Shamanic Journey
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- ES - EN
- Max altitude
- 4,500 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Journey through the Nine Rites of Andean Shamanic Initiation—a path of learning, harmonization, and connection with the ancestral wisdom of the Andes.
The Nine Rites of Andean Shamanic Initiation represent a process of personal growth inspired by the teachings of the Q’ero tradition. Through ceremonies, meditations, and ancestral practices, participants explore themes such as connection with nature, emotional balance, energetic harmonization, inner wisdom, and the integration of masculine and feminine energies. This experience offers a unique opportunity to discover the Andean worldview, reflect on one’s own life path, and strengthen the connection with the self amidst the natural and spiritual setting of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Itinerary
-
- Reception in the city of Cusco.
- Free time to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Recommendations for the days of activities.
- Overnight in Cusco.
-
First Rite: The Call from Within
- Visit to the Saqsaywaman archaeological complex.
- Energy cleansing ceremony.
- Ceremony of unification with Pachamama.
- Introduction to the Andean worldview.
- Time for meditation and personal reflection.
- Overnight in Cusco.
-
Second Rite: The Rite of the Seer
- Visit to the Temple of the Moon.
- Coca Leaf Oracle ceremony.
- Interpretation and teaching of this ancestral tradition.
- Spaces for contemplation in a natural setting.
- Overnight stay in Cusco.
-
Third Rite: Liberation and healing of our emotions
- Visit to the Killarumiyoc archaeological park.
- Water Ceremony (Yaku).
- Activities focused on reflection and personal harmonization.
- Cultural and historical explanation of the site.
- Overnight stay in Cusco.
-
Fourth Rite: Chakra Harmonization
- Visit to Chinchero.
- Visit to the circular terraces of Moray.
- Tour of Ollantaytambo.
- Chumpis or Khuyas ceremony.
- Train journey to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
-
- Early departure for Machu Picchu.
- Sunrise meditation.
- Guided tour of the Inca citadel.
- Time to enjoy the natural and cultural surroundings.
- Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
- Overnight in Cusco.
-
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Rites
- Visit to the Pisac archaeological complex.
- Ceremonies related to the Three Andean Worlds.
- Teachings on the relationship between nature, energy, and Andean tradition.
- Opportunities for meditation and connection with the surroundings.
-
Eighth and Ninth Rites
- Visit to the Tipón archaeological complex.
- Kuychy (Rainbow) Ceremony.
- Andean offering to Pachamama and the Apus.
- Closing and experience integration ceremony.
- Farewell to the group.
Included
- Transfers and Transportation:
- Ground transportation for all itinerary excursions (Saqsaywaman, Temple of the Moon, Killarumiyoc, Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Tipón).
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco/Ollantaytambo.
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (Consettur).
Guided Tours and Spiritual Instruction:
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English) for historical and cultural explanations at each site.
- Shamanic teacher from the Q’ero community leading the transmission and instruction of the 9 Andean Rites (Munay-Ki / traditional Q'ero lineage).
- Translation, facilitation, and detailed explanation of each ceremony.
- Continuous accompaniment and assistance throughout the itinerary.
Entrance Tickets:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and admission to all archaeological sites in the program (Saqsaywaman, Temple of the Moon, Killarumiyoc, Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Tipón).
- Official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
Not included
- Accommodation: Hotel stays in the city of Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
- Food and beverages: Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, bottled drinks, or snacks during the 8 days.
- Flights and airport transfers: Domestic and international airfare, as well as arrival and departure transfers (Airport – Hotel – Airport).
- Optional hikes at Machu Picchu: Admission tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Insurance: Travel medical, health, or accident insurance.
- Personal expenses: Optional tips for the guide, Q'ero master, and drivers; purchases of *khuyas* (sacred stones) or other personal ceremonial items.
Information and recommendations
- Use Day 1 for acclimatization: Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level. Dedicate the first day exclusively to resting, drinking plenty of water or coca tea, and eating light meals before the rituals begin.
- Carry-on luggage for Day 5 (Aguas Calientes): For the train journey to Aguas Calientes, bring only a small backpack containing essentials for one night. Your main luggage should be left in storage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Physical documentation at all times: Carry your original passport or the valid national ID card used when purchasing your tickets. You will need it to board the train and to enter Machu Picchu.
- Attire for outdoor ceremonies: Bring warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, hiking shoes with good traction, a sun hat, and a personal blanket for sitting comfortably during ground-based meditations.
Frequently asked questions
Does the itinerary include accommodation and daily meals?
No. The package covers entrance tickets, transportation, trains, buses, cultural guiding, and the accompaniment of the Q’ero master for the ceremonies. Hotels and meals must be arranged independently.
What do the Andean rites performed by the Q’ero master entail?
These are energetic attunements and traditional ceremonies (Musaq Karpay / Munay-Ki) that foster spiritual awakening, emotional cleansing, and reconnection with natural elements (Pachamama, Apus, Yaku) at each sacred site.
Do Andean ceremonies involve the ingestion of any medicinal plant?
No. All ceremonies and rituals in this circuit are meditative, energetic, and symbolic (involving the use of coca leaves, *chumpis*, prayers, and offerings to the earth), without the consumption of substances or power plants.
At what time do you return to Cusco on Day 6 after visiting Machu Picchu?
The return journey takes place in the afternoon by train from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, with a private bus transfer to reach the city of Cusco in the evening (approximately between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.).
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
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