Welcome to VIA ILLUMINATA and
HOLY MOUNTAIN Expeditions!
Our base camp is the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel – a five-star colonial Hacienda located by the Vilcanota River. Four Winds team members will meet you at the airport in Cusco and accompany you to our hotel in the Sacred Valley. In the event you arrive early (Cusco is a beautiful city with many archeological sites and worth a visit) you can take a taxi to the Aranwa Hotel at your convenience. Cost is around US$50. Please be sure to arrive by 2:00 pm latest.
Getting There
You must book your flights to Cusco. If you arrive before or leave after the expedition dates, you will be responsible for your own hotel accommodations. On arrival please Check in at the Aranwa Hotel, settle into your room, and join for a welcome meeting with Dr. Alberto and The Shamans. On the final day of the programs you will have an early morning transfer to the Cusco Airport for your return flights.
Required information
Be sure you have all appropriate documentation and visas to travel to Peru. Citizens of the USA and the European Union do not require visas for Peru. A signed Release and
Assumption of Risk is required to participate in this expedition. Please follow This Link to sign electronically. We require your travel information.
Please review our Terms and Conditions. Note that your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We recommend travel insurance to protect yourself in case circumstances force you to cancel your trip. We work with Travelex Insurance: www.travelexinsurance.com.
Please refer to Location 09-0821.
For the Holy Mountain Expedition Only
FAQ’s
1. What’s Included in the price? –Transportation from Cusco Airport to Sacred Valley, lodging at Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel, tour and tickets to archaeological sites. Breakfast and some picnic lunches. Transportation to Cusco airport to return home. Not included: Air Tickets, lunches and dinners, tips for guides.
2. Can I come if I am not a mountaineer? There are gentle hikes, 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 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 at an altitude of 9,400 feet. Some may experience altitude sickness at this elevation, and it might take you a night or two to fully adapt.
4. Is Alberto with us? Yes, both Alberto will be with you on most days and all evenings.
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 filtered water.
7. Are rites of passage available? During your visit to the archaeological sites you will receive rites of passage and transmission from the shamans.
8. Roommates: If you have special friends, we will do our best to accommodate you but can’t guarantee them. Individual travelers requesting double occupancy will be paired with a same-gender roommate.
9. Who are the shamans? They are the sons and daughters of the masters Alberto trained with years ago, now shamans themselves. We have known these medicine men and women for over 30 years.
10. What if my roommate snores? It is sometimes possible to upgrade to a single room once at our lodge in the Sacred Valley. You can also book a single room in advance.
For more information you can visit the following links:
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our office:
For the Holy Mountain Expedition Only
This expedition includes two nights of camping at altitude and extensive hiking. Participants must be in good physical shape, and it is important that you acclimate to altitude for at least one week before the expedition begins. We invite you to join Alberto for the VIA Illuminata journey to acclimate to altitude, meet the shamans, and do the preparatory work that will allow you to get the greatest benefit from the Sacred Mountain Expedition.
You can find additional Mountain information in the following links.
Thank you!
The Four Winds Society