Heart of the Pachamama
with Puma Quispe Singona
A Sacred Journey of Healing, Andean Medicine
and Energy Work in Peru
May 19 – 29, 2017
Tour operated in cooperation with Sacred Earth Journeys
Join us for the Heart of the Pachamama, a heart-opening spiritual journey with Andean Medicine Man, Healer, and Wisdom Keeper, Puma Quispe Singona. On this journey we will hear traditional teachings, participate in ceremonies, and undertake powerful healing and energy work.
With Puma as our skillful guide, we will wind our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, pausing at sacred temples and spiritual sites, working with the energies of this ancient land to experience healing and a profound sense of happiness. As part of our healing, we have the option to work with San Pedro (Wachuma), an ancestral medicine that was used in ceremony thousands of years ago to liberate heavy energy from the emotional and psychological temples. Connect with the sacred trilogy of the Incas – the Puma, Serpent, and Condor – and learn about what the Inca elders believed of parallel dimensions. This sacred land is also full of colorful, fun, and enchanting places and peoples and we will visit authentic market places and vibrant, welcoming communities.
We begin our journey in the Sacred Valley with time devoted to ceremony, Andean medicine, and energy work. We will then make a memorable stop at Puma’s home village of Chinchero, with spectacular views over the Sacred Valley. Chinchero is famed for its traditional weavings, and we will learn about Puma’s mother’s foundation, the Ayni Ayllu Weaving Cooperative. We will hear stories, be welcomed by Puma’s family and friends, and enjoy this rare opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the local community. While
here, we will also participate in a special Despacho Ceremony and experience traditional teachings and energy work with Don Sebastian, a Q’ero Master, and Mama Irene, a powerful healer and medicine woman.
Our journey continues to the awe-inspiring site of Machu Picchu. Spend time with Puma and also independently to truly enjoy the magnificence of this great testament to Incan civilization, and to experience the powerful energies here.
After a beautiful train ride through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, known as The Sanctuary of the Wind, we make our way to Pisac to explore the Andean market place and admire the colonial architecture. We will then travel to Chonta where we can experience a once in a lifetime condor sighting over the impressive canyon. This is followed by an exploration of Cusco, including a visit to the San Pedro market, and the architectural wonders and ancient sacred temples such as Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, and Coricancha. At these sacred sites, Puma will guide us through ceremonies and help us connect with the ancestral lineages found within the caves and walls.
We will journey on to Raqchi, an important sacred site, also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, the God Creator of the Andes, where we will continue our energy work and wisdom teachings. We will then travel to the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating Islands. These islands, made of Tortora reeds, are home to the Uros people who, according to legend, existed before the sun when the earth was cold and dark. We will have the honor of being welcomed into the community of Amantaní for a one-night homestay experience to fully appreciate the culture and traditions of the Uros peoples. The final ceremony of this journey will take place at the powerful site of Cutimbo where we have the option to work again with traditional Andean medicine to continue our healing process and bring further clarity to our own life’s journey as well as the reasons for being drawn to this sacred land.
Your Tour Leader
Puma Quispe Singona
Trained by his Grandfather since age six, Puma has been walking the path of a traditional Andean Medicine Man and is recognized as a holder of ancient wisdom. He is a member of the Elders Council in Chinchero, Peru as well as the co-founder of Cusi Huayna, a youth group focused on re-strengthening the community through the remembrance of traditional dance, story, and weaving. He is accredited to sharing the secrets of the Andes with hundreds of tourists each year as a guide on the Inca Trail while continuing to study with Quechua elders throughout the Sacred Valley. Today Puma plays an active role in world affairs by sitting on several international and indigenous councils including the World Wisdom Council, whose honorary chair is Mikhail Gorbachyev. Through this work, he is ensuring the contribution of indigenous wisdom toward strengthening the vision of global harmony and healing.
Your Itinerary
Day 1, Friday, May 19 – Arrive Cusco; Transfer to Sacred Valley; Introductory Meeting (D)
Our journey begins in Cusco where we will be met at the airport and transferred directly to the Sacred Valley. By coming down in altitude and starting our journey in the Sacred Valley, we will feel refreshed, energized and ready for the days ahead. Once settled into our beautiful hotel, we will gather for an Introductory Meeting to go over all the exciting activities we have planned for our journey. We will also enjoy a short Welcome Ceremony involving a clearing of the personal energy field and reconnecting with the Andean spirits. In the evening we will gather together for our Welcome Dinner of traditional Peruvian cuisine and enjoy meeting our fellow travelers and getting to know our tour leader, Puma. (Overnight in the Sacred Valley.)
Day 2, Saturday, May 20 – Sacred Valley; Ceremony; Energy Work (B, L)
Today, feeling refreshed after a relaxing night at our hotel, we continue our energy work with ceremonies and healing rituals. Puma will discuss Andean Cosmovision and traditional Andean Healing Arts, and will guide us through rituals of welcoming and reconnecting with the ancestral spirits of the Andes. We will also work with two very special, invited healers today – Don Sebastian and Mama Irene – who will share healing practices that are both simple and practical for our everyday lives back home. Don Sebastian is a Q’ero Master with pure energy and wisdom from the lineage of the Q’ero People; Mama Irene is an older medicine woman and a very powerful healer who comes from a different lineage of healers in the Peruvian Andes, closer to the rainbow lineage. Together these two healers will have a profound and lasting impact on our understanding of energy work and Andean medicine. We also have our first optional opportunity to work with San Pedro (Wachuma) today. San Pedro is a powerful and sacred – yet gentle – “teacher and healer” plant traditionally used to heal the heart in times of extreme pain and emotional hurt. It is important to work with this medicine as part of a sacred ceremony and with the protection of the ancestral spirits. With Puma’s guidance we can reconnect with the ancestral energy that is ready to help us heal and transform our lives for the better.
This full day of energy work will allow us to feel fully immersed in ancestral traditions and deepen our connection to our inner self as well as the land we are visiting. We will also learn about the concepts of Nogan Kani and Ayni, the latter a fundamental aspect of Andean Cosmovision that allows us to better understand the unique reciprocal relationship the Andean peoples have with the earth. By understanding that love is always a reciprocal relationship (love for people, nature, the planet) we can reassess our relationships and how we treat ourselves and the world around us. (Overnight in the Sacred Valley.)
Day 3, Sunday, May 21 – Chinchero (B, L)
Today we visit Puma’s home village of Chinchero, a small village located high up in the windswept plains, offering spectacular views over the Sacred Valley and the snow capped peaks of the Andes. Renowned for its beautiful traditional weavings, this town is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Here we immerse ourselves in the local community, meeting village elders and the friendly local inhabitants.
We will have the pleasure of meeting Puma’s family to learn more of their traditional ways and practices and perhaps hear a few stories and tales. We will learn more about Puma’s mother’s foundation, the Ayni Ayllu Weaving Cooperative and pick up a few treasures for ourselves and loved ones back home. We will also have the honor of participating in a special Despacho Ceremony with Puma and a local Chinchero Master to make offerings and express our gratitude, love, and respect for Pachamama and the Apus.
In the afternoon after lunch we will journey on to Ollantaytambo train station, and enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamaba River to the charming village of Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu Pueblo as it is now called. After checking in to our hotel, enjoy the evening at your leisure to prepare for your visit to sacred Machu Picchu tomorrow. (Overnight in Machu Picchu.)
Day 4, Monday May 22 – Machu Picchu, Wayna Picchu (B, L)
After an early breakfast we make our way by bus to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu for our spiritual awakening. This Cristal Condor sacred site is an inspiring and beautiful place, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used primarily as an astronomical Observatory and place of pilgrimage, Machu Picchu now attracts thousands of visitors each year to connect with the sacred energies and ancient wisdom. Because it sits within three corresponding high peaks of power, which create an energy triangle, it is a perfect spot to sit and meditate, focus your intent, and expand your awareness.
During our time here we will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the spiritual center of the Intihuatana, or the Hitching Post of the Sun. Puma will guide us into a heart-opening ceremony to connect with Pachamama and the universal energies that encompass us – a life changing experience! In the afternoon we will board our train to Ollantaytambo in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. (Overnight in Ollantaytambo.)
Day 5, Tuesday, May 23 – Ollantaytambo; Pisac (B, L)
After breakfast visit Ollantaytambo, known as The Sanctuary of the Wind, an ancient observatory and ceremonial center set amongst impressive hillside terraces. Visit the Temple of the Sun and also the Royal Baths and Fountains for a shamanic energy experience where we will connect with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. We then make our way along the murmuring river to the Temple of the Condor for a few moments of reflection and silent meditation.
After lunch we drive into the hills to the picturesque town of Pisac to admire the colonial architecture and the awe-inspiring scenic beauty. We will also see the best expression of Incan terraces and Funerary traditions, the ancient Temple of the Condor being a prime example. This condor was in charge of taking the soul back to the divine origins across the stars so the Incas built in this mountain the largest Inca cemetery, a perfect place to connect with our ancestors’ alchemic treasures in our own private ceremony. We can then enjoy some time exploring the Andean Marketplace in Pisac to purchase lovely handcrafted treasures to take home. (Overnight in Cusco.)
Day 6, Wednesday, May 24 – Chonta, Condor Viewpoint (B, L)
We make an early morning departure from Cusco traveling to the small community of Chonta (travel time is approximately three hours on paved and dirt roads). En route we will see the impressive snow peaked mountains and majestic valleys surrounding Apu Salkantay. On arrival in Chonta we will enjoy lunch together before our walk to the Condor viewpoint in the Apurimac Canyon (the walk will take about 90 minutes). From this vantage point we will have the opportunity to watch the Gods of the Andes in their native, wilderness environment, witnessing the majestic flight of these huge Condors (Sacred Bird of the Incas) as well as many other birds including eagles and hawks. We will hopefully also spot the whitetail deer, Andean fox, and the rabbit-like Chinchilla, the Viscachas. Puma will lead us in a gratitude ceremony in this magnificent location before returning to Chonta village. After our magical connection at Chonta, we will drive back to Cusco for a free evening. (Overnight in Cusco.)
Day 7, Thursday, May 25 – Cusco City Tour and Inca Sacred Sites (B, L)
After breakfast, we begin with a visit to Sacsayhuamán, where we will marvel at this architectural wonder and learn the mystery and legends of how this stone-walled complex was constructed. Next, Puma will take us through a rebirth process in a nearby cave of the Cosmic Mother, also known as the Womb of Mother Earth.
We then continue on to Tambomachay, a favorite resting place of the Incas, commonly referred to as the “Baños del Inca” or “Baños de la Ñusta” (Baths of the Incas or Baths of the Princess). This site, once used for ritual bathing, is believed to be a temple dedicated to the worship of water. At the Temple of the Condor we will participate in a private Andean Initiation Ceremony to connect with the ancestral lineages. Connect with the sacred trilogy of the Incas – the Puma, Serpent, and Condor and learn about what the Incan elders believed of parallel dimensions.
After visiting other sacred temples around the mountain, we return to the city of Cusco for a city tour and to immerse ourselves in the smiles and laughter of the local people. Later we visit Coricancha, one of the most revered temples, dedicated to the Sun God, whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. Wander the courtyard which was once filled with golden statues. (Overnight in Cusco.)
Day 8, Friday, May 26 – Raqchi; La Raya; Pucara, Lake Titicaca (B, L, D)
This morning we get up early to board our bus to Lake Titicaca, visiting some beautiful sacred sites along the way. Our first visit will be to Raqchi, also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, the God Creator of the Andes. Here, we will find our center and point of connection to our divine origins. After a quick pause for lunch, we will stop in La Raya, which divides the regions of Cusco and Puno. With an elevation of 4,335 meters above sea level, La Raya provides enchanting panoramic views of the Andes as they tower over quaint alpaca farms. Here we visit the source of the sacred Willcamayu River, which, for the Inca, was the reflection of the river in the stars of our Milky Way.
We will connect with the smallest water volcano and then stop in Pucara the most important site of connection with the ancestral lineage of the Incan and the pre-Inca culture. Petroglyphs found here reveal the origins of life on the planet and also the origins of spirituality in the Andes. We will also meet “The Frog God” who bestows fertility and prosperity to those who visit. We then continue on to Lake Titicaca where we will settle into our hotel for the evening. Here, we can awe at the splendor of this sacred lake, which sits over 3800 meters above sea level, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. Notable for its people who live on the Uros, a group of artificial islands made of floating reeds, this remarkable place is not to be missed. Resting in the heart of the nurturing Andean feminine energy, we will be welcomed by the loving embrace of powerful Mama Cocha. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (Overnight in Puno.)
Day 9, Saturday, May 27 – Uros Islands, Amantaní Homestay (B, L, D)
Arise early this morning to revel in the morning sun before embarking on a private boat trip on the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca to the Uros Islands. These islands of Tortora reeds are home to the Uros people who, according to legend, existed before the sun when the earth was cold and dark. Once used as a mobile defense system, the islands now attract visitors from all over and offer an opportunity to learn about ancient practices and traditions and a chance to admire the simple way of life of the people. Although the Uros claim to have “black blood” which makes them impervious to the cold, they are a warm and inviting people.
Next, we visit Amantaní, a circular island about 9 square km in size, known as the “Island of the Kantuta”, after the national flower which grows plentifully here. The island is home to two mountain peaks, Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), and contains ancient Inca and Tiwanaku ruins on top of both. Agriculture is a main way of life here evidenced by the terraced hillsides which are planted with wheat, quinoa, potatoes, and other vegetables. On this island, we will connect with the sacred balance of feminine and masculine energies at the Temple of Pachatata and Pachamama. We will prepare a sacred, healing offering to help balance the masculine and feminine polarities within ourselves in order to achieve harmony.
We will enjoy a most unique experience as we overnight here on the island with a local “homestay”. While the comforts will be basic (sleeping bags will be provided), it is a great honor to be welcomed into the community and homes of the local Uros people who welcome us with open arms and hearts. It will also be a wonderful opportunity to gain a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for their way of life and traditions. (Overnight in Amantaní Homestay)
Day 10, Sunday, May 28 – Cutimbo (B, L, D)
Today we visit the powerful site of Cutimbo (Kutimpuy), an archaeological complex characterized by its “chullpas” or burial towers, located a short distance from Puno, at an altitude of 4,023 meters above sea level. The name Cutimbo in Quechua means to come back to your essence of being a medicine man or medicine woman, and it is here that we will have our last ceremony together. We’re spending a full day at this important site to reconnect with ancestral Lemurian lineages and sacred medicine that our ancestors left for the awakening of consciousness in this new era. Traditionally, it was only the best spiritual leaders who were taken here to become eternal guardians of the lineage of light, and the buildings themselves were giant cups offering only the best medicine for the Gods.
For us, it is a time to draw healing energy, insights and wisdom from the ancestors. Our work at this site with San Pedro (Wachuma) (optional) will be the perfect culmination to our journey, supporting us as we move forwards on our path to true health and happiness. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner together, a time to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the days we have spent together and our own sacred journey. (Overnight in Puno.)
Day 11, Monday, May 29 – Depart Juliaca for Return Home (B)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to Juliaca for your return flight home. Depart with renewed energy, clarity, and a profound sense of well-being, as you say farewell to this land that has offered you the power of true healing. You will be taking home enduring memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Your Hotels (or similar)
- Sacred Valley – Agustos Urubamba Hotel
- Machu Picchu – Waman Hotel
- Ollantaytambo – Pakaritampu Hotel
- Cusco – Hotel Costa del Sol
- Puno – Taypikala hotel
- Amantaní – Homestay
Tour Includes:
- 10 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
- Breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 3 dinners (including Welcome & Farewell dinners)
- Homestay on Amantaní island, Lake Titicaca, including dinner
- Transportation by private coach
- Train to/from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu with shuttle service
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and temples
Added Features:
- Travel with Andean medicine man, healer, and wisdom keeper, Puma Quispe Singona
- Visits to sacred sites and temples
- Despacho and Andean ceremonies
- Traditional energy work
- Optional work with the sacred Andean Medicine, San Pedro (Wachuma)
- Authentic community immersion
- Invited healers for ceremonies and energy work
Tour Does Not Include:
- Airfare to Cusco and return from Juliaca
- Cancellation & medical insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Cost to obtain valid passport
- Tips & gratuities for drivers, bellboys, waiters, etc.
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, and telephone calls
- Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
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PRICE PER PERSON (Land Only)
Double Occupancy: $3,890 by check or money order or $4,099 by credit card
Single Occupancy: $4,439 by check or money order or $4,679 by credit card
INITIAL DEPOSITS
$500 ($525 by credit card) Non-Refundable deposit to hold space
NOTE: The Single Room Supplement applies for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour.
ROOMMATES: We will be happy to try to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until 30 days before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.
Please read our Body Mind Spirit Journeys Terms and Conditions.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or secure online credit or debit card payment.
Travel Insurance
Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code “F025323.”