Today we step into the heart of the Andes for our second Wachuma ceremony, connecting deeply with Grandfather Wachuma in the sacred mountains where his spirit resides. This will be a day of magic, reverence, and communion with nature as we hike on the majestic Ausangate Mountain.

Ausangate, standing at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet), is one of the most revered peaks in the Andes and holds great significance in the spiritual traditions of the Quechua people. Known as an Apu, or mountain spirit, Ausangate is believed to be a protector and provider, watching over the surrounding communities. Its glacial waters feed the rivers and valleys below, sustaining life and serving as a source of spiritual renewal. For centuries, the mountain has been a site of pilgrimage and ceremony, particularly during the Qoyllur Rit'i Festival, where thousands gather to honor its sacred energy.

Accompanied by musicians and horses to carry our belongings, we’ll hike through the breathtaking landscape of Ausangate, absorbing its awe-inspiring beauty and powerful energy. Our journey will lead us to the Blue Lake, a shimmering, pristine body of water nestled in the heart of this sacred mountain. Here, we’ll gather for a ceremony filled with song, dance, and the warmth of a sacred fire, honoring the sacred waters and deepening our connection with Pachamama (Mother Earth). Together, we’ll open our hearts to the wonder and mystery of life, finding unity and joy in the breathtaking embrace of the Andes.

After the ceremony, we’ll return to the lodge to rest and enjoy some light snacks. We’ll then visit the soothing hot springs, where the warmth of the waters will help us relax and integrate the day’s experiences.

In the evening, we’ll share a beautiful communal dinner, followed by a fire where we’ll gather as a family. This will be a time to celebrate, play music, share stories, and simply enjoy one another’s presence, wrapping up this magical day in connection and joy.

We’ll start the morning with a leisurely awakening in the warmth of the Quechua community, sharing a heartfelt breakfast with the family who has so graciously welcomed us into their home. After bidding farewell, we’ll begin our journey back to Riaces Inka, reflecting on the profound experiences of the past days as we descend from the sacred mountain.

Upon returning to Riaces, the day is yours to rest and rejuvenate. There will be opportunities to schedule massages for relaxation and self-care, or you can simply take time to relax, journal, and integrate your experience in the serene environment of the retreat center.

This is a day of deep rest, allowing us to absorb the transformative magic of the medicine and the mountain. Together, we’ll share in the quiet joy of being present, holding space for ourselves and one another as we prepare for the full integration day ahead. This time of stillness and connection will help us anchor our experiences and nurture our energy for the final steps of this sacred journey.

We’ll begin the day with a nourishing breakfast prepared by the talented culinary team at Riaces Inka, setting the foundation for a day of integration, connection, and celebration. After breakfast, we’ll journey to the stunning Kinsacocha Lakes, a place of serene beauty and sacred energy, for a full day of integration and reflection.

At the base of the mountains, we’ll connect with the energy of the Apus (mountain spirits) and the powerful vibrations of this sacred land. Through guided practices, including breathwork, we’ll anchor the insights and transformations from our journey, harmonizing with the surrounding natural beauty.

Later, we’ll visit a nearby Quechua community, where we’ll be warmly welcomed with traditional dances and music, shared with pride by the community. This is a beautiful opportunity to experience their rich cultural heritage, rooted in deep connection to the land and ancestral traditions.

In the spirit of circulating love and prosperity, we’ll bring gifts to support the community. Items needed for the children or the school will be shared in advance, giving us the opportunity to give back in gratitude for the blessings we’ve received from this sacred land and its people.

We’ll return to Riaces Inka for an early dinner, where we can relax and share in the collective warmth of the group. In the evening, we’ll experience a sound healing session, using the somatic power of sound to relax, integrate, and heal. This gentle, restorative practice will prepare us for a restful night in the rarified air of the Andes, as we carry forward the transformative energy of this journey.

After a delicious breakfast at Riaces Inka, we’ll set out for Cusco, the historic heart of the Incan Empire, and its surrounding ancient temple complexes.

Our first stop will be the Huaca, sacred ceremonial sites used for spiritual rituals in the Incan cosmology. These places carry deep energetic significance, believed to be points of connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Next, we’ll visit Saqsaywaman, an impressive fortress-temple built with massive stone blocks that fit together with incredible precision. This site, perched above Cusco, is thought to have been both a religious and military hub, offering breathtaking views of the city. We’ll also explore the Temple of the Moon, a mystical site believed to have been a place of worship and lunar rituals, where natural caves and carved stones amplify the sense of sacredness.

Afterward, we’ll head into Cusco to experience its vibrant archaeological and cultural heritage. We’ll stroll through the bustling Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and visit San Blas, a charming neighborhood filled with artisan workshops, colonial architecture, and narrow cobblestone streets.

Cusco is also renowned for its culinary excellence, and we’ll enjoy a group dinner at one of the city’s amazing restaurants, savoring the flavors of Peruvian cuisine as we share stories and reflections from our journey.

After dinner, we’ll return to Riaces Inka to rest and prepare for the final day of this transformative retreat.

Our final day together begins with a relaxed and joyful morning, taking time to connect, capture memories with photos, and simply enjoy each other’s presence. We’ll gather for a heartfelt closing circle, where everyone will have the opportunity to share reflections on the journey and what they are carrying home in their hearts.

To conclude the retreat, we’ll close our altars in a sacred flower ritual, expressing gratitude and honoring the transformations we’ve experienced. This ceremony will gently prepare us to return home, carrying the magic and wisdom of this journey into our lives.

For those choosing the optional Machu Picchu add-on tour, the adventure continues:

We’ll depart for Aguas Calientes by train, a magical journey through stunning Andean landscapes as the tracks wind alongside the Urubamba River, surrounded by lush mountains. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the charming gateway town to Machu Picchu. Nestled in a deep valley and surrounded by verdant peaks, it has a mystical ambiance that mirrors the sacredness of the ancient citadel. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a beautiful hotel, and there will be time to explore the town, enjoy its quaint artisan markets, or relax in the soothing hot springs for which the town is named.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious meal, resting and preparing for the awe-inspiring experience of Machu Picchu the following day.

Whether your journey concludes with our closing circle or continues with this optional excursion, the gifts of this retreat will remain with you, woven into the fabric of your life.

Our journey culminates in an extraordinary day at Machu Picchu, one of the most sacred and awe-inspiring sites in the world. Guided by Jesus, a trusted expert and spiritual guide who has been with us throughout the retreat, we’ll delve into the mysteries and magic of this ancient Incan citadel.

Jesus, with his deep knowledge of the region and years of study and presence in Machu Picchu, will lead us through the sacred temples and key sites, sharing profound insights into the history, spirituality, and cultural significance of this incredible place. His wisdom and heartfelt connection to the land will illuminate the deeper meanings behind the structures, their alignment with the cosmos, and the energy they hold.

As we explore, there may even be an opportunity to drink a small dose of medicine within the temple site, deepening our connection to the sacred energy of Machu Picchu and enhancing our ability to feel its profound vibrations. This mindful and intentional practice allows for a heightened sense of presence and reverence as we walk among these ancient stones.

You’ll have time to marvel at iconic locations such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone (a ritual stone believed to be a solar clock or calendar), and the breathtaking Terraces of the Sacred Valley, all while taking in the unmatched beauty of the surrounding peaks and lush valleys.

After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner in town, enjoying the vibrant energy of this charming mountain village as we reflect on the day’s profound experiences.

On this final day, we’ll depart from Aguas Calientes and make our way to Cusco, where your journey can take its next steps. You may choose to stay in Cusco to explore further or head directly to the airport to begin your journey home, carrying with you the magic, insights, and connections cultivated during this extraordinary retreat.