Dates: June 18-29, 2022 (11 nights)
Pick up and drop off in Lima, Peru (LIM)
A few years ago, we traveled to Peru, and visited the iconic site of Machu Picchu. We expected it to be amazing but were not fully prepared for the overwhelming sense of awe and spiritual connection we experienced. We realized we had only scratched the surface of all the treasures in the magnificent Andes, and the beautiful people that embody one of the most spiritually rich cultures in the world. We vowed to return someday.
Finally, we get to return! But now we have partnered with a Peruvian guide and community leader who is a native of Ollantaytambo, one of the many Inca archeological sites that contribute to the richness of the Sacred Valley.
Our guide, Washington Gibaja (Washi), has been a professional guide for his entire life, a photographer, and a board member on a non-profit, Path of the Heart – providing food, clothing, education, and necessities to indigent children and families in the sacred valley region and surrounding communities. In a beautiful full-circle, Washi was helped by the organization as a child and now serves on its leadership team.
We are calling this a Spiritual Adventure Tour, however, we are not going to evangelize in any way. Everyone, of any faith or belief, is welcome. Our intention is to travel with open minds, and learn about the rich and ancient culture of the people of the Sacred Valley and connect with them as fellow humans. Who knows, maybe we'll find ways to enhance our own Spiritual growth too?
Tour highlights:
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An active adventure with lots of walking/hiking. Options will be available for less-able persons (horseback, shuttle, etc.) but a good state of health is important. We'll spend much of our time at higher altitudes. (Cusco is at 11,000 ft. and Machu Picchu at 8000 ft.)
- Led by professional Peruvian guides, Medicine Masters, and your hosts, Kevin & Clare Kubota.
- Gastronomical delights! Lima is a foodie's bucket list spot and has been named as the #1 Culinary Destination in the world, 5 years running.
- Visits to non-touristy villages, shamans, and families where we can learn about the culture first-hand.
- Some camping (all gear provided)
- VOLUNTOURISM and options to donate supplies and gifts if desired.
- Meditation and Sacred ceremonies (Medicine plant use is not part of our tour)
- Visits to Lima, Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and of course, Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
Our itinerary is subject to slight changes as we finalize our guest list and the tour date gets closer. We guarantee it will be a great experience, regardless! This itinerary provided by our Peruvian guide, Washi :-)
BONUS: We've added on an optional Foodie Tour in Lima! June 17th which includes a walking food tour with a local food expert through markets and dining at a local home. It also includes 2 fine-dining experiences at world class restaurants and an extra night hotel stay. Add-on price is $500. Please contact us to include this option.
(B, L, D) = Breakfast, lunch, or dinner included.
DAY 1 (06/18/2022): HOME TO LIMA Flight from US. To Lima, Peru. Usually you will arrive in Lima around midnight. Our staff and guides will take you to the Hotel for overnight in Lima. Dinner on your own (usually on the plane.) Welcome to Peru, We will provide bottle water when arrival. www.faraonagrandhotel.com
NOTE: International flights on your own. Please contact: yanapani@yahoo.com if you need help in making International flight arrangement.
Day 2 (06/19/2022): LIMA CITY AND GASTRONOMY TOUR Lima Day Tour Breakfast available from 6:00 am. This exciting tour begins at your hotel at 10:00 a.m. join the driver for a visit Larco Museum www.museolarco.org. This is one of the most important museums in South America, where you will discover the most extraordinary treasures from ancient Peru and visit the Huacapucllana ancient Site. Afternoon visit the popular market one of the oldest one in Miraflores - Lima, here you will try the typical fruits from Peru that are unique to this country because of the 84 Microclimate, they are chirimoya, lucuma, tumbo, aguaymanto, granadillas, nisperos, Pitujaya and Tuna depends on the season that we are here. Also, we will explain the different variety of potatoes and legumes, types of quinoa, Nueces, pecans, types of fish that are fresh as Lima is by the Ocean. Later we will visit a family home with what we have purchased in the Market as ingredients, so the homeowner family will teach us to prepare ceviche, Causa Rellena, and Lomo Saltado typical dishes of this region, also learn to prepare pisco sours with Peruvian Brandy. Prepare of the chicha morada, famous drink of Peru. Have early dinner in the house where the food is prepared as a family, to share some great experiences and share more of the variety of Peruvian culinary. Finally, Walk by the Old part of the Miraflores and Barranco Area to enjoy and understand this special places and its energy, lots of great beauty to see and enjoy. Back to the Hotel. www.faraonagrandhotel.com (B, L, D)
Day 3 (06/20/2022): LIMA - CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY. After a good breakfast, morning transfer to the airport for flight to CUSCO. Fly to the Inca capital city of Cusco. Your guide and driver will pick you up from the airport in Cusco and embark upon a guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley, as majestic today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Stop for a short explanation of the Awana Cancha Weaving textile center, this private place works with native communities making them Self-sufficient by sharing their ancient ways of weaving and processing the Alpaca wool in this learning place. We will stop along the way for a good lunch. You will see Inca terracing that climbs the steep valley walls and the beautiful temples of Pisac which inspire panoramic views of the jagged granite mountains. Here we will perform ceremony with our local Shaman and guide also Pisac is the location for one of the best textile markets in the Andes. There, use your bargaining skills and enjoy the local culture before you reach Urubamba Town. Exchange currency and learn about the day’s activities. Short welcoming ceremony in the afternoon at the hotel Dinner on your own. www.pakaritampu.com (B, L)
Note: Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco which is why we begin here to ease your acclimation to the altitude. For your convenience, we provide water all days.
Day 4 (06/21/2022): TEACHING AND CEREMONY DAY WITH OUR SHAMAN, after a good relax and great breakfast at the Hotel, our medicine man will teach us all about this introduction to these sacred land Peru and it beautiful energy, this will be a group teaching/meditation and Sacred initiation and empowerment of the inner Priest/Priestess at the ancient place near the hotel which is incredible this sacred site will be to connect with the milky way, the stars through the water. Lunch will be provided by our amazing cook as a picnic included on the Itinerary price. After you will have a small walk around the Nature to another small ancient site that was use in the old times to store food and magical waterfall Perolniyoc. www.pakaritampu.com (B, L)
Day 5 (06/22/2022): MORAY, SALT MINES, AND OLLANTAYTAMBO SITE After breakfast we begin our day boarding a private bus and drive for 30 minutes to stop and visit the circular terraces of Moray - the Navel of the Earth. At this sacred site we will feel the connection with the three worlds represented by the Condor, Puma and Snake sacred animals of the Incas. See how our ancestors built an amphitheater-like structure to study different microclimates. We will also visit an amazing salt flats operation in route to Ollantaytambo, and for those who want to stretch their legs and get a little exercise, there is an opportunity to hike down into the valley for a while and meet up with the bus further down the road. Buffet Lunch at Hacienda Tunupa Restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Then, the next stop is Ollantaytambo site (9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress with beautiful Inca princess baths, pink granite temples, pyramids, etc. Back to the Hotel for Another good night, Dinner on your own. www.pakaritampu.com (B, L)
Day 6 (06/23/2022): SACRED VALLEY – VOLUNTOURISM After 2 hours of group teaching/meditation and Sacred ceremony. Late morning to experiencing “voluntourism”, our giving back aspect here in the Sacred Valley. There are a variety of opportunities to really get to know the locals and share your heart, love & sacred gifts with these hard-working, beautiful people. We will pick meaningful projects that are sure to be a highlight of your trip depending on what the needs are in the community when we visit.
- Take 2 Chickens per family to a community
- Share hot chocolate and Vizcocho bread with all the children and the gifts that you brought.
- We will build a community Library for the children.
- Also we can include any of your ideas.
We promise that you will be inspired and full of gratitude at the end of this day! Lunch and Dinner included. www.pakaritampu.com (B, L, D)
Note: The service is included in the itinerary the Chickens and the Hot Chocolate for the children. You can bring school supplies or buy here Solar Lights for the Families, that helps in their Education and brings more opportunities to them and the mothers in the weaving activity.
Day 7 (06/24/2022): SACRED VALLEY - MANDOR WATERFALL Morning train to Aguas Calientes, specific time to be arranged. Arrive at a beautiful hotel and drop luggage. Have small lunch (on the train they feed you with snacks) and then nature walk to the waterfalls of Mandor, with your guide and shaman. Here we will learn more about “Madre Tierra” (Mother Earth) as seen through the eyes of the indigenous people of this region; and experience a sacred ritual to connect with that earth energy and a group teaching/meditation with the sacred water. Also here will be a great teaching and work energy with the local Shaman as these places has been chosen by the great spirits for you to feel the energy of the Machu Picchu Site before we enter.
Also, we will have time to take photos of the amazing birds like the Cock-of-the-rock, a national bird. Back to the Hotel and then for Dinner on the www.indiofeliz.com as a group. Evening we will have special private permits to enter to the Hot springs for cleaning for the next day enter to the Sacred Site of Machu Picchu. www.tierravivahoteles.com/en/tierra-viva-cusco-machu-picchu (B, L, D)
Day 8 (06/25/2022): MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS TEXTILE MARKET – CUSCO After breakfast, your guide will meet you, and together we will take the bus to enter the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, where you will have a 2 - 3 hour guided tour with your guide. Then explore on your own photographing the ruins.
After Buffet lunch will be provided at the 5 Star Belmond Sanctuary Hotel –looking at the Sacred Mountains, we will hike to the SunGate or Inka Bridge. And in the afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will meet your private driver and travel to the Chincheros Market. This traditional weaving community is known for its impressive textile works and artisan products. Here the local artisans will give you an introduction to their handy work including their processes for shearing, dyeing, spooling, and weaving from alpaca. Take advantage of last-minute shopping before you are transferred to Cusco where you check into your hotel in the center of town. This evening, you'll have time to enjoy the lively Latin music scene in Cusco and enjoy a world-class dinner. www.aranwahotels.com/en/hotels/aranwa-cusco-boutique-hotel (B, L)
DAY 9 (06/26/2022): CUSCO – CITY AND SURROUNDS Today you will spend learning about the region’s rich cultural history. The day starts with a guided walking tour through Cusco’s craft markets. You will visit the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the Inca’s Temple of the Sun, before enjoying a delectable lunch of regional cuisine. We will visit the Restaurant of the Universal Heart www.pathoftheheart.org to serve the kids that walks so far to the school with meal and The afternoon will be spent visiting by private transportation the other significant Inca ruins in the vicinity of Cusco including: the mammoth fortress of Saqsayhuaman above the city, noted for its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko with its distinctive zig zag – patterned carved stone and subterranean altars ; the hillside outpost of Puka Pukara, a small fortress that formerly protected the royal sacred capital of the Incas; and the Tambo Machay water temple that served as royal baths. Late Afternoon sacred music play at the sacred mountains with musicians. Later you will be returned to your hotel for another evening in colonial Cusco. www.aranwahotels.com/en/hotels/aranwa-cusco-boutique-hotel (B, L)
DAY 10 (06/27/2022): CUSCO TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN Early pick up at 06:00am from your hotel in Cusco, first you are going to visit the Tipon Ancient Site, which is the temple of the water and the most incredible agriculture laboratory from the Incas after to the province of Quispicanchis, home to magnificent and sacred Ausangate cordillera (Vilcanota range of mountains), the Rainbow Mountains and countless other natural wonders. Along the way we'll stop at two beautifully colonial churches and scenic lookouts. We'll arrive at our trek departure point midday, and break for a tasty lunch with our professional cook in Illapampa. Lots of alpacas and llamas, Native families as they don’t have electricity we can bring some solar panel to the people there. After Ascend through dark red mountains, with views of snowy peaks in the close distance. After 4hour hike, we'll arrive at closer to Vinicunca (K´uychimoqo) pass, directly facing the colorful mountain. Enjoy the evening and the time there under the stars as our ancient families did, dinner will be included and all accommodation as this will be camping. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 (06/28/2022): RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO This Morning after a great night, we will have a ceremony with our local spiritual leader like our ancestors at this mountain before the crows arrives, morning sunrise and great breakfast with the locals and we will share with them. You will have time to explore on your own, take photos and enjoy incredible views of the Rainbow Mountain; we'll begin the return hike, to the sacred Valleys of the Qeros. Passing by lakes and lots of great towns. On the way back there will be a stop at the Piki llacta Ancient site, which is amazing and pre-Inca with the most amazing sunset. Good night in Cusco is waiting for you also a Farewell dinner together at a nice Restaurant in with Music and Dance. www.aranwahotels.com/en/hotels/aranwa-cusco-boutique-hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 12 (06/29/2022): FREE DAY IN CUSCO – FLIGHT HOME. After Breakfast Today you can enjoy Cusco on your own – stroll through its cobblestone streets, poke your head into galleries and meet artists and artisans before you stop for a café on the Plaza de Armas or in the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. After Lunch on your own you can visit the Choco Museum! Or other places and we will give you a ticket for some attraction places that you can choose to go. Then take a stroll back to your hotel to meet the group and in the late afternoon Transfer you to the Airport for your flight to Lima and then connect Home. (B, L)
*Please note that exact pick-up times and tour start times will be reconfirmed daily with your local guides and Shamans.
HOTELS: Are listed on each day, you can get more information by visiting their websites; all of them have Wi-Fi in room.
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PRICE
Price: $3350 per person, based on double occupancy. $3850 for singles with a private room.
You may reserve your spot now by paying the $1500/person deposit. We will contact you later for balance payment options.
A donation to Unity Community of Central Oregon and Path of the Heart will be made from any net proceeds :-)
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
- Internal flights (Lima – Cusco, Cusco – Lima) and airport taxes.
- Private ground transportation the entire trip
- Beautiful Hotel
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, Cusco, all sites listed, and Museums.
- Tent, Sleeping bags, Matras
- Horses for the ones needed
- Professional cook
- All Camping equipment
- All breakfasts, 11 lunches. (Vegetarian option available)
- Dinners as indicated on the itinerary
- Shaman-trained Guide and 1 Native Shaman
- Train fares ( Vista Dome )
- Bus to Machu Picchu round trip
- Bottled water daily.
- Service for children (Hot Chocolatada and special Bread)
Not Included:
- International airfares.
- Most Dinners.
- Extra beverages.
- Tips. (bellmen, waiters, guides, cooks, drivers)
A deposit of $1500 per person is required to reserve your spot. The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Participant Cancellation:
Payments are fully refundable for 2 weeks after payment. Refunds cannot be guaranteed within 60 days of departure. We will always do our best to refund any amounts that we can recover from our advanced bookings.
COVID 19 Host cancellation:
If COVID conditions require us to cancel the trip, 100% will be refunded.
THE TEAM
Kevin & Clare Kubota
Aloha! We have been leading workshops and tours around the world since 2001 when I, Kevin, was asked to teach my first International photography workshop in Italy. Ever since then, the love of sharing our travel experiences with others has been an inspirational piece of why we do what we do. I've been a professional photographer for over 30 years and have taught photography workshops since 1998. Clare is our "Queen Bee", who joyfully and eloquently manages our team, co-leads our tours, and inspires me, and many others, with her zest for life and love for rich connection with people.
We have led travel experiences in Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Brasil, Italy, Hawaii, and Bolivia. We have also traveled and taught photography courses in many more places nationally and internationally.
We know one thing to be true: traveling with an open mind and open heart leads to amazing experiences and profound personal growth. We call this the "Traveller's Mindset" – where you allow yourself to be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and seeing life from a different perspective. You do more than allow, however, you take the first steps. You take the initiative to say "hello", ask to try, and listen more than you talk.
Inevitably, when you bring your Traveller's Mindset home to your own community, you find treasures in your backyard.
We were VERY excited to have made a connection and friend in Washi, our Peruvian guide. His kind and gentle heart, compassionate spirit, and love of sharing his culture made an immediate impression on us. We are truly excited to share this adventure with him.
Washington (Washi) Gibaja (our Peruvian guide)
I was born in Ollantaytambo, (10-06-82) on the Axis between Machu Picchu and Cusco. Ever since my childhood, I have dedicated myself as a guide to the sacred archeological site where I was born. Today I am also a professional guide (Tour Leader), photographer, partner for Buen Power Peru SAC for bringing Solar lights to remote communities, student for the law, etc.
Thanks to this work, I have had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world to do spiritual treatments, expositions, conferences and taking the message of the heart towards the mind, and all about Peru and the ancient sites also the prophecy, union of the Condor and the Eagle. As well as to meet people and sacred places with magical energy. Like Desmond Tutu, Mark Victor Hansen (writer of the book chicken soup for the soul), the king of Indonesia, etc.
I drew inspiration for many book that I am author of from my first book “Wisdom and Kindness of the Pachamama”, Second book, the Magic of Machi Picchu, The Origin of the Incas and Their Medicine and JOURNEY THROUGH THE INCA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU, Spiritual, Political and Financial Freedom, with the intention to share and extend a little of the knowledge and wisdom of my ancestors, towards you. In addition, with the sale of this book, 15% of all proceeds will go to create efficient projects in the future to help the less lucky families in the Andes.
Also In Partnership With www.magicaltoursperu.com, www.be-a-bridge.com, www.pathoftheheart.com, Buen Power Perú, USAID, Multiple Organizations, and Private Donors I have been part of:
- Installing in 11,000 homes with solar panels or photovoltaic modules so that 55,000 people have Access to Light.
- 20 years in a row with 900,000 meals served to date, for the less fortunate children and families of the Andes.
- 104,000 Hot Chocolates, Cake and gifts to Boys and Girls at Christmas in the Sacred Valley.
- 3000 units of equipment (Coats, Shoes - Boots, Pants, Caps, Gloves, Stockings, etc.) for Vulnerable Boys and Girls and protect them from the cruel cold, etc.
- 5,000 food package delivered on this Covid19 world emergency to the needy families.
Today I live in Ollantaytambo, married to a wonderful woman name Pammela and have Two beautiful daughters named Victoria Alejandra and Helene Rose, the source of my daily inspiration. I have plans to continue writing, Guiding, and proving service while I can still here on this great planet.
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