Ayahuasca and San Pedro Sacred Retreat to Peru

Spring 2016
(April 25th – May 10th)

*all meals, accommodation, ceremonies, domestic land transport and tours included!!*

Don’t Miss Out!
Deposits now being accepted for this journey
Please call 604-644-4447 to sign up

This Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat is for those people who seek a responsible way of spiritually opening to their self awareness and higher consciousness. The retreat offers the key to ancestral shamanic practices which will lead to amplified states of consciousness. The opportunity for deep personal growth, reflection and holistic cleansing is invaluable. The ceremonial initiation with Ayahuasca will open a lifelong relationship with spirituality. The new internal order that emerges is obtained from a transcendental dimension which reveals the purpose and meaning of life.

“The intention of this journey is to create a traveling community of seekers that is intimate, conscious, and invested in one another growth and the health of the planet. There will be a meeting prior to and following the trip and many beautiful sharing, meditations and exploration in between.

We have organized this trip with people that we have worked with before and trust, to ensure the safety and integrity of medicine work and welcome you to open yourself to all that the Peruvian culture, the ancient spirits and civilization and the deep and healing wisdom of the Pachamama has to offer.”

During the retreat, we will have three Ayahuasca sessions, integrated in a harmonic process which will include discussion forums (satsang) about the experience.  Each session produces a profound reaction in the body, mind and spirit.  Ayahuasca sheds light into your reality, shows you what you need to heal or integrate in order to transcend into higher levels of awareness and harmony.

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) is a vine of the jungle, which grows in the entire Amazonia, from Columbia to Peru, Bolivia, Brasil and Guyana. It is known to and respected by all indigenous peoples as a healing plant or master “teacher plant” and represents the basis of their traditional medicines.

Ayahuasca is boiled together with the leaves of a shrub called “Chacruna” (Psychotria viridis), giving a brew or sacred drink of psychoactive character that is consumed in a ritual ceremony leading to reflection and cleansing. This brew, named also Ayahuasca, has been used for more than 5,000 years by the shamans of the Amazon as a way to reach amplified states of consciousness.

The term Ayahuasca is derived from the Quechua words “aya ” meaning soul or spirit and “huasca” meaning rope or vine. This is translated as the cord of the dead or the vine of the soul and is considered to be a drink used by the initiated ones to communicate with the world of the spirits. This brew is considered to be the foundation of the magical-spiritual connection of more than 75 ethnic groups of the Upper and Lower Amazonia.

The Ayahuasca experience can lead to different results, such as the surprising and ecstatic meeting with one’s “Self”, the identification of a true “Me”, not recognized and seemingly rediscovered.

This “transpersonal” experience naturally gives us security regarding ourselves and others. In the long run clear changes manifest in our rhythm of life and in the quality of our relations with others. It increases the security with regard to our intuition, flexibility and openness to changes, as well as visibly heightened capacity of our effective expression. All this is part of the result of a process of re-connection with our deep being, nature and the feeling of transcendence.

Sourced from “El Ayahuasca – La medicina del alma” (Ayahuasca – The medicine of the soul) published in July 2002.

San Pedro (Wachuma) is a teacher plant (Grandfather medicine) that grows in the Andes of South America. It give us the opportunity for stopping the stream of thoughts and reconnects us to the presence that emerges of the stillness of nature. Just by dwelling in that state of being we are able to connect to our true divine self within and feel the interconnection to all that is, in a level that you will never forget.

San Pedro is a psychoactive cactus native to the Peruvian Andes and has a long history of use in Andean traditional medicine. Archaeological evidence indicates its use for healing and religious divination in the region for over 3000 years. Today it is widely known in these areas, where it is used in traditional medicine and traditional veterinary medicine.

In humans the San Pedro cactus is prescribed to treat a variety of medical problems such as: nervous conditions, joint problems, drug addictions, cardiac disease, and high blood pressure. The entheogenic status of the cactus remains as strong today as it has always been. Not only do its uses in shamanic trances and healing sessions continue, but it has also demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of more recent problems such as alcoholism.

~Excursions will be included during the retreat to several sacred Peruvian sites. ~ 

Pisaq Market – On Sunday we will visit the old town of Pisaq were we can visit the local handicraft market. Pisaq is a small ancestral town of artisans who offer a great variety of handcrafted articles and handmade fabrics from highlands communities.

Ruins of Pisaq – Above the old town of Pisaq, the Inca ruins are situated at the top of the mountain Intihuatana. The ruins consist of a stone ceremonial complex, from which there is an impressive view of the sacred valley.

Salinas of Maras – We will visit the Salinas (salt mines) of Maras where the inhabitants of Maras and Pichingoto make the entire process of natural salt extraction.

Chauaitiri Community – We will visit the textile community of Chauaitiri where we can appreciate the simplicity of their way of living and buy amazing ponchos, scarves and alpaca fabric, all hand made and naturally dyed.

Diego Palma has been working with Ayahuasca for 16 years.  In 2002 he created Ayahuasca-Wasi in Pisaq, Cusco, a place where many responsible seekers have come to heal, and began organizing retreats and open ceremonies.  He has learned the traditional ways of using the medicinal sacred plant of Ayahuasca from the indigenous curanderos, while also including  a western approach to the healing properties of this medicine plant.
Diego also has a Buddhist background and real interest in different methods that expand human consciousness. As a result, his personal approach with Ayahuasca is one of deep understanding of oneself, healing and awakening, while introducing traditional as well as western elements.

The retreats offered by Diego are supported by meditation, yoga, and most of all by the integration process and feeling of oneness that can be given by this medicine plant.

Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta (Andean Wisdom-keeper) is a Traditional Curandero (Healer) from Cusco, Peru who has been trained and initiated in the wisdom teachings of the Northern coastal region and the Southeastern Andean region of Peru.

Jhaimy began his initiation onto this path at a young age, and has apprenticed with Master Teachers in the Alchemical mystery teachings of transformation and transmutation and has a special gift of working with the Plant Medicine Master Wachuma.

As a keeper of Ancient Wisdom, he has been invited to share his knowledge and lead ceremonies at conferences, workshops, and specialized tours throughout South America, Canada and Europe. He holds a degree in Tourism from La Universidad Andina del Cusco, is the Founder of Traditional Andean Medicine Tours in Peru, and has presented lectures and public talks at Trent University as an invited guest of the Indigenous Studies Department.

He is a regular featured guest speaker in events across Canada and Europe as part of the Andean Wisdom Teachings series through Children of the Seven Rays, and is best known for his heart-centered and humble approach to healing and spirituality.

Today, Jhaimy continues to be committed to the SERVICE OF LOVE; and, through ceremony, ritual, and healing practices, he supports people in moving past their limitations in order to liberate and connect with their heart and their purpose.
www.childrenofthe7rays.com

This Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat starts in the town of Pisaq, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 40 minutes from Cusco city.   It is a peaceful and quiet place surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Accommodation for first 6 nights will be at Melissa Wasi, a bed and breakfast house located near the base of the ruins of

Pisaq. The house is surrounded by wonderful mountains called “Apus” in the very centre of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is one kilometre from the village of Pisaq.

Each bedroom is shared double occupancy and includes bathrooms with hot water 24 hours a day, and electricity. The view includes the sacred mountains (Apus), farm lands, and the ruins of Pisaq.

Spring 2016
(April 25th – May 10th)

April 25th: International flight to Lima, Peru. (Optional night in Lima – approximately $100 or transfer to domestic flight to Cusco)

April 26th: Arrive to Cusco via Lima and have the day to rest and acclimate. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner/orientation and the opportunity to meet with others on the journey. Overnight in Cusco.

April 27th: Today we will spend the day visiting the historical and spiritually significant sites and temples in Cusco and surrounding areas including Saqsayhuaman, Qoricancha and Tambo Machay before travelling to the Sacred Valley. In the evening Jhaimy will share traditional teachings connected to the Andean Cosmo-Vision and will prepare a traditional Despacho offering to Mother Earth to honour each person in the circle as well as their families and communities. This evening will also be our first connection to Wachuma/San Pedro in a fireside healing ceremony that will connect us with the Divine Masculine energy and the sun/fire. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.Overnight in the Sacred Valley. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

April 28th: In the morning we will visit the magical Ollantaytambo site – one of the most important temples in the Sacred Valley that is connected to the teachings of the four elements and the energy of the Llama – “service of love.” The afternoon will be a scenic travel by train to Aguas Calientes with free time upon arrival to visit the markets and town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. There will also be the option to book private healing sessions and traditional coca-leaf readings with Jhaimy this evening and to visit the hot-springs. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

April 29th: Early morning shuttle bus to Machu Picchu to greet the new day and then have a full day at Macchu Picchu site. Jhaimy will guide us through the site and share the sacred power centres with us as well as guide us in a beautiful ceremony to connect with this ancient city of light. There will also be time to explore and connect with the temples on your own before traveling by train back to Cusco via the Sacred Valley later that evening. Overnight in Cusco.

April 30th: Today we will be in our 2nd ceremony with Wachuma/San Pedro and this ceremony will be held at the sacred temple of Quilla Rumi where we will weave together the balance and complimentary energy of the Divine Feminine and the teachings of the moon/water. In the evening we will have an integration circle and prepare ourselves for the jungle. Overnight in Cusco.

May 1st: Morning travel to Puerto Maldonado by plane and then connect to the riverboat that will take us down the Madre de Dios river to the jungle retreat centre (Corto Maltes Lodge). We will have the afternoon to rest and adjust to our new surroundings through a gentle jungle walk around the retreat centre. In the early evening we will take a boat tour to explore the river and possible sightings of Caimen at the riverbed side and other nocturnal animals. Overnight at jungle retreat centre.

May 2nd: We will have an early morning excursion to visit the beautiful Sandoval Lake and see the rich variety of animals, flora, and fauna in the amazon jungle. The afternoon will be free to rest and prepare for the traditional Ayahuasca ceremony and teachings later that evening. Overnight at jungle retreat centre.

May 3rd: Integration day and the option to visit one of the local communities to learn about their projects and initiatives in the area. We will have an evening celebration and closing circle to complete our time together and prepare for our journey home. Overnight at jungle retreat centre.

May 4th – 9th: Travel day – flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. Airport transfer to Pisac in the Sacred Valley to begin our work with Diego Palma for the next 6 days. Accommodations at Pisac Retreat Centre.

May 10th: Travel day back to Cusco to connect with flights to Lima and international flights home.

COSTS INCLUDE:

All accommodations (based on double-occupancy)
Airport transfers to/from hotels
All private ground transportation
Breakfast at hotels for all days + all meals (lunches and dinners at selected restaurants or retreat centre)
Entrance fees to all sacred sites
Tourist Card for entrance to all Sacred Valley and Cusco sites
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and all other tourist attractions we will visit
Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
Return train fare for Machu Picchu
Entrance to Aguas Calientes (hot springs) at Machu Picchu
All sacred ceremonies and wisdom teachings with Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta
All plant medicine ceremonies (2 Wachuma (San Pedro) and 4 Ayahuasca)
All gratuities for tour services (i.e. hotel, transportation, etc…)
Personal spiritual guide, Jhaimy Alvarez-Acosta and assistants
Pre-trip planning assistance through Children of the Seven Rays
COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:

International and Domestic Airfares to/from Cusco & Puerto Maldonado
Tips/gratuities for your guide
Travel/medical insurance (required)
Additional add-on of single room supplement
Private healing sessions or coca-leaf readings with Jhaimy by appointment
Early Bird Price Per Person (Land Only) USD $2,997 (regular $3,333)

Early Bird Price Per Person (Land Only) USD $2,997  (regular $3,333)

To Register for the Journey call: 604-644-4447

You will be met at the Cusco airport and transferred to Pisaq to start the retreat but there is an option to upgrade for additional hotel and transportation in Lima.

Each additional night with transportation is approximately $100 USD