Day 1 Arrival Day Lima Hotel Manhatan inn:
Transfer from Airport to Hotel.We will have a Sign with your name on it.Your Hotel is located in Miraflores the best part of Lima.
Day 2 Lima – Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Transfer to Airport.Transfer to Hostal.
Private transfer from Cusco Airport to the hostel Casa de la Gringa in San Blas, a blend of ancient, colonial and modern, religious and decadent, peaceful and lively, traditional and new – the district is a bit of a mix to say the least. It’s a hippy hang out, an artists retreat, a backpacker’s home. It’s a tourist puller and a night-life mecca. A religious site that is home to an important parish church, and also a place where locals live in the same homes that have stood here on the same streets, high above Cusco, for centuries…
Free day to acclimatize. Optional walk to the Plaza de Armas to get our bearings and also do money exchange ect on the way.
Optional lunch in the Main Square.
Cusco:
The first thing that hits the newly arrived visitor to Cusco are the Inca walls; enormous granite blocks carved to fit together perfectly without the aid of mortar beds. Many of the walls were simply built upon during the construction of a new Spanish city. Its a tribute to the Incas that their anti seismic design has survived the test of time while the Spanish colonial architecture has been rebuilt several times following a wave of earthquakes that have hit the city.
Located at an altitude of 3,360m above sea level, Cusco was referred to as the ‘Navel of the World’.
Day 3 Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Morning Horse back & trekking to Sacred inka sites
(mystic Guide.). Horse Riding
Horse Riding in Cusco
09.00 a.m.: Our private transport will pick you up from your respective hotel, taking you till Sacsayhuaman – starting point of our route.
09.30 a.m.: There will start your ride, including a guided visit to the Temple of Qenqo, the Temple of the Moon, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. After a three hours ride we will go to Temple of the Moon Lesleys House.
Includes
Bilingual guide specialized in Horse-riding.
Private bus: hotel / ranch / hotel.
Horses.
Lunch at Mountain temple of the Moon house.
Despacho payment to Mother Earth and Spritual cleanzing done by Master Shaman.
Prepare for San Pedro Wachuma Journey.
Day 4 Cusco Mountain House.
Full day Wachuma ceremony.
Spend the night in the Sacred space Maloka.
San Pedro Cactus
San Pedro also known as Wachuma a sacred plant, a cactus, used in the Andes for healing purposes. Most people drink this medicine to heal on an emotional level, but it is also used to cure physical illness. San Pedro reconnects us to ourselves, & also to Mother Earth. The plant is a master teacher, a great gift from Creator. It helps us to heal, to grow, to learn and awaken, and assists us in reaching higher states of consciousness.
To prepare for the experience.
At least one day before:
No meat or chicken
No fatty foods
No spices or citrus
No alcohol.
After 10 pm the night before, nothing, except water or herbal teas.
Contemplate on what you would like to heal within yourself, or what you would like to learn about the universe, or yourself. Maybe you need direction in your life…in relationship, work, etc.
The morning of the BIG day:
No breakfast, unless you have a sugar problem, then eat Papaya
Be ready to leave for the mountains before 10 am. Bring with you a large bottle of water, very warm clothing, a rain jacket, sun block, sun hat or wooly hat. Some fruit….banana, mango, or apple, energy bar, or salty biscuits.The idea is not to eat as it could lessen the experience, but sometimes hunger gets to us, so at least we have something light to eat, so that we can then concentrate on our journey.We leave my Hostel at 10 am; go by car to my house in the mountains (12 minute drive). My house is very special, as its right in front of the Temple of the Moon, an ancient energetic and sacred Temple.
We drink the medicine in my garden, and when we feel the medicine working, we usually go walking around the ruins of the Temple. Some people prefer to just stay in the garden, and for some, its just not possible to walk much. The effect of the San Pedro takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours to appear, and stays with us for approx 10 hours, but sometimes can last even longer.You do not loose consciousness or control. Normally one can walk and talk as normal. Sometimes its difficult to walk. You may, or may not vomit. If you do, think of it as a cleansing.
The plant shows us where we hold our negativity in our bodies, where it came from, and then shows us what we SHOULD have learned from that experience. Once we see that, we release the negativity in our bodies, and we feel really clean and light afterwards, and we can think of that same experience afterwards, and we can give thanks for the teachings we received. It teaches us that NO experience is a bad experience, IF we learn from it.
In the same way, it shows us our thought patterns, and teaches us that every illness we have, is NOT because of bad luck, but because of the way we think. It teaches us to stop and recognize HOW we think, and change our thoughts, into positive ones. This is how we clean our bodies from all illness…is by cleaning our minds. I have been very blessed to have experiences many miracles, people being cured of cancer, and all sorts of illnesses, just by them drinking this sacred plant.
We also use this plant to reconnect to the earth. In this experience, we realize that there is NO separation between you, me, the earth, and the sky. We are all ONE. Its one thing to read but to actually experience this oneness is one of the most beautiful gifts we can receive. The plant also teaches us to live in this world in balance and harmony, it teaches us compassion and understanding, and shows us clearly to love, respect and honor all things.The plant shows us too, that we are all children of the Light; we are all precious and special. It teaches us to see the divine within us, and to hold the divine light within us.Each persons experience will be unique, as we are all unique. It’s a personal journey of discovery of self, and of the universe. It’s a day that is filled with light and love, a day that you will never forget, a day that can change your life…always for the better.There is no such thing as a bad experience; it is not at all dangerous. It is totally positive. However, I need to know of any illnesses you may have, in order for me to be of more assistance to you. If you have a bleeding colon, please do not drink this plant, and if you have schizophrenia, I need to know what type, and also if you have sugar diabetes. All info will be confidential, but it’s important that you relay this info to me.
To end the day:
We relax around the fire have soup for dinner and then rest in The Maloka to have the night affect and connect with the Universe.
I hope you all give yourselves this amazing opportunity to grow, in the LIGHT
Day 5 Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Moring breakfast overlooking the Andes.
Return to the hostal in the afternoon.
Day 6 Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Free day.Optional Activities.
Day 7 Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Hostal.
Full day Sacred Valley Tour .
Spend the night in a Typical Inka Village.
Yet you don’t have to go to the ends of the Amazon or the Andes to discover some of South America’s most fascinating archaeological sites, not least of which are those to be found in the Inca’s ancestral homeland in the Sacred Valley of the Río Urubamba, where quaint colonial towns, hectic artisan markets and head-spinning trekking routes also await
We will spend the night in a typical Inka Village called Ollantaytambo . Ollantaytambo (called by locals Ollanta) is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cuzco in the Southern Sierra region of Peru. This is where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cuzco. Much of the town is laid out in the same way as it was in Inca times.
Day 8 Aguas Calientes Hostal.
Morning train to Aguas Calientes Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, this town lies in the deep valley below the ancient Inca ruins and enclosed by towering walls of stone and cloud forest.2 hour train ride through the canon to Aguas Calientes with the most beautiful cenery.
Briefing with Guide.Free afternoon to explore.
Day 9 Machupichhu Aguas Calientes Hostal.
Early start to Machupichhu.Enjoy sun rise , Guided tour to the most Sacred Sites.All day in Machupichhu Optional Wayna Pichhu Mountian.Return to hostal. Early start to Machu Picchu. Guided tour.Free time to explore.
MachuPicchu.. … one of the wonders of the world
Machu Picchu (“old mountain” in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas) nestles on top of a mountain saddle high above the Urubamba River in the middle of the cloud forest. It was both a center of worship and astronomic observatory as well as the private retreat of the family of Inca ruler Pachacútec. It is split into two major areas: the agricultural zone, made up of terracing and food storehouses; and the urban zone, featuring the sacred sector, with temples, squares and royal tombs which have been carved to an extraordinary degree of perfection. The stone staircases and canals are found throughout this unique archaeological site. Over the citadel looms Huayna Picchu (“young mountain” in Quechua), which can be climbed up a steep stone-paved trail
The Machu Picchu historic sanctuary, and particularly the forests that line both banks of the Urubamba River, below the citadel of Machu Picchu itself, are home to the habitats of an enormous variety of bird species, calculated at more than 400, such as the cock-of-the-rocks (Rupicola Peruviana), considered Peru’s national bird. The area also features brightly-colored orchids and tree-born ferns, considered treasures of the sanctuary.
Located in the department of Cuzco, covering an area of 32,592 hectares, the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary protects unique species of flora and fauna, as well as featuring some breath-taking landscapes and preserving the archaeological sites to be found here. Much of the beauty and enchantment of Machu Picchu, Peru’s premier tourist attraction, is due to its spectacular natural surroundings: the cloud forest region of this historic sanctuary.
Machu Picchu is home to some striking species, such as the cock-of-the-rocks (Peru’s national bird) and the spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America. The area is also inhabited by the rare dwarf deer called sachacabra and the Huemal deer, plus more than 300 bird species. The area boasts a large variety of flora species, with some 200 species of orchids registered here to date.
Towering over the area is Mount Salkantay (6,271 meters), the highest mountain in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, worshipped by the locals as an apu mountain spirit. Machu Picchu combines a spectacular natural setting with the attraction of the world’s most famous pre-Hispanic sites
The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is the star attraction of Cuzco. Discovered in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham, the citadel is deemed one of the world’s finest examples of landscape architecture.
Day 10 Aguas Calientes Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Mid-day train & transport back to Cusco.
Free afternoon.
Day 11 Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Free day!!!!!
Day 12 Cusco Southern Jungle Lodge.
Day: 01 ISLA MONKEY
Reception and transfer, we will briefly visit the city and the market, soon we will go to the port to approach our boat, Later we’ll travel through the Madre de Dios River to arrive at the Ecoamazonia lodge. You will be offered a very delicious drink to welcome to you, and the accommodation in the typical bungalows. In the evening, we will visit the Monkey Island.
Traditionally this beverage contains a combination of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis (or alternatively the Diplopterys cabrerana). It has now been determined what the active components of these ingredients are, and some people have used plants from other parts of the world to make similar herbal potions. You can read about this in the botany and chemistry pages.
The most important active component in ayahuasca as far as its visionary qualities are concerned is a substance called DMT (dimethyltryptamine). DMT has a powerful effect on consciousness that is difficult to describe in words. It’s described by many as “spiritual”, and is characterized by detailed, very bright and colourful visions. Indigenous people say that during their trance, which lasts approximately four hours, they enter the world of the spirits and communicate with them, while psychologists consider DMT to be one of the hallucinogens, or psychedelics: “substances which make the soul visible.”
Day 13 Southern Jungle Lodge
Day: 02 SHAMAN
After you have breakfast, soon a long walk for relaxing and concentration in the forest, around of lodge, After lunch, a brief lecture is given by the “SHAMAN” to obtain the greater effectiveness of the work that is going to be done.
At 20:00 p.m. (without having dinner)
A session of meditation and concentration begin with participation of the teacher “SHAMAN” with whom they will do purification, cleaning and treatment spiritual works that last after midnight.
Day 14 Southern Jungle Lodge.
Day: 03 BAÑO NATURAL
Breakfast, rest and day of meditation, lunch and in the evening you can visit the QUEBRADA so that they can enjoy a natural bath, in crystalline waters of the Amazon forest, then return to lodge.
Day 15 Southern Jungle –Cusco Casa De La Gringas.
Day 4:
Breakfast and transfer to the Airport.
Flight to Cusco.Prepare for Wachuma Journey.
Day 16 Cusco Mountain house.
Full day San Pedro Ceremony.
Day 17 Cusco Casa De La Gringa.
Return to the hostal in the morning.
Free day.Coca leaf Reading done by Master Shaman.
The word coca comes from the ayara word q’oka which means food for workers. For thousand of years, the coca leaf has been our holy plant and nowadays is a very important plant that is part of our daily life and of the Andean religious worships.
A Peruvian legend says that by order of the Sun god Inti, the Moon goddess Mama Killa scattered these bushes over warm places to relieve the hunger and the tiredness of his people and make them, at the same time, stronger to continue with their farmwork.
From ancient times our holy leaf was used in native religious worships and in reading for future predictions. The visionaries have kept this practice from their parents and ancestors to the present day.
The priest, paqo or “altomisayoc” asks for the name of the person and the motive of the visit. Then, he prays to the spirits of the mountains, called “Apus”; he raises three leaves and blows them towards the mountains while he prays and then he spreads a handful of coca leaves over a colored cloth (unkuña) and observes the position of the leaves. This way, the dialogue between the paqo and the visitor starts.
Day 18 Lima Hotel Manhatan.
Transfer to Airport.
Flight to Lima.
Adios Amigos.
The price of the program is:
In a minimum group of 5 persons plus the tour conductor free the price is U$2002.00 per person in double room
In a minimum group of 7 persons plus the tour conductor free the price is U$1890.00 per person in double room
In a minimum group of 10 persons plus the tour conductor free the price is U$1800.00 per person in double room
Included:
02 night at Manhatan hotel in Lima
08 nights at Casa la gringa hostal
02 nights at Maloca
02 nights at Presidente hotel in aguas calientes
02 San Pedro ceremony
01 coca leaves reading
01 Despacho payment to Mother Earth and Spritual cleanzing done by Master Shaman.
lunch in the mounta house of Lesley
lunch the day of the secred valley
lunch in aguas calientes de second day in Machupicchu
entrence fee to Machupicchu with climb Huaynapicchu
Round trip train tickets vistadome
Trip to the jungle
Not Included.
Meals not indicated in de price
International Flight Tickets.
Local Flight tickets
Here I send you the actual cost to the local flight tickets subject to change anytime
Lima Cusco :U$145.00 per person
Cusco -Puerto Maldonado – Cusco U$150.00 per person
Juliaca Lima U$ 125.00 per person
Packing List for Peru Trip
Packing list and tips for a “standard” 2 week vacation trip to Peru between April and November that includes travel in the highlands and on the coast and allows you to do laundry only once (I’ve included some advice for the December-March traveler at the end). The general tip is to pack for layering.
A note on carrying valuables: I like to carry my valuables close to my body when I’m traveling, but I personally hate money belts. I tend to keep what I need in an interior/breast pocket of a blazer or jacket (which I keep zipped or bottoned up), and stash the rest – use your own favorite stash location – money belt or other type of device). So I choose clothes with zip-up interior pockets, or have a tailor make one in a favorite jacket. Small cameras that fit into coat pockets are great. Otherwise consider a fanny pack (always carry it with the pouch forward). Knapsacks are often fine but keep on you at all times and wear on your front when in the city.
Before you go, make 2 Xerox copies of your passport. Leave one at home with a trusted person you can call in a pinch; take one with you to keep on you if you want to go out without your passport.
Packing List for Adults
[list unordered]
Undergarments (8 each) (note – I suggest including undershirts/camisoles for Lima and the highlands and long underwear if you’re doing the Inca Trail – at least for the nights)
Socks (8 pair – some should be good for hiking if that applies to you)
Travel weight pants (3-4) 1 or 2 should be respectable enough to wear to nicer restaurants, and one might be fleece if you’re doing the Inca Trail
Long sleeved shirts – cotton (or a high tech fabric that you know and like) recommended (8) (note: you may also want some short sleeves, and possibly even shorts or a skirt if you are going to the North Coast or the Nazca area)
Fleece jacket/shirt for layering (1or 2)
Gortex or similar parka-length shell or combination parka (choose one with interior breast pockets)
Sport coat or blazer (optional depending on the kind of trip/where you’ll be staying)
Hat with a good brim (in my opinion Tilley are some of the least dorky out there, although for women I like some of the new packable hats available from several sources)
Broken in walking shoes (1 or 2 pair). I like a pair of lightweight over-the-ankle hiking boots (for archaeological sites and hikes) and a decent looking pair of easy to clean rubber soled shoes or boots (for cities and museums)
1 pair of dress or semi-dressy shoes (optional depending on the kind of eating and going out you do)
1-2 outfits for going out (optional depending on your style & the kind of trip – anything from suits for fine dining to dancing duds for the disco)
Packable slippers or flip-flops
P.J.s or sleepclothes
Sunglasses and case
Camera and charger (must be compatible with 220 power- most are) or extra batteries, with extra film/cassettes or memory cards
Guidebook(s), Spanish/English Dictionary and reading material (I highly recommend reading The Conquest of the Incas or Cobo, History of the Inca Empire on the trip)
I also like gloves and hats for the highlands but I usually buy the inexpensive wool ones there
Fanny pack or small over the shoulder purse
Lightweight packable tote bag or lightweight backpack for long day trips/overnights (e.g. Machu Picchu), if applicable.
Toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
Sunscreen (enough to apply liberally twice a day in the highlands)
Moisturizing cream (for face and for body)
Shampoo & conditioner
Chapstick/lipstick with sun protection
Razors and shaving cream
Make-up other cosmetics
Medications with copies of perscriptions
Mini-First-Aid kit including bandaids, decongestant, analgesic, tweezers, first aid cream
Kids Peru Packing List
Not all kids are as messy as mine, but if yours are, you’ll need either to do laundry or to bring more of everything.
Underwear (8-10 depending on age/habits) (again, I suggest including t-shirts/undershirt and maybe long underwear or tights if they’ll wear them)
Socks (10 pair)
Long pants (5+ depending on the child)
Long sleeved shirts/turtlenecks (8-10)
Nicer outfits depending on the type of travel/places you’ll be going
Fleece layer (2) (and plan to purchase sweaters in Peru)
Durable jacket or parka
Sun hat
Warm hat (can be purchased in Peru)
Comfortable walking shoes (2 pair, respectable looking)
Night-clothes (2-3) (I like cotton sweat suits, which can double as extra clothes in a pinch)
Toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
Sunscreen (enough to apply liberally twice a day in the highlands)
Moisturizing cream (for face and for body)
Shampoo & conditioner
Chapstick/lipstick lip balm sun protection
Toys and other favorite activities
Books, pens, paper
Security items/ teddy bears
Travel activities and surprises
Snacks and favorite foods
Kids backpack that child can carry with favorite stuff inside
[/list]
Packing Tips for Peru Travel
1. Suitcase choice.
1. If I’m going to one place, or only traveling with lots of service (e.g. to fancy hotels or on a guided tour), I prefer a high quality rolling suitcase such as a top of the line Travel Pro
2. If I’m traveling a lot and staying in places without any service, I use a duffel. I like the Eagle Creek line, and I often take the large duffel bag because then there’s more room to bring things home. I sometimes even pack an extra one.
I know people who like the wheeled duffels or wheeled/backpack hybrids, but they are not my favorite. I feel you gain too much weight and loose to much space. If I’m going to take a backpack, I take an internal frame backpack. If I want a lightweight bag, I take a duffel, and if I want a rolling bag, I take a good one.
2. What to pack where:
1. Carry-on: My carry-on is always a knapsack that can fit under my seat in a pinch as I don’t like to rush onto the plane or fight for overhead space. In the carry-on, I take any electronic items, camera(s) and valuable items as well as one clean set of undergarments, socks and a t-shirt, toothbrush and paste, unscented babywipes, a few tasty snacks, a bottle of water, some moisturizer, chapstick or lipstick, reading material & glasses. I leave room for my purse or fanny pack (I have an old convertible Eagle Creek something ) to fit into the carryon bag.
2. Wallet/purse – take only items you’ll need. You’ll have your passport so leave your drivers license at home unless you plan to drive in Peru. Take a credit card (visa is the most widely accepted), an atm card, health insurance cards, and anything else you really might need. Leave the rest at home in a safe place. Take some cash, and if you must, some travelers checks. You should be able to get cash with your atm when you need it in the cities (although not all towns by any means).
3. Checked baggage: Everything else goes here.
4. Day-bag (packed into checked bag for flying) – I use my backpack for most things, but I sometimes also bring a packable black tote bag for city use and for big shopping trips.
3. Packing tips
1. Use cheap ziplock style freezer bags to contain and protect virtually everything. I put all liquids inside them, as well as extra clothes (if you plan ahead you can even put the clothes you plan to wear each day into one – this is great if you want to avoid a full unpack for a stop of one or two nights), toiletries, and other loose stuff. Take extras just in case.
2. Roll bulky and oddsize items (e.g. fleece jackets) so they can be stuffed into corners or under heavy items
3. Leave room (or pack an extra packable duffel) for things you buy in Peru. It’s a pretty great place to do your holiday shopping! If you buy anything large or expensive you can have it shipped, but it’s not worth doing that with all the wonderful sweaters you buy for your 5 nieces and nephews…
4. Adjust these lists depending on where you’ll be staying and the kind of travel you’ll be doing. It’s easy for those staying in hostels and eating at less expensive places to take less and to replace some of the bulkier items with lightweight items made of performance fabrics. Women should check out Contourwear for some fun ideas. Those staying and eating at higher end places, especially in Lima, will want a greater variety of clothing.
Additional Items for the December-March visitor to Peru
Highlands: add packable rain gear. I like both a large flexible rain ponchoand some good rain pants if I’m hiking. These need to be packable, meaning treated nylon rather than something stiffer. Make sure to bring shoes that are waterproof and/or you can get wet. I find that Lands’ End, LL Bean or the discounters like Sierra Trading post are your best bet for this kind of thing.
Coast: it’s summer– you’ll need summer clothes suitable for a hot, humid climate. Go to town with your usual beach wear but remember to bring some decent summer clothes for eating out. Air conditioning is not a ubiquitous as it is in the U.S. I like the fully line of Lands’ End swimwear (tugless tank is so reasonably priced, their rashguards and shorts for kids are great, and it’s pretty good bang for the buck)
Weather in Cusco
Cusco city has a climate quite fresh almost during all the year. Nevertheless the climates vary in other zones of the region like Machupicchu or the Sacred Valley. The annual average temperature in the city is 12ºC (54ºF), whereas the annual average low temperature is 5ºC (42ºF), although really the minimum temperature can be under 0ºC (32ºF). The annual average high temperature is 18ºC (66ºF) but the maximum can reach 23ºC (73ºF).
The region of Cusco has only two seasons well-defined: wet season and dry season. The wet season starts in October, when in the southern hemisphere the spring begin and finish in March. In this time, it rain almost every day during three or four hours, mainly between December and March; but also there are several sunshine days. The average precipitation during this time is 98 mm (3.85 inches). The temperature fluctuates between 7ºC (45ºF) at night and 21ºC (70ºF) at noon. Besides, since November it is prohibited to do trekking in the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu, which is the most famous trekking path in South America.
The dry season begin around March and lasts until September, during this time almost it does not rain and the sky is completely cleared every day. But between May and July it is quite cold. In Cusco these months are named “Tiempo de Heladas” (time of frost). During these months the temperatures decreases quite, mainly at nights; when they can reach until -5ºC (23ºF, under freezing point). Paradoxically at noon the temperatures can reach until 23 ºC (the annual maximum).
A peculiar phenomenon known as “Cabañuelas” occurs the first week of August, since usually it rain during some days. The “Cusqueños” (citizen of Cusco) believe that the rainfalls of these days can predict the climate during the wet season. For example if it rain the first Monday of August, that means that it will rain quite in January, it happens the same with Tuesday and February and the rest of days and months.
The average morning relative Humidity is 79% and the average afternoon relative humidity is 45%. The average wind speed is 18 Km/ph(11mph), being the maximum wind speed 20 Km/h(13mph), which occurs between August and October.
Other zones of Cusco have different climates, for example the zone of Machuicchu has a climate more humid; since it is located at a lower altitude and near to the Amazon Jungle. There, the average temperatures are between 23ºC (73ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF), being the minimum temperature around 18ºC (64ºF). Besides, in this zone it rains more often.
The Sacred Valley also has two seasons: wet a dry, but it has a climate more mild and pleasant than Cusco, with average temperatures, that fluctuate between 14ºC (57ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF).
The dry season is the best time to visit Cusco and all its surrounding areas, since during this season the climate is quite mild. Besides, the most of events and celebrations like the “Inti Raymi” on June 24 (the feast of the sun and day of Cusco) occurs between May and November.
