Peru Pilgrimage 2022 - Logistics and FAQ

This is a quick response to the basic questions. 
If you are seriously considering this journey please contact me and arrange a time to discuss the details in depth. 
This is a very unique opportunity and not a typical "tourist" trip.
What does this trip cost?
SEPTEMBER 2022 Pilgrimage INFO HERE
AUGUST 2022: Estimated Land cost for the full 16 day excursion is $3200 per person.
AUGUST 2022: Estimated Land cost for individual segments are as follows: *These prices are subject to change until total number of travelers and final itinerary is set. 

What's included:
  • Accomodations (hotel & bnb)
  • Breakfast, coffee, tea etc.
  • Most meals provided (restaurant meals not included)
  • Land transportation between locations
  • Entrance fees for archeological sites
  • Camping supplies (bring your own sleeping bag and ground pad)
  • Horses and caballeros 
  • All meals while camping
  • Paqos, Guides and Interpreters
  • Ceremonies and Initiations
  • Andean Wisdom Teachings
  • Before and after meetings and ceremonies

What's not included:
  • Airfare to and from Cusco
    • Estimate: $1000-$1400 round trip 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lodging in Cusco for early arrivals
  • Restaurant Meals and extra snacks 
  • Tips for the cooks, caballeros and Paqos
  • Shopping
  • Additional healing sessions and ceremonies

​What do I need to bring?
  • Sleeping bag, ground pad and small pillow for Apu trek (The nights can be very cold so bring a zero degree bag and a good mat for insulation)
  • Appropriate clothing (Layers are imperative! Smartwool long underwear. Wool socks and liners. Waterproof boots for hiking. Fleece layers, rain pants and rain coat. Hat and gloves.
  • Sunglasses &  Sunscreen
  • Toiletries (Only the essentials!)
  • Personal First Aid & Wellness supplies (Basic stuff like bandaids, sunscreen, vitamins, pain reliever, etc.)
  • Mesa (if you carry one)
  • Camera and extra battery power
  • Water bottle & Insulated Thermos
  • Journal (optional)
  • Walking sticks (optional) (not allowed in some archeological sites)

​How should I pack?
  • Lightly! (Most of our gear is carried by the horses and we want to go easy on them)
  • Find a waterproof stuff sack for your sleeping bag (I got mine at REI)
  • A small to medium sized duffel bag for clothing and toiletries (water resistant is important)
  • Day pack for hiking and horseback riding (keep it small and light!)

​What is the weather like?
Late March is the end of the rainy season so we will likely experience some intermittent rain and clouds.  Typically the rain is light and moves quickly through the mountains.  The weather can change from moment to moment so wear layers that are easy to change.  A good rain jacket or shell with a hood is essential.  The days are generally warmer and the nights can be very cold.

​What about the altitude?
The elevation of Cusco is around 11,000 feet.  If possible, it is recommended to arrive 2 or 3 days prior to begin adjusting to the altitude.  We begin our journey from Cusco to the lower elevations of the Sacred Valley (9,500 ft) and Machu Picchu (7,800 ft) which will allow acclimation to occur more slowly and easily.  The elevation of Lago Titicaca is around 12,500 feet.

The Ausangate trek does involve very high altitudes.  We will be camping at 14,000 to 15,000 feet elevation and will travel up to 16,000 feet during our journey.  Please be aware and prepared to experience these heights.   

We suggest taking extra chlorophyll (Chloroxygen) for a couple of weeks before the trip to build the oxygen holding capacity in your blood stream.  We will encourage you to chew coca leaves and drink coca tea to help you adjust to the elevation.  It is also suggested to buy a small can of oxygen in Cusco.  Our guides are experienced and equipped to deal with high altitude sickness and if you are experiencing severe difficulty you will be attended to quickly.  We carry a full oxygen tank at all times and basic emergency first aid supplies.  If necessary, you will be taken to a lower elevation.  Sleeping at these high altitudes can be challenging so be prepared to wake often through the night.

​What about the food?
Peruvian food is delicious!  All of the hotels, restaurants and homes we visit prepare fresh, clean meals with many options for various dietary needs.  Our hosts are very aware of the importance of cooking food well for travelers and bottled water is essential and always available.

​On the Ausangate trek, a highly experienced cook will be with us to provide 3 full meals each day, plus snacks and tea.  The meals are simple yet fresh and filling with a good variety of flavors and an emphasis on regional specialties.  Soup is always served first and a main course follows with a sweet treat at the end.  The complete menu will not be determined until we know who's coming with us and what particular dietary needs are required.  When you register we will need to know your food restrictions and preferences! 

Who can come on this trip?
This pilgrimage is open to anyone, however, it should be understood to be a sacred and spiritual adventure.  Deep transformation and learning will occur so you must be prepared with the personal power and skills to move yourself through this experience.  Mesa carriers, Munay Keepers and anyone already familiar with the Andean Sacred Cosmology are encouraged to attend.  Total number of travelers limited.  This is a deeply powerful personal experience and a smaller group provides more opportunity for spacious exploration.

​What is the guiding intention for this journey?
The primary intent for this expedition is to encourage deeper energetic connection with the sacred landscapes, the ancient traditions and the lineages of Wisdomkeepers from the Andean region.  Pilgrimage to these holy places to give offerings and receive power connections is one of the most important sacred journeys for one following the Andean Way.  Offering our gratitude and love to the land and the lineage is an essential component of our spiritual path.  

What ceremonies and initiations are offered?
The whole journey is a Ceremony.  We move through our experiences with conscious intent to be present and awake to ourselves and the people and places we are encountering.  We walk humbly in the awareness of the effect of our presence and commit to leave only blessings and peace behind where we have been.  That said, we are also incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a variety of traditional (and non-traditional) Andean ceremonies.  Our Paqo guides will work with us to determine which ceremonies are most needed and appropriate.  Here are some of the possibilities:
  • Haywarikuy 'Despacho' Ceremony
  • Coca Leaf Readings
  • Hatun Karpay Initiations
  • Samichakuy Clearing
  • Mesa Blessings & Empowerments
  • Chumpi Empowerments
  • Munay-Ki 
  • Nusta Karpay
  • Plant Medicine Journeys

​How can I best prepare for this trip?
Work in progress...