Journey to Peru: Connecting Communities Tour in 2006
In the summer of 2006, we traveled with a group of friends and family (both new and old) to realize a dream that we had been dreaming for many years...to bring together our community in the North with our community in the South in celebration and ceremony. We wanted to have the opportunity to share stories and learn from one another and to experience the magic of the Andes.
Our guide and brother; Puma Quispe-Singona, along with his family and the community of Chinchero, welcomed us with open arms as we arrived to Cusco, Peru and shared with us the true Spirit of the Andes...filled with love and a reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Through our 10-day tour of the Andes we were able to explore some of the most sacred sites in the Cusco area, as well as journey together on a 5-day trek to Machu Pichu which took us through the Andes and past one of the most sacred and revered Apus (mountain Spirits) in the region...Apu Salkanthay.
Machu Pichu was built as "an altar" to honour Apu Salkanthay and it was both a powerful and humbling experience to stand at the foot of this giant mountain and feel the energy and presence that have drawn pilgrims to it for thousands of years. After making an offering and participating in a Despacho and energy-clearing ceremony, our group continued onwards to Machu Pichu where we were greeted by the most magical sunrise.
Apu Salkanthay
Machu Pichu sunrise
After spending two days in Machu Pichu we continued our journey to the Sacred Valley and the community of Chinchero where we were warmly welcomed by the community and by the Cusi Huayna "Happy Youth" dancers and young leaders. We laughed, we danced, we shared our stories and enjoyed a traditional meal together.
As part of our intention to continue to build bridges between communities a portion of our tour costs were gifted to the Cusihuayna youth group in support of their continuation of Cultural Preservation through dance, music and traditional healing. We also gifted the women in the community with clothing and toys that were then distributed to families within the Sacred Valley who were in need of this support.
Our final days in Peru together consisted of visiting more of the Sacred sites in the Cusco area, spending time exploring the colourful city and markets and making life-long friends that we will never forget.
For more information on This Moment Events "2008 Journey to Peru: In the Service of LOVE" click here
For more information on an upcoming tour in September 2008 with Puma Quispe-Singona and Sacred Earth Journeys click here
