Experience Peru in 2012

If you do not see a video link here click on your refresh button

You’re on this page right here, right now… for a reason.  We do have a few places left however we don’t have the luxury of a lot of time left. If you are being called to Peru then register, pay and celebrate your decision. And then shift into the anticipation of a spectacular inner and outer journey.  I look forward to experiencing both journeys alongside you.

 

Dear Graduates,

Have you always dreamed of going to Peru? Would you like to travel with a group of people who share similar values and interests? Would you love to be led by extraordinary guides?

Peru’s tough geography is sometimes a challenge for even the more adventurous traveler, as many fabulous locations are difficult and expensive to reach. This group tour is a great alternative to individual travel for that and many reasons. In conjunction with Diana Love of  Red Lotus Tours we have created a spectacular unique customized journey to Peru that will give you the benefits of group travel while recognizing that you’ll be having your own personal inner journey as well.

You’ll be traveling with expert guides, teachers and shamans who have been raised in the spiritual and mystic riches of Peru and immersed in it’s ancient cultures. They will share with you their historical knowledge, healing ceremonies and beautiful rituals. This is an inner journey as much as it is an outer journey. The theme of this trip is facilitating transformation.  We look after everything so that you can just be present in the moment taking in what’s going on around you or IN you.

“What I loved most about my 2011 trip to Peru, with 18 of our Sacred Gift Graduates, was that I could be 100% present to all the adventure without having to think about any logistical details. On some days the biggest decision I had to make was which way to point my camera or whether I wanted red or white wine with dinner. I was free to just be with each experience and healing ceremony fully, all of which were simply breathtaking.” ~ Monique

This trip is attracting a magical group of  individuals. Traveling in a group is fantastic when you travel with people you enjoy and who share common interests. Everyone who travels with us must have completed the Discover Your Sacred Gifts program. We share that foundational understanding.  We are going to Peru to be witness to Her gifts and to share ours. To learn more about our outer world and our inner world.

Only the very basic aspects of the trip are covered in the daily overview below. There are amazing surprises and beautiful private ceremonies sprinkled in throughout our journey. By not disclosing all the details of these unique powerful experiences in the itinerary it will add to your experience when you least expect it.

I look forward to experiencing this trip of lifetime with you in 2012.

Monique

We have very limited space remaining. Registration and payments must be completed by the end of May. 

Dates: Sept 6th – 23rd 2012

Itinerary:

Thursday, Sept 6 – Travel Day to Lima

This is a travel day from your city of departure to Lima, capital of Peru. You will likely arrive just around midnight and after clearing customs and immigration you will be met by our amazing tour co-ordinator Diana Love and one of her Guides. From there we will all head out together to our Lima hotel for a good night’s rest.

 

Friday, Sept 7 – Lima

We’ll have breakfast together and then meet for an orientation and start our exploration of Lima. We’ll have lunch in the oldest bar/restaurant in the central district. This might be where you experience your first Pisco Sour…virgin or otherwise. We’ll be doing some walking and sightseeing. There is lots to see in a city that was founded in 1535 and has a population of over 9 million.  Breakfast and lunch are included.  Our hotel is located very near to a popular outdoor night market and eating area in Miraflores. You’ll have many choices for dinner.

Saturday, Sept 8 – Lima

You can sleep in today, at least for a while and then breakfast will be waiting for you when you get up. This morning we’ll be getting together for a meet and greet before we head out with our Guide on our first sightseeing adventure. We’ll explore old and new gems of this historic coastal city. Breakfast and lunch are included. We’ll have suggestions for you to choose from on how you might like to spend your evening hours depending on your interests. There is much to do and see in Lima.

Sunday, Sept 9 – The  Sacred Valley

After breakfast we’ll board our flight to Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire and the gateway to the Andes Mountains. You’ll want to have your camera ready as we fly over these world famous peaks.  When we arrive in Cusco we’ll board our private bus and ride for a few hours to our hotel in the Sacred Valley. We’ll stop to visit local markets and vista points along the way. You’ll be introduced to the  town of Ollantaytambo and it’s spectacular ruins that border it. In the evening you’ll have plenty of time to explore this magical little jewel of the Sacred Valley.  The scenery here is breathtaking. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Monday, Sept 10 – Ollantaytambo

At the northern end of the Sacred Valley, what you will see in  Ollantaytambo is rare if not unique in Peru. Ollantaytambo is a massive citadel located 50 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The citadel served as both a temple and a fortress. At some time unknown, and for reasons unknown, work mysteriously stopped on this huge project. We will also visit other small Andean villages in the surrounding area and meet local people.  This day will take us to higher altitudes however you’ll have had time to adjust.  We’ll return to the hotel to gather for a casual dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Tuesday, Sept 11 – A Day of Giving Through Service

There are endless ways to support and assist the people of the Sacred Valley by focusing on giving where it is needed. This also allows us the opportunity to get to know their ways and to connect heart to heart with these very hard working, beautiful people. We will be involved in projects that help meet a need.  Our focus this day will be one of gratitude and giving.  Breakfast and lunch are included.

“This trip had such a deep and meaningful effect on me.” ~ Arlene Buchard

Wednesday, Sept 12 – The Sacred Valley

Another day exploring the mystery and history of the Sacred Valley as we ascend even higher into the Andes. We will visit a place that very few tourists have the opportunity to see.  Our schedule  will be full however it will be a day that provides time to reflect and integrate all that you have already experienced.  The bus ride to our destination will provide some of the most amazing vistas as well as glimpses of how the mountain people live. There will be time to enjoy the work of local artisans in outdoor markets.   In the evening we will enjoy our last night in Ollantaytambo together as we gather for dinner at a quaint restaurant in the town square. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Thursday, Sept 13 – Aguas Calientes

Today enjoy a very scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town that is nestled at the foot of  Machu Picchu.  You’ll have time to get settled in our hotel and to explore this small town that is pulsating from the energy of the surrounding mountains and is  filled with Spiritual seekers and travelers from all around the world. We will also stretch our legs together and go for a hike to a beautiful secluded waterfall. You may want to pack your bathing suit and towel. From our guide we will learn about Pachamama (Mother Earth) and her significance to the indigenous people.  Back at our hotel we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and then you  may want to end the night with a dip in the mineral pool.  Breakfast and dinner are included.

“The experience was beyond our expections…everyday was filled with adventures.” Linda (Mark) Kozina

Friday,  Sept 14 – Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas

Today will be an early start. We’ll board the bus that will take us up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the newest additions to the list of Archeological wonders of the world. You’ll want your camera to capture the sights and perhaps a journal to capture your thoughts and feelings as you visit this very sacred space. As the morning fog lifts the mountain will reveal to you the ancient city of the Incas. Our guide will take us on a journey through the ruins in a way that will bring the city back to life for you. You’ll be able to imagine what life was like there.  After our lunch break you’ll have the afternoon to explore the ruins on your own or with our guide, to find a secluded place overlooking the ruins or to just sit quietly. You’ll know what you need to do when you’re there.  The wind, the swallows, the scenery will carry you into your own personal journey. We’ll meet up later and take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.  You’ll have the evening free to explore the town at sunset or to relax at the hotel. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Saturday, Sept 15 – A Free Day To Explore and Relax

This day is for you. If you want to go back up to Machu Picchu for a second day you’ll be free to do so. You’ll have the option to hike up the stairs to the sanctuary (moderate-high fitness level required) or you can ride the bus back up. In the sacred Sanctuary, you may want to hike up to the Sun Gate and watch the daylight fill Machu Picchu or perhaps  scale up to the top of Huayna Picchu. It’s up to you.  Some of you may want to stay in town, shop or rest and relax at the hotel. Others may want to explore the region on foot. You’ll have access to our guide and  Diana to help you plan the perfect day for you. We’ll meet back at the hotel in the evening  for dinner and find out what everyone did. Breakfast and dinner are included. (The entrance fee and bus to Machu Picchu on this day is not included in the tour cost)

Sunday,  Sept 16  –  Cusco         

Monday,  Sept 17  –  Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is an ancient Inca fortress on the outskirts of Cusco. Today we’ll venture outside the city limits and tour the Fortress. Our Shaman guide will explain some of their rituals and ceremonies which you can participate in. Then we’ll head for the hills and enjoy a picnic lunch. These hills are known for creating magic so bring your playful spirit.  When we return to our hotel you’ll have time for a leisurely dinner and then your choices are as varied as is this town. A quiet wine bar or hot salsa dancing anyone? There is a lot of evening activity to choose from in Cusco all with a few blocks of where we’ll be staying. Breakfast and lunch included.

Tuesday, Sept 18 – Cusco – A Day of Giving Through Service

Today is another opportunity to do some work in the community. We will be volunteering to support an organization that does wonderful work for those in need.  We can leave a lasting impact through our collective efforts. All you need today is an open heart and a desire to be in service. Breakfast and a very special group dinner to say goodbye to Cusco are included.

“For me the trip was fun, playful, joyous, profound, deeply spiritual, heart-opening and transformational.  I am a different person for the experience in so many ways.” ~ Dr. N. Johnson   

Wednesday, Sept 19 – Puerto Maldonaldo – Amazon Basin Jungle

Today we leave behind all things Andean as we head into the Peruvian jungle. We’ll fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonaldo where we will be met by our jungle guiding experts. They will arrange our transport to the Eco Lodge.  Our lodge is situated in a private reserve, surrounded by a vast jungle canopy. It boasts access to a tree canopy bridge, one of South America’s largest, which makes it possible to literally walk through the treetops for more than ¼ mile, suspended 103 feet above the ground. Millions of species, many still undiscovered, spend their entire lives in this realm.You can put your coat away. It’s a little warmer here. All meals included.

Thursday, Sept 20 – Jungle Exploration

Wake up to a symphony of tropical birdsong; end your days by lantern light, falling asleep to the gentle night noise of the Amazon rain forest. We’ll hike jungle nature trails with our guide as well as enjoy viewing wildlife and the amazing lush flora from a riverboat. There will even be an opportunity to go out after dark for a twilight excursion and see the unique wildlife that only emerges at night.  The lodge and your cabana provide a beautiful setting in which to relax. The sounds of the jungle are like no other.  The jungle also provides a wonderful opportunity to get back into your body after the headiness you’ll feel from the deep healing energy of the  Sacred Valley.  You’ll appreciate your time here as you near the end of  the trip and prepare yourself mentally for re-entry into your busy life and world back home.  All meals included.

Friday, Sept 21 – Jungle Exploration

                                                   

Today you’ll have a few options to choose from. You can stay at the lodge and enjoy a massage and a hike and relax,  tour by boat Lake Sandoval…acclaimed as one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru, or visit the clay licks where you can observe numerous  parrots and macaws in the wild.  Perhaps you’ll want a combination of the above.  Our guides will make sure that whatever you pick will be exciting, interesting and right for you. We’ll finish off the night with a group dinner back at the lodge and head to bed for a good nights rest. Tomorrow is a long day. All meals included.

Saturday, Sept 22 – Back to Lima

Today we make our way back to the city of  Puerto Maldonaldo and board our flight  to Lima. Back to where it all began. Though it’ll be just a few weeks since you were here it may quite possibly feel like a lifetime with all the new experiences and adventures you’ve had. Diana will arrange day rooms at our Miraflores Hotel so that we can rest and relax, freshen up and do any last minute shopping or exploring. We’ll be getting together for a group dinner at one of the MOST spectacular restaurants in Lima where we will say our goodbyes before heading to the airport for our individual flights home.  Breakfast and dinner included.

“Going to Peru with other Sacred Gift graduates was an amazing experience and everyday was a learning experience filled with mystery and history. Since taking the Sacred Gifts course twice and then this trip so many things have shifted for me.” ~ Evelyn Wright

NB: Unless you are continuing on with your travels elsewhere you will be arranging your flight home to leave Lima around midnight of Sept 22nd. Most of the flights back to the US / Canada leave just after midnight which therefore is actually Sept 23rd (wee hours).  Your night flight will take you back to one of the gateway cities in Canada or US and then it’s off to your own home town. You should be back in your own bed the night of the 23rd and like the little boy and girl in Peter Pan you’ll look out your bedroom window, shake your head and wonder: WHAT JUST HAPPENED???

Tour cost is $4995 U.S.

The tour cost includes all sight seeing admissions, transfers, in country flights, trains, boats, buses, 2-3 meals per day, all jungle activities and 17 hotel/lodge stays. We’ve added a VERY unique feature to this trip which is that all your tips and gratuities on the tour paid meals etc are included in your tour cost. This is a really great feature that makes traveling so much easier in a country where you don’t speak the language. Your flights to and from Lima are not included in the tour cost. You can use your airmiles or points if you have some or we can help you arrange your flight. We’ll provide assistance as needed and will likely have a group rate from one Canadian and one US city for those who prefer to travel with a group to and from Lima.

 

TO REGISTER FOR THE TRIP:   Click here to secure your place with your deposit

See FAQ’s below for payment schedule options.

Frequently asked Questions: 

Why did you choose Red Lotus Tours to partner with? 

For starters I know and trust the company owner Diana Love and she is the one who is custom building a tour package that is specific to what I want our Sacred Gift graduates and Guides to experience. She prooved to us on our 2011 Peru journey that she creates magic.  She will also be traveling with us throughout the entire tour. Diana has lived in the U.S., Canada and currently lives in Ollantaytambo, Peru. She is extremely gifted in creating meaningful travel experiences. Diana is also one of our very own Sacred Gift Graduates and Certified Guide.

Having spent a great deal of time in Peru, Diana and has learned how to transcend the barriers that separate “tourists” from “travelers”.

 

• Volunteer Opportunities •  Diana works with grass roots organizations that support preservation of indigenous cultures and the environment,  literacy and the feeding and education of children. Our SG tour provides an opportunity to give back by volunteering our time and bringing essential materials

to personally share with those who are most in need. We’ll let you know what to bring that you can then pass on to villagers.

 

• Cultural depth • Designed to take you deep within a culture and not just skim the surface, we have created a customized tour that offers a slower paced schedule so that we can spend time with the local people, learn their customs, as well as be exposed to music, mysticism, art, culinary delights, language, healing rituals, discussion and dance.

 

• Meticulously chosen hotels and restaurants •
The hotels and restaurants are hand picked with intention. Diana has  spent extensive amounts of time uncovering hidden gems that are unique and reflect the taste and flavor of Peru. She is very mindful of supporting local businesses.

• Small Groups • Our small size group allows  you to experience more, and with greater depth.

 

• Adventure with Heart •  This journey will offer you the opportunity to learn about and experience the spiritual traditions of each region. Working with shamans, guides, and teachers as well as adding our own group activities provides you an adventure with deep heart and meaning.

 

• Local Guides • Along with Diana, her carefully selected expert local guides will share with you historical knowledge,and bring a richness of understanding to each locale. They’ve done all the homework, so you simply relax and enjoy the experience! We will be traveling with extremely gifted individuals. You WILL see Sacred Gifts in action in this team. No doubt about that.

 

What is the cancellation policy with Red Lotus Tours? 

The Cancellation Policy with Red Lotus Tours is pretty  standard to all tour companies. Click here to review

 

What is the payment schedule?

When you want to travel to Peru and secure the type of  hotels, jungle lodges, trains, in country flights etc of the standard that Diana and I insist on, bookings must all be made and fully paid WELL before our departure date.

Registration, along with full payment is due by May 31st.  There is a payment button on the Red Lotus registration page you can use to make a deposit of $1000 (by Visa/ Mastercard) or you can call Red Lotus Tour office and provide your CC information if you prefer.

Full tour payment is due by May 31, 2012.

This trip of a lifetime cost is $4995  minus your deposit (flight not included)

There are no further payment plan options now as we approach our registration and payment cut off date of May 31st other than how you would like to complete payment in that time frame.

If you have questions that are not answered on the Red Lotus Tour site  or below in the FAQ’s, please email monique@yoursacredgifts.com and someone will get back to you ASAP. If your question is specific to Red Lotus Tours it will be forwarded to them.