INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL OF THE SUN
WINTER SOLSTICE
2010
CUSCO/INTI RAYMI/MACHU PICCHU/SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
8 Days/7 Nights
Jun/19 Sat Cusco Day 1
Cusco, “Navel of the Earth” according to the Incas, is situated 11,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.Upon arrival group will be transferred to our hotel in the sacred Valley (Urubamba), during the program, you will be based at the beautiful Willka T'ika Guesthouse Spiritual Retreat Center (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.
After checking into our hotel, we will rest during the day, acclimating ourselves to the elevation (3,000 m/9,842 ft) and to this timeless place where other dimensions open quickly and easily. In the late afternoon, we will have a group gathering to experience a closer connection with each other. Our Host will lead us in an open prayer and in sharing our highest intentions for this journey together.
- Despacho Ceremony: Andean healers – Pacc’os will lead the ceremonies to honor Mother Earth – Pacha Mama for the well being of the group and the whole journey.
O’N Willka T’ika or similar
MEALS: B, D.
Jun/20 Sun - Day 2
Tour to Ollantaytambo, the Incan Temple of the Sun. Also known as The Pyramid of Pakaritambo, or The Dawning Place of Tomorrow.
Here we will experience a profound energy that is somehow connected to six enormous pink stones that were mysteriously transported to this place. Prior to the Incas, this was a Lemurian Temple dedicated to Love. At Ollantaytambo Temple of Love it is easier than usual to receive, and to open a new gateway of goodness in our lives.
Also visit to the several astronomic observatories where we will observe and experience light and shadow effect evidence of these measurement systems to determine Solstices, Equinoxes and other observations. The word "Intihuatana" was first used by George Squier in 1877; Intihuatana is not found in any ancient chronicle. The correct names would be "saywa" or "sukhanka" that were used by chroniclers. "Intiwatana" is translated as the "place where the sun is tied up" or simply "sun fastener". However, "Intihuatana" could also have another sense, since "Inti" is "sun" and "Huata" is "year", it could be translated as the "place where the solar year is measured". It is unquestionable that it served as an efficient solar observatory through measurement of the projected shadows, enabling thus fixing solstices and equinoxes; therefore, calculating the different seasons and the 365 day year, aslso observations of the pleiades, very important for Andean farming, and constellations like the Southern Cross, Spica - Alpha and Beta Centaurs, Vega, Deneb and Altair.
We’ll see magnificent countryside as our bus winds through sandstone cliffs, fertile soil, amazing irrigation terrace systems, and glorious mountains along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, also known by the locals as the Sanctuary of the Wind, a sacred place worshiped by the Incas.
- We will 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.
O’N Willka T’ika or similar
MEALS: B,D.
 |
 |
| OLLANTAYTAMBO | TEMPLE OF THE SUN – OLLANTAYTAMBO |
|---|---|
 |
|
| OLLANTAYTAMBO VILLAGE | |
Jun/21 Mon - Day 3
Early in the morning tour to the typical and colorful market and ruins of Chinchero, This market 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, llama, sheave, etc. wools using natural and organic vegetables and minerals as Quechuas (Incas) did hundreds of years ago.
3.00 PM: Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), check-in at the hotel Machu Picchu Inn (or you can suggest one).
- In the evening after dinner (8.00 PM), group is invited to participate in a shamanic healing ceremony in the village of Aguas calientes. The healer plays custom-made ancient instruments and crystal bowls to connect deeply to the core essence of Machu Picchu.
We will experience more mystery and magic as the Shaman/Healer guides us through the power of his native musical instruments into Hanan Pacha (a Divine Realm). Through this music and our own chanting, we will establish a bond with the spiritual powers of this extraordinary city in the clouds. At this moment, the Apus will speak to your soul, possibly giving you answers as to why you have traveled so far to connect with them. Thereafter we will take the opportunity to again give thanks to PachaMama and the Apurunas for all life’s gifts and for all the blessings we received during our stay.
O’N Hotel Inti Inn or similar
Meals: B, L.
 |
 |
| CHINCHERO MAIN SQUARE | MEDITATION AT CHINCHERO |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| DYEING ALPACA WOOLS AT CHINCHERO |
ORGANIC VEGTABLES AND MINERALS TO DYE |
Jun/22 Tue - Day 4
Early in the morning bus to the sunlit terraces of the historical Inkan center of spiritual and political power. In the morning visit “The Crystal city of Machu Picchu” with your special Shaman guide. Thereafter there is plenty of time to return in the afternoon as pilgrims for personal explorations.
O’N Hotel Inti Inn or similar
Meals: B, D.
 |
 |
| MACHUPICCHU | INTIHUATANA |
|---|
Jun/23 Wed - Day 5
Early in the morning we will journey back to Machu Picchu for a Sun rise ritual, and then we’ll continue to explore the Crystal city, absorbing the essence of love left by the creators of this magical place , our guides will assist you in deciding which areas you might wish to further explore or hike. There are options for all levels of hikers. We will hike Huayna Picchu with those who are being called to view Machu Picchu from even higher realms. The rest can find a special place that speaks to your heart, relax, and listen to your spirit.
5.00 PM we take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and then to Willka T’ika in Urubamba Valley.
O'N Willka T’ika or similar
MEALS: B, D.
 |
 |
| MACHU PICCHU | WAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN |
|---|
Jun/24 Thu - Day 6
After breakfast we will have the tour to Inti Raymi or Fetsitval of The Sun, we 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 fortress and House of The Sun for the main ceremony. We’ll be back in the hotel in the afeternoon around 5.00 PM.
INTI RAYMI
Every year on the 24th of June Cusco celebrates the festival of Inti Raymi. This festival was celebrated by the Incas as the Festival of the Sun where the God of the Sun Wiracocha is honored. 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 24th of June they celebrate the winter solstice, in other words the beginning of the Sun's New Year. Scientifically the solstice begins on the 21st of June, but according to the Saywas or Sukkankas, a sundial used by the Incas, the sun stays some days in the same place before rising on the 24th of June. 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 Suyus 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.
O’N Royal Inka I or similar – Cusco
MEALS: B, L.
 |
 |
| INCA – KING INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL | VIRGINS OF THE SUN - INTI RAYMI |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| INCA SOLDIERS – INTI RAYMI | INCA MUSICIANS – INTI RAYMI |
Jun/25 Fri - Day 7
Visit to the spectacular ruins of P'isaq 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.
On the way back visit to the market in P’isaq village.
In the morning return to Cusco and on the way tour to the ruins of:
Sacsayhuaman fortress, Temple of the Sun, Temple of The 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.
* Farewell dinner with a typical show of Peruvian music and dances.
O’N Hotel Royal Inka I or similar - Cusco.
MEALS: B, D.
 |
 |
| PISAQ RUINS | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| SACSAYHUMAN | QENQO |
Jun/26 Sat - Day 8
AM Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Lima for people that is not taking the extension to Puno.
EXTENSION TO TITICACA LAKE – PUNO
3 Days/2 Nights
Jun/26 Sat - Day 8
Private car to Puno, in the way will visit RAQCHI and others. The evidences indicate that Raqchi was a complex village with multiple constructions for various purposes; including farming terraces, "kanchas" (palaces), "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
Lunch in a nice restaurant on the route.
Also we’ll stop at reservations of Vicuñas and Alpacas (Andean Cameloids) herds to take pictures.
Near Puno, we may also visit the ruins of Sillustani which have Inca and Pre-Inca constructions that belonged to the Tiahuanaco culture developed in Bolivia.
Bus will transfer us to the Taypikala hotelin Chucuito.
O'N Taypikala hotel in Puno.
MEALS: B, L..
 |
 |
| WIRACOCHA TEMPLE "RAQCHI” | SILLUSTANI |
|---|
Jun/27 Sun - Day 9
Breakfast and bus to take the boat (group) to visit the floating islands of Uros and thereafter continue to Taquile Island in the highest navigable lake of the world the Titicaca Lake, people on these islands are still living in their millenarian traditions. In the afternoon return to Puno
You will stay overnight at the floating Uros island in a family house. You will have a little house for yourself, it is very simple, you sleep on the reeds and in a sleeping bag that we will provide you, food will be what they eat, they cook for the whole family and they will share with you. This will be a unique experience that will give you an opportunity to interact with the families an experience life as they been doing for hundreds of years, feel the feminine energy of the lake and nurture your whole being.
Late in the afternoon you will join the Uros fisherman, who will show you how put the fishing nets near the islands, as they’ve been doing for centuries since this is one of the main sources for their survival.
O’N UROS ISLAND
Meals:B, L, D. .
 |
 |
| UROS FLOATING ISLANDS | TAQUILE ISLAND |
|---|
Jun/28 Mon - Day 10
After breakfast we will interact with the Uros families and thereafter return to Puno.
PM: Visit to Temple of Fertility, we will share the knowledge of the Sacred Alchemy, phallic cult, etc.
 |
 |
| UROS HOUSE | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| TEMPLE OF FERTILITY - CHUCUITO |
Jun/29 Tue - Day 11
Tour to the Dimensional Doorway of 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.
Late in the afternoon Transfer to the airport at Juliaca to take the flight to Lima, upon arrival group stays at the airport for the flight back home, unless other arrangements are made, we can book extra night/s in a hotel in Lima and other services.
MEALS: B.
O’N Hotel Casa Andina Miraflores – Lima
MEALS: B,L.
 |
 |
| ARAMU MURO – DIMENSIONAL DOORWAY |
|---|
End of our Services
Tour Includes
Accommodations in 5, 4 and 3+ stars hotels in double rooms and/or single if requested. Breakfast, lunch and dinner as listed in itinerary, all entrance fees to archaeological sites, parks and other attractions. Professional guides, Shamans and tours as listed in itinerary. All ground, air transportation once we arrive in Lima arranged by Peruvian Magic Journeys.
Note:
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
O’N=Overnight
Not included
Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, tour leader, shaman guides, airport tax and other things not described in the itinerary, healing sessions with Romulo or any other Quechua Shaman during the journey, air tickets from US/Lima/US.
Our 8 Day journey June – 19/26 - 2009 is timed to coincide with Inti Raymi, the greatest of all Inca festivals
With Hotel Libertador or simlar - 5 Star Hotel:
DBL $ 2360.-
SGL $ 2890.-
In 3 Star Hotel:DBL $ 2050.-
SGL $ 2400.-
Includes:Visit to Machu Picchu The Crystal City, Saqsayhuaman, Inti Raymi, Quenqo, Puka-Pukara, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq Ruins and Market, Chinchero Ruins and Market, Moray, Urubamba Valley or Sacred Valley of The Incas, Aguas Calientes, Lima.
Extension to Titicaca Lake – Puno 4 days/3 nights
DBL $ 685.- p/p
SGL $ 780.- p/p
Includes: Visit to Raqchi, Sillustani ruins, Puno, Titicaca Lake, Uros floating islands, Taquile or Amantani islands, Aramu Muru, Temple of Fertility - Chucuito, Lima.
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
To reserve your space and the dates for the journey a US $ 250.00 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. The final payment due must be respected; otherwise a fee will apply. We recommend you obtain travel insurance to protect you against all the unpredictable events that might stop you from taking the trip.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Hotel Accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, 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, 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 30 % and less than 30 days will be charged 50 % of total fare; NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN ONCE THE TOUR BEGINS.
I/we are aware of and agree to the REGISTRATION, PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES and understand and agree to all above information.
Share