Spiritual Trek & Kabbalistic Journey
Machu Picchu, Peru
October 27 – November 4, 2011
You are invited to join Mark Naseck on an incredible journey to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is a once in a lifetime chance to visit one of the most spiritual places on earth, travel on the same stones laid down by the Incas, and do so in the company of a masterful spiritual guide.
Mark is teaming up with Allan Wright and his amazing company, Zephyr Adventures. Mark Naseck first met Allan back in 2003 when Mark was practicing at Miraval Life in Balance Resort in Arizona. It took seven years for them to align their schedules to create this trip. Zephyr Adventures has been operating trips around the world for 13 years, has been featured in such magazines as National Geographic Traveler and Travel & Leisure, and regularly runs trips in Peru. This trip will be supported by local staff including Peruvian guides, drivers, cooks, and porters. Allan, Zephyr’s owner, will accompany Mark and the tour participants to Peru.
Mark Naseck, is an internationally known teacher, healer, yogi, mystic, and holistic health and business consultant. Well known for facilitating life-changing experiences, Mark has been featured on television and radio, both nationally and internationally. While pursuing his global quest for health, vitality, longevity and spiritual enlightenment, Mark has studied with many masters of the world’s traditions and religions. He has presented at the world’s top resorts, spas, Institutes, and Centers including Canyon Ranch Health Resort, Miraval Life in Balance Resort, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, The Omega Institute, Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, The Ann Wigmore Institute & Foundation, as well as aboard the world’s most famous ocean liner — Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
Mark will lead the group in daily sessions during the trip which will include teachings on yoga, meditation, nutrition, chi-gong, energy/spiritual healing, Kabbalah and Sufism. His well-known Y of YogaTM and Energy ConnectionTM teachings will be included.
Of the dozens of Incan trails there are two that lead from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Our trek will take place on the relatively unknown and lightly traveled Royal Inca Trail, which travels along the Urubamba River and thereby avoids the high altitude pass and steep hills of the more traveled Classic Inca Trail. The Royal Trail is perfect for this trip as the easier hiking will give us more time and energy to focus on our inner spiritual journey. The trip involves three nights of camping and our local staff makes this a fantastic part of the overall experience as they will be setting up camp, preparing our meals, and guiding the physical aspect of the trek. All you will need to do carry is your own daypack!
The entire trip is nine days, starting and ending in Lima. In addition, the tour includes two pre-trek days in the Sacred Valley, one day visiting Machu Picchu, and one post-trek day in Cusco. This Peru journey is always spectacular; Mark’s presence and his spiritual teachings will make this trip unique.
This adventure is limited to 20 participants and we expect it to sell out quickly.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
~Lao-tzu
| Price | $2,950 per person |
| Single Supplement | $800 (always optional) |
| Length | Nine Days & Eight Nights |
| Activities | Trekking |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Navigation Required | None |
| Other | Flights not included |
| Reserve Your Spot | Book This Tour Now |
Day 1: Thursday, October 27: You arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, at any time via your international flight. You will be met at the airport and transferred (cost of transfers are included in the package price) to our downtown hotel.
Day 2: Friday, October 28: We take a morning shuttle to the airport for our internal flight to Cusco, the gateway city to Machu Picchu. At over 11,000 feet you will feel the altitude. We shuttle directly to the town of Ollantaytambo, several thousand feet lower, where we will have a leisurely lunch followed by an afternoon session with Mark entitled Energy ConnectionTM at the nearby archeological ruins.
Day 3: Saturday, October 29: Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas as we continue to adjust to the altitude. We start with a hike on the plateau above the valley to Moray, ruins in a beautiful funnel shape that served as the Incan agricultural laboratory. There we will have a session with Mark on mysticism, as practiced in Peru and elsewhere around the world. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon and walk into the town of Ollantaytambo for dinner.
Day 4: Sunday, October 30: The Inca Trail! We hike on the ancient trail of the Incan Emperors. We feel a bit royal ourselves as we are only required to bring a daypack with snacks, water, and rain jacket while most of our gear is carried by our Quechua porters. Our local guide tells us about the ruins and flora we pass, while our cooks prepare delicious meals to recharge us at lunch and in the evening. Today we have our trail permits stamped and hike before lunch to the ruins of Llactapata, where we will receive a teaching from Mark entitled The Y of YogaTM. After lunch we continue on to our campsite at Quoriwayrachina, where we experience a session on Meditation prior to dinner. Total distance is about 8 kilometers.
Day 5: Monday, October 31: We start out with a morning session of Chi-Gong prior to breakfast. After we eat, we start our hike, with a morning stop at the Machu Q’ente ruins where Mark will teach Ho’oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian practice of healing through forgiveness. We continue on to lunch and our afternoon campsite at Pacaymayo Bajo, with a total hiking distance for the day of about 10 kilometers.
Day 6: Tuesday, November 1: Today we hike directly to our evening and final campsite, Chachabamba. Upon reaching camp in the late morning, we have our first session of Sufi-based healing called Heart WalkingTM. After lunch, we take a side hike to the ruins and waterfall at Choquesuysuy, where we have our second session of Heart WalkingTM. We return to our campsite for our final dinner on the trail. Total distance for the day is about 8 kilometers.
Day 7: Wednesday, November 2: On our final day on the Inca Trail, we get up early and hike to the impressive Wiñaywayna ruins where we will learn about Energy Mastery. After the session and lunch, we continue on to the wondrous site of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. We sit on our perch above the ruins and soak in the beauty of the area before participating in our final trail session, this one about the ancient practice of Kabbalistic Healing. We then bus down to our hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes (“hot waters”) with dinner on your own tonight.
Day 8: Thursday, November 3: We arise early to explore Machu Picchu in the crisp morning hours before the trainloads of tourists arrive. You’ll have the option of climbing a steep hill to the temple on Huayna Picchu or wander the ruins with our guide or on your own before taking the train back to Cusco. We celebrate our victory with a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Friday, November 4: We spend the morning in Cusco, visiting the ruins of Sacsayhuaman where we have a final session with Mark on Nutrition. Lunch is on your own and you’ll have a few hours to explore this wonderful town before we take a flight back to Lima where you can connect with your international flight home.
BOOK THIS ADVENTURE NOW
“Mark Naseck is one of those truly rare individuals who not only understands the nature of energy and spirit – he lives fully driven by that awareness. Not only does Mark have a tremendous gift as a healer but he remains ever committed to deepening his knowledge, his talent, and his personal path of growth. Mark can do more than teach you about ‘thinking outside the box’, his incredible depth of experience and passion for his work will help you to create boundless vitality and meaning in a life outside the box. There is no question, Mark’s work can take you places you have never been before!”
~ Jonathan H. Ellerby, Ph.D., author of Return to the Sacred, a Canadian Best Seller and his latest release Inspiration Deficit Disorder, CEO, Tao Center for Inspired Living, Akumal, Mexico, former Spiritual Program Director, Canyon Ranch Heath Resort, Tucson, Arizona
BOOK THIS ADVENTURE NOW
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu (often mis-typed as Machu Pichu) is a highlight on almost everyone’s vacation in Peru. It is one of the most amazing ruins in the world and is also the goal of our Classic and Royal Inca Trail treks.
Machu Picchu was built around 1450 by the Inca emperor Pachacuti as essentially a getaway vacation estate. It was used for about 120 years, until the Spanish invaders threatened the Incas, who fled deeper into the Amazon jungle. Because of this, the site was left undisturbed for hundreds of years, with only a few locals even knowing it existed. It wasn’t until 1911 that explorer Hiram Bingham found the ruins, eventually opening it up to exploration and ultimately tourism.
Machu Picchu is a large set of ruins divided into an Agricultural and Urban sector. Incredible stonework, the remains of a quarry, open fields, several sacred rocks, and many connected buildings are among the highlights of the ruins. Some travelers prefer just to sit and take in the amazing scene while others explore the site either on their own or with our local guide. It is also possible to attempt the somewhat scary climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, a nearby peak.
There are only two ways to reach Machu Picchu. Most tourists take the train running from Cusco and Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River. The train has three levels of service (backpacker, Vista Dome, and Hiram Bingham) and runs several times per day. The train actually ends in the small town of Aguas Calientes (recently renamed Machu Picchu Pueblo), from which a bus runs frequently up to and down from Machu Picchu, located on a ridge above the town. It is possible to take the train into Machu Picchu in the morning and out again in the afternoon. However, many people prefer to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The other method of reaching Machu Picchu is by foot via the Inca Trail. Both the Classic Inca Trail and the Royal (Original) Inca Trail finish at the Sun Gate, an entrance to the Machu Picchu ruins. It is possible to enter via the Sun Gate from the Inca Trail and walk down through the historical site without having or using a ticket to Machu Picchu. We do this on our Peru tours and return the following day (refreshed and showered). All those who hike in on the Inca Trail return via the train.
BOOK THIS ADVENTURE NOW
Special Notes
1) This trip is limited to 20 participants due to group size limitations on the Inca Trail. Mark will have a pre-tour conversation with each registrant to make sure he or she is ready to make the most of the experience. Minimum group size is ten. 2) Not included in the trip price are sleeping bag rental of $75, an internal flight from Lima to Cusco and back, and domestic departure taxes of about $6 per flight. The internal flight is estimated at $380 ($280 if you only need a one-way ticket because of your post-tour plans) and will be billed on your invoice. 3) Inca Trail passes are limited to 500 travelers and local staff each day. Passes always sell out you should plan to reserve your tour as early as possible. 4) Because we must provide a deposit to ensure space on the Inca Trail, which is limited in numbers, the $500 deposit for this trip is not refundable or transferrable to another trip, starting seven days after you receive your trip confirmation email and Pre-Departure Packet. Please strongly consider trip insurance! 5) Late October can be an excellent time to travel to Peru. Although the weather is a little more inconsistent and we will likely experience some rain, generally the rain disappears and leaves us with tourist sites relatively void of other travelers, perfect for our goals!
Accommodations
We have upgraded our accommodations for this trip, using four-star quality hotels in excellent locations. We start our stay in Lima at the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel, an excellent hotel located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. In the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo we stay in the Hotel Pakaritampu, a beautiful hotel located right next to Incan ruins. In Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu, we stay in the Machu Picchu Inn, a very nice three-star hotel located near the center of town. Our final night in Cusco is at the Picoaga, a four-star, 17th century Spanish mansion.
Peru Frequently Asked Questions
We will send you detailed information about the Adventure in a Pre-Departure Packet once you register.
What is the weather going to be like in Peru?
The average high temperature in Cusco doesn’t change much during the year and is usually in the mid-60s degrees Fahrenheit while the overnight low is in the lower 40s. Temperatures will be about five degrees warmer in Lima and nighttime temperatures will be about 10 degrees colder on the trek. Late October can be an excellent time to travel to Peru. Although the weather is a little more inconsistent and we will likely experience some rain, generally the rain disappears and leaves us with tourist sites relatively void of other travelers, perfect for our goals!
What is the best time to be traveling to Machu Picchu?
The dry season, which is important when hiking, runs from mid-April to mid-October. We prefer the shoulder seasons of April, May, June, September, and October when the crowds are fewer and the rain still stays mostly away but any time during the dry season is a good time to be in Peru!
What is the best way to get to the tour and where do we meet?
Our tours provide airport-to-airport service. You are responsible for getting to and from Lima, the only international gateway in Peru. Our local agency will meet you at the airport in Lima and transfer you to our hotel. We will send you information about flights to Peru after you reserve your spot.
How high do we trek and will I be able to deal with the altitude?
The highest altitude we reach on our Classic Inca Trail trek is 13,860 feet. This is not comparable to similar heights in North America as we are much closer to the equator and the climate is much milder. Nevertheless, the effects of altitude are the same and you will feel them: light headache, possible nausea, dizziness, etc. We spend two days in the Sacred Valley adjusting to the altitude, so you will likely do fine. We do not expect you to have any prior experience with altitude. On our Royal (Original) Inca Trail trek, the highest altitude we reach is in Cusco at 11,220 feet but we immediately descend from there and spend two days acclimatizing in the Sacred Valley. You should have almost no altitude effects on this version of the trek.
What happens if I do not adapt well to the altitude?
The solution to altitude problems is always to descend. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness on the trek that do not go away, we will make the decision to evacuate you. This generally means turning around (if you are not over the highest pass) or continuing on to our destination (if you have crossed the pass). Thousands of people hike the Inca Trail each year and most do not have serious issues.
What should I do if I want to extend my vacation in Peru?
There are many other things to see and do in the country and we will make recommendations in our Pre-Departure Packet. The Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and the coast are all possible destinations.
Do I need a passport and visa?
You must have a passport valid for at least six months upon entry to Peru. If you do not have a passport, you should call your local Passport Agency (in the phone book) now to get the process started. North Americans and most Europeans receive a travel visa to Peru upon entry at the airport.
Do I need to get immunizations?
No immunizations are required for entry to Peru. However, you should still consult with a travel doctor about what immunizations you should have. Recommended shots might include:
What ability level do I really need to be for this Adventure?
This Adventure for the Royal (Original) Inca Trail is suitable for most people. While being in shape is not a predictor of how you will do at altitude, it will certainly help you on the hikes themselves. We recommend you start working out several months in advance of the trip if you are not already doing so. You should be aware that you likely will experience some mild forms of altitude sickness such as slight headaches or an upset stomach. Additionally, you should be aware that you are traveling to a developing country where sanitation and services are not up to the standard you experience at home, although we make every effort to ensure your good health while you are with us.
What is included in the trip price?
Included in the trip price is double-occupancy lodging, all meals except one lunch and one dinner, local transportation, airport pickup, professional local and Zephyr guides, group camping equipment, entrance fee into most local attractions, and a Zephyr Adventures souvenir. Not included are your international flight, the domestic flight of approximately $280, one international departure tax of approximately $30 and two domestic departure taxes of approximately $6 each, sleeping bag (optional rental is $75), gratuities for your local guides, drinks when dining in restaurants, and personal expenditures.
For what type of people would you recommend this Adventure?
This Adventure is for people looking for a challenging and culturally interesting vacation. Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places on the earth and is that much better after having spent four days walking there on the Inca Trail. If you are active, willing to brave a foreign culture, and looking for a little adventure, come join us in Peru!
- Book this Tour Now