Peru - Itinerary 2009
October 29th - November 16th
We are pleased to offer the trip of a lifetime with our first Spiritual Quest to Peru. This trip is for anyone who is interested in experiencing traditional Shamanic ceremonies and rituals, personal transformational work and a desire to explore and engage their spiritual and creative potential.
Chapter 1 – The Amazon
Beginning in the Amazon Jungle is an opportunity to experience stepping outside of ordinary time to the inner workings of the mind, body and soul. We will have the chance to participate in three traditional ceremonies with a trained ‘Ayahuasquero’. Here we encounter the most powerful master plant medicine and teacher Ayahuasca - known as 'The Vine of the Soul'. The focus of this part of the Quest is on personal intentions, clearing, release, insight and the workings of the underworld in one's life. There will be plenty of opportunities for group excursions into the jungle to explore the wildlife and surrounding jungle.
Day 1- October 29th Lima – Jungle Lodging Meet at Lima airport for our early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. We take an unforgettable two-hour journey by motorized canoe up the Madre de Dios River, where one may observe the alligators, turtles, herons and other animals. We arrive at our jungle lodgings, which are located in the heart of a 10,000-hectare ecological reserve known as La Tambopata. Enjoy free time to relax in the lodge. Evening opening ceremony to introduce the group and establish individual intentions.
The jungle lodge is rustically built from indigenous materials and boasts a luxurious indoor swimming pool. Each bungalow has a bedroom with 2 beds, a second room with hammocks, and a private bathroom. Each room is fully enmeshed with an insect net. www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Day 2 to Day 6 (October 30th – November 4th) Everyday there will be an optional yoga and meditation class and/or a facilitated group session and time to experience the jungle, or to rest. For our stay in the Amazon there will be a number of excursions on offer including the opportunity to immerse oneself with nature and hike into the Amazon.
Activities include: Monkey Island - Only 5 minutes away from our jungle lodging. This island is extraordinarily beautiful and shelters a tremendous variety of monkeys and birds in their natural habitat. Lost Cocha - a protected ecosystem sustaining an immense variety of animals, such as giant otters, turtles, brazilian tapirs and the majestic Jaguar. Appreciate the magical view of the rainforest from the ‘Amazon watchtower’ built at the top of an enormous tree. Lake Apu Victor – Take a breathtaking hike into the depths of the Amazon rainforest via specially prepared trails and bridges where we will arrive at the majestic lake Apu Victor. A lake of crystalline waters surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees.
On the evenings of October 30th, November 1st & November 3rd there will be an expertly guided traditional Ayahuasca ceremony with Snr Pandero, an experienced Ayahuascero.
Photo of the Ayahuasca vine and Chacruna leaves before brewing
MEALS - Our chefs prepare traditional dishes of the region, such as Juanes, a meal symbolizing the annual harvest; as well as Paca, Palmito, and savoury fish dishes from the area, including Dorado, Doncella, Salton fish. Our chefs are also specialists in vegetarian cuisine. B/L/D - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included all days. www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Chapter 2 - Amazon to Andes
Our journey then takes us to Cusco for two days of free time. It is advisable to rest and acclimatize to the altitude as this magical city, nestled in the Andes is at an altitude of 3326m. Cusco was the centre of the Incan Empire and was known as the City of the Solar Puma. ‘Qusqu’ as it is known in Quechua is an archaeological wonderland and is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. There are many places to explore or just soak in the atmosphere of times past as you walk along the steep, narrow cobblestone streets.
Day 7 & Day 8 - November 4th & 5th - Cusco Following breakfast we return by boat to Puerto Maldonado for the flight into Cusco, where we transfer to our hotel, which is centrally located near the Plaza de Armas. We will stay here for two nights. Absorb the enchanting atmosphere of the cobblestone streets and enjoy the markets, international & local cuisine and culture of this magnificent and charming city. The Incan ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, & Tambomachay can also be visited in one day. Breakfast included
Chapter 3 – The Sacred Valley
We then journey into the Andes, beginning in the Sacred Valley for an incredible opportunity to work and study with traditional Q'ero Shamans. We will be invited to experience their amazing connection to Spirit, the Land and participate in their unique traditional despacho (offering) ceremonies. Our Quest will take us to places such as Urubamba and Pisaq. On the third day we make a five-hour bus journey further into the Andes to spend the night camping outside Choquecancha at an altitude of 2700 metres. This is a community in the valley of Lares with an approximate population of 500 people. Many of the men work on the Inca Trail and the women create beautiful weavings. We have the opportunity to directly support at a grass roots level a community that receives very little help in the harsh environment they live in. Donations of food, used clothes, toys, pencils, notebooks or money may be purchased for the local community and its people. Day 9 - November 6th Cusco - Urubamba Everyday there will be an optional yoga and meditation class and/or a facilitated group session. Transfer to Urubamba Hotel in the Sacred Valley. Opening ceremony with Q’ero Shamans from the local community. Optional personal healings with our Q’ero Shamans. Despacho (offering) ceremony at night. B/L/D www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Day 10 - November 7th
Urubamba - Pisaq Despacho (offering) ceremony in the Archaeological ruins of Pisaq – an ancient Incan citadel, which is famous for its stunning agricultural terracing high on the mountainside. Visit to the ceramic factory, Shamans store and ‘El Descanso’ - to sample fermented Maíz Chicha. Return to the Hotel in Urubamba. Optional personal ceremony / healing with our Q’ero Shamans that evening.
B/L Day 11 - November 8th Urubamba – Lares Early departure to the Valley of Lares - five hour journey from Urubamba. We will stop for 30 minutes in Calca to buy provisions for the community of Choquecancha (optional donation). Special ceremony in the mountains of The Sacred Valley for the Apus (Spirits), with our Q’ero Shamans. (This ceremony will be at over 4,200 meters.) Arrive in the Valley of Lares where we have the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs followed by lunch.
After lunch we travel a further 30 minutes to the community of Choquecancha. Personal healing sessions with Q`ero Shaman’s are available. Camping in tents. All equipment provided. B/L/D Day 12 - November 9th Choquecancha to Urubamba Breakfast at the campsite. Shamanic Ceremony close to the Inca ruins of Inca Racay. Gifts ceremony in Choquecancha for the local people. After lunch, enjoy the hot springs in the valley of Lares. Travel back to hotel in Urubamba. B/L www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Chapter 4 – Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
We will then travel back into Urubamba and meet our Shaman, healer and teacher~ Don Ruben Orellana. Don Ruben is the external consultant to The National Institute of Culture in Cusco and former head of Archaeology at Machu Picchu where he discovered over 44 sites. He was also the founding director of the Kamaquen Healing Centre. With Don Ruben we will be travelling to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes and the Temple of the Serpent (amongst other sites) learning about Andean Cosmology, chakra and rattle work. Don Ruben will also facilitate a ceremony with the master plant medicine- Huachuma (San Pedro cactus). Our focus will be on integration work and understanding our connection to the Universe. Incan prophecies speak of the people that will be drawn to travel to the Andes in 2009 who are ready to awaken inner Mastery, connect with the Divine Feminine and create Sacred Relationships. Day 13 - November 10th Arrival at Hotel and Spa
Everyday there will be an optional yoga and meditation class and/or a facilitated group session. After breakfast we transfer to our stunning rustic hotel and spa in the Sacred Valley, owned by our Shaman Don Ruben and his wife Maria Laura. Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation. For the more energetic, extra activities include; horse riding, bike riding or hiking. Without a doubt, one of the highlight’s of our hotel is the mini-spa, with a wet sauna and a huge indoor hot tub that can hold up to 10 people. B/L/D Day 14 – November 11th Introduction talk with Don Ruben Orellano (anthropologist, archaeologist and Shaman) about Andean Cosmology and Vision. Afternoon chakra and harmonization work with Andean rattles. After dinner, relax and enjoy the steam room and hot tub with medicinal plants. B/L/D www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Day 15 – November 12th
Machu Picchu Following breakfast we take the bus to Ollantaytambo train station then travel on the first class train (Vistadome) to the town of Aguas Calientes. After lunch we visit the ancient and mystical citadel of Machu Picchu- the lost city of the Incas. Set in a breathtaking location within a 360-degree vista of majestic Andean peaks, the ruins are alive with mystical energy. Return for dinner and then go to the hot thermal baths, where we have private use of the springs for Don Ruben to conduct a Shamanic ceremony.
B/L/D
Day 16 – November 13th
Machu Picchu
Early morning excursion back to Machu Picchu, so that we can ascend Huayna Picchu – the most recognizable peak, soaring 1200 metres above Machu Picchu. Group meditation led by Don Ruben. In the afternoon we return to the hotel where one can enjoy a hot tub with medicinal plants. Dinner and rest. B/L/D
Day 17 – November 14th
Huachuma Ceremony
After breakfast we travel to the Temple of the Serpent to work with the chakra system (Kundalini) and the vortex of Pachamama (Mother Earth). In the afternoon we will visit Pablo Seminario- a local ceramist. That evening Don Ruben will conduct our ceremony with the master plant medicine Huachuma (San Pedro). After the ceremony, enjoy some soup and time to rest. B/L/D www.innervisionquest.com.au info@innervisionquest.com.au +61 (2) 8021 0070
Chapter 5 – Celebration in Cusco
Day 18 – November 15th After breakfast we return to Cusco by coach. In the evening we mark the end of our shared journey with a celebratory meal at one of Cusco’s fabulous restaurants. B/D Day 19 – November 16th - Tour ends Breakfast at the hotel Transfers to airport if needed. -----------------B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Us The Quest will be led by three experienced facilitators with a combined six years of living in South America. They have worked extensively with Master Shaman's, Healers, Teachers and Plant Medicine's. They are professionally trained in counseling, energetic healing, soul-care facilitation, yoga, mind-body integration and meditation. The focus will be on group and individual transformation and empowerment. They will be offering extensive support and integration during and after the Quest. This will include group work to clarify your intentions, yoga, movement and meditation. "Join us on an extraordinary journey where you rediscover the joy and wonder of being~ YOU." Suzanne, Tom & Beata
Total cost for the Quest is USD $3,200, excluding international and domestic airfares, airport taxes and optional activities. Places are strictly limited to twenty people. To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of USD $500.00 is required, with full payment due by the 25th of September. An early bird price of USD $2,950 is available if paid in full by July 31st. To find out more call or email us: info@innervisionquest.com.au Beata or Tom on +61 (2) 8021 0070
www.innervisionquest.com.au
info@innervisionquest.com.au
+61 (2) 8021 0070
TERMS & CONDITIONS Inner Vision Quest and its associates in Peru reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or for the safety, comfort of all participants or if need be to cancel the trip at any time. If we cancel the trip, Inner Vision Quest and its affiliates shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of money paid by the participant. The participant shall not hold Inner Vision Quest or its associates liable for any loss, injury of damage to person or property during the trip. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking your trip to protect yourself in case circumstances compel you to cancel your trip. Costs: All prices are per person (double occupancy). Please Note: Let us know if you would like us to match you with a roommate. While we cannot guarantee that we can find you a roommate, we usually are successful in doing so. In the event we are unable to find a roommate for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement cost. All Cancellations must be in writing and reach us by the 29th August 2009. Final payment due on 25th September 2009 A $500.00 deposit via check, money order, cash deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. This deposit is non refundable. Reservations: All reservations are subject to availability.
Cancellations & Refunds Deposit non refundable Cancellation between 60 and 30 days before the trip 29 to 15 days 14 days to time of trip, including non attendance Unused services 30% 50% 100% no refund
We ask that participants come to our programs for educational reasons, and not to seek healing of any kind. Participants must be in a physical and mental condition appropriate to the activities engaged upon and must acknowledge all the physical risks involved and agree to participate at their own risk. We recommend that in case of doubt, a physician or mental health professional be consulted.
NOT INCLUDED Visa and passport fees, meals not mentioned above, optional tours, airport/airline/government taxes, fees and surcharges, foreign cities' and countries' departure taxes, tips to guides, and items of a personal nature such as laundry, gifts and beverages.
www.innervisionquest.com.au
info@innervisionquest.com.au
+61 (2) 8021 0070