Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Inty Raymi 8 Days/7 Nights
Itinerary
Jun/19 Wed - Day 1:
In the morning you will take a flight to Cusco, “Navel of the Earth” according to the Incas, situated 11,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.
Upon arrival group will be transferred to our hotel located in Urubamba Valey.
You will stay for a couple of days at the hotel in the sacred Valley (Urubamba), at the beautiful Willka T'ika Guesthouse Spiritual Retreat Center (3,000 m/9,842 ft www.willkatika.com), the beautiful healing center and garden guest lodge, the facilities include a spacious yoga studio, a massage and aromatherapy center, meditation sites, seven sacred gardens filled with flowers and medicinal Andean plants, food is 100% vegetarian and all the meals are lovingly prepared with organic, home-grown vegetables, herbs and Andean grains. There are also 3 outdoor solar baths carved into stones. Guests may soak in hot waters filled with medicinal herbs, flowers and earth minerals after a workout, or gaze at the star-filled southern skies at night.
This day will be to aclimate to the energy and altitude of the Valley.
* Group will participate on an important ancient religious ritual and ceremony of offering to Mother Earth – Pachamama, known by the Inca or Quechua people as Ayni, the Universal law of Reciprocity.
O’N Willka T’ika or similar
MEALS: B, L, D.
Jun/20 Thu Day 2:
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Chinchero/Moray
Early in the morning tour to the Inca site of Chinchero, which was occupied by the Wari culture well before the Inca’s.
Observe the remains of shrines like Teteqaqa/Stone Puma, rock sculptures of pumas and the wall of a temple with large trapezoidal niches big enough to stand up in.
Visiting also the typical market which offers a wonderful opportunity to buy woven goods, wall hangings, rugs, pottery, and all different other kind of handicrafts, as well as wonderful photographic opportunities. Observe the traditionally dressed campesinos coming to barter and sell their produce at the market.
Visit to a woven artisan’s workshop, expert weavers from the ancient Chinchero demonstrate how they make their colorful textiles and the whole process of dyeing alpaca and sheave wools using natural and organic vegetables and minerals as Quechuas (Incas) did hundreds of years ago.
Thereafter we visit the "sacred terraces of Moray where there are four huge natural depressions that have been sculpted into deep terraces. These circles represent for us the Cosmic Spiral, and we work with the energy of this place to connect with the womb of the Mother Earth (Pachamama).
O’N Willka T’ika or similar
MEALS: B, L, D.
Jun/21 Fri – Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas
We’ll see magnificent countryside, sandstone cliffs, fertile soil, amazing irrigation terrace systems, and glorious mountains along the Urubamba River.
Tour to the spectacular Inca site of Pisaq located on top of the mountain, which provides one of the finest examples of ancient stonework. Panoramas at Pisaq’s Inca citadel are magnificent. Terraces, water ducts and steps have been cut out of solid rock, we’ll hike the non-tourist trail to the Inkan Temple of the Sun, a doorway to Hanakpacha, the upper Andean world of the Condor, messenger of the Gods.
Visit to the typical market.
Thereafter continue to visit Ollantaytambo, the Incan Temple of the Sun. considered one of the masterpieces of Inca stonework. Six giant monoliths of pink rhyolite are perfectly slotted together with thin slices of stone and oriented to glow with the rising sun.
We will also visit the different astronomic observatories, temple of the Condor, ceremonial fountains, and the village of Ollantaytambo, the remains of Tanpuquiro (Corn City), visit a Quechua house to see and understand the Andean or Inkan religion, their altars and different religious items and representations of the Andean cosmology that is now mixed with the Catholic religion.
- We will also visit a Quechua house to see and understand the Andean or Inkan religion, their altars and different religious items and representations of the Andean cosmology that is now mixed with the Catholic religion.
- In the afternoon transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), check-in at the hotel Flower´s House in Machu Picchu.
O’N Hotel Flower´s House or similar – Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes)
Meals: B, L.
Jun/22 Sat- Day 4: Machu Picchu
Early in the morning we will board the bus to the sunlit terraces of the historical Inkan center of spiritual and political power.
Tour to all the Inca city of Machu Picchu we will visit and see the impressive work of Archaeoastronomy, the cosmic wisdom and sacred architecture.
In the general plan all the sections of the Sanctuary are aligned to the laws of the Andean cyclic order. The architectonic structures are perfectly oriented to the rise and set of the Sun, Moon and Stars on sacred moments during the year.
Thereafter there is plenty of time to explore by your self, for personal meditations, connection to the spirit world, explorations in feminine and masculine energy sites. Peruvian Magic Journey’s leaders will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike. There are options for all levels of hikers.
O’N Hotel Flower´s House or similar – Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes)
Meals: B.
Jun/23 Sun – Day 5: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain
Early in the morning we will journey back to Machu Picchu, you keep exploring and feeling the great energy of the Crystal City, thereafter we will hike Huayna Picchu with those who are being called to view Machu Picchu from even higher realms.
The rest will continue their exploration of this magical place. At this time we invite you to find a special place that speaks to your heart, relax, and listen to your spirit.
PM we take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then a car to Cusco.
O'N Hotel Royal Inka I or similar – Cusco.
MEALS: B.
Jun/24 Mon - Day 6: INTI RAYMI – FESTIVAL OF THE SUN – WINTER SOLSTICE
In the mornning you will have the tour to Inti Raymi - Fetsitval of The Sun, you will go to the Temple of Qoricancha or Santo Domingo church to the beginning of the ceremony and then take the bus to go to Sacsayhuaman - House of The Sun for the main ceremony. You’ll be back in the hotel in the afeternoon around 5.00 PM.
INTI RAYMI
Every year on 24th of June Cusco celebrates the Festival of The Sun - Inti Raymi.
This festival was celebrated by the Incas to worship the Sun God which was the physical representation of the Wiracocha God. The Inti Raymi symbolizes the eternal consecration of marriage between the Sun and his sons, the human beings. Inti Raymi was the most important festival of the Inca empire Tawantinsuyo which based its religion on the cult of the Sun.
On the 21st of June they celebrated the Winter Solstice, in other words the beginning of the Sun's New Year according to the Saywas or Sukkankas, a sundial used by the Incas.
This day was proclaimed by the high priest as the New Year: Inti Raymi!
The ceremony starts at the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun where the Inca and his people honors the Sun God. People from the four Provinces or four Suyos of Tawantinsuyo come together to give thanks to the Sun. On top of the beautiful perfectly shaped granite wall of the main temple THE INCA - "SAPAN INTIQ CHURIN" OR "THE ONLY SON OF THE SUN” makes his speech an honors with an eloquently strong voice, the blessings of the Sun and this most sacred day.
Standing behind the Inca is the enormous golden disc that we know from legends. According to one of these legends rests the Golden Sun Disc of Mu at the bottom of the lake Titicaca.
Underneath the Inca, at the granite wall of the remains of Temple of the Sun stand the imperial court, the Virgins of the Sun and at his right hand side the high priest and the subordinated priests. All of them are considered of being part of the nobility and most of them have noble blood. On the square below are the representatives of the four Suyos listening to the powerful Quechua words of the "SAPAN INTIQ CHURIN"
After this initiation the procession moves with imperial dignity to the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. At the top the Inca is carried on a golden throne.
For more than half a century the main part of the ceremony takes place at the archeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, also called the Sacred House of the Sun. Many thousands of people come together to witness the most beautiful spectacle of the year where more than 500 actors proudly bring the past alive. The highlight of the Inti Raymi at Sacsayuaman is the oration given by THE INCA - "SAPAN INTIQ CHURIN" OR "THE ONLY SON OF THE SUN “ and the high priest in the original language of the Incas, Quechua.
O’N Hotel Royal Inka I or similar - Cusco.
MEALS: B, L, D.
Jun/25 Tue - Day 7: CUSCO INCA SITES
AM: Tour to Inca sites near the city.
Sacsayhuaman, Temple of the Sun, Temple of Lightning, House of Nobles, is overlooking the city of Cusco. Impressive stonework and structures weighing hundreds of tons will leave you in awe.
Quenqo – The Labyrinth, astronomic observatory and temple.
Puca-Pucara a small Tambo or Lodging place, also called Red fortress.
Tambomachay temple to worship water, “Where there is water, there is life.” To the Andean people water is sacred.
O’N Hotel Royal Inka I or similar - Cusco.
MEALS: B.
Jun/26 Wed - Day 8:
AM Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Lima for people not taking the extension to Puno.
8 Day journey June – 19-26 is timed to coincide with Inti Raymi, the greatest of all
Inca festivals to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
EXTENSION TO TITICACA LAKE – PUNO 4 Days/3 Nights
Jun/26 Wed – Day 8:
Bus to Puno, in the way you will visit some sites like RAQCHI and others. The evidences indicate that Raqchi was a complex village with multiple constructions for various purposes; including farming terraces, "kanchas" (apartments), "wayranas" (buildings having only 3 walls), "qolqas" (storehouses), different shrines, religious water fountains, etc. Possibly, it was an important "tambo" in the route toward the "Collasuyo". The most important building within the complex is the WIRAQOCHA TEMPLE
We will have lunch in a nice restaurant on the route.
Also we’ll stop at reservations of Vicuñas and Alpacas (Andean Cameloids) herds to take pictures.
O'N Hotel Colon Inn or similar in Puno.
MEALS: B, L.
Jun/27 Thu - Day 9:
Breakfast and transfer to take the boat to visit the floating islands of Uros on the highest navigable lake of the world the Titicaca Lake, we will continue to visit Taquile Island a natural island, people are still living in their millenarian traditions, the guide will share information about their social life, costumes, their beliefs, Pacha Mama - Mother Earth, Mama Qocha – Mother Lake or Sea
Lunch in a nice restaurant at Taquile Island (optional vegetarian lunch).
We return to Uros Islands where you will stay overnight.
You will stay overnight at the floating Uros island in a family Lodge. You will have a little house/room for yourself, it is very simple.
This will be a unique experience that will give you an opportunity to interact with the families an experience life as they have been doing for hundreds of years, feel the feminine energy of the lake and nurture your whole being.
O'N Uros Island Lodge
MEALS: B, L, D.
Jun/28 Fri - Day 10: UROS ISLANDS/ARAMUMURO/PUNO
After breakfast we will interact with the Uros families and thereafter return to Puno.
Tour to Aramu Muro a huge mysterious door-like structure has recently been discovered in the Hayu Marca mountain region of Southern Peru. Hayu Marca, 35 kilometers from the city of Puno has long been revered by local Indians as the "City of the Gods",
The door, or the "Puerta de Hayu Marca" (Gate of the Gods/Spirits) has been at some time in the distant past carved out of a natural rock face and in all measures exactly seven meters in height by seven meters in width with a smaller alcove in the center at the base, which measures in at just under two meters in height.
There is a legend that spoke of "A gateway to the lands of the gods", and in that legend it was said that in times long past, great heroes had gone to join their gods and passed through the gate for a glorious new life of immortality, and on rare occasions those men returned for a short time with their gods to "inspect all the lands in the kingdom" through the gate.
Another legend tells of the time when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Peru, and looted gold and precious stones from the Inca tribes - and one Incan priest of the temple of the seven rays named Aramu Muro fled from his temple with a sacred golden disk known as "The key of the gods of the seven rays", and hid in the mountains of Hayu Marca. He eventually came upon the doorway which was being watched by shaman priests. He showed them the key of the gods and a ritual was performed with the conclusion of a magical occurrence initiated by the golden disk which opened the portal, and according to the legend blue light did emanate from a tunnel inside.
The priest Aramu Muro handed the golden disk to the shaman and then passed through the portal "never to be seen again". Archeologists have observed a small hand sized circular depression on the right hand side of the small entranceway, and have theorized that this is where a small disk could be placed and held by the rock.
According to some individuals who have laid their hands on the small door, a feeling of energy flowing has been commented on, as well as strange experiences such as visions of stars, columns of fire and the sounds of unusual rhythmic music.
Others have said that they have perceived tunnels on the interior of the structure.
We will also visit the Temple of Fertility; we will share the knowledge of the Sacred Alchemy, phallic cult, etc.
O'N Hotel Colon Inn or similar in Puno.
MEALS: B, L.
Jun/29 Sat - Day 11: PUNO/LIMA
After breakfast, you will be visiting the Silluastani towers on the outskirts of Puno. These ancient funereal towers are from pre-inca times and are examples of the most ancient cultures found on the Altiplano.
After a guided excursion of the site, continue onto Juliaca’s airport to take your flight back to Lima and connecting flight home.
* We can book extra night/s hotel in Lima, transfers and other services.
MEALS: B.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Extension to Titicaca Lake – Puno 4 days/3 nights
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 500.00 deposit per person has to be paid immediately, 50% deposit of tour balance has to be paid 90 days prior the trip starts and 45 days the trip starts has to be paid in full. Every person has to fill out and sign the registration form of Peruvian Magic Journeys and send or bring it with them before the tour starts.
Deposit has to be made directly to a bank account or send it through Western Union to Cusco – Peru to Romulo Castilla.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations 4 and 3 STAR SUPERIOR, meals, tours, all entrance fees to archaeological sites and others, tour guides, all air and ground transportation as listed in itinerary once you arrive in Lima arranged by PERUVIAN MAGIC JOURNEYS.
NOT INCLUDED: Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, Tour Leader, guide, airport taxes, and other things not described in the itinerary, international airfare to/from Lima/Peru is not included and it is responsibility of the traveler make the reservation and obtain it.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 45 days prior 50 % and less than 30 days will be charged 80 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.
WAIVER: I/we agree to take responsibility for all inconveniences and challenges that can happen while traveling in a third world country. I/we release Romulo Castilla and Peruvian Magic Journeys, from all responsibility and liability for unforeseen circumstances and /or changes in the schedule, weather, earthquakes, etc, acts of terrorism, and any other unforeseen events, mental/physical illnesses occurring during tour dates.
I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.
