"SACRED JOURNEY to APU AUSANGATE August 15 - 29, 2005

Day 01: U.S.A- Lima
Depart the USA on an afternoon flight to Lima where we will be met at the airport and transferred to a hotel for an overnight.

Day 02: Cusco
We arrive mid to late morning in South America's oldest continuously inhabited city: Cusco, Peru. We are transported by private bus to Poqen Kanchay, a retreat center and home of our host, guide, and shaman in Peru, Dr. Theo Paredes. We will rest in the afternoon to adjust to the altitude.We begin our evening with a Welcome Ceremony, introducing our hosts and having our group members introduce themselves. We meet with Dona Maximiliana, an indigenous Medicine Woman, where she will bless our intents for our journey with a Despacho Ceremony. Lunch and Dinner at Poqen Kanchay are included. Overnight at Poqen Kanchay.

Day 03: Tinqui
This morning, we are picked up at the hotel for a 4 1/2 hour drive to the trailhead of the Ausangate circuit, in the highland village of Tinqui at 12,400 feet. We drive by the Andean towns of Andahuaylillas, Urcos, Ccatca and finally Ocongate before reaching the village of Tinqui. Overnight in a rustic hostel.

Day 04: Upis
We start our uphill crossing the Mapocho river. The terrain turns into open arid grasslands known as puna. Scattered clumps of coarse grasses, collectively called ichu characterize the treeless puna. This highland grass is used for roof thatch and fodder for grazing llamas and alpacas. We will be over rolling hills passing by stone walls and a few thatched houses. The trail continues up toward the north face of Mount Ausangate (20,905'), considered by these highlanders as the sacred Apu "Mountain spirit". We will continue to Huahuayocrumi at 14,765 feet, before descending to Upis Camp at 14,400 feet. We camp by the thermal pools.

Day 05: Ausangatecocha
We start early this morning crossing the green Upismayo valley, filled with grazing llamas and alpacas. We begin our climb up to the Arapa pass at 15,585 feet and descent to Laguna Pucacocha at 15,080 feet. An excellent views of the surrounding lakes and the glaciated west face of Mount Ausangate. We will continue up the Apacheta pass at 15,750 feet and descent to our camp in Lake Ausangatecocha at about 14,950 feet.

Day 06: Jampa
We start today going up Palomani Pass at 16,600 feet our highest pass. From the southern face of Ausangate we will have a fantastic view of Ausangate (20,905') and Santa Catalina (19,055'). In these high mountains, we might see the giant condor soaring high in the blue skies, and a variety of highland birds like coots, Andean geese, cacaraca, hawks, puna ibis as well as the marmot-like vizcacha and others. These remote mountains areas are also refuges for the vicuña. We descend towards Pampacancha at 14,900 feet. We continue our descent to Uchuy Finaya on the south side of Mount Ausangate, passing the remote village of Jampa. The views are overwhelming with the glaciers and the snow-capped mountains surrounding you. Mount Yanajata, Maria Huamantilla on our left and Colque-Cruz (19,554'), Puca Punta and Tres Picos (19,990') on our right. A short climb brings us to Jampa, our highest camp at 15,500 feet.

Day 07: Pacchanta
Today we climb the Campa pass (16,400'), where we will be surrounded by spectacular views of glaciers and ice covered peaks. Looking down on our descending trail, we will see Lakes Comercocha and Caycocha. From the pass, we descend to Lake Minaparayoc. A moderate downhill takes us to the village of Pacchanta at 13,950 feet. We will enjoy a specially prepared traditional "Pachamama" dinner feast, prepared in an ancient Quechua method of cooking meat and vegetables underground with heated stones.

Day 08: Tinqui/Cusco
Our last day on the circuit we continue to enjoy magnificent alpine scenery, with views of Mount Ausangate and the nearby snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range. We will visit the small communities of Cullpacata, Yanama, Mojonpata and Quimsapuccio giving us our last chance to see remote Andean villagers. Herds of llamas, alpacas and their herders, in their colourful traditional clothing, work along the hillsides. Most speak no Spanish, only the ancient Quechua language. After returning to Tinqui we drive to Cusco. Tonight we'll have our farewell dinner at Poqen Kanchay. Overnight at Poqen Kanchay.

Day 09- Tipon
Visit Tipon, The Temple of Water. Tipon is a terraced area that lies below the Apu Pachatusan (He who holds up the sky). Here we will have a San Pedro day Ceremony and will work with the spirit of water for harmonization and try and align all of our levels of consciousness.
Picnic Lunch
During the evening free time to visit the town of Cusco
Overnight at Poqen Kanchay- Cusco

Day 10- Pisaq
Travel to the Temple of the Falcon at Pisaq in the Sacred Valley where we will conduct a San Pedro ceremony.
A spectacular climb amidst agricultural terracing, note the hundreds of holes honey-combing the cliff walls (formerly tombs) as you enjoy the breathtaking view of Apu Pachatusan across the Urubamba River. At the summit you will enjoy one of the most beautiful of the Incan temples, Pisaq.
Picnic Lunch
Dinner/Sauna at Poqen Kanchay
The evening is free to explore the village an assist to the most important pictorial market.
Overnight at Poqen Kanchay

Day 11- Ollantaytambo
Visit Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest continually inhabited pueblos of the Incas to work with the spirit of the wind. Spend time to wander the streets of this pueblo filled with adobe houses built upon original Incan stone work.
Cocoa Leaf Readings with Don Marcos (optional $15)
Picnic Lunch
Dinner
Overnight at Ollantaytambo

Day 12 & 13
(2 Days in Machu Picchu)...
Leave on the morning train to Machu Picchu, "The Crystal City," whose buildings and terraces spill over a ridge hundreds of meters above the rushing Urubamba River. Machu Picchu's builders harmonized architecture and sacred geography, framing views of nearby mountains in doorways and windows and carving some stones to echo the mountain's shapes.
San Pedro Day Ceremony
Lunch at Aguas Calientes
Dinner at Aguas Calientes
Overnight at Hatuchay Tower

Meeting with Hebert Jordan a local Shaman
who will introduce us into a ceremony.
Visit the Hot Springs with Theo
working with the energy of the water.
During this day is optional to visit Machu Picchu
(the entrance and bus r/t is included on this day)
Lunch at Aguas Calientes
Dinner
Overnight at Aguas Calientes- Hatuchay Tower

Day 14- Cusco.
A day of Healing and relaxation at Poqen Kanchay
Massage, Reiki, Reflexology or shopping in Cusco
Dinner in Cusco (Pizza)
Sauna - Farewell gathering (gift exchange)

Day 15- Cusco- Lima
Early Flight to Lima
Visit Gold Museum
Mira Flores marketplace
Evening Flight to U.S.

Double Occupancy $2700; Single $300 additional (Check or Money order)
These rates are contingent on 12 or more participants.
Register A.S.A.P.
$500 non-refundable deposit. Balance $2200 due July 1, 2005
Does not include round trip flight to Lima, airport taxes approx. $25.
Does not include tip to Dr. Theo.
Does not include some meals, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water.
All transportation while in country, tents, additional guides, meals while camping are included.
Please contact Nancy Kimes for additional information, release and registration forms. Reiki4u@solinavisions.com; www.solinavisions.com