| JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY Presents Peru, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca |
| Group Leader Finbarr Ross: Finbarr is a ceremonialist, healer and process facilitator of self discovery and spiritual wisdom. Following the Irish tradition, he offers personal growth with humor as a key to self-transformation. Finbarr was one of 7 children born and raised on the family farm in County Cork Ireland. The remainder of his teen and young adult years were spent in Dublin and London and in 1983 he relocated to the United States. Finbarr has always been on a spiritual path, but after a successful corporate career in finance, insurance and real estate, he began his own intense personal spiritual quest which led to his attendance and graduation from Sancta Sophia Seminary. Finbarr currently serves as Director of the Institute of Love and Peace, where he spends his time writing, leading emotional healing and empowerment workshops, lectures on Celtic spirituality, spirituality, prayer, forgiveness, awareness, and personal growth. Finbarr has been guiding group tours to the sacred sites of Ireland, England, Scotland and France since 1994. He shares a wealth of ancient wisdom and unique personal experience with all of his sacred site tour groups. |
Journeys of Discovery 1-727-785-5563 info@ajourneyofdiscovery.com |
Stone Paw of the Puma
| Peru and Lake Titicaca Andean Mysteries Oct. 27 - Nov. 7, 2012 Tour Cost: $4,115.00 with Tony Parkingson author, medium and film maker and Finbarr Ross Peruvian spiritual guide and Pranic Energy healer Romulo Castilla |
| TOUR Land COST - $4,115.00 based on a minimum of 10 travelers $500.00 deposit required to reserve your space. Single Supplement: $520.00 TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: land transportation in private bus, airport transfers train to Machu Picchu All meals as noted in itinerary shared accommodations in 3 & 4 star hotels all site entrance fees as noted in itinerary domestic flight Lima / Cusco / Juliaca / Lima Meditations and facilitation by Tony Parkinson & Finbarr Ross special ceremonies with other healers / shaman tour escorted by Romulo Castilla peruvian guide NOT INCLUDED: international flight USA to Lima, Peru Tips to porters, maids, bellmen, drivers, local guide airport taxes$28 - $30 international flight / $5.00 domestic flight meals not noted in itinerary items of a personal nature, alcohol, phone calls, laundry etc. anything not specifically listed in the daily itinerary trip cancellation / travel medical insurance |
| Local Peruvian guide: Romulo Castilla: Romulo Castilla, was born and raised in Cusco, Peru. He has been recommended as a local guide for many years in The Lonely Planet Guide Books to Peru. Fluent in Spanish, English and French, Romulo has more than 28 years experience in the tourism industry as an agent and a tour guide in Peru. His special interest is in working with groups who come for the spiritual mystical experience in this magical place. In addition to his work as a guide, his background also includes extensive studies in anthropology. Romulo has always been drawn to various types of healing modalities that work with energy; probably because of his experiences living and working in close proximity to one of the earth's great energy vortexes, Machu Picchu. Romulo has studied Pranic energy healing techniques over many years with well known teachers, healers and spiritual masters. Romulo offers private Pranic healing sessions in Cuzco, Peru and in Los Angeles, CA. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Nov. 5 Mon. B, L, D Visit Uros the floating islands and Taquile
Board a boat to cruise on spectacular Lake Titicaca. We will visit the floating reed islands of the Uros
Indians, who created these man-made islands centuries ago to live on in order to escape the warfare
throughout the area. Then experience Taquile Island, a remote surviving center of Incan culture. (It is
also in this area around Taquile Island that there have been numerous sightings of UFOs, which are
sometimes said to immerse themselves deep within the water.) You will enjoy the exhilarating feeling
that emanates from this sacred lake. A soothing and nurturing sense envelops people here, which is a
wonderful way to culminate this part of your spiritual odyssey. Taypikala Lago Hotel
Board a boat to cruise on spectacular Lake Titicaca. We will visit the floating reed islands of the Uros
Indians, who created these man-made islands centuries ago to live on in order to escape the warfare
throughout the area. Then experience Taquile Island, a remote surviving center of Incan culture. (It is
also in this area around Taquile Island that there have been numerous sightings of UFOs, which are
sometimes said to immerse themselves deep within the water.) You will enjoy the exhilarating feeling
that emanates from this sacred lake. A soothing and nurturing sense envelops people here, which is a
wonderful way to culminate this part of your spiritual odyssey. Taypikala Lago Hotel
Day By Day Itinerary Oct. 27 - Nov. 7, 2012
Oct. 27, 2012. Sat. Depart your home city for Lima, Peru. hotel accommodations this night not included in tour cost
Oct. 28 Sun. Cuzco / Sacred Valley. L, D. Meet your guide in the lobby of the Ramada Costa del Sol hotel at the
airport by 7:30am for morning flight to Cuzco, (domestic flight approx. 9AM Lima / Cuzco) capital of the Incan Empire
located high in the Andes Mountains. Upon arrival in Cuzco we'll board our private bus for a scenic drive to the Sacred
Valley of the Incas. This will be a slow and relaxing day giving us time to acclimate to the higher altitude and adjust to
our Andean Mountain surroundings. Agustos Hotel Sacred Valley
Oct. 29 Mon. Sacred Valley. B, L, D Ollantaytambo
This morning we will explore the original Incan town of Ollantaytambo (City of Dawn) with its stone streets and
original aqueducts. We will visit the main altars and temples dedicated to the power animals of the Andean world.
Discover the natural stone Temple of the Condor and perhaps the Apus (mountain spirits) will bless us with a visit
from the Queros, (elder healers from the high Andes) sharing a despacho ceremony. After we enjoy an early
afternoon lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to our hotel where you will have some time to rest and relax or
explore the hotel grounds before we meet for dinner. This evening under a blanket of stars, we will share a fire
ceremony where the Quero’s will make the offering and burn the despacho. Agustos Hotel Sacred Valley
Oct. 27, 2012. Sat. Depart your home city for Lima, Peru. hotel accommodations this night not included in tour cost
Oct. 28 Sun. Cuzco / Sacred Valley. L, D. Meet your guide in the lobby of the Ramada Costa del Sol hotel at the
airport by 7:30am for morning flight to Cuzco, (domestic flight approx. 9AM Lima / Cuzco) capital of the Incan Empire
located high in the Andes Mountains. Upon arrival in Cuzco we'll board our private bus for a scenic drive to the Sacred
Valley of the Incas. This will be a slow and relaxing day giving us time to acclimate to the higher altitude and adjust to
our Andean Mountain surroundings. Agustos Hotel Sacred Valley
Oct. 29 Mon. Sacred Valley. B, L, D Ollantaytambo
This morning we will explore the original Incan town of Ollantaytambo (City of Dawn) with its stone streets and
original aqueducts. We will visit the main altars and temples dedicated to the power animals of the Andean world.
Discover the natural stone Temple of the Condor and perhaps the Apus (mountain spirits) will bless us with a visit
from the Queros, (elder healers from the high Andes) sharing a despacho ceremony. After we enjoy an early
afternoon lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to our hotel where you will have some time to rest and relax or
explore the hotel grounds before we meet for dinner. This evening under a blanket of stars, we will share a fire
ceremony where the Quero’s will make the offering and burn the despacho. Agustos Hotel Sacred Valley
Oct. 30 Tues. Sacred Valley. B, L, D Chincero market and village / Moray
Early this morning we travel to the colorful market and ruins of Chinchero, This market offers a wonderful opportunity
to buy woven goods, wall hangings, rugs, pottery, and many other types of handicrafts, as well as wonderful
photographic opportunities. Observe the traditionally dressed campesinos coming to barter and sell their produce at
the market. We’ll visit an artisan’s workshop where expert weavers demonstrate the process of dyeing alpaca, llama,
sheave, etc. wool textiles using natural and organic vegetables and minerals as the Quechuas (Incas) did hundreds of
years ago. We will also explore the ancient city of Chincero which was occupied by the Wari culture well before the
Inca’s. Observe the remains of shrines and rock sculptures of puma’s and the wall with large trapezoidal niches big
enough to stand up inside of them.
After lunch we visit Moray, just outside the small town of Maras. This is a mysterious, fabulous Inca site which is off
the usual tourist trail. Circular concentric terracing, which at first glance looks like a huge amphitheatre, forms a huge
bowl. Stone stairs built into the terrace walls allow you to go down to the very bottom, central circle. From here the
view is all encompassing, surrounded by the circular shapes moving upward and the blue sky above; this is a place to
move back into the center of yourself. Agustin Hotel Sacred Valley
Early this morning we travel to the colorful market and ruins of Chinchero, This market offers a wonderful opportunity
to buy woven goods, wall hangings, rugs, pottery, and many other types of handicrafts, as well as wonderful
photographic opportunities. Observe the traditionally dressed campesinos coming to barter and sell their produce at
the market. We’ll visit an artisan’s workshop where expert weavers demonstrate the process of dyeing alpaca, llama,
sheave, etc. wool textiles using natural and organic vegetables and minerals as the Quechuas (Incas) did hundreds of
years ago. We will also explore the ancient city of Chincero which was occupied by the Wari culture well before the
Inca’s. Observe the remains of shrines and rock sculptures of puma’s and the wall with large trapezoidal niches big
enough to stand up inside of them.
After lunch we visit Moray, just outside the small town of Maras. This is a mysterious, fabulous Inca site which is off
the usual tourist trail. Circular concentric terracing, which at first glance looks like a huge amphitheatre, forms a huge
bowl. Stone stairs built into the terrace walls allow you to go down to the very bottom, central circle. From here the
view is all encompassing, surrounded by the circular shapes moving upward and the blue sky above; this is a place to
move back into the center of yourself. Agustin Hotel Sacred Valley
Oct. 31 Wed. Early train to Machu Picchu. B, D. lunch / snacks on their own at café at Machu Picchu
This morning we board the train for a 1 1/2 hour beautiful scenic ride along the sacred Urumbamba river to Machu
Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we check into our hotel and then we begin the journey by bus up the
mountain to the Lost City in the Clouds, Machu Picchu. After a brief stop at the café to buy snacks and sandwiches to
carry with you, we enter Machu Picchu and begin to explore the main power spots and temples of the Sacred Crystal
City as Machu Picchu shares some of her secrets with us.
Inti Inn Aguas Calientes
Nov. 1 Thursday Machu Picchu. B, D lunch on their own
Free day / bus ticket and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included today. For those early risers you may take the bus
up to Machu Picchu for a sunrise ceremony with your guide before other tourists arrive. Begin the day by offering
your blessings to the spirit of Pachamama. You may spend the day at leisure on your own in Macchu Picchu, do an
optional hike to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu or Temple of the Moon. You may also want to take some time and
explore the many shops in Aguas Calientes Inti Inn Aguas Calientes
This morning we board the train for a 1 1/2 hour beautiful scenic ride along the sacred Urumbamba river to Machu
Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we check into our hotel and then we begin the journey by bus up the
mountain to the Lost City in the Clouds, Machu Picchu. After a brief stop at the café to buy snacks and sandwiches to
carry with you, we enter Machu Picchu and begin to explore the main power spots and temples of the Sacred Crystal
City as Machu Picchu shares some of her secrets with us.
Inti Inn Aguas Calientes
Nov. 1 Thursday Machu Picchu. B, D lunch on their own
Free day / bus ticket and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included today. For those early risers you may take the bus
up to Machu Picchu for a sunrise ceremony with your guide before other tourists arrive. Begin the day by offering
your blessings to the spirit of Pachamama. You may spend the day at leisure on your own in Macchu Picchu, do an
optional hike to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu or Temple of the Moon. You may also want to take some time and
explore the many shops in Aguas Calientes Inti Inn Aguas Calientes
Nov. 2 Friday Machu Picchu / Cuzco. B. (entrance ticket bus ticket not included today.) lunch and dinner on own.
After breakfast we will experience a private sound ceremony for the group (included in tour cost) with Herbert', a local
shaman at his very special mystical shop. After this there will be free time in Aguas Calientes to shop and have lunch
before our late afternoon train to Cuzco. Overnight in Cuzco, Royal Inka I Hotel
Nov. 3 Sat. Cuzco. B, L This morning we travel to the outskirts of Cuzco and visit the huge ceremonial center of
Sacsayhuaman, marked by the huge stone paw of the Puma. We will feel the energy and honor each of these sacred
places. Moderate hiking required. After lunch we will return to Cuzco and the afternoon is free for you to shop, visit
the cathedrals and explore the wonders of Cuzco on your own. Dinner on your own tonight.
Overnight Royal Inka I
Nov. 4 Sun. Cuzco. B, L,D. Morning visit Incan altar sites / afternoon flight to Juliaca. /ceremony at night
This morning we will check out of our hotel in Cuzco and spend some time visiting some of the other main Incan altar
sites around Cuzco. At Tambo Machay we connect with the Uma or water element balancing male and female, and
explore the site of Qenqo where the Puma awakens and Puca Pucara. A boxed lunch will be provided today to enjoy at
your leisure as we return to Cuzco and the airport for our early afternoon flight (2PM – 50min.flight then 1 hr. drive
from Juliaca to Puno) to Juliaca / Lake Titicaca. Taypikala Lago Hotel Chucuito.
After breakfast we will experience a private sound ceremony for the group (included in tour cost) with Herbert', a local
shaman at his very special mystical shop. After this there will be free time in Aguas Calientes to shop and have lunch
before our late afternoon train to Cuzco. Overnight in Cuzco, Royal Inka I Hotel
Nov. 3 Sat. Cuzco. B, L This morning we travel to the outskirts of Cuzco and visit the huge ceremonial center of
Sacsayhuaman, marked by the huge stone paw of the Puma. We will feel the energy and honor each of these sacred
places. Moderate hiking required. After lunch we will return to Cuzco and the afternoon is free for you to shop, visit
the cathedrals and explore the wonders of Cuzco on your own. Dinner on your own tonight.
Overnight Royal Inka I
Nov. 4 Sun. Cuzco. B, L,D. Morning visit Incan altar sites / afternoon flight to Juliaca. /ceremony at night
This morning we will check out of our hotel in Cuzco and spend some time visiting some of the other main Incan altar
sites around Cuzco. At Tambo Machay we connect with the Uma or water element balancing male and female, and
explore the site of Qenqo where the Puma awakens and Puca Pucara. A boxed lunch will be provided today to enjoy at
your leisure as we return to Cuzco and the airport for our early afternoon flight (2PM – 50min.flight then 1 hr. drive
from Juliaca to Puno) to Juliaca / Lake Titicaca. Taypikala Lago Hotel Chucuito.
| "Testimonials" In August 2008, 33 travelers on a journey experienced the true benefits of friendship, connection and spiritual growth after a 10 day adventure in Peru. Gayle Lawrence - Journeys of Discovery, helped our church tremendously in every phase including promoting, marketing, public announcements and meetings. She was there every step of the way leaving room for us to hold the vision and get to know our group. There are many travel tour companies but only a handful of spiritual directors of amazing adventures. Gayle is a director of amazing adventures! We all returned as greater people with 30 something new friends. Rev. Temple Hayes, First Unity, St. Petersburg, Fl Aug 2008 Namaste', Gayle! It would be impossible to put into mere words just what this trip to Peru helped me to accomplish. I had set an intention at the beginning of the year to take a major vacation without any familiar people along with me; I had no idea at that time that I'd be going to Peru! The women on the trip were some of the most warm, generous and caring people I've ever met, as was our Shaman guide, Jorge Luis. I returned from Peru as a woman inspired to begin to trust the world again, to get back into physical shape, and believing more than ever that our individual spiritual paths are blessedly helped along if we are willing to open up to others and learn from them. I was affected by the aura and spirituality of the Andes and the gentle Peruvian people; it was such an affirmation of the best in humanity and nature. Thank you for offering this kind of travel experience; I hope to go on more of your trips in the future! Love and Blessings, Pam - Michigan August 2006 My trip to Peru with Gayle was so much more than a mere trip, it was an awakening of the person I abandoned years ago to become a mother. Each step in Peru, brought me closer to knowing who I really am, and led me to the center of myself. A place that was long kept quiet, because of the needs of my family, as I am sure allot of mothers can understand. I experienced a true "Re-birth" in the Temple of the Moon, and since that day, have never been the same. I have learned the importance of "self care" and have begun to nurture friendships with the wonderful women friends I made during this spiritual journey. For any woman out there, who has not experienced this journey to self, I can tell you that making the decision to go to a sacred place, with a group of like minded women, will bring wonderful blessings to you. My deepest heartfelt thanks to Gayle Lawrence, a very dear wonderful presence in my life, and always will be! Carol - Sarasota, Florida July 2005 After much investigation of other groups going to Peru, I decided to join Gayle's group. I had talked with Gayle on the phone about the many aspects of the trip and each and every time she was responsive, straightforward and answered all of my questions. She sensed that I was making this trip as part of a personal journey to sort out areas in my life that were keeping me from my happiness and she offered me a clear perspective that this trip could be very helpful in many ways. Well, I had no way of knowing how the trip would indeed change my life. Well little did I know. I found all accommodations on the trip to be excellent and the shaman who accompanied us on the trip, Jorge, was beyond belief. The trip exceeded my expectations and as a result I was able to face my truth about my life, my choices and a relationship that needed to end. The group members were delightful; each with their own individual personality and reasons for joining the trip. When I returned home, I sold my townhome in 24 hours, ended a 10 year relationship and bought another townhome in a great location. Peru called me to come and with that choice I opened my heart to a new life and a newfound belief that I deserved love and happiness in my life. May Gayle's trips serve you in the same way. Marcia Colone - Health care administrator Chicago 2002 I had a fantastic time on our trip to Peru. Jorge was a great (hiking and spiritual) guide. I was glad to have someone with us who knows so much about the land, its people, and the history. He was also very insightful and gave me some great advice. I especially enjoyed the balance of the physical and spiritual activities we participated in during the trip. One of my favorite things about the trip was that the very nature of your trips attracts some wonderful and interesting women. Even as the youngest person in the group, I felt very accepted and connected to almost everyone from Day One. I made some great friends that I hope to keep for the rest of my life! Thank you Gayle, I had a great time. I look forward to joining you for another trip soon. Wendy Levine, teacher, California 2001 |
Mysteries of Peru Peru is a place that calls to the heart of those who are ready for a spiritual awakening. It is said that a Journey to Peru is a journey to find yourself. This custom, small group tour will focus on the inner power within each person as we spend time with local healers and shaman. Travel and share the journey with like-minded people who are on a personal and spiritual quest. In this mystical land deep inner knowledge awakens as you are surrounded by the soft beautiful energy of the Apus, spirits of the Andes mountains, valleys, rivers, ancient energetic sites, and the gentle hearts of the Peruvian people. This beautiful land is steeped in magic and mystery, and in Machu Picchu you can hear the voices of the ancient ones in the wind. Experience ancient temples and sacred sites, as we visit the Sacred Valley, the Crystal City in the Clouds Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Chincero, mysterious Moray, Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, Uros the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Doorway of Lord Aramu Muru, the mysterious stone towers at Silustani and much, much more. |
Nov. 6 Tues.....B, L, D / farewell dinner / closing ceremony by the lake
Doorway of Lord Aramu Muru, Today, experience Hayu Marca, the site of mysterious
ruins discovered only in recent years. The door or the “Puerta de Hayu Marca” (Gate of
the Gods) has been at some time in the distant past carved out of a natural rock face
and in all measures exactly seven meters in width with a smaller alcove in the center at
the base. We will visit the mysterious stone towers at Silustani in the Lake Titicaca
area. Taypikala Lago Hotel
Nov. 7 Wed. B, L
As this is your last day at Lake Titicaca, you will have the morning free to rest, spend
some private time by the lake or do some final shopping before your departure. After
lunch you will transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight from Juliaca to Lima. 3:30
flight Juliaca / Lima – 1 ½ hr flight.
After collecting your luggage in Lima, there will be time to have a bite to eat at the airport
before checking in for your late evening flight from Lima to Miami. Early morning arrival in
Miami and then connect with your flight to your home city.
Doorway of Lord Aramu Muru, Today, experience Hayu Marca, the site of mysterious
ruins discovered only in recent years. The door or the “Puerta de Hayu Marca” (Gate of
the Gods) has been at some time in the distant past carved out of a natural rock face
and in all measures exactly seven meters in width with a smaller alcove in the center at
the base. We will visit the mysterious stone towers at Silustani in the Lake Titicaca
area. Taypikala Lago Hotel
Nov. 7 Wed. B, L
As this is your last day at Lake Titicaca, you will have the morning free to rest, spend
some private time by the lake or do some final shopping before your departure. After
lunch you will transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight from Juliaca to Lima. 3:30
flight Juliaca / Lima – 1 ½ hr flight.
After collecting your luggage in Lima, there will be time to have a bite to eat at the airport
before checking in for your late evening flight from Lima to Miami. Early morning arrival in
Miami and then connect with your flight to your home city.
| Group Leader Troy Parkingson i Troy is a medium, spiritual mentor and filmmaker and award-winning author of "Bridge to the Afterlife: A Medium's Message of Hope & Healing". As a medium, Troy passes on the messages from the other side revealing that death does not prevail and our loved ones do live on in spirit. As an inspirational speaker and mentor, Troy brings a lighthearted, down to earth approach to all things spiritual. In addition to his work in the spiritual realm, Troy is a filmmaker with a BA in film production from Emerson College in Boston. He produced and directed a tv series called House of Babies and a primetime special called "Births Beyond Belief" for Discovery Health Channel. He also wrote, produced, and directed for the History Channel Series "MonsterQuest". Most recently Troy directed his own independent short spiritual documentary called "What is Heaven?" and is currently working on a documentary project with his childhood friend and Hollywood actor, Timm Sharp. Timm is an actor in Hollywood who's stared in Undeclared, Six Feet Under, and the new HBO series "Enlightened". Together Troy and Timm experienced a powerful shamanic experience called Embracing the Earth Rite of Passage. The documentary follows their journey of digging their own tombs and burying themselves alive. Troy's mission in this life is to provide focus to spirit, mind and body. Whether it's connecting with the other side, empowering a group about their spirit's infinite potential or producing a television series about the miracle of all natural birth, Troy brings his energy, light and love to every experience He looks forward to creating a powerful trip to Peru! |
