Página 1 The Path of Wiraqocha A Transforming Experience to Unbind Your Imagination According to ancient legends, Wiraqocha, the Hamawtha or Wise Man of ancient Peru, traced a route stretching thousands of miles across forbidding Andean terrain that became known as Wiraqochaq Ñannin: The Path of Wiraqocha. A name that, in the Andean world, also serves as metaphor for the spiritual journey of self awakening that Hamawtha Wiraqocha taught as he walked this path. Several thousand years after His legendary trek, you will have the opportunity to follow on both the physical and spiritual footsteps of the Hamawtha Wiraqocha, walking the same sacred path on a five day breathtaking route that we call the Camino del Apu Ausangate. Your journey will be sheltered by Mountain Ausangate, the highest and holiest peak in the magical Cusco region, which, since time immemorial, has been the Apu, or guardian and life bearer, of one of the world s most pristine ecosystems. Our trek will be led by Piero Morosini, PhD, author of Seven Keys to Imagination, the internationally acclaimed book that has been dubbed by critics as the Celestine Prophecy equivalent of management. At the Ausangate s inspiring mountainsides, Piero will be your Hamawtha whom will help turn your journey into a unique and life transforming experience both spiritually and mentally that will powerfully awaken your mind, spirit and imagination. During your hikes, llamas and horses will carry your gear, shepherded by members of the local Chillca community whom will be proud to share with you all of the exotic cultural elements of their inspiring world. Thus, after your hikes, you will be treated in our unique Tambos or Andean Lodges to a variety of delicious Peruvian cuisine prepared by experienced Andean chefs using the local produce; while authentic, ancient Andean music and rituals will foster your spiritual experiences against the Camino del Apu Ausangate s unforgettable landscapes.
Página 2 Day 01 1st threshold of the Path Cusco A one hour early morning flight over the snow covered Andes brings us to the legendary city of gold, Cusco (alt. 11,200 feet), the Center of the Inca. We will take you to your hotel where you are going to have a Coca tea as welcome drink at the lobby, while we take care of your check in. the 11,000 ft. Some rest is highly recommended as the 11,000 ft. altitude makes quite an impression on most people, followed by a light meal such as consommé or caldo de pollo chicken soup with rice and vegetables. As you get used to the high altitude at the extraordinary city of Cusco, the group will meet their Hamawtha or wise guide, and His companion helper, the Yanapaqnin. Both of them will introduce the group to the key guidelines and roles of our Path of Wiraqocha. Next, every member of the team will be instructed to become a Puriqkuna, or a walker that seeks to hike the Path and learn how to unbind the power of his or her imagination. As a central part of this process the Puriqkuna will carry out the Killqa ritual in order to learn how to reveal key messages enshrouded in Andean khipus, the ancestral knot based writing system of ancient Peruvians. These messages will acquire increasing individual meaning as each Puriqkuna walks the Path of Wiraqocha. Overnight in Cusco at Casa Andina Classic (B) Itinerary
Página 3 Day 02 2nd threshold of the Path Cusco Chillca Early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, we start ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca, where we will be greeted by the local community. From there it is a short and easy walk to the first Tambo. Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and perform Uyllay the second ritual of our Path, at the tunes of poignant Andean music played by the Chillca local musicians Overnight at Chillca Tambo 4 hrs. aprox. 1.5 hrs. aprox. Low difficulty Chillca Tambo Day 03 3rd threshold of the Path Chillca After breakfast, escorted by our Yanapaqnin, we begin the ascent to the Yanacocha lake. After a picnic lunch we will return to the Lodge over the vista trail, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota range. Against this arresting landscape, we will perform Awka the third ritual of our Path, We will arrive at the lodge in time to take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious dinner Overnight at Chillca Tambo 5 hrs. aprox. Dificultad alta 5000 ms. Chillca Tambo 15700 fts
Página 4 Day 04 4th threshold of the Path Chillca Machuracay. Our hike begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls descending from Mountain Santa Catalina. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area and once we reach the small Paloma lagoon the countryside will be dotted with these animals, and also a large umber of alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, we will reach the Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate. There, we will perform our Kausay ritual with fire and water, against the magical backdrop of the Ausangate mountainsides. Overnight at Machuracay Tambo 7 hrs. aprox. High difficulty 5150 ms. Machuracay Tambo 16900 fts Day 05 5th threshold of the Path Machurcay Anantapata. After a demanding ascent of the Palomani pass at an elevation of 5,200 m. / 17,000 ft., we will descend to Ausangatecocha. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the Apu will inspire us as we carry out our Jiwasanaka ritual of brotherhood love. After the ritual, we will continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado del Inca. Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo. Overnight at Anantapata Tambo 7 hrs. aprox. High difficulty 5150 ms. Anantapta Tambo 16900 fts
Página 5 Day 06 6th threshold of the Path Anantapata Huampococha. A spectacular part of the trail finds us hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of marvelous geological wonder and natural beauty. Also, be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. It is against this landscape of perfect beauty and pristine solitude that we will experience the Wiraqocha ritual of harmonious interior fusion. That night we sleep in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where huallatas (Andean geese) make their nests. Overnight at Huampococha Tambo 7 hrs. aprox. High difficulty 4900 ms. Huampococha Tambo 16076 fts Day 07 7th threshold of the Path Huampococha Valle Sagrado. After a last climb over the Anta pass, we will gradually make our descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for vizcacha (members of the chinchilla family). This is also the ideal spot to carry out the Kuti ritual of spiritual rebirth. By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Yanahuara Sacred Valley. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection Yanahuara 5 hrs. aprox. High Difficulty 5000 ms. 4 hrs. aprox. 15700 fts
Página 6 Day 08 Final station of the Path Yanahuara Valle Sagrado After staying over night at the Casa Andina Private collection hotel, we will engage the next morning in an exercise of Illa Teqsi ( Reinvention of Self ) facilitated by our Hamawtha, whom will help each and everyone in the group turn all what we experienced together in our 8 Day Path across magical Andean landscapes, into a new, powerful and enlightening personal vision of our Self into the future. A personal vision that will inspire and irradiate its positive images and strong energy both within ourselves and upon those whom we love, work and play with. Bus will be ready to come back to Cusco at 14pm Physical Preparation: Arrival to Cusco a couple of days earlier than the program is suggested for those who have not had a high altitude experience before. To take part on this experience, the Path of Wiracocha you need to be in good physical condition, as we will be walking over passes above 5000 meters, is also important to drink plenty of water and coca tea. Distance and Altitude
Página 7 Recommendations: You will not need travel documents and other valuables with you on this program, (passport, credit cards, traveler s checks Etc) we suggest leaving them at a safe box in the hotel Clothing Hiking boots (if new ones are purchased it is important to use them well before the walk because it is common for new shoes cause blisters). Shirts or long sleeved shirts (one for each day). Walking trousers. Polar or thermal clothing for the walk sweater and / or vest. Warm coat. Thermal clothing sleeping. Cotton trousers. Wool gloves. Scarf. Wool socks for sleeping. Hat or cap for sun. Waterproof trousers and jacket gore tex "or rain poncho. Shoes or sandals (to use inside the lodges). Small Towel Canes: helping maintain stability during walking Equipment: Head or hand lantern. Pocket knife. Bottle or canteen. Plastic bag to keep the battery. Plastic bag for dirty or wet clothes. Small backpack (for day trips to enable it to carry snacks, water, change of t shirt etc.). Binoculars. Sunglasses, sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm. "Memory Cards" and / or movies reserve batteries for the camera,etc. (Batteries can be downloaded quickly by low temperatures and there is no possibility to recharge). Toiletries and first aid.
Página 8 Includes: General organization. Transfer in APTO HTL Services of expert guides in high mountain trek. Private transport to Chillca and back to Cusco. Accommodation in double rooms. Breakfast and dinner served in the lodges, snacks and lunches served on the way. Waterproof bags (for the baggage carried by llamas). Not included Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program. Tipping staff. Insurance.