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A Spiritual Journey and Shamanic Retreat at Machu Picchu, Cusco, The Sacred Valley of the Incas November 5 - 16, 2026 Optional Post-Tour Extension to Lake Titicaca November 16th - 20th Download the Registration Form - SSJ-Peru-SpiritualPilgrimage-November2026 Questions? Email Andrea at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com , or call our office at 928 284-1429. Home | About Us | Why Travel with Sacred Sites Journeys The Power of Travel to Transform Our Lives | When to Register Astrology | Books by Mark Amaru Pinkham The Order and Mystery School of the Seven Rays Custom Journeys Arranged For You by Sacred Sites Journeys Sign Up - Free Newsletter | Links | Contact Us
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![]() TOUR DESCRIPTION
During this important transformative period on Earth certain areas on our planet Featured Speaker, Shamanic Teacher: Author Mark Amaru Pinkham ![]() Andean Ritual Specialist & Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition Founder/Director of The Order and Mystery School of the Seven Rays Co-Founder of Sacred Sites Journeys Mark Amaru Pinkham is a trained Andean ritual specialist 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 ritual specialist/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. 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 Mark Amaru is the Founder, Director and Teacher of The Order and Mystery School of the Seven Rays. Additionally he is the author of nine books about the secret mysteries of many ancient civilizations, including that of the Andes. His well-known popular classic The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom has recently been revised and expanded. It contains information about many of the ancient Andean wisdom teachings. For more information about Mark Amaru's books and research, visit Books by Mark Amaru Pinkham. Speaker, Meditation Facilitator & Tour Director: Andrea Mikana-Pinkham
Andean Ritual Specialist & Mesa Carrier in the Inca Spiritual Tradition 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. In addition to her ongoing research in Peru and elsehwere, Andrea is a teacher in the The Seven Rays Order and Mystery School. A Message from Andrea: During the past 30+ years that I've been traveling and taking groups to Peru I've explored and studied the ancient sites with an eye to their megalithic construction. I've come to the conclusion that the sites in and around Cusco, in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were not built by the Incas, but by an ancient worldwide pre-flood civilization that possessed an advanced stonework technology. We'll visit these sites and examine them regarding this theory. I'll also support you to take time there to explore on your own, as well as to reflect among these ancient ruins to connect with their powerful palpable energies. I've worked with quite a few different tour guides over the many years I've been working in Peru. For this journey I've chosen Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona as our guide. See below for more information about him. Also, during my time in Peru I've developed an extensive network of hotel and restaurant owners, artisans and craftspeople who will help me to make your journey one that you will treasure for the rest of your life! Here's a short article that I wrote about my first experience at Machu Picchu way back in 1993! I hope you enjoy it! Journey to Machu Picchu - A Transformational Adventure in Peru MA, Anthropology - National University of Villarreal, Lima BA, Anthropology - National University of San Antonio Abad, Cusco Oscar is pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Archaeology. Andean Ritual Specialist in the Inca Spiritual Tradition Initiate of The Order & Mystery School of the Seven Rays Oscar is the descendant of the INKA YAWAR HUACA, the 7th ruler of the Kingdom of Cuzco and the 2nd registered to bear the title of Sapa Inca, the monarch of the Inca Empire. He developed his mystical and energetic abilities through this ancient inheritance, living what it means to be a descendant of an Inka. He shares his sacred mystical knowledge about all the spiritual traditions of the Andean world and his knowledge as an Anthropologist and Archaeologist as well. He has studied and participated in the sacred initiations in the Inca Spiritual Tradition for more than 20 years, working with the Q'ero brothers and sisters. As a a Licensed Tour Guide, he shares the original knowledge of the Andes, and offers initiations and energy work as well. Oscar has worked with Andrea and Mark Amaru on past Sacred Sites Journeys. 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 unique approach to our research and spiritual approach to life. ![]() Maestro Matias Quispe Chura He was born in the community of Challmachimpana of Hatun Q'ero, the last Ayllu Inka in the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. Master Matias is a very sensitive person, with a big heart and a lot of wisdom. He shares his unique vision and culture when teaching others. He is one of the oldest people in his community and one of its last teachers. Master Matias is a traditional teacher who works with energy and both the physical and non-physical elements. ![]() Maestro Francisco Quispe Chura He was born in the Chaucha community of Hatun Q'ero, Ayllu Inka in the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. Master Francisco is a very simple person, but with strong energetic powers. He works with the bands of power, or the CHUMPI, of the head and waist. He uses a lot of energetic force, especially when working with the tissues in these areas. His work helps make a person's bands of power stronger, and to endow them with both balance and perserverence. The effort that he puts into his work, whether it's working with a thing, a place or a circumstance, is to help make positive changes in the associated person's life. This is part of Andean mythology/spiritual tradition which comes from his ancestors. It is related to the myth of the INKARI, which teaches the right way of putting forth effort and then receiving the fruit of what is asked for in a person's life. ![]() Maestro Juan Quispe Calcina He was born in the community of Cochamocco Hatun Q'ero, the last Ayllu Inka in the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. Master Juan is a person who has a special connection with the stars and those ancient tutelary Gods who oversee the telluric forces and cosmic energies that come from the Milky Way, the Stars of Abundance, the qolcas or the Pleiades. He is a chosen Master who shares the teachings of the Andean spiritual tradition. ![]() Maestro Cecilio Apaza Vargas He was born in the community of Collpacuchu Hatun Q'ero, Ayllu Inca in the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. Master Cecilio uses the energies of his hands to call forth the spirits that govern life on Earth. He is recognized in his community for delivering newborn children. As one of the last midwives, he treats and cares for the new child, while overseeing the entire process of welcoming it to its new life. For adults he births new processes and/or opportunities into their life. He is a teacher who will give you both his teachings and a lot of energy to produce a spiritual renewal in your life. ![]() Maestro Luis Quispe He was born in the community of Hatun Q'ero, Ayllu Inca in the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. Master Luis is a person who connects with the Apus and The Pachamama in rituals for health, work and love. His prayers and invocations call forth the energies of Mother Earth, including those of the Apus, the mountains, which provide much healing and empowering energy to our planet. He is a person prepared to teach the oldest traditions of the Andes and to share the wisdom of Earth's terrestrial powers. ![]() IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! We won't be offering another SSJ to PERU for several years, so please join our 2026 group! Download the Registration Form - SSJ-Peru-SpiritualJourneyShamanicRetreat-Nov2026 Questions? Email Andrea at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com , or call our office at 928 284-1429. ![]() TOUR ITINERARY MAIN TOUR - A Spiritual Journey and Shamanic Retreat at Machu Picchu, Cusco & The Sacred Valley of the Incas November 5 - 16, 2026 With Author Mark Amaru Pinkham, SSJ's Director Andrea Mikana-Pinkham and Tour Guide Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona Day 1. Thursday, November 5. Arrive Peru; Flight Lima/Cusco; Group Meeting & Welcome Dinner (D) ![]() Main Plaza in Cusco Please book your international flight to Lima to arrive by 9:00AM local time this morning, in order to connect with the early afternoon 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 in Lima 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 before Thursday, November 5th. 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 the next morning, with assistance checking in for the flight to Cusco. To Be Announced Depart Lima on your flight to Cusco. To Be Announced Arrive Cusco. Pick up your checked luggage. Exit the terminal. Andrea and Mark will meet you outside the terminal. Transfer to the hotel. Check in. You have free time to rest and relax to adjust to the change in altitude from sea level to over 11,000 ft. 6:00PM Group Welcome Meeting at the hotel with Mark Amaru, Andrea and Oscar. 7:00PM Welcome Dinner with the group at the hotel. Overnight Cusco. San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. https://www.sanagustineldorado.com/en/ Day 2. Friday, November 6. Group Meeting/Presentation by Mark Amaru Pinkham: Ancient Mysteries of the Andes - Part 1; Temple of the Sun; Mercedes Art Gallery & More; Sacsayhuaman (B/L)
Temple of the Sun, Replica of the Solar Disc
Ancient precision-engineered pre-Inca stonework at the Coricancha!
Sacsayhuaman Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM 9:00AM Group Meeting Presentation by Mark Amaru: Ancient Mysteries of the Andes - Part 1 10:30AM Visit the Coricancha ("corral of gold), the Inca Temple of the Sun. 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. 12:30PM Lunch at Inka Mixtura restaurant, in the hills overlooking Cusco! Excellent food and views! 1:30PM Visit Arte Mercedes, the next-door shop/gallery of Mercedes and Luis, Andrea and Mark's longtime family; we're godparents to their daughter Emeralda. Here you'll be able to choose your power animal amulet. There are also offerings of amazing visionary art, as well as shamanic power tools and many crystals and other gemstones...and much, much more! 3:00PM Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of 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 hill of Sacsayhuaman was the head. The zigzag walls here 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. 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. Includes a Meditation with Andrea and Mark Amaru 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! 5:30PM Return to hotel. You have free time. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Cusco. San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. Day 3. Saturday, November 7. Q'enko and Inkill Tambo; To Sacred Valley: Check in at Retreat Center; Group Meeting/Presentation by Mark Amaru Pinkham: Ancient Mysteries of the Andes - Part 2; Teachings from the Q'ero Masters (B/L/D)
Q'enko
Inkill Tambo Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM 8:30AM Check out of the hotel and depart to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 9:00AM Visit Q'enko as we leave Cusco. This was a major, enigmatic Incan ceremonial site which was likely used for rituals, mummification, and astronomical observation during the 15th century. The site served as a vital huaca (sacred place) for agricultural fertility rites and sacrifices to the Sun, Moon, and stars. And it was a key location for the Inca elite to connect with the underworld (Ukhupacha) and the present world (Kaypacha). Known as a "labyrinth" or "zigzag" for its carved channels, it features a large, natural limestone outcrop, meticulously carved with zigzagging channels, subterranean, labyrinth-like chambers, and a 19-niche amphitheater. Carvings of animals representing the Andean cosmos - the puma, condor, and snake - are found at the complex. Next we'll take a short hike through the eucalyptus forest to Inkill Tambo, a nearby significant, but lesser-known Inca archaeological site and huaca. Built around 1420 - 1438CE, this "garden resting place" features agricultural terraces, carved megalithic granite structures, and underground channels. 11:00AM Continue to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to our Retreat Center, located on sacred land near Urubamba, and our home for four nights. Check in. 1:00PM Lunch with the group at retreat center. Afterwards take some time time to rest, relax and integrate. 3:00PM Group Meeting Presentation by Mark Amaru: Ancient Mysteries of the Andes - Part 2 4:00 - 6:30PM Ritual with the Q'eros: HAMPI KARPAY Healer's Ritual The Q'ero Master will offer original teachings of the Andean Spiritual Tradition in a ritual of passage or initiation. During this session he will teach you how to use the healing powers of herbs, tones, incense, white corn and condor feathers. He will demonstrate how to use the right and left hands for healing. Also he will show you how to make an offering, and to call the nature spirits and elements. Being connected to this ancient authentic lineage of healers will enhance your own ability to heal, both yourself and others as well. This ritual will be done in a place of energy and connection with The Pachamama - Mother Earth. 7:00PM Dinner with the group at retreat center. Overnight Urubamba/Yanahuara. Intiterra Apartment Hotel Villas. https://intiterra-boutique.cuzco-hotels.com/ Day 4. Sunday, November 8. Sacred Valley: Group Meeting/Presentation by Mark Amaru Pinkham: The Lemurian and Andean Order of the Seven Rays; Urco; Optional Initiation into The Order & Mystery School of the Seven Rays; Teachings from the Q'ero Masters (B/L/D) ![]() The Order & Mystery School of The Seven Rays
![]() Urco 7:00AM Optional Morning Stretching and Meditation Class with Mark Amaru 8:00AM Breakfast 9:00AM Group Meeting Presentation by Mark Amaru - The Lemurian and Andean Order of the Seven Rays 10:30AM We're off to the ancient site of Urco, a notable, but rarely-visited ceremonial and archaeological site near Calca. The site is specifically tied to the worship of water and fertility. There is a large stone with a carved channel that leads to a head of what appears to be a frog. The small channel surrounding the enormous rock once carried water that was brought down from the mountain via a canal. This mysterious carved rock is yet another example of the veneration of rock sanctuaries by the Inca people. Includes a Meditation/Ritual with Mark Amaru, Andrea and Oscar to connect with the amazing energies of this ancient sacred site. Optional Initiation into The Order and Mystery School of the Seven Rays with Mark Amaru, Andrea and Oscar (Pricing not included in the tour package; additional $25.00) 12:30PM Return to the retreat center. 1:00PM Lunch with the group at retreat center. Afterwards take some time time to rest, relax and integrate. 4:00 - 6:30PM Ritual with the Q'eros: CHUMPI KARPAY Ritual of the Bands of Power The Q'ero master will offer you an initiation, a transfer of energy from his authentic lineage, sharing with you the powers with the CHUMPI or the etheric ceremonial belt, similar to the aura. This activates the three bands of power to make you stronger energetically, and to enhance your protection as well. You will be given teachings and practices of how use the powers and the meaning of carrying the chumpi. He will share with you the knowledge of the three levels of the power: upper or patakijllu, middle or chaupikijllu and lower or uraykijllu. This ritual will be done in a place of energy and connection with The Pachamama - Mother Earth. 7:30PM Dinner with the group at retreat center. Overnight Urubamba/Yanahuara. Intiterra Apartment Hotel Villas. Day 5. Monday, November 9. Sacred Valley: Inca Misana; Group Meeting/Presentation by Mark Amaru Pinkham: Andean Shamanism; Teachings from the Q'ero Masters (B/L/D)
The Inca Misana 8:00AM Breakfast 9:30AM Depart to visit the ancient site of the Inca Misana (Inca Altar). It's also known as Naupa Iglesia (very old church). Local people often call it Choquequilla (golden moon), in veneration by the Incas of the the moon. It's most likely that the Incas found this ancient site hidden away in the mountains and adapted it for their use. There is an an aqueduct carved in the mountain rock face, small stairways and double jamb niches or false openings. The top of the main stonework used to have a carved conical bulge that could have been an Intihuatana (Hitching Post of the Sun), possibly making its later use by the Incas a complex solar observatory used to measure the sun variations during the year as well as for fixing solstices and equinoxes. Or was this the purpose for which the original builders constructed it, and the Incas just inherited it? Includes a Meditation/Ritual with Mark Amaru, Andrea and Oscar to connect with the amazing energies of this ancient sacred site. Noon Return to the retreat center. 1:00PM Lunch with the group. Free time to rest, relax and integrate the energies. 3:30PM Group Meeting Presentation by Mark Amaru - Andean Shamanism 4:45 - 6:45PM Ritual with the Q'eros: CHASKA KARPAY Ritual to the Guardian of the Stars The Q'ero Master will offer this ancient ritual of passage to the group at night. He will call the spirits of the stars, to give assist him with his teachings. He will share his lineage teachings about the stars and planets - qoyllurs and chaskas - that assist you by lighting your way on your spiritual path or nuna nan. 7:00PM Dinner with the group at retreat center. Overnight Urubamba/Yanahuara. Intiterra Apartment Hotel Villas. Teachings from the Q'ero Masters (B/L/D)
Ollantaytambo 7:00AM Optional Morning Stretching and Meditation Class with Mark Amaru 8:00AM Breakfast 9:00AM Visit to Ollantaytambo Also known as the Sanctuary of the Wind, the site was found by the Incas and used as a fortress/temple. It's one of the most impressive in Peru, both for its unique history as one of the only places where the Incas defeated the Spanish, but also as for the great mysteries of its pre-Inca megalithic construction! Includes Condor Meditation/Initiation with Andrea & Mark Amaru We'll 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 to connect with the Condor, the powerful Totem of the Hanan Pacha, the Upper World, which symbolizes our own Higher Wisdom. 12:00PM Return to retreat center 1:00PM Lunch with the group at the retreat center. Free time to rest, relax and integrate the energies. 4:00 - 6:30PM Ritual with the Q'eros: PAMPA MISAYOQ - The Guardian of The Earth You will have the auspicious opportunity to become a Yachaqcuna, one who has learned to make your own offerings. You will have the support of all the Q'ero masters for this final rite. They will perform the WESKA OFFERING (CLOSING OFFERING), the most important of all these rituals. Likewise they will consecrate their altars of power, quartz and energetic stones (like the jiwayas, or female and male meteorites)and various different amulets. Throughout this final process they will use coca leaf incense, natural perfumes and will close with ancient sacred words. 7:30PM Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Urubamba/Yanahuara. Intiterra Apartment Hotel Villas. Day 7. Wednesday, November 11. To Machu Picchu: 1st Entrance (B/L)
6:00AM Breakfast 7:00AM Depart to the train station in nearby Ollantaytambo 8:00AM Depart on the Vista Dome train to Machu Picchu 9:30AM Arrive at Aguas Calientes, the small village at the base of Machu Picchu. Check in at the hotel. Free time to explore the tourist market, shops and more in this small town at the foot of Peru's most famous sacred site! 12:00PM Buffet Lunch at Toto's House. 1:30 Board the bus up to Machu Picchu 2:00PM Entrance into Machu Picchu! You've finally arrived at this ancient place of your dreams! At 8,000 ft. you're at one of the most mysterious ancient places on our planet! During our guided tour with Oscar we'll visit the Temples of the Sun & Moon, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, the world-famous center of the site - the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun, and the Pachamama Rock. 4:00PM Return on the bus to Aguas Calientes. Return to the hotel. 6:00PM Puma Meditation/Initiation with Andrea & Mark Amaru at the hotel to assist you to connect with the energies of the Puma, the totem animal of the Third World in the Inca Spiritual Tradition. This powerful animal teaches us how to live in the physical plane, our 3-D world. Free time. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Aguas Calientes. Hotel Terazza de Luna. https://hotelterrazadeluna.wixsite.com/machupicchu Day 8. Thursday, November 12. Machu Picchu: AM - Free Time; PM - 2nd Entrance (B/D) ![]() Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM You have free time this morning. Enjoy a massage. Visit the local hot springs for a good long soak. Shop in the tourist market. OR, just chill! Lunch is on your own 1:30PM Board the bus to return to Machu Picchu 2:00PM We enter the ancient sanctuary of Machu Picchu for more exploration of this mysterious, majestic and magical ancient sanctuary of The Light! 4:00PM Return on bus to Aguas Calientes and our hotel. 6:00PM Amaru/Serpent Meditation/Initiation with Andrea and Mark Amaru at the hotel 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! 7:30PM Group "Farewell to Machu Picchu" dinner with the group tonight at one of the most popular local restaurants - a perennial favorite of our groups! Overnight Aguas Calientes. Hotel Terazza de Luna. Day 9. Friday, November 13. Depart Machu Picchu; Chinchero; Return to Cusco (B/L) ![]() Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM 9:00AM Check out of hotel. 9:30AM Depart walking to the train station 10:55AM Board the Vista Dome train to return to Ollantaytambo 12:30PM Arrive Ollantaytambo. Transfer to our bus and drive to Urubamba. 1:00PM Buffet Lunch in Urubamba 2:30PM Depart to visit Chinchero This small village is renowne 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 Kuichy, the rainbow. Includes a Meditation with Andrea and Mark Amaru. 4:30PM Continue to Cusco. 5:30PM Arrive Cusco. Check into the hotel. Free time. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Cusco. San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. Day 10. Saturday, November 14. To Quillarumiyoc; Return to Cusco. (B/Box Lunch) ![]() Moon Stone at Quillarumiyoc Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM 9:00AM Depart to Quillarumiyoc 11:00AM Arrive and visit Quillarumiyoc We visit this little-known ancient site that contains walls, buildings, fountains, a cave and its centerpiece, the Moonstone. This is a large limestone boulder bearing a half moon carving with seven indentations. Some local researchers believe these were carved to show the phases of the moon, thus the Quechua name Quillarumiyoc, "moon stone". Others say that it was an Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the worship of water and, more importantly, to the moon goddess Quilla. The Moonstone is still used by the local ritual specialists in the Inca Spiritual Tradition to honor the moon. Nothing like this, carved with such an amazing degree of precision, is found anywhere else in Peru! It's possible that it's from pre-Inca times. This is considered by some researchers to be a molded stone formation which is estrmated to be over 100,000 years old! Includes a Meditation/Ritual with Mark Amaru, Andrea & Oscar. Afterwards we depart to Cusco. Arrive back at our hotel later afternoon. Free time. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Cusco. San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. Day 11. Sunday, November 15. Free Day in Cusco; Farewell Dinner (B/D) ![]() Breakfast at your leisure; begins at 6:00AM You have free time today to explore Cusco on your own. Lunch is on your own. 7:00PM Farewell Dinner with the group at the hotel. Overnight Cusco. San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. Day 12. Monday, November 16. Depart Cusco Today (B) For Those Taking the MAIN TOUR Only/Departing Cusco Today Time to be announced Depart from the hotel to the airport. Time to be announced Arrive at the airport; assistance checking in for your return flight to Lima. Time to be announced Depart Cusco on your flight to Lima. Time to be announced Arrive Lima. Sacred Sites Journeys service ends on arrival in Lima. This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. Continue scrolling for information about the Post-Tour Optional Excursion to Lake Titicaca OR Download the Registration Form - SSJ-Peru-SpiritualJourneyShamanicRetreat-Nov2026 Questions? Email Andrea at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com , or call our office at 928 284-1429. ![]() Optional Post-Tour Extension to LAKE TITICACA: November 16 - 20, 2026 Escorted by our Cusco Guide Oscar Andy Atayupanqui Gaona and local Puno Tour Guides Andrea and Mark will not be on this optional post-tour Extension.
Uros Islands Breakfast at your leisure. Begins at 6:00AM 8:00AM Check out of the hotel and depart to the Uros Islands. The Uros Floating Islands are made entirely of the totora reed that grows in the Lake and named after the Uros people who inhabit them. You'll 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. You can support their meager existence by purchasing some of their richly colored hand embroidered tapestries, pillow covers, and other handicrafts. And you'll be able to take a short optional reed boat ride out on the Lake, a peaceful time to relax and take in the powerful energies of the MamaCocha, the Mother Lake. (Small additional donation to the islanders.) Continue to Copacabana and cross the border into Bolivia. Lunch with the group along the way. Time to be announced Arrive and check into hotel. Free time. Time to be announced Dinner with the group. Overnight Copacabana. Rosario Hotel. Day 14. Wednesday, November 18. Islands of the Sun and Moon (B/L/D)
Island of the Sun
Island of the Moon Breakfast at your leisure. Begins at 6:00AM Time to be announced Depart to visit the Island of the Sun and the Island of the Moon. Our first stop is the Island of the Sun, the birthplace of the Inca Empire. Legend says that darkness covered the land and the waters. From Lake Titicaca rose Father Sun, Taytay Inti, to bring life to Mother Earth, Pachamama. When Father Sun saw that humans were living no better than animals he sent his son, Manco Capac (Aramu Muru), and his daughter Mama Ocllo (Arama Mara), to rule and teach the people. These two became the founders of the Inca royal dynasty. Upon arrival we hike past small farms, through a series of gateways that are part of an ancient pilgrimage route. We follow the Inca steps where water from a natural spring runs through three stone channels. The water is said to cure ailments and bring longevity. The three stone channels represent the three commandments of Inca life: Don't Lie, Don't Steal, and Don't Be Lazy. We end our walk at the Sun Temple Complex, an amazing sacred site that includes the remains of a labyrinth structure, a ceremonial table, and the Puma Rock. Here we have time for individual meditation to connect with these palpable ancient energies. We return to the boat and continue our way on the Mama Cocha (Mother Lake) to the Island of the Moon, a very peaceful island surrounded by clear aquamarine water, with views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountain range, and the powerful Apu Illampu in the distance. We visit the site of an Inca temple, the Acllahuasi, the House of the Chosen Women, or Virgins of the Sun, and one of the most powerful centers of feminine energy on the planet today! We have time for individual meditation to connect with our Inner Female and Her qualities of love, allowance, compassion, and forgiveness. We returm to the boat and continue back to the mainland and our hotel. Time to be announced Dinner with the group. Overnight Copacabana. Rosario Hotel. Day 15. Thursday, November 19. Aramu Muru's Doorway; Return to Puno; Farewell Dinner (B/L/D)
![]() L to R: Aramu Muru's Doorway, Meditation at Aramu Muru's Doorway, Aramu Muru & Arama Mara, the Solar Disc Disc Breakfast at your leisure. Begins at 6:00AM Time to be announced Check out of hotel and depart back to Puno. Stop at Aramu Muru's Doorway, one of the most rarely-visited mysterious destinations in the world! Ancient Andean 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. For your individual meditation time, first stand in the "tubes" on either side of the Doorway, energy vortexes with one spinning clockwise and the other counterclockwise, to balance your 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 to absorb the psychic energies that are very palpable here. Perhaps this could have been the place where Aramu Muru placed the Solar Disc to "open" the door, allowing him to pass through? Return to Puno and check into the hotel. You have free time to rest, relax and integrate the energies. 7:30PM Group Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Puno/Lake Titicaca. Hotel Casona Plaza. Day 16. Friday, November 20. Lake Titicaca/Juliaca Flight to Lima (B) Breakfast at your leisure. Begins at 6:00AM Time To Be Announced Check out of hotel and transfer to the airport in Juliaca. Time To Be Announced Arrive and check for your return flight to Lima. Time To Be Announced Arrive Lima. Sacred Sites Journeys service ends on arrival in Lima. This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. ![]() TOUR INCLUSIONS Your Sacred Sites Journey to PERU (Main Tour) Includes: - Two domestic flights: 1) Lima/Cusco/Lima OR 2) Cusco/Lima/ and Juliaca/Lima if you take the Lake Titicaca extension) - Free Peruvian Tourist Visa - 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 - Other meals: 7 lunches; 1 box lunch; 7 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 Mark Amaru Pinkham - Excellent bilingual Tour Guide Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona Special Highlights (Main Tour): - Travel with other like-minded people - Presentations on the Ancient Mysteries of Peru and Andean Shamanism by Featured Speaker author Mark Amaru Pinkham - Traditional Andean rituals with the Q'ero Elders, Mark Amaru Pinkham, Andrea Mikana-Pinkham and Oscar Atayupanqui Gaona - Cusco & Surrounding Area: Temple of the Sun (Coricancha), Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Inkill Tambo - Sacred Valley of the Incas: Urco, Inca Misana, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero - Machu Picchu: 2 days, with meditations and time to explore on your own! - Anta Province, near Cusco: Quillarumiyoc - Special Welcome and Farewell Dinners NOT INCLUDED - Main Tour: - Roundtrip international air to/from 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 as being part of the Land Package. Your Sacred Sites Journeys Extension to Lake Titicaca Includes: - Travel with other like-minded people - Fully escorted by local excellent bilingual Tour Guides - 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 - Other meals: 4 lunches, 4 dinners - Pre-paid Gratuities - Free Bolivian Tourist Visa Special Highlights - Lake Titicaca Extension: - Travel with other like-minded people - In PERU: Andahuaylillas, Rachq, Pukara, Uros Islands, Aramu Muru's Doorway - In BOLIVIA: Islands of the Sun and Moon NOT INCLUDED - Lake Titicaca Extension: : - Roundtrip international air to/from 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 as being part of the Land Package. Continue scrolling for information about the TOUR PRICING OR Download the Registration Form - SSJ-Peru-SpiritualJourneyShamanicRetreat-Nov2026 Questions? Email Andrea at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com , or call our office at 928 284-1429. ![]() IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! Our Sacred Sites Journeys are smoke-free sacred travel experiences. All forms of tobacco, as well as e-cigarettes are not allowed at any time. Thanks for your cooperation. ![]() TOUR PRICING All pricing listed is in U.S. Dollars. This Sacred Sites Journey to PERU is a LAND ONLY Sacred Travel Package. You are responsible to book your international flights to and from Lima, Peru. Once you're advised that the trip is a "go", i.e. that we've reached our group minimum of 10 people, please make your airline arrangements according to the information in the itinerary posted here on this webpage. NOTE: 1) If you have any questions about booking your international flights, please email Andrea Mikana-Pinkham at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com 2) After your international air is booked and in case you need to arrive in Lima before Thursday, November 5th, we can refer you to the local family-owned airport hotel that we've used with our groups in Peru since 1994. You'll be able to book pre-tour services with via their website (in English). Services include: meeting on arrival 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 Thursday, November 5th to check in for your flight to Cusco. MAIN TOUR (November 5 - 16, 2026): $4,379.00 Per Person, double occupancy, land only (Group of 10) (This price includes two domestic flights in Peru; see below **) Payment to be made via check, bank wire or Zelle (for US residents only) For those who live outside the USA, you also have the option to send the funds from your bank account or using a credit card via websites such as www.TransferWise or www.xe.com or others you may choose. Any fees that are applied for using these websites are your responsibility. ** NOTE: A price of $270.00 per person for the two domestic flights in Peru - LIM/CUS and CUS/LIM - has been used to calculate the pricing posted here for the Main Tour. An additional amount of $120.00 per person for the return flight from Juliaca to Lima for those who take the optional excursion to Lake Titicaca has been used to calculate the pricing posted here. Should the price for the flight tickets increase, that additional amount will be passed on to the passenger. Once we reach our minimum of 10 people needed to operate this journey, we'll book the tickets for these flights. Please register as soon as possible in order to keep the current price for the tickets. MAIN TOUR Single Room Supplement: $449.00 Payment to be made via check, bank wire or Zelle (for US residents only) NOTE: The Single Room Supplement applies ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the main tour. ROOMMATES: We will be happy to try to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a twin-bedded room. Per our Terms and Conditions provided with our Registration Form, registration for the tour will be held open until approximately 30 days before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate the possibility of your being matched with a roommate. Post-Main Tour Extension to LAKE TITICACA (November 16 - 20, 2026): $1,279.00 Per Person, double occupancy (Group of 10) Payment to be made via check, bank wire or Zelle (for US residents only) Single Room Supplement: $210.00 Payment to be made via check, bank wire or Zelle (for US residents only) NOTE: The pricing is current and correct at the time of postings here on our website. Should any increases occur due to suppliers and/or airlines in Peru increasing their prices, the amount of the increase will be passed on to the client, with no added commission added for Sacred Sites Journeys. ![]() TOUR REGISTRATION The group is open to 10 participants! Download the Registration Form - SSJ-Peru-SpiritualJourneyShamanicRetreat-Nov2026 Questions? Email Andrea at sacredsitesjourneys@gmail.com , or call our office at 928 284-1429. ![]() A Few Words from Sacred Sites Journeys Travelers to PERU
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NOTE: All photos and text on this webpage are the Copyright of Sacred Sites Journeys. 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, photos and some of our testimonials. 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. |