June 13 - 20, 2009 Home | Destinations
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TOUR DESCRIPTION
as He returns to give life for another day to His Children, just as the ancient Incas did when they inhabited the Sanctuary. PLUS, you will have plenty of time to explore on your own! At the sacred sites in and around charming and picturesque Cusco, we will cleanse and enliven our chakras by connecting with the water, earth, fire and air elements and the ancient Eternal Flame of Light that still exists for those that open their hearts to it! At the sacred sites of Pisac & Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas we will soar with the Condors and connect with the elements of water and air. 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! This is not a "rush" tour! Optional Excursion to Lake Titicaca June 20 - 24, 2009
Andrea Mikana-Pinkham is an Andean Shamanic Practitioner and Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition, having received extensive shamanic training from Elders in Peru. She has traveled to Peru over 31 times and led over 26 Sacred Journeys there since 1994, and 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! She has several god-children in Peru and will be honored to introduce you to them and their families! To read In the Arms of the Pachamama,
Dr. Jose (Pepe) Altamirano has worked with Andrea for several years as our Spiritual Tour Guide. He is a Chacaruna, or one who helps others cross to another state of consciousness. He lives in the Cusco/Machu Picchu area of Peru, and is the owner of the tour company that Andrea has worked with for many years in Peru. As the former Director of The National Institute of Culture in Peru, he has met and studied with many of the indigenous Elders, including the Q'ero Elders of the Cusco region, the last remaining descendants of the Incas. He is also the former Director of the National Park of Sacsayhuaman, and the author of Sacsayhuaman: The Most Powerful Temple of the Andean Culture. During the pilgrimage, Pepe will offer traditional Andean
rituals to connect with the Pachamama
BRIEF TOUR ITINERARY Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas and
Machu Picchu Day 1. Saturday, June 13. TOUR BEGINS: Flight Lima to
Cusco, Introductory Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D) Day 5. Wednesday, June 17. To Machu Picchu (B/L) Day 6. Thursday, June 18. Machu Picchu - Sunrise Ceremony, Free Time, Return to Cusco (B) Day 7. Friday, June 19. Free Day in Cusco (B) Day 8. Saturday, June 20. To Lake Titicaca (B/L/D) TOUR ITINERARY Day 1. Saturday, June 13. TOUR BEGINS: Flight Lima to Cusco, Introductory
Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D)
Day 3. Monday, June 15. To Sacred Valley: Pisac and Ollantaytambo (B/L) 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. Or, sit out in the hotel garden and commune with Mama Quilla, the Mother
Moon. Dinner on your own. (Andrea will be available to go with the group to one of the
local restaurants.) Overnight Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Day 8. Saturday, June 20. To Lake Titicaca (B/L/D) Afterwards we
return to the hotel for lunch and time to rest and integrate the morning's powerful
energies. Day 11. Tuesday, June 23. Amantani Island/ Farewell Dinner (B/L/D)  We depart after breakfast for a
full day visit to peaceful Amantani Island, a primitive and picturesque
island on the Lake that has no roads or electricity. Amantani's landscape is dominated by
tiered platforms where potatoes, corn, quinoa and broad beans are cultivated. The textile
industry is the main activity and the garments the islanders manufacture relate to their
daily chores. Women spin the wool from their carefully tended flocks of sheep, and the men
knit the bonnets, stocking, gloves and scarves which are sold by their local co-operative.
Lunch included. The most popular attractions sacred sites on the island are the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachapapa; we will visit one or both of these (time permitting) to commune through meditation and reflection with the powerful energies present here that have been revered for many years by those of the Inca Spiritual Tradition. As the afternoon draws to a close, we board our launch and return across the peaceful waters of the Lake to the shore and on to the hotel. We enjoy our Farewell Dinner tonight, a time to share some of our Sacred Sites Journeys' experiences with each other. Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca. Day 12. Wednesday, June 24. Lake Titicaca/Juliaca/Lima (B) On our last morning at the Mother Lake you have free time to finish packing and/or do any last minute shopping. We check out of the hotel later morning and depart to Juliaca, where we board our flight to Lima, arriving later afternoon/early evening. SSJ Service ends on arrival in Lima. NOTE: Services in Lima can be arranged for later departures on Wednesday, June 24th or the morning of Thursday, June 25th. These include meeting at the airport by our local SSJ bilingual tour representative and transfer to a nearby airport hotel. Transfer back to the airport for your international flight. Please book your international return flight from Lima to depart after 9:00PM. This will give you plenty of time to arrive from Lake Titicaca on your later afternoon flight booked by Sacred Sites Journeys. Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
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 - Arizona Pepe was totally perfect as our Guide. Andrea's enthusiasm and understanding of the places we visited really made the trip. C. Stephens - California 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 Andreas 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, Ohio
Your Sacred Sites Journey to PERU Includes: -Two flights in Peru: 1) Lima/Cusco and 2) Cusco/Lima, or Juliaca/Lima (for those taking the post-tour extension to Lake Titicaca) - Other tour-related transportation in Peru, including bus, rail, and boat - Roundtrip airport/hotel/airport transfers - Luggage handling at hotels - All site entrance fees - First-class hotels, including taxes, service charges & daily buffet breakfast - Other meals, as per the itinerary (see below) - Pre-paid Gratuities - Free Peruvian Tourist Visa upon your arrival in Lima - Fully escorted from Cusco by Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, Director of Sacred Sites - Excellent bilingual Spiritual Tour Guide Dr. Jose (Pepe) Altamirano Special Features - Main Part of Tour - Travel with Andrea Mikana-Pinkham & other spirit-centered people - Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay & Temple of the Moon near Cusco - Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas - 2 days at Machu Picchu - with plenty of free time to explore on your own! - Special Sunrise Ceremony at Machu Picchu - Traditional Andean ceremonies, rituals, and healing sessions with Dr. Jose (Pepe) Altamirano, Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, the Q'ero Elders & other specialists in the Inca Spiritual Tradition - Special Welcome Dinner in Cusco Special Features - Lake Titicaca - Special Solstice Sunrise Ceremony on the shores of Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands - Interdimensional Stargate of Aramu Muru's Doorway, with private meditation time - Temples of the PachaMama and PachaPapa on Amantani Island - Traditional Andean ceremonies, rituals, and healing sessions with Dr. Jose (Pepe) Altamirano, Andrea Mikana-Pinkham, & other specialists in the Inca Spiritual Tradition - Farewell Dinner at Lake Titicaca - Optional: Traditional Coca Leaf Readings (Suggested donation $25 US) - Optional: Fertility Temple - Optional: Spa Facilities and Massage at Lake Titicaca (Pricing to be advised on arrival at the hotel) - All meals included NOT INCLUDED: - Roundtrip international air to Lima, Peru - Airport departure taxes for flights in Peru (approximately $10 - $15) - $31 International departure tax to be paid when you check in for your flight to leave Lima - Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary - Cost to obtain valid passport - Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on the SSJ website, in the tour brochure or final trip itinerary
ARRIVAL: Please arrive in Lima by 6:00AM on Saturday, June 13th in order to connect with the later morning group flight to Cusco booked by Sacred Sites Journeys. DEPARTURE - Saturday, June 20th: Please book your international return flight from Lima to depart after 12:00PM/Noon. This will give you plenty of time to arrive from Cusco on your morning flight booked by Sacred Sites Journeys. DEPARTURE - Wednesday, June 24th: Please book your international return flight from Lima to depart after 9:00PM. This will give you plenty of time to arrive from Lake Titicaca on your later afternoon flight booked by Sacred Sites Journeys.  DISCOUNT!
Make ALL of your payments by check or money order and receive a 3% discount! This discount
is INCLUDED in the prices below listed for this payment option. MAIN TOUR (June 13 - 20, 2009) Per Person, double occupancy, land only: $2,295.00 for payments via check or money order OR $2,366 for payments via credit card Plus: Pre-paid Gratuities: $ 90 for payments via check or money order OR $93 for payments via credit card Single Room Supplement: NOTE: This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the tour. $429 for payments via check or money order OR $442 for payments 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. 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 do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please register early. LAKE TITICACA EXTENSION (June 20 - 24, 2009) Per Person, double occupancy: $699 for payments via check or money order OR $721 for payments via credit card Plus: Pre-paid Gratuities: $50 for payments via check or money order OR $52 for payments via credit card Single Room Supplement: $149 for payments via check or money order OR $154 for payments via credit card
To request a registration form for this Sacred Sites Journey to PERU, email Andrea Mikana-Pinkham at info@SacredSitesJourneys.com or SSJourneys@aol.com at 888 501-3853 This is one of our most popular tours, and is already fillling quickly! Participation is limited to the first 20 people who register. We encourage you to reserve your space early! Registration closes May 22, 2009, or sooner if the tour fills before that date.
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Check in for your flight that has been
booked for you to Cusco by SSJ. 
After our delicious buffet breakfast we
depart to visit the most important sacred sites in the Cusco area, with time for
meditation. Our first stop is Sacsayhuaman, where you will see some of
the most amazing Inca architecture - walls made of giant megalithic stones, fitted
together perfectly without any mortar! 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.
Sacsayhuaman was the puma's head, and the zigzag walls at this amazing site represent the
teeth, as well as the path of the lightning, a revered earth elemental for the Incas. This
was also a 
sacred temple for
enlivening the Kundalini, or spiritual energies. Pepe, who is the former director of the
National Park of Sacsayhuaman, and author of a brochure about the site, will guide us
through many of the out-of-the-way sacred areas of the site, offering time for meditation
to align with these dynamic energies that are still very palpable here. At the Eternal
Flame of Light that has burned here for millennia we will connect with the Light
within ourselves to enliven our Kundalini, or personal spiritual energy.
Afterwards we will receive
a traditional Incan blessing from Q'ero Elder Don Mariano and his apprentices,
ritual specialists who are among some of the last remaining descendents of the Incas. They
will perform a despacho (traditional ceremonial offering to the Pachamama),
during which we will be invited to focus our intentions for our sacred journey. They will
also pray to the Apus (sacred mountains) to bless each of us.
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. We drive into the hills to the ancient solar observatory at Pisac
and enter the site through the ancient Temple of the Condor. Pepe and
Andrea will lead the group in a sacred ceremony to invoke within us the power of
the Condor, totem of the Hanan Pacha, the Upper World. We then 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 Pepe. 
Pablo and Marilú
Seminario are dedicated to preserving the Inca art in combination with contemporary art by
sculpting the red clay found in the Sacred Valley. Their house-cum-workshop is a center of
learning for the workers who make up the workshop, mostly locals who are part of the
intensely creative dynamics directed by the couple. Some of their art has recently been
included in the collection of Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. They will greet
us, show us a short video about their over eighteen years of work here in the Valley,
and then give us a guided
tour of the studio, where we will see dozens of local people at work. Last stop is the
showroom, where you will be able to purchase wall art, as well as cups, saucers, pitchers,
vases, incense burners, tiles and many other decorative and utilitarian items for your
home, office, or for gifts. Not to worry; you can have them all shipped safely home and
they'll arrive in perfect shape. (Major credit cards accepted)
After breakfast we walk from the hotel
to the nearby sacred site of Ollantaytambo, also known as the Sanctuary
of the Wind, 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! First, we visit the royal fountains and
perform a shamanic energy cleansing ceremony, using Unu, the
Water element. Then we walk beside a nearby gurgling stream to an area of the site that is
not visited by many people - the Temple of the Condor, where we have time for individual meditation.
We then walk up to the main altar area of the temple, where we receive our blessings from Wayra,
the Wind element that is the guardian of the site.
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. 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 City of the Condor and recently voted one of
the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You're finally here, at one of the
most mysterious and sacred places on earth! Pepe will guide our group through the site to
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. In one of the temples he will offer an optional
ceremony to further open your Third Eye, Inca style!
We return to Machu Picchu in
the early morning to greet the sun in our special Sunrise Ceremony
facilitated by Andrea, just as the Incas did each day in the ancient past. We gather in an
area that is not visited by many tourists, where we will be able to see Taytay Inti (Father
Sun) as He peeks over the surrounding Apus. Open your arms! Open your heart! Receive the
healing energies into your body, mind, and spirit! Remember yourself as one of the Intic
Churincuna, Children of the Sun!
Afterwards at one
of the nearby sacred shrines, we will "fly with the Condors"! Then you have plenty
of free time for the the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Maybe climb the
towering peak of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) to look down on the
City of the Condor from above. Or, hike half way up and then around to the side of the
peak to the Temple of the Moon, a powerful feminine energy vortex, to
meditate in the small cave, the womb of the Pachamama. Or return to Aguas Calientes and
rest, relax and/or shop at the local market. Lunch on your own. 
Take the day to rest, relax and
explore more of the city on your own. Perhaps you'd like to finish
off your shopping for
gift-giving. There are many colorful and fun markets from which to choose. Or maybe you'd
like to visit the Coricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun,
which was the center of the Inca's spiritual activities for the entire country. Or there
are many musems and art galleries to visit. Restaurants for dining, some with musicians
and dancers, some quiet and out of the way. (Andrea will be available for suggestions.)
After breakfast we check out of
the hotel and depart via bus south along the sacred Urubamba River,
through the
altiplano, or high plains.
(Note: Depending on the size of the group, we will either travel by private bus or first
class tourist bus). We stop at the Temple of Wiracocha, believed by some
experts to be one of the most important of Peru's ancient temples! Box Lunch provided. We
continue south through Puno, port city on Lake Titicaca, to the nearby
quiet village of Chucuito, arriving early evening at our hotel
overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Titicaca. We are now in the heart of the Andean
feminine energy, the powerful MamaCocha (Mother Lake). Group dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Chucuito/Lake Titicaca.
We arise today before the
first rays of the sun appear on the horizon, on this most sacred day in the indigenous
Andean World - Winter Solstice, the time when the ancient Incas believed Taytay
Inti, Father Sun returned from his long winter's sleep to bless the earth and her
people with another year of life…..a very joyous event! We gather in the garden of
the hotel, where Pepe and Andrea will lead our sacred ceremony to connect
with the Sun in order to truly know ourselves as Children of the Sun. 
legends say that this extraordinary
power object was brought to the Andes many thousands of years ago by the sages Aramu Muru
and Arama Mara. The high frequency energy that it emitted could elevate the energy of any
person or object that came within its energy field, to induce healing on all levels. The
Spanish chroniclers recorded that they actually saw it in the Temple of the Sun in Cusco
when they arrived, but that shortly afterwards it disappeared. Stories abound as to where
the Incas took it, where it is today, and what its role is during the Pachacuti, the New
Sunrise. Many people believe that it was taken to Lake Titicaca, where it resides today on
etheric levels, energetically calling serious spiritual seekers to come and connect with
its powerful energies. Will you pledge to become a Chakaruna, a "Bridge Person"
who will share the loving and transformative energies of the Solar Disc, to help elevate
consciousness on our planet?
After breakfast we travel
by bus to the shores of the Lake where we board our private launch and motor out onto the
tranquil waters of the MamaCocha 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 we 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, we have an opportunity
to visit their homes and get to know them a bit. As well we can support their meager
existence by purchasing their richly colored hand embroidered tapestries, pillow covers,
and other handicrafts. And we'll take a short 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.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon you have
free time to rest, relax and enjoy the following optional activities (cost not
included in tour package). 1) Use the Spa Facilities: dry or wet sauna,
Jacuzzi, massage. 2) Experience a traditional Andean Coca Leaf Reading
with a local ritual specialist who reads the coca leaves to answer questions about health,
career, relationship, etc. 3) Walk across the highway to the nearby ancient pre-Incan Fertility
Temple. Focus and meditate on your creativity to birth a new idea, project, etc.
4) Enjoy a walking meditation using the labyrinth that is laid out in the
hotel gardens (Andrea available for instructions) 5) Take a taxi into Puno
to visit some of the local sites and/or shop in the marketplace.
Doorway. Ancient legend says that it was here that the sage Aramu Muru left the
third dimension as he walked through the Doorway, never to return in physical body. 
His consort Arama Mara
still lies over the Doorway, forever guarding this sacred site and inviting seekers to
come and experience the palpable energies. Upon arrival in the area we first sit in
the Inca's Sun Seat that faces the Lake to connect with its nurturing
feminine energies. Then you have the option to walk along the back of the Puma/Serpent
rock formation. Afterwards we reboard the bus and drive to the Doorway. After
preparing for our meditation using traditional Andean ritual, one by one
we stand in the male and female "tubes" on either side of the Doorway to balance
our energies, then enter the main portal where we have time for individual meditation to
connect with the energies of Unconditional Love. 
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY:
In the afternoon we will take part in an art project with local children from
the outlying rural areas around the Lake who will be brought to the hotel. This is an
opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important is
to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in our life.....and how visualizing your
dreams in this way and keeping them near you while you sleep helps your dreams come true.
Using fabric paints and markers, the children will decorate a pillowcase with their name
and a drawing that represents their dreams for the future. Each child will leave with a
Dream Pillow. So, bring your loving and creative self and let's give these children an
experience that can affect them very positively for years to come. (Translators will be
available to assist you. And remember, smiles and hugs need no words, only the language of
the heart!)