Q´eros Community 7d/6n

Introduction:

In the Andean World, the spiritual side of life is a deep experience with the environment and nature. The earth, the mountains, rivers, trees, caves and rocks are sacred and express themselves through the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the APUS (The mountains´ Protecting Spirits). Everything in nature is animated; everything has power and it only depends on the human being how he/she will handle and benefit from this power. Thus, one can understand why Andean cultural, mythical and historical heroes display magic and spiritual qualities, instead of war-like ones. In Quechua, the very word “Warrior” has more to do with the Power of Wisdom than with the power of weapons.
In Q´eros, Priests are called PAQOS and they are specialists and acknowledged in the handling of supernatural powers that emanate from Mother Earth and the Cosmos. Basically, the Paqo must know how to read the Sacred Coca Leaves which is an oracle of infinite possibilities, as each leaf is unique in its shape and message.

ITINERARY

 Day 1: Cusco / Cheqtak’ucho

We´ll leave early form Cusco , going to Cheqtak´ucho, passing by the localities of Urcos, Catca, Kaure, Ocongate, T´inki, Mawayani and Walla Walla, on an 8 hour and 130 km. journey, entering through the Walla Walla Mountain Pass (4,760 m.a.sl.) and staying overnight in Cheqtak´ucho.

• Meals provided: Lunch, dinner

Day 2: Cheqtak’ucho / Wallata Pampa

We´ll start our hike around 8:00 a.m., with the Wallata Pampa camp as our destination. The uphill hike is gradual, observing small hamlets with houses made of stones and thatched roofs. Arriving at the first mountain pass, it will be possible to sight vicuñas at a distance. Then, we´ll descend to Kikok´ucho, so as to go up again to the second mountain pass, getting to our second camp at 5:00 p.m.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Wallata Pampa / Huchuy Q’eros

We´ll get to the Community of Huchuy Q´eros (3,900 m.a.sl.) around midday, to share lunch with the Paqo Healers and their relatives.Late in the afternoon and at night, we´ll participate in a ceremony to the Pacha Mama, giving a health offering (despacho) for the group and ending the day with a bonfire.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 : Huchuy Q’eros

We´ll participate in community or family activities, such as sowing, harvest, etc. and in the early evening, we´ll perform another offering ceremony for the Apus; Sacred Mountain Spirits, with a bonfire as well.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Sharing with local people

Individual work with the members of the group, according to the kind of protection they need and later on in the afternoon, rest for everyone.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 : Huchuy Q’eros / Cheqtak’ucho

We´ll leave at 7:00 a.m., to go to Cheqtak´ucho, arriving there at 5:00 p.m. to stay overnight.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Q’eros / Cusco

Return to Cusco and end of our services.

• Meals provided: Breakfast

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
   Departures: Depends on the client

What is included:

• Round trip transportation
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people
• Horsemen (horses)
• First aid kit
• Oxygen tank.
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Meals: 6 Breakfasts/6 Lunches/6 Dinners

What is not included:

• Breakfast the 1st day, usually hotels offer this service
• Sleeping bag
• Tips for the guide, cook

Extras:

• US$20 Sleeping bag rental(-10°C) for the whole trek

What you need to bring/carry:

• Personal Sleeping Bag
• Raincoat or poncho
• Flashlight
• Hat
• Sun block, sunglasses
• Warm clothes, Light clothes
• Camera + Film/Video camera (optional)
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries

 

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