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ITINERARY - TRIP TO PERU 2005

Professor Suzy Ross and Romulo Castilla at San Jose University
Professor Suzy Ross and Romulo Castilla
at San Jose University

Day 0.- TUE JUL/19: Flight US/LIM

Arriving to Lima at 10.23 PM , we'll stay at the airport to take the next day an early flight Lim/Cus.

Day 1.- WED JUL/20: Flight LIM/CUS

At 6.00 AM , we start checking in at 3.30 AM, upon arrival in Cusco group will be met for our personnel and transferred to our hotel conveniently situated near the Main Square or Plaza de Armas, day at leisure to rest and acclimate to the 11,200 ft altitude. O'N Cusco City Hotel Andre.

Day 2. - THU JUL/21

Before the program officially begins, we will meet in the lobby of the hotel at 10.00 AM for a walk through the cobble-stoned streets of Cusco pointing out fascinating Inkan stonework along the way, we will visit The Temple of The Sun "Qoricancha" where the guide takes you deeper into the technological wonders of our culture.

San Jose State University
San Jose State University

Evening, meet for a group meditation. We will set our intentions for the journey and you will set your personal intention. O'N Cusco city hotel Andre.

Day 3. - FRI JUL/22

Tour to the ruins near by Cusco City to:

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.

How did the ancestors of the Quechua and Inkans build those structures without the use of the wheel and steel implements? You'll find out the answers…

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.

Possible traditional ancient shamanic water ceremony this ceremony activates and enhances your creative and healing forces, allowing you to tap into the energies of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

And then will continue to Urubamba valley , lunch at a nice typical restaurant in P'isaq.

Visit to the spectacular ruins of P'isaq. Overlooking impressive Inkan terraces, 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. Possible Meditation.

O”N in Urubamba City hotel El Maizal at the Sacred Valley of the Incas. MEALS: B, L.

Day 4.- SAT JUL/23

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, This sacred site is the Lemurian Heart Center, known by the locals as the Sanctuary of the Wind , a sacred place worshiped by the Incas. Make a wish as you pass through the doorway of wishes and enter this holy space, guided tour and join in ceremony, after we'll go back to Urubamba for lunch and in the afternoon will co ntinue to travel by bus to the fascinating circles of Moray where you will be led to the lowest level for a meditation. O'N in Urubamba city hotel El Maizal at the Sacred Valley of The Incas. MEALS: B, L.

Day 5.- SUN JUL/24

Tour to the typical Indian and colorful market 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 in both markets.

On the other hand, in P'isaq Village beside the similar typical market, on Sunday mornings, by 11:00 am . There is a Catholic Mass in the church for the local populace as well as for the "Varayoq" (whom has a "vara", that is, a staff of office) or mayors of peasant communities of the region. Their staffs of office are made in "chonta" (very hard black palm-tree wood) with beaten silver adornments. The mayors' arrivals to the town are announced by their assistants who blow their "pututos" (trumpets made of big conch shells -Strombus galeatus-); those trumpets were inherited from the Inkan Society. What is peculiar in the mass is that as attendants do not know or have a poor command of the Spanish language, so the sermon will be said in the Quechua language.

O'N Urubamba city hotel El Maizal at the Sacred valley of the Incas. MEALS: B, L.

Inca Trail

Day 6. - MON JUL/25: Start Inca Trail at 82 KM. - Huayllabamba

Hike Day 1 (12 km.): A spectacular early morning drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our trail crew we set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca (Happy river) side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba which in Quechua means “grassy plain” (3,000 m.) the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp. MEALS: B, L, D

Day 7. - TUE JUL/26: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo

Hike Day 2 (11km) : Climbing up from Huayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the tree line and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1½ hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuañusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail.

The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayo (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here. MEALS: B, L, D

Day 8. - WED JUL/27: Pacaymayo - Wiñay Wayna

Hike Day 3 (16km) : From Pacaymayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacaymayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so we'll do very slowly. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means "Inaccessible Town" and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs.

We have to backtrack a little to  rejoin the trail as it passes Conchamarca , a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu .

From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water.

Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) we descend a thousand or so steps. 

After about an hour of walking through cloud forest we may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Wiñay Wayna, although it will probably take us another 2 hours until we arrive.

The Trekkers Hostal certainly isn't considered one of Peru 's best-looking hotels. It is also usually crowded, but it is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu , hence it's always full. There is, however, a restaurant where you can purchase food, drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers and toilets. Trekkers on the Classic 4-day trek will camp here. 

We will visit Wiñay Wayna, The name in Quechua means "forever young" and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.  MEALS: B, L, D.

Day 9 JUL/28: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu

Hike Day 4 (6km) : The trail from the hostal to Machu Picchu takes about 1½ hours. We are going to wake up very early in the morning ( 4.30am ) so that we can leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7am . The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu . We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu 's multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the afternoon a bus takes us to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where we will stay overnight, check-in the hotel, and everyone should go to the Baths for a hot soak, is just a blessing after all the hiking, you'll feel much better after that.

O'N Aguas Calientes Hotel La Pequeña Casita MEALS: B.

"Note: Our campsites will be designated by the Park Authorities once the pre-payment for the entrance fees are done, occasionally they may change."

Day 10. - FRI JUL/29: Aguas Calientes – Wayna Picchu

Hike day 5: We'll take the bus back to Machu Picchu early in the morning and hike the Wayna Picchu Mountain , once we start ascending the mountain you will feel how we enter to different dimensions, on top of the peak we will have a very powerful meditation.

It will also be possible to have healing sessions here and different other sections of Machu Picchu to feel the different energies.

In the afternoon we will take the train back to Cusco . O'N in Cusco city hotel Andre. MEALS: B.

INCA TRAIL INCLUDES:

YOU SHOULD BRING

MEALS

Important note:

Puerto Maldonado

DAY 11.-SAT JUL/30

Breakfast, and transfer from the hotel to the airport to take the Flight Cusco/Pto Maldonado , upon arrival we'll be met by our guide in Puerto Maldonado.

JUNGLE DAY 1: MONKEY ISLAND
You arrive at Puerto Maldonado , the biodiversity capital of Peru . After a reception at the airport, you will ride to the city center by bus. You will depart from the port and travel down the Madre de Dios River . During the trip you will see caimans, turtles, herons and other species of animals along the riverbanks. When you arrive to the ECOAMAZONIA LODGE, you will be served an exquisite welcome drink, after which you will have time to settle in to your bungalows and eat lunch.

In the afternoon, with our specialized guide, you will visit Monkey Island , which is only 5 minutes from the Lodge. During your hike through the island you will observe extraordinary scenery and exuberant flora that shelters a tremendous variety of monkeys in their natural habitat, such as the Black Spider Monkey, Capuchin Monkey, Tamarins, Squirrel Monkeys, and the South American Coati, as well as a number of bird species. You will complete your visit to Monkey Island by enjoying the sunset, and then returning to the Lodge for dinner. MEALS: B, L, D.  

DAY 12. - SUN JUL/31:

JUNGLE DAY 2: LOST COCHA
After breakfast you begin your guided adventure through the virgin rainforest on foot to the Lost Cocha. The Lost Cocha is a protected ecosystem sustaining an immense variety of animals such as giant otters, caimans, turtles, Brazilian tapirs "sachavacas", colorful birds, the majestic jaguar, and diverse fish species. This area is a unique part of the Ecoamazonia Reserve, because its immense swamps and marshes still remain fully intact today. Later, you will arrive at our extraordinary Amazon Watch Tower , built at the top of an immense tree (the Shihuahuaco) from which you can appreciate the full and magical beauty of the rainforest. You will also go for a pleasant canoe ride around the lake, after which you will return to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon there is another canoe trip down the river to visit a local family living in the rainforest. Finally, you will return to the Lodge for dinner. MEALS: B, L, D.

Note: Optional for the persons who are interested in a new experience, I can arrange a special ceremony with Ayahuasca, for an additional cost.

"AYAHUASCA" – What the jungle hides

Peruvian Magic Journeys and Ecoamazonia Offer you the exclusive “room of mysteries,” to experience expertly-guided shamanic sessions using the Ayahuasca plant . In the heart of the jungle, you will enter a higher world of spiritual powers and different and unknown dimensions. The Ayahuasca plant with its natural healing power intensifies your feelings and senses. During these mystical sessions you will learn about your health, your work, personal projects and plans, and of course love. You will also be able to connect directly with Pachamama (Mother Earth) – the Mother of the Water, the Forest , and the Air. Our master shamans are the best in the Amazon.  

JUNGLE TRIP INCLUDES

DAY 13. - MON AUG/01:

JUNGLE DAY 3:

Breakfast. Transfer to the Puerto Maldonado airport, flight back to Cusco .

Puno

Once we arrive in Cusco , immediately we'll take the bus to Puno , in the way according the time if possible will visit some of 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 .
Box Lunch or if possible we will have lunch in a nice restaurant in the route.

Also in the way 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 hotel Taypikala and stay O'N in Puno. MEALS: B,L.

DAY 14.- TUE AUG/02

Breakfast and bus to take the boat to visit the floating islands of Uros in the highest navigable lake of the world the Titicaca Lake . We will continue to visit Taquile Island this place is an Indian Reservation and people is still living in their millenarian traditions. Will spend the night in some of the campesino's (native people) houses. O'N Taquile or Amantani with a local family. MEALS: B,L,D.

DAY 15.- WED AUG/03

All morning in Taquile or Amantani , visit the typical market, also optional healing and meditation. In the afternoon back to Puno. O'N Puno hotel Taypikala. MEALS: B,L.

DAY 16.- THU AUG/04

Visit to Chucuito - Temple of Fertility will share the knowledge of the Sacred Alchemy then continue trip to Spiritual Retreat of Amaru Meru and understand the dimensional doorway.

DAY 17. – FRI AUG/05:

Later in the afternoon Transfer from the hotel to the airport at Juliaca, will take the flight to Lima , upon arrival, group will stay at the airport to take the flight back home on AUG/06 at Midnight. MEALS:B,L.


END OF OUR SERVICES

This Itinerary has been specially prepared for San Jose State University Student group:

Price per person is US $ 1950.- for group of 15 persons or up for the entire 18 day trip.

Tour Includes:

Accommodations in Cusco and other locations in 3 stars hotel in double rooms and/or triple if necessary. Breakfast, lunch and dinner as listed in itinerary, all entrance fees for students (must have student card) 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 and PROMOTURS E.I.R. Ltda.

Note:
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
O'N=Overnight

Not Included:

Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, bus drivers, 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.

Registration Payment and Cancellation Policy

The payment policy is 50 % deposit of tour balance that has to be paid to Peruvian Magic Journeys and/or Romulo Castilla at least 90 days prior the trip starts. and 45 days prior the trip starts has to be paid in full.
The cancellation Policy is 45 days prior the trip starts will be charged a fee of 20 % of total fare,  less than 30 days will be charged 50 % of total fare. No refund will be given once tour date begin.  

Every participant will need to fill out, print, sign and mail the registration form that is in the web site of Peruvian Magic Journeys and/or give to Professor Suzy Ross.

Any questions or additional information please feel free to contact us.

Romulo Castilla

Register for Journey

Peruvian Magic Journeys
7023 Holmes Island RD SE
Olympia WA 98503
Phone. 360-493-1872

romulo.c@comcast.net