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Via Illuminata

Shamanic Wisdom of the Ancients

Via Illuminata

Shamanic Wisdom of the Ancients

TRAVEL & WHAT TO  BRING

With Alberto Villoldo Ph.D, Marcela Lobos & The Q'ero Shamans

1. Passport

A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. All participants should carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. A copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you happen to lose your passport. 

 

As tourist requirements may change, please contact the Peruvian embassy or consulate in your country for visa and passport requirements to enter Peru. 

 

2. Flights

You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from Peru. If you arrive before the starting date of the expedition, you are also responsible for extra nights at Aranwa Sacred Valley & Wellness Hotel, where the group is meeting. 

 

3. Travelex Insurance

The Four Winds Society STRONGLY recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. If for some unforeseen reason you must cancel your journey, your deposit is non refundable. We suggest you purchase travel insurance within three weeks of your initial trip  deposit for the best coverage. 

 

For complete details, please visit: www.travelexinsurance.com or call customer service at 1-800-228-9792 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CST. Please refer to Location 09-0821. 

 

4. Extra Nights

If you are arriving before the expedition start date, or staying on afterwards, please ask The Four Winds office to connect you directly with the reservations manager from the hotel. 

 

Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Antigua Hacienda Yaravilca,  Huayllabamba, Urubamba. 

Phone: 011-51-84-58-1900 

Email: reservas@aranwahotels.com 

Online reservations: http://www.aranwahotels.com/en/sacred-valley/

 

5. Meals

Daily breakfast at the hotel is included. Most days we will be hiking during lunchtime and a light picnic lunch will be provided at no additional cost; please feel free to bring power bars or other organic healthy snacks. Dinners during the whole trip are not covered; the typical cost for a lunch or dinner ranges from US $28.00 to US $40.00. If you choose to eat at the hotel, your meals will be charged to the credit card on file for your room at the hotel and must be paid when you check out. 

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6. Vegetarians

If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of food options to choose from. Peruvian cuisine is very pure and natural. 

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7. Supplements and special dietary products

Please be sure to pack supplements you are taking and any special dietary products such as protein powder mix, tea, or other packaged goods that are absolutely essential to your diet.

 

8. Prescription medications

If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for your travels. Containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. Packing a standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal “remedies.” Since we will be hiking, consider bringing moleskin dressing for  blisters. Local pharmacies are well stocked with common pharmaceutical products. 

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9. Health and safety

You can visit the CDC website for information about traveling to Peru, including vaccinations you may need to have: 

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https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru

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Keep in mind that Four Winds Society cannot offer medical advice. It is best that you consult  with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can best advise you.  Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. Drink only  bottled water and do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill  bacteria. Do not drink from the streams. Eat only cooked foods and fruits with peel. Avoid food  from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels all have excellent hygiene and food preparation practices.  

 

Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink at least two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you, so limited consumption is strongly advised. Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes)  and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water to assist hydration. If you experience sleeplessness it might be caused by dehydration; drink more water immediately.  

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Please note: We recommend purchasing Emergency

Evacuation Insurance from Travelex or any other Traveling Insurance Company.

 

10. Money

Consider exchanging US $300-$500 at the airport, to be used for tips and other eventualities. When you bring US dollars or Euros into Peru, they must be new bills with no tears or rips. Damaged bills are not accepted in Peru. Should you need more money, you can find ATM machines in Lima, Cusco, and in Urubamba, very close to our hotel.  

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11. Tips

We collect tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters. These are collected by a volunteer and given as a group donation at the end of each outing. We ask for US $10 per day so plan on having US $90 - $110 for these gratuities/tips. 

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12. Airport Taxes

All Peruvian airports charge “Exit Taxes.” Most airlines include this tax in the cost of your ticket. Please contact your airline to confirm. 

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13. Optional healing sessions

Our shamans offer energy medicine sessions. The cost per session is US $285.00 and these can only be booked at the Hotel with a Four Winds team member and must be paid for in cash - Euro or US$. 

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14. Temperatures and altitude 

Sacred Valley: 70° Fahrenheit during the day and 40° to 50° at night;  

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15. Packing Tips

Plan on bringing a daypack for your carryon and a main, checked, suitcase as your main bag. Save some space in your main bag or bring an extra bag for souvenir purchases. Laundry facilities are available at the hotels the Sacred Valley. 

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16. What to pack

Each of us reacts to temperature differently. The following list is meant to provide a guideline, but you may need to adjust based on your temperature comfort level and needs. â€‹

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  • Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen as the sun can be very strong at high altitudes

  • Lightweight hiking boots (Gortex or water-resistant w/ankle support are best)

  • Cotton socks or good hiking socks (extra pairs in case they get wet) • Blue jeans or comfortable hiking pants 

  • Layered clothing for day hiking 

  • Long-sleeved lightweight shirts (the ones that wick away moisture are worth the extra expense) 

  • Fleece jacket 

  • Rain poncho 

  • Daypack or waist pack 

  • Pocketknife (for fruit, etc.) 

  • Organic and healthy bars or snacks 

  • Small flashlight with extra batteries 

  • Camera, digital cards and extra batteries 

  • Emergen-C or Electrolyte packets 

  • Water bottle 

  • Personal care items and toiletries: tissues, wet wipes and zip lock bags for day hikes

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FAQ's

FAQ'S

1. What's Included in the price? Transportation from Cusco Airport to Sacred Valley, 8 Nights at Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel, tour and tickets to archaeological places. Breakfast and some picnic lunches. Transportation to Cusco airport to return home. 

​Not included: Air Tickets to and from Peru, dinners, some lunches, tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters, shamanic healing sessions.

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2. Can I come if I am not a mountaineer? There are only gentle hikes in this Expedition, and if you are unable to hike our vehicles can get you very close to the ceremonial sites and temples we visit. This is not a strenuous or challenging journey, although there are many great hikes available daily if you want a good workout.

 

3. What about the altitude? Our lodge is located in the Sacred Valley at an altitude of approximately 9,400 feet. Some may experience altitude sickness at this elevation, and it might take you a night or two to fully adapt.

 

4. Are Alberto & Marcela with us? Yes, either Alberto or Marcela will be with you on most days.

 

5. Can I participate if I am not a Four Winds student?  Yes, this Expedition is open to everyone.

 

6. Is it safe? Peru receives millions of travelers from around the world. The country is safe, and the lodge where we stay has a hygienic kitchen and purified water. We suggest you leave your valuables in a safe in your room, and watch your camera and purse when in towns.

 

7. Can I bring my children? Kids over 12 years and older can join to this expedition as another participant.

 

8. Are the rites of passage the same as the Munay-Ki? Yes, during your visit to the archaeological sites you will receive the rites of passag

©2025 Alberto Villoldo Ph.D.

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