May 4-21, 2009

This is one of the most dramatic, challenging and ecologically diverse journeys we have ever offered. On this journey we will follow the path of High Initiation of Mountain Shamans from Ccoylloritti (Snow Star) and Mt. Ausangate, to Mt. Salkantay and finally to Machu Picchu. This high altitude journey will explore the rare Altomesayoq Rites of Passage and traditions. Altomesayocs are individuals who through rigorous and monastic training are able to summon their power and dialogue directly with the Mountain Spirits or Apus. These almost extinct Paqos or Shamans have been known to manifest mountain deities for incredible healings and revelations.

Our adventure begins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a wide and deep gorge carved by the Urubamba River that later becomes the Amazon. In this magnificent setting we will be guests to medicine people who will lead us in prayers, meditation, and ceremony in timeless temples perched on mountaintops. These ceremonies will act as a reflection of our intent and preparation. A short bus ride away from the Sacred Valley lies Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inka Empire. This holy city is known as the “navel of the world,” where Ceke lines emerge connecting and mapping the sacred energetic components of the Andean cosmos. Our journey will follow these powerful primary Ceke lines to the initiatory power domains of Altomesayoqs.

In the background of the city of Cusco lies the majestic Holy Mountain Ausangate, standing at nearly 21,000 ft. The Andean tradition stipulates that Ausangate is the keeper of animals, crops, and the well being of people. We will be camping at the foot of the mountain surrounded by glacier lagoons. Across the Holy Mountain stands the Sinakara glacier and it is considered the holiest of all mountains in the Andes. Each year thousands of people including shamans, pilgrims, and visitors alike meet to celebrate the rise of the Pleiades during a movable date between May and June. T he festival of Snow Star has taken Christian motifs; however, one can still notice the deep presence of the Mountain Spirits in people's celebrations. The Syncretic perception embraced in the heart of Andean people evokes the Apu as Apu Yaya Jesucristo or Holy Mountain benefactor embodied in the Christ. Here at this sacred site we camp under the brightest stars of the southern hemisphere and undergo Rites of Passage as we bathe and shed our Huchas in incredible turquoise colored glacier lagoons.

The Tuwantinsuyu or Four-Chambered Inka world is blessed by four benefactor mountain deities, one in each quadrant or Suyu. Just as Ausangate is the Apu benefactor to the south, Salkantay (21,000 ft.) is the North Suyu Apu of the Inka Nation. Salkantay, "The Wild or Untamed One", is the gateway of an Initiation Path that bifurcates into Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba. Medicine people enter this gate to meet that part of the self that has never left creation, the part that is uncorrupted. By facing and embracing their trans-temporal nature, or "Waykey". the Holy Mountain opens its body of knowledge to be experienced directly. The teaching of "Salka Medicine" allows initiates to step into paradigm shifts as they realign their intent with the intent on the universe. In doing so, their medicine bodies grow in a way that the human experience ceases to be the primary mode of information. The trail is abundant with Inka remains of temples and palaces, ritual baths and cascading terraces, as well as incredible flora and fauna surrounded by snow covered Apus, guardian spirits of life in the valleys. Apachetas, prayer stones, are placed on high mountain passes honoring Earth Spirits and medicine processes.

In Machu Picchu, the most prized indigenous sacred site, we go for an experiential journey with talks, tours, and a special evening meditation in which we get a glimpse of our own landscape of life, woven in the tapestry of the universe. On the tour, expert guides in the fields of archeology and medicine traditions will bring together the archeological and spiritual mysteries of this ancient city that, hidden in the clouds, remained undiscovered for centuries.

Master Q'ero, Paqareqtambo, Vilcabamba, and Cusco ceremonialists will travel with us and teach us the Andean ways to personal power and the attainment of perfect Ayni. An experienced mountain team, gourmet meals, and excellent camping equipment will make our experience comfortable.

COSTS AND REGISTRATION: The land cost for this trip will be $3250.00 if paid in full by January 1,2009, and $3450.00 if paid after that date. This cost includes hotel accommodations (double occupancy), all ground transportation inside Peru, continental breakfast in hotels, all meals while camping, two person tents, horses for those with altitude problems, entrance fees to sites outlined in program, luggage handling, guides and interpreters work with shamans and tour leaders. Single rooms are available for a supplement of $540. International and domestic flights, airport departure tax, meals not specified, transfers for independent arrival or departure, gratuities, personal incidentals, and any additional hotel rooms outside of the schedule are not included. A non-refundable deposit of $ 500.00 will hold you spot on this trip. To register please contact The Shamans Cave, AMF Box 22274, Salt Lake City, 84122, or email john@theshamanscave.com