Equinox Journey – Sept 14th / 24th
Join our 11-day transformational journey. Designed to awaken your consciousness and connect you with the ancient wisdom of the Andes.
Overview
Important Information
- Dates: September 14–24, 2026
- Location: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Ausangate
- Guides: Andean Masters from the Puma Adventures Family
Step into an unforgettable ceremonial journey aligned with the sacred energies of the September Equinox. Guided by Andean masters, this 11-day pilgrimage weaves together ancient sites, powerful plant ceremonies, and the living heartbeat of Pachamama. Through ritual, offerings, and profound natural settings, we invite you to experience balance, healing, and spiritual remembrance.
What You'll Experience
- Cusco – Navel of the world, cosmic portal of the Andes
- Sacred Valley – Vortex of ancestral medicine and healing
- Chinchero – Puma’s birthplace, home of sacred feminine energy
- Moray & Salineras – Terraces of transformation and ancestral salt mines
- Ollantaytambo & Pachar – Temples of initiation and water activation
- Perolniyoc – Waterfall and sacred Wachuma altar
- Quillarumiyoc – Temple of the Moon and Divine Feminine
- Ausangate – High mountain Apu and site of powerful equinox celebration
- Sacsayhuaman & Coricancha – Solar temples and wisdom keepers of light
- Machu Picchu – Ancient Inkan citadel of vision and revelation
Included Ceremonies & Ancestral Teachings
- Sacred plant ceremonies with Wachuma
- Coca leaf readings and energetic clearings
- Despachos (offerings) to the mountain spirits and Pachamama
- Andean teachings and initiation rituals
- Equinox ceremony at Ausangate
Itinerary & Prices
This path is not just a tour; it is a pilgrimage into the heart of Andean spirituality, offering healing, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Tour Map
Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)
4* Hotels:
CONTACT US FOR COSTS
How many nights are included?
Our "Equinox journey" includes 8 nights accommodation within Cusco and the Sacred Valley. 2 nights in Local homestay
Included:
- 8 nights of accommodations in 4* hotels and 2 nights in local homestay
- All transport (including trains to/from Machu Picchu)
- Plant medicine ceremonies (Wachuma)
- Entrance to all sacred sites
- Daily teachings & guidance with guides of the Rainbow Lineage.
- Coca leaf reading, despacho
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Airport group transfer
Not Included:
- Flights to/from Cusco
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal items, tips, and snacks
- A small backpack or small carry on
- Changes of clothing.
- Comfortable shoes or runners.
- Good camera.
- Water.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho.
- A fleece or jacket.
- Toiletries.
- Insect repellent (15% – 30% deets).
- Sunscreen
- Wide brimemd hat
- Extra cash for meals, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (it is compulsory to enter Machupicchu)
- Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).
Accommodations
- Sacred Dreams Lodge – Sacred Valley
- Hilton Garden Inn – Cusco
- Hotel Casa Andina – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
- Hotel GHL – Puno (if needed en route)
Itinerary
Sept.14th: WELCOME TO CUSCO! TRANSFER TO SACRED VALLEY; INTRODUCTORY MEETING
Our adventure begins in Cusco, where we will meet you at the airport as well as you will be transferred directly to the Sacred Valley. By coming on down in altitude and by starting our adventure in the Sacred Valley, we will then feel so very refreshed, energized, and quite ready for all of the days ahead. Once settled directly into your beautiful hotel, we will gather immediately for an introductory meeting. We will proceed to go over each of the exciting activities planned carefully for our adventure.
- Overnight at Sacred Dreams in the Sacred Valley
- Meals: None
Sept.15th: MAMA PIURAY AND CHINCHERO / DESPACHO CEREMONY
Today, embrace a journey of magic and self-discovery. After breakfast, we will visit the serene Piuray Lagoon in Chinchero, a place of deep connection where we’ll explore the balance of feminine and masculine energies and receive their blessings.
Later, we will have the honor of participating in a sacred Despacho Ceremony, guided by a Master of the Rainbow lineage. This heartfelt ritual allows us to express gratitude, love, and reverence for Pachamama and the Apus, creating a powerful offering of intentions. To conclude this transformative day, we will engage in a Connection Ceremony by the tranquil waters of Piuray, strengthening our bond with the spirit of these sacred lands.
- Overnight at Sacred Dreams in the Sacred Valley
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.16th: SACRED AWAKENING IN MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast, we set off onto an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu, a place of wonder, mystery, and of deep spiritual connection. First we will take a train and then a bus to the main entrance. Machu Picchu known as the Crystal Condor site, this ancient sanctuary is more than simply an architectural masterpiece. It is also a portal to the wisdom of the entire Incan civilization and a source of powerful energy that persistently encourages travelers from around the world.
Machu Picchu, being surrounded by three majestic peaks which form a natural energy triangle, offers a sacred space so that one may pause, reflect, and connect with something much greater than ourselves. As we walk along its ancient pathways, each one unfolds its own story, as well as its own importance, inviting us to step rather deeper into its ageless wisdom.
In this particularly powerful setting, we fully take part in such a heart-opening ceremony, deeply embracing the presence of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and all the universal energies that surround all of us. It is truly a moment in time of pure connection – one that lingers on in our very hearts for long after that we depart from here.
Later we will arrive tour hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight at El Mapi in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.17th: TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES AND OLLANTAYTAMBO
In the morning, we will journey on to Ollantaytambo train station and enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River.
Then we will visit The Sanctuary of the Wind, an ancient observatory and ceremonial center set amongst impressive hillside terraces. Walk around the Temple of the Sun and also the Royal Baths and Fountains for a shamanic energy experience where we will connect with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. We then make our way along the murmuring river to the Temple of the Condor for a few moments of reflection and silent meditation.
After lunch we will arrive at the hotel and enjoy free time.
Overnight at Pakaritampu in the Sacred Valley- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.18th: QUILLARUMIYOQ & WACHUMA
After breakfast, we will leave Cusco and journey through the expansive Anta Valley, a beautiful agricultural region dotted with charming adobe villages, golden fields of grain, and grazing cattle. As we leave the main road, we will arrive at the Incan archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc, known as the Temple of the Moon. This sacred site holds a deep spiritual significance, featuring ancient walls, fountains, and the mesmerizing Moonstone—a unique limestone boulder intricately carved with a bas-relief of the moon.
Here, we will walk along well-preserved Inca trails, immersing ourselves in the wisdom of the past. Exploring the Quillarumiyoc caves, we will witness the Incas’ remarkable carvings that reflect their profound spiritual knowledge. We will then visit the temple of the Quillarumiyoc water priest, a stunning example of imperial Inca architecture. At its heart lies a serene mini-waterfall, where we will take a moment for cleansing and purification, allowing the mind to relax and connect with the energy of the site.
Shaped like a crescent moon, the Temple of the Moon embodies the essence of feminine energy and celestial alignment. Its design reflects the sacred Inca trilogy and is perfectly oriented to capture the morning sunlight, serving as both an astronomical and spiritual calendar.
Today, we also have our first optional opportunity to work with San Pedro (Wachuma). San Pedro is a powerful and sacred – yet gentle – “teacher and healer” plant traditionally used to heal the heart in times of extreme pain and emotional hurt. It is important to work with this medicine as part of a sacred ceremony and with the protection of the ancestral spirits.
Continue to the Sacred Valley in the afternoon.
- Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.19th: INTEGRATION DAY AND EXPLORING CHAKAN
Today, you’ll have an integration day where youl immerse yourself in Andean cosmovision in Chakan. The day begins with a ceremony honoring Pachamama, where you’ll connect with the elements – earth, air, fire, and water – and the spirits of the land. You’ll learn how the Andean people see the world as a living, interconnected whole, making offerings to the Apus and aligning yourself with nature’s rhythms. By day’s end, you’ll feel a deeper connection to the land and its sacred energy.
In the afternoon, we make our way back to Cusco, carrying with us the peaceful energy
- Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.20th: JOURNEY TO PACCHANTA
After breakfast, we depart the Sacred Valley and begin a three-hour trip to the distant Andean village of Pacchanta (3,800 meters / 12,464 feet). Along the way, we pause to visit the stunning Sistine Chapel of Cusco. It’s a hidden masterpiece of both colonial art as well as history. As we continue on, we pass through customary villages such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate, each offering a glimpse into the rich culture of and daily life in the highlands.
The scenic drive then unfolds just like a living postcard, revealing all of the majestic Cordillera Vilcanota, along with its snow-capped peaks plus enormous open landscapes. As we gradually draw ever closer, the large, towering presence of Ausangate Mountain, truly one of the most sacred peaks located in Andean cosmology, majestically dominates all of the horizon.
After getting to Pacchanta (4,400 meters / 14,432 feet), we relax in hot springs, where the warm, mineral-rich waters provide peace. Surrounded by stunning views of Ausangate right at the valley’s edge, we soak in the stillness of the mountains, allowing the energy of this sacred land to fill us with a deep sense of connection as well as tranquility.
- Overnight at Local House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sept.21st: EQUINOX DAY IN SACRED JOURNEY TO THE LAGOONS OF APU AUSANGATE WITH WACHUMA
We commence our day with a special breakfast, readying both body and spirit for a deep adventure into the core of Apu Ausangate’s holy landscapes.
We walk, following the ancient paths of our ancestors. Mama Coca, a revered plant, has guided Andean travelers for centuries in the company of such paths. Our adventure truly leads each of us to the Apacheta, a sacred passage between mountains and valleys, where we offer prayers and gratitude to the powerful Apus (mountain spirits) and Mamacochas (sacred lagoons), seeking their blessing and protection.
From here, we descend to the crystalline waters of Otorongo Cocha as well as Ancash Cocha, where we take a moment for purification plus renewal. Immersing ourselves in with the energy of these sacred lagoons, we align with the powerful presence of Apu Ausangate, allowing its ancient wisdom to cleanse and revitalize us.
After this truly transformative experience of our lives, we then return back to the community of Pacchanta. In Pacchanta, a nourishing lunch now awaits us all. Here, we also have the chance to appreciate authentic Andean textiles, witnessing the artistry and cultural heritage twisted into each thread.
For those people who feel called, today offers an additional opportunity to work with San Pedro (Wachuma), a revered teacher and healer plant. Used for centuries throughout Andean traditions, San Pedro is known quite well for its ability to heal the heart, bring clarity, as well as guide personal transformation. Under the careful guidance of a truly experienced master, this most sacred ceremony provides a very safe and deep space so as to reconnect with ancestral energies, release any emotional burdens, and embrace a true path of healing and also renewal.
As the day unfolds, we have the deep honor of participating in a Despacho Ceremony with the Pumadventures Family, a sacred Andean ritual of gratitude and of connection. Through this offering, we express our love, respect, as well as our appreciation for Pachamama (Mother Earth). We are thereby aligning our hearts with the energy of the land and the wisdom of the mountains.
- Overnight at Local House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sept.22nd: INTEGRATION DAY AND FAREWELL TO APU AUSANGATE
After breakfast, we proceed onward to Lucio’s Temple, a holy shrine where we will extend our last thanks and say goodbye to Master Ausangate. In this quite deep moment, we surely honor the connection we have forged with the mountains. We honor, too, the waters and the ancient energies that have guided our adventure.
After a nourishing lunch, we begin our return to Cusco, carrying with us the wisdom, clarity, as well as renewal gifted by this sacred land.
- Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sept.22nd: EXPLORE CUSCO
After breakfast, we begin our travels at Sacsayhuamán, a construction marvel filled with mystery and legend. While walking in the middle of its huge stone facades, we will find the engaging past and elaborate building methods which still foster wonder.
Next, we enter a place of deep transformation, as well as then we subsequently guide you through a rebirth process in a sacred cave of the Cosmic Mother. This cave is universally known also as the Womb of Mother Earth—a space that allows universally for renewal and connection. Our overall path subsequently leads nearly all of us toward Tambomachay, a very serene retreat favored highly by the Incas, often suitably called then “Baños del Inca” or “Baños de la Ñusta” (Baths of those Incas or Baths of that Princess). Once a place for ritual purification, this holy site is thought to be a temple for water worship.
We shall participate in one special Andean Initiation Ceremony at the Temple of the Condor, a deep event linking us to the knowledge of ancestral lines. We do indeed pay tribute to that holy Incan triad—Puma, Serpent, and Condor—and then study that old faith in alternate realities. Following our visits onto various temples set in mountains nearby, we go back toward Cusco, where we soak up the city’s bright feel and the kindness of its people.
We visit Coricancha, which is deemed as one of the most revered temples within the Incan Empire, being dedicated toward the Sun God. Once adorned along the walls as well as across floors covered entirely in sheets of solid gold, this sacred site was a complete declaration to Incan devotion. As we carefully wander through its particular courtyard, formerly filled with many golden statues, we reflect back on the very grandeur as well as spiritual depth of this extraordinary place.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. This is a time to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the days we have spent together and our own sacred journey.
- Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn in Cusco
- Meals: Breakfast
Sept.23rd: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT TO CUSCO AND RETURN HOME
Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight home. Return home energized, with clarity, and a deep sense of well-being as you say goodbye to this sacred land that has offered the power of true healing. You will return with new friendships and fond, enduring memories that will last a lifetime.
- Meals: Breakfast
