Q’ero pilgramage – Peru extension

The Q’ero people are an indigenous group residing in the Andes, specifically in five communities approximately 75 miles east of Paucartambo, Peru. These communities are located at high elevations, with the highest village soaring to 14,000 feet above sea level. Recognized as the last direct descendants of the Incas, the Q’ero people escaped the Spanish conquest by retreating to remote highlands, allowing their ancestral traditions to remain largely unaltered.

In the past 50 years, they have started sharing these traditions with Westerners, aiming to foster healing for the Earth. They heed the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, which suggests that healing will manifest when the Condor of South America and the Eagle of North America unite.

As master weavers both literally and energetically, the Q’ero intertwine the threads of existence to foster meaningful relationships and restore balance amid turbulent times. They engage in a conscious daily practice of honouring the living web of life in all its forms, focusing on remaining in Ayni—reciprocity—with all beings. This involves communicating with Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Apus (mountain spirits), and the Starlight ones, who serve as their primary guardians. Believing in the interconnectedness of all things, they maintain communication with the natural world; encompassing stones, plants, trees, mountains, stars, and ancestors.

A vital element in preserving their traditions is through ceremonies, such as Despacho, which gives homage to Pachamama and the Apus. These rituals include crafting intricate offerings made of symbolic ingredients like coca leaves, corn, grains, sweets, flowers, and other natural elements. Each ingredient represents a relationship the Q’ero holds, with the prayer to bring this into harmony, be that for themselves or the groups they are supporting. The way in which each object is placed in the Despacho signifies what the Maestro (shaman) is invoking or giving thanks for. Everyone participating in a Despacho ceremony is cleansed in ritual with the offering before it is placed in a fire.

Additionally, the Q’ero share Karpays, or initiations, as part of the Andean Shamanic practice. These initiations are passed through sacred bundles known as mesas, with prayers aimed at each individual’s energetic centers. They believe they are watering the seeds of light already present in your being through these initiations and it is up to you to care for them in your own love story of bringing them into the world.

Visiting the Q’ero community directly gives you a chance to immerse yourself in their cosmology and experience their generous heart. The landscape is rich with the contrasts of high Rocky Peaks, and great carved valleys where Alpacas and llamas roam. Living in simple stone or concrete homes, they grow their own food – primarily potatoes, weave their own clothes, and live sustainably. Spending time with the Qeros helps us to let go of our imagined or idealized concept of what living core shamanic practices look like and open to the practical beauty of remembering. Remembering that all of us humans have the capacity and birthright to live in balance with the land – in fact, it is our responsibility to do so. It also helps Westerners to recognize how privileged we are and use this awareness to make a change in our world.

This trip is offered as an extension to those who are participating in the 12 day Shamanic initiation in Peru.

Cost: $975 USD

Includes:

• 2 nights hotel in Cusco
• 4 nights in tents in Q’eros (note tents are set up inside a concrete building for warmth)
• All meals Day 2,3,4,5,
• Breakfast Day 1, Breakfast & lunch Day 6, Breakfast Day 7
• Cusco tour of Sacsayhuaman
• Travel to Q’eros and all food/accomodation

What is not included:

• Lunch and Supper Day 1, Supper Day 6
• Tips

Basic Itinerary

Day 1 – Cusco tour Sacsayhuaman – overnight in Cusco

Day 2 – Leave for Q’eros – Walk through the ancient burial grounds of the Q’ero people at the hidden sacred site of Nina Marca. Venture through the town of Paucartambo exploring their traditional market and enjoying the local food for lunch. Arrive in Q’eros for supper

Day 3 – Create your own lasting connection with this incredible land through walking down the valley from the Village of Challma Champana to Hatun Q’eros – about 10km (all down hill). Listen to the stories shared by our guides as they tell the tales of myth and legends of their people. Lunch in Hatun Q’eros followed by despacho ceremony to bring us into balance with their homeland. Return to Chalma Champana by truck.

Day 4 – The Q’eros traditional weaving is a cosmology unto itself. Learn how they gather the wool, spin and weave with prayer and ceremony. After lunch experience a guided shamanic journey with me then spend time with your own Mesa on the land investigating what teachings these Apu’s are sharing with you. Why are you here? Why have these Apu’s called you?

Day 5 – The Sacred Mountain of Huaman Lippa is the principle Apu & glacier which cares for these people. Today we head up to altitudes of 17000 ft on horse back to greet this powerful being. At the local ceremonial altar we will have a despacho ceremony and Karpay initiation of the Kudak a kuyak – She/He who chews the coca leaves and talks to the stars.

Day 6 – Return to Cusco, overnight in Cusco

Day 7 – Return Home