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PERU 2004 - April 25-May 7
Led by Shipley Alinson, Ramsey Coolidge and John Buzenberg
$4090
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Harmony Tours and Unity on the River presents
Join Harmony Tours on this sacred journey to Peru, the land of the ancient temples and pilgrimage sites, places of power consecrated by the ancients with spiritual ceremonies and meditations. Machu Picchu is one place, for example, that defies description in its mystical splendor. Walking in the path of the Incas, you can explore the wisdoms that can carry humanity forward into a future of glorious possibilities.
To assist on this journey of unfolding wisdom, we will spend time with the last living vestige of the ancient Incas. These are the Q’ero Indians of Peru, who had little contact with the outside world until the early 1990s. Then they emerged, saying that the time had come to deliver their teachings to the world. They live at 16,000 feet in the sacred Ausangate Mountain where they maintain the old ways and guard the sacred prophecies of their ancestors. The Q’ero are masters of working with living energy. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with them.
At Lake Titicaca, we spend three days exploring the world’s highest navigable lake. Myth says a Golden Solar Disc was brought here from the Temple of Illumination on the lost continent of Lemuria many millennia before the Incas. This Disc has been lying dormant for 500 years. It has been foretold that it will re-activate during this time. When active, this Disc acts as a portal bringing in Light transmissions from the center of our galaxy. This Light is the spiritual food that opens our Sacred Heart Center.
The Andes is known as the Heart Center of our planet. The indigenous people of Peru carry the energy of love naturally and it permeates this land. Our intention on this journey is to remember who we really are...to remember that we are pure Love and learn to live from the Wisdom of the Sacred Heart. It is in recognizing our essence that we discover our eternal connection with Spirit, the superior energy running through the universe.
Sunday, April 25 Miami, FL to Lima, Peru.
Meet at Miami International Airport for our orientation and overnight flight to Peru.
Monday, April 26 Lima - Cusco.
After an early morning arrival in Cusco, we have a morning of rest. In Quechua, the language of the Incas, Cusco means navel of the Universe. Cusco is the oldest inhabited city in the Western hemisphere. You feel the magic and see the legacy of the Incas everywhere as you wander along the cobblestone streets. In the afternoon, enjoy your first panoramic view of Cusco, as we travel by coach high above the city to Kusiyachyoc, the Moon Temple. Sitting in the natural setting outside the temple, we will have an introductory sharing session and the tour guides will give a short overview of the journey before entering the temple for our first ceremony and meditation: Soul’s Higher Purpose in Coming on this Journey. This temple is a cave used by the Incas as an initiation site. Overnight: Cusco at the Los Andes Hotel
Thursday, April 27 Cusco
This morning we visit Coricancha, the main temple of the Incas in the center of Cusco. All of the Incan sacred sites were built on straight lines radiating out from Coricancha in Cusco. Coricancha was once home to the Golden Solar Disc from Lemuria, which is now said to be hidden in Lake Titicaca. The second stop is the place of water purification of the Incas, Tambo Muchay. After a picnic lunch we go to Quenko, whose name means labyrinth. This ceremonial center is dedicated to the balance of the masculine and feminine. We spend the afternoon at Sacsayhuaman, a massive shrine that is the Temple of the Sun. The old city of Cusco was laid out in the form of a puma and Sacsayhuama represents the head of the puma. The stonework that forms the base of the temple is most impressive. From here is a magnificent view of Cusco. Overnight at Los Andes Hotel.
Tuesday, April 28 Cusco - Machu Picchu.
Boarding the morning train in Cusco, we travel through the beautiful Andes Mountains and lush jungle to reach the magical destination of Machu Picchu. Here we spend the afternoon in the ruins with our local guide who carries the spiritual knowledge of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is known as the lost city of the Incas, because the Spanish conquistadors never found it, even after they conquered the Incas. This City of Light remained hidden until 1911, when an American named Hiram Bingham discovered it. The mysteries of Machu Picchu still exist. Many claim it was the place of the chosen women. We return to the site in the evening when Machu Picchu is alive with mystical energies. For a special treat - an incredible ceremony of sound and music led by Peruvian ceremonial leader, Don Hebert. Overnight: The 4 Star Hatuchay Tower Hotel
Thursday April 29 A full day of choices at Machu Picchu.
Today you may chose to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for a "top of the world" feeling and overview of Machu Picchu. Or, take a hike to Intipunka, the gateway to the sun. Another spectacular option is to hike to the Temple of the Moon. If you prefer a less strenuous day, you may explore the main ruins or meditate in one of the many special places with spectacular vistas. At the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) rock we will call in the spirit of the wise old crone said to dwell inside of Huayna Picchu and who is believed to have the power to bestow healing to those who come with a pure heart. Overnight: Hatuchay Tower Hotel.
Friday, April 30 Urubamba
Travel by train from Machu Picchu to Urubamba. Here we stay at Willka Tika, A beautiful retreat center with magical gardens and delicious organic vegetarian food.
Saturday May 1 Urubamba
Travel through the Sacred Valley, with its breathtaking vistas of the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Incan village tucked at the end of the Sacred Valley. High above the village, at the Temple of the Winds, are six enormous rose-colored stones, which are not of local origin but were mysteriously transported here. In meditation, we explore the strong Pleiadian connection that many people feel in this place. On our return from Ollantaytambo, we visit a local potter in his studio and gallery. Inspired by traditional Peruvian designs, this artisan has been a favorite with past groups. The afternoon is spent at Wilka Tika with the Q’ero in learning ancient ways and participating in healing ceremonies. The Q’ero are the direct Inca descendants and the holders of the prophecies. They work with the assistance of the Apus, the spirits of the mountains. We will take part in a Despacho Ceremony, which is an offering to the Spirits for personal and planetary healing. We will learn how to use our breath to put our prays into the K’intu, the three coca leaves that we offer to the Apus. We will also learn how to release hucha, the heavy energies that we humans collect in our energy bodies and how to bring in sami, the light, refined energies. This is a day of ancient wisdoms. Nighttime sharing circle. Overnight Urubamba at Wilka Tika.
Sunday, May 2 Urubamba
Bring your camera and your gift list! The morning is spent at the famous market of Pisac. Hundreds of Quechua people come here to trade and sell handicrafts - sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, jewelry and countless other beautiful items. Free afternoon: rest, write in your journal or sit in Willka Tika’s glorious garden. Overnight: Urubamba at Willka Tika.
Monday, May 3 Urubamba - Chucuito.
We take an early morning bus through beautiful countryside to the Temple of Wiracocha, at Rachi. This temple plays a vital role in the history and prophecies of the Inca. It was here that the new Incas were chosen and it is prophesied that during our lifetime that new Incas will rise up from here once again. The architecture of this temple is very distinct and different from any other in Peru. Our final destination is Chucuito, a small Aymara village on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here we stay at a new, comfortable hotel with a spectacular view of Lake Titicaca. Overnight: Chucuito in Hotel Taypikala.
Tuesday, May 4 Chucuito.
From the port at Puno, we board a boat for a visit with the Uros Indians at their homes on floating man-made reed islands. Between the Uros and the nearby island of Taquile, where the Golden Solar Disc is said to be located. Return to Chucuito for overnight: Chucuito in Hotel Taypikala.
Wednesday, May 5 Chucuito.
We spend the day at the Doorway of Amaru Muru which some call the Peruvian Stargate. This inter-dimensional portal was discovered several years ago by Jorge Luis Delgado, a native Peruvian mystic who had recurrent dreams of this place. Local shamans assured him it was a real place, although none had found it, and it was destiny that he must find it. Jorge is our guide at this incredible site. You may stand in the doorway within the center of the massive stone wall and experience the energy. Even those who claim an insensitivity to energies have had amazing experiences at this doorway. Overnight: Chucuito at Hotel Taypikala.
Thursday, May 6 Lima
Bus to Juliaca for a flight to Lima. On the way to the airport, we visit the remarkable site of Sillustani overlooking Lake Umayo. We explore the Sun and Moon temples and the mysterious burial chambers called chullpas. Sillustani was used by the Incas, but its foundations were laid by a much earlier civilization.
Friday, May 7 Miami
Arrive in Miami in the early morning and then catch your connecting flight home.
SUGGESTED READING:
1)Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge: The Mystical World of Q'ero Indians of Peru, Joan Parisi Wilcox, Element
2)Initiation, a woman's spiritual adventure in the heart of the Andes, Elizabeth B. Jenkins, GP Putnam's Sons
3)Journey to Machu Picchu: Spiritual Wisdom from the Andes, Carol Cumes, Llewellyn Publications
4)Lonely Planet Peru, Rob Rachowiecki, Lonely Planet Publications (This is a good general travel guide)
TOUR COST:
From Boston, double occupancy $3690 or $4190 single occupancy. From Miami $3490 double occupancy, $4090 single occupancy; includes fully escorted tour; round trip airfare from Miami to Lima; two flights within Peru; breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners; all bus, train, and boat transportation; accommodations; entry fees; and all touring per itinerary. Not included are airport departure taxes (about $35), gratuities, and items of a personal nature. If you are traveling alone, and prefer not to incur the additional cost of single occupancy, we usually can arrange a roommate.
TO REGISTER:
Please send a $390 deposit to Harmony Tours, PO Box 1737, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170 386-214-3015, harmonytours@earthlink.net or harmonytours@mindspring.com. The 2nd payment of $900 is due February 27 and the final payment of is required by March 20, 2004.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to the departure are subject to $100 cancellation fee. Reservations canceled 30-45 days prior to the departure date are subject to a cancellation fee in the amount of 50% of the trip cost. Reservations canceled less than 29 days prior to the departure date are nonrefundable. You may want to consider purchasing a commercial travel insurance policy that would include trip cancellation protection. Please contact Harmony Tours for details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please travel with a valid passport, visas are not required to enter Peru. There are no mandatory immunizations required for the areas of Peru to which you will be traveling. However, you may want to consult with your local health department about a few standard immunizations for consideration, such as an updated polio booster, tetanus DPT booster, and hepatitis A. One month before the journey, a final letter will be sent to you including additional information and suggestions of clothing and items to pack, a tour roster, and maps.
April/May are the beginning of the dry season in the High Andes. Temperatures can vary greatly between the daytime and nighttime. You will want to be prepared for ranges from 40-75 degrees. Travelers checks are recommended and major credit cards are accepted by some larger business establishments. Peru is on the 220 volt system.
Here are some comments by previous participants of Pilgrimages to the Andes:
"The vistas, the landscapes, the stone work, the general vibration of all we experienced, the connectedness of our group, and the guidance of the shamans who helped to lead us, defy my ability to adequately describe."
-DC, Slate Hill NY
"What a fabulous trip you created. Excellent pacing and combination of experiences. It was designed well and executed with mastery."
-TS, Kapaau HI
"The trip leaves nothing but incredible memories for me - it has impacted my life more than I know."
-IF, Denver CO
"Thanks again for an amazing journey into the depths of my soul."
-PH, New York City
"The pilgrimage was wondrous - a dream realized. It was a life transforming 'vision quest' for me in many ways. The incredible energy of the land, mountains, and people, as well as the dynamic group energy were extraordinary catalysts for spiritual growth."
-AP, Bradford Woods PA
"Your kindness and genuine concern for us was evident throughout the journey."
-PH, Huntington Beach CA
"The memories of my pilgrimage to Bolivia and Peru will stay with me forever and beyond into the cosmos. I thank Spirit Journeys for the opportunity of a lifetime and for welcoming me with open arms on this enchanted voyage."
-TT, New York City
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