 priestesses 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.

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

After lunch we'll visit Arte Mercedes, located in the same building as the restaurant, the shop of Mercedes and Luis, Andrea and Mark’s longtime spiritual family, so that you can choose your power animal amulet. Wear it throughout our pilgrimage to soak up the powerful energies at each of the sacred sites you'll visit. They have many other goodies too – other jewelry, crystals, gemstones, and Luis’ visionary art paintings!

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.

Tonight we enjoy a group Welcome Dinner of traditional Peruvian cuisine at a local restaurant. Musicians and dancers will entertain us with Andean music and folklore dances.

Day 3. Tuesday, July 5. Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambo Machay (B/L)

       
L to R: Sacsayhuaman, Chincana Grande at Sacsayhuaman, Cave at Qenko, Tambo Machay

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. 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 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. We'll visit many of the out-of-the-way sacred areas of the site, such as the Chincana Grande, pictured above on the left. Mark Amaru will facilitate a meditation to assist you to connect with Taytay  Inti, Father Sun, as well as to claim your birthright as a Son or Daughter of the Sun!

Our lunch is another delicious buffet of traditional Peruvian cuisine.

After lunch we're off to Qenko, one of the most ancient of the local sacred sites. We’ll see a very weathered stone that 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. Afterwards we'll walk across the road from the main site and walk a little-used trail to a nearby part of the site that contains pre-Inca and Inca stonework.

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.

Day 4. Wednesday, July 6.  Depart to Sacred Valley: Pisac; Pisac Market; To Ollantaytambo (B/L/D)

       
L to R: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac - Hitching Post of the Sun, Pisac Marketplace

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 & Andreaw 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. After checking  into our hotel, take some time to rest and relax in the beautiful gardens on the hotel grounds.

Group Meeting, followed by our dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Ollantaytambo. Hotel Pakaritampu.

Day 5. Thursday, July 7. Ollantaytambo - Condor Meditation/ Initiation: Free Time
or Optional Plant Medicine (San Pedro) Ceremony (B)

              
L to R: Mountains with profile of Tunupa, Inca God of Wisdom, sacred fountains, Condor rock, Condor ceremony altar, main altar

   
L to R: San Pedro Cactus, Mark Amaru Pinkham in Andean shamanic ceremony

Entering the site, as we gaze up at the surrounding mountains we see the profile of Tunupa, looking out over the valley. Considered 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.

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!

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 time for 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!

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. You have free time this afternoon.

OR, you can participate in an Optional Plant Medicine (San Pedro Cactus) Ceremony, facilitated by Mark and Andrea Pinkham. Wachuma, as the sacred cactus is known throughout South America, is a visionary plant teacher used to explore the spirit world. The name derives from the Christian mythology of Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven; in the Andean shamanic tradition, San Pedro cactus is experienced by those who commune with it through drink as a key to heaven. Mark Amaru apprenticed with a San Pedro shaman in Peru for three years in the late 1990's, and Andrea studied with him as well. Since that time, they have been offering these consciousness-expanding ceremonies during some of our Sacred Sites Journeys in Peru, as well as in the USA.

To read an article Peruvian Shamanism: Becoming the Serpent-Puma by Mark Amaru Pinkham, visit
http://www.SacredSitesJourneys.com/Peru-July2016/PeruvianShamanism-MarkAmaruPinkham.pdf

Dinner on your own.
Overnight Ollantaytambo. Hotel Pakaritampu.

Day 7. Saturday, July 9. To Machu Picchu; Puma Meditation / Initiation (B/L)

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

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. After a quick check-in, 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 States 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. 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.

Full of the sacred energies we take a break and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the on-site hotel, perhaps accompanied by the joyful music of local Andean musicians.

Afterwards we re-enter the Sanctuary. 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. Then you have free time 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!

Day 8. Sunday, July 10. Free Time; Machu Picchu; Serpent Meditation / Initiation (B/D)

           
L to R: Machu Picchu - View looking down on it from the top of Huayna Picchu; Temple of the Moon,
the Rise of Sachamama by Jessica Perlstein

This morning you have free time for rest, relaxation and integration of the transformational energies you've engaged so far. You could take a soak in the hot springs or 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, 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 the 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. Free time until our dinner with the group at Indio Feliz, one Andrea & Mark's all-time favorite restaurants in Peru, and a perennial hit with our groups.
Overnight Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu. Hotel La Cabana or similar.

Day 9. Monday, July 11. Depart Machu Picchu; Chinchero; Return to Cusco (B/L)

      
L to R: Chinchero - Diana chooses her tapestry from a weaver, ancient megalithic walls, meditation at sacred energy spot

After a later breakfast, we check out of the hotel and walk to the train station, where we board the Vista Dome train for our return to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival we're met by our driver and transfer to Urubamba, where we enjoy a buffet lunch.

Afterwards we continue through the Sacred Valley to Chinchero, renowned for its weavers and for its impressive pre-Incan and Incan architectural complex, located along the ceques, or ley lines that radiate from the Coricancha 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 ancient megalithic stonework and a 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 by archaeologists 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, which 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. Hotel Ruinas or similar.

Day 10. Tuesday, July 12. Cusco: Free Day; Option: Temple of the Moon; Farewell Dinner (B/D)

        
L to R: Shopping in the San Blas neighborhood, Meditation at a sacred power spot in the city,
Altar in the Temple of the Moon cave, Folklore Dancers

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 spinning 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!"

Who were Aramu Muru and Arama Mara? Mark Amaru Pinkham in his book The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom 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.

Day 14. Saturday, July 16. 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.

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 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.  IMPORTANT: Please book your international return flight from Lima to depart after 9:00PM.

A Few Words from Sacred Sites Journeys Travelers to PERU

The tour of Peru that I took with Mark and Andrea Pinkham was a special event in my life. The experience opened a world of Andean culture and beliefs for me that was at the same time new and uncannily familiar…like finding an old friend you forgot you had. Mark and Andrea were always available, unfailingly supportive, and open to suggestions from the group. They have developed a rich network of support people over many years whose knowledge greatly enhanced our travels. Accommodations were first-class, and the food was always terrific. I would highly recommend their tours for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of sacred sites. - P. Morse, NH

I enjoyed meeting everyone and sharing the incredible Peru sacred sites journey. The memories will last a lifetime, and I don't think I will ever forget the Andes. My heart is still in Peru too. Its nice to know that Pachamama is still blessing us with her energies. - W. Dougall, Australia

Thanks again Andrea, Mark and the wonderful Peru local team!!! A trip of a lifetime and beyond!!! Thank you all for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and wisdom on the trip. It was indeed a privilege and wonderful to have met you all….such a special group of common soul!!! Sincerely hope that our path will cross again in the future. - T. Frichittavong - Australia

I really enjoyed myself on our Peru adventure. So many wonderful experiences and beautiful people. It will be a lifetime memory for me. Thank you for your personal insights which helped bring things to life. Look forward to seeing you at some other time and place. - W. Davidson, FL

This was such an amazing trip that words can not express what I felt and still feel. I enjoyed the company of all of the group. It was you guys that made this trip so spectacular! Thank you so very much Mark and Andrea! I can not express my gratitude enough. Words fall all too short! - J. Kimble, FL

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

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. And 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

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

Sacred Sites Journeys Radio
From 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




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

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)
- 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; 5 dinners
- Pre-paid Gratuities
- Free Peruvian Tourist Visa upon your arrival in Lima
- Fully escorted from Cusco by SSJ's Tour Director Andrea Mikana-Pinkham & Featured Speaker author and Andean shamanic practitioner Mark Amaru Pinkham
- Excellent bilingual Tour Guide Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona

Special Highlights:
- Travel with Andean shamanic practitioners author Mark Amaru Pinkham, SSJ's Tour Director Andrea Mikana-Pinkham & other spirit-centered people
- Cusco Area: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Coricancha & Tambo Machay, including visits to out-of-the-way ancient sites
- 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 Journeys Extension to Lake Titicaca Includes:
- Travel with other spirit-centered people
- Fully escorted by local excellent bilingual Tour Guide Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona
- 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 hotel
- 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 Muru's Doorway
- Time for meditation at all sacred sites

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, July 3, 2016 by 7:00AM in order to connect with our later morning flight to Cusco.
DEPARTURE: For your departure from the Main Tour on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 OR from the Lake Titicaca Extension on Saturday, July 16, 2016, 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.

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 May 17, 2016. 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: July 3 - 13, 2016 - Per Person, double occupancy, land only (Group of 16):
$2,849.00 - via check or money order
$2,999.00 - via credit card

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 22 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:
$179.00 - via check or money order
$188.00 - via credit card

Important Information Regarding Airfare Pricing: The posted prices above include the price for the domestic airline flights in Peru. However, until the tour is assured to go and we book your airfare, this is a only projected price based on airfares from the past two previous tours in 2014 and 2015. If the pricing increases, you will be billed for the difference. An early registration will assure that the tour will go, and that the flights in Peru can be booked at the budgeted prices. So please reserve your space as soon as possible.