Willka / Yopo / Parica Ceremony

Willka / Yopo / Parica
(Anadenanthera Colubrina), also known as uilca, uillca, willca, vilca, villca, willka, huilca, angico, cebil, curupari o curupau. 
o Anadenanthera Peregrina (yopo, nopo, ñopo, cohiba, cohoba, parica) is one of the oldest psycho active plants, used by the Incas. It was unknown in other parts of Peru and yet fairly unknown nowadays.
Willka is a tool to interact with other realities. It is a teacher plant of great power.

For the high Inca leaders, the use of Willka would have been necessary to become a responsible chief, to gain power, the wisdom.

The psycho-active substance contained in Willka is bufotenin, similar molecule to DMT. Thanks to his entheogenic and adaptogenic qualities, DMT activates our pineal gland, which guides us to inside experiment, Light visions, deep meditation and well being. 


Application: 
Willka which is consumed as a « Rappé » (with a bamboo tube) is blown in each of the nostrils giving visions and a deep state of meditation. The sensations are similar to an Ayahuasca ceremony, but stronger and more intense. It can be done in a ceremonial space or outdoors.









Duration:
anything between 1,5hs to 4hs

Preparation:
Fast anything between 12 to 24hours before the ceremony.
Drink 2litres of water right before the ceremony.
Wear confortable clothes, that you can afford to get dirty (some don't make it to the bathroom)

Notes:
Not for the lighthearthed.
It is advisable that you had had some experience with Ayahuasca and Rape before you approach a Willka ceremony.

Important note: Integration period post ceremony
After a ceremony with teacher plants (Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Peyote etc) or a retreat where the teacher plants are used it is essential for your own good to integrate the experiance. What does it mean? It means you should take your time and have at least the full day or 2 days in a quiet place where you can sleep, have walks in nature, eat light and healthy food, drink loads of water, liquids and fruit juices.
After the ceremony you body is fragile and your energy field is still open and it can be very damaging for you if you are set to travel by bus or plane for many hours. There no point of rushing things thru willing to see more places or wanting to experience more ceremonies. Take your time, and give you body and your energetical system time to adapt to a new configuration.

Existe evidencia histórica que demuestra que las culturas originarias en los Andes practicaron rituales en los cuales se incluyó la toma de plantas maestras, entre estas tenemos a la Hoja de Coca (Erythroxylum coca), a la Hoja de Tabaco (Nicotiana rustica) y al Cactus Wachuma (Trichocereus pachanoi, T. peruvianus y T. terscheckii). Muchas de estas plantas fueron consideradas sagradas, y por lo mismo, motivo de culto. Estas plantas de acuerdo a la antropología no solo fueron usadas para adquirir mayores conocimientos sobre la realidad y uno mismo -de ahí el termino ‘planta maestra’- sino que también se usaban como medicina y como medio para facilitar la comunicación con el mundo espiritual o alterno. En los casos de curanderismo con técnicas chamánicas, la comunicación con el mundo espiritual era requisito para resolver el problema de salud individual o colectivo. Este tipo de plantas son aún usadas ritualmente en muchas culturas contemporáneas en las Américas, África y Asia.
Una de las plantas que se utilizaron en los Andes, y al parecer una de las más populares en los tiempos de los Inkas de Cusco, es también una de las menos conocidas hoy en día. Se trata de la Willka (Anadenanthera Colubrina), también conocida como uilca, uillca, willca, vilca, villca, willka, huilca, angico, cebil, curupari o curupau. Existe un árbol casi idéntico, la Anadenanthera Peregrina(también conocido como yopo, nopo, ñopo, cohiba, cohoba, parica), en donde sus flores también dan lugar a vainas en cuyo interior se encuentran las semillas negras enteógenas.
Sobre su uso, la curandera shipiba, Herlinda Agustín (Villavicencio, 2009) nos brinda el siguiente testimonio:
Otra planta medicina es la huica. Mis abuelas decían que los incas tomaban huica, que era muy poderosa y podía curar de lejos. Tenían más sabiduría y energía que los shipibos. Mis antiguos dicen que antes teníamos incas en nuestra comunidad. Yo nunca he tomado.
Fue una planta utilizada por los Inkas del Cusco en el siglo XV d.C (Polo de Ondegardo, 1906 [1567]), por los Wari en el siglo VIII d.C. (Knoblock 2000), por los Moche en el siglo VI d.C. (Furst 1974), por los Chavín en el siglo X a.C. (Burger 2011) y se tiene la evidencia más temprana en Inca Cueva, en la Puna de Jujuy a 3860 msnm en Argentina, en el siglo XXI a.C. (Torres 2008). Es decir, uno de los usos más antiguos en cuanto a plantas maestras en las Américas se refiere.
Las semillas de la willka contienen las siguientes moléculas: Bufotenina (o 5-OH-DMT), el constituyente principal; N,N-dimetiltriptamina (o DMT); y 5-MeO-dimetiltriptamina (o 5-MeO-DMT). Estas tres moléculas al ser ingeridas oralmente, sin la presencia de una molécula inhibidora de la monoamina oxidasa (MAO) presente en el estómago, son rápidamente descompuestas por el organismo significando que el efecto visionario de la planta será de corta duración, si no nulo.
Existieron (y existen) cinco técnicas de administración para lo cual en algunos casos las semillas se tuestan previamente y siempre se muelen en un mortero:
1. Inhalándolas como rapé, en forma independiente o asistida
2. Fumándolas en pipa
3. Bebiéndolas, mezclando el polvo en chicha de jora
4. En enemas, a través de jeringas de goma o cuero, toberas de hueso o caña y bolsas de caucho
La administración oral es problemática por lo mencionado anteriormente. Sin embargo, la práctica de adicionar moléculas inhibidoras de la enzima MAO es una práctica común en varias decenas de pueblos amazónicos contemporáneos en Sudamérica durante la preparación de la Ayahuasca: un brebaje que combina la molécula triptamínica de DMT presente en las hojas de la planta Chacruna (Psychotria viridis) y la molécula inhibidora de MAO presente en la enredadera Ayahuasca (Banipteriosis caapi). Es probable que está práctica se remonte a varios siglos en el pasado, hasta incluso un milenio atrás, y si así es el caso, esta técnica era probablemente conocida por culturas como Wari y Tiwanaku en cuyo registro arqueológico se evidencia el uso de la Willka.
De acuerdo a Evans Schultes y Hoffman (2010 [1979]), el efecto como rapé dura aproximadamente 20 minutos y fumando las semillas “el efecto es muy intenso durante 30 minutos y disminuye progresivamente hasta desaparecer por completo después de dos horas”. No se tiene información acerca de su efecto al ser bebidas con chicha.

Karma Liberating Retreat



Karma Relief / Liberating Retreat 6D/5N 
each Full and New Moon 
Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Peru

Group size: max 12

Retreat purpose:
This retreat is dedicated to all those who wish to dedicate some of their time to free themselves from karma and as a result improve their lives, living and health conditions.
You will learn and practice techniques that will allow you cleanse your and your family's karma.
This retreat is organized around the Ekadasi day dates which are very propitious for karma liberating.

What is karma?

The Sanskrit word karma means "actions" or "deeds." As a religious term, karma refers to intentional (usually moral) actions that affect one's fortunes in this life and the next. The concept of karma or "law of karma" is the broader principle that all of life is governed by a system of cause and effect, action and reaction, in which one's deeds have corresponding effects on the future. Karma is thus a way of explaining evil and misfortune in the world, even for those who do not appear to deserve it - their misfortune must be due to wrong actions in their previous life. Read more >>
What is Ekadasi?
Ekadasi is a special day in a Vedic calendar, it occurs 3 days before full or new moon.
This day is very propicous for any spiritual activity. If fasting, fruit and water is ok, our karma is consumed serveral times during the day. This day Deity Vishnu is celebrated.

The programme includes:

* Daily Yoga classes
* Forgiveness workshop 
* Daily karma burning mantra meditations
* Karma purification rituals
* Mountain treking and Termal bath visit


Where: 
Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Peru

Dates :
tbc

Costs : 
all inclusive of  accomodation for 2 people sharing, all suitable meals, all ceremonies and all activities.

PROGRAMME IN DETAIL

Day 1

Evening
7pm Welcome fire and light dinner

Day 2 Ekadasi
Morning
yoga class
fruit breakfast
karma burning mantra meditation 1

Afteroon
Forgiveness meditation
Vishnu mantra meditation

Evening
Karma burning fire ceremony
fruit salad dinner

Day 3
Morning
yoga class
breakfast
karma burning mantra meditation 1

Afteroon
visit to local termal baths

Evening
karma burning mantra meditation 2

Day 4
Morning
yoga class
breakfast
karma burning mantra meditation 1

Afteroon
Mountian trek

Evening
Karma burning ritual with lemons
karma burning mantra meditation 2
Wellbeing San Pedro and Sacred Fire Ceremony (optional on request)

Day 5 Full / New Moon
Morning
yoga class
breakfast
karma burning mantra meditation 1

Afteroon
Mountain Trek

Evening
Karma burning ritual with cocos
karma burning mantra meditation 2
Sweatlodge / Temazcal (optional on request)

Day 6
Morning:
yoga class
breakfast

Goodbyes


Optionals:
* Wellbeing San Pedro and Sacred Fire Ceremony : USD100 per person
* Sweatlodge / Temazcal: USD50 per person
* Reiki / Universal Love personal healing session : USD60 per person per session

Bookings:
To reserve your place please pay 50% deposit. The remaining 50% is paid upon your arrival.
Deposits are not refundable, can be tranfered to another person if case you cant make it.

For Sacred Valley residents there is an option excluding the accomodation. Please get in touch for details.
Leading shaman: Thomas Aquila Bianca



To apply to participate please send a note about yourself, your spiritual practice to-date and the motivation behind doing this retreat. Also enclose a photo of yourself where your eyes are visible and/or link your facebook account.
The shaman will decide whether he is interested in inviting you to the retreat and you will have a personal interview with the shaman via skype before you join the retreat. For this interview the shaman charges $150 in advance.


Contacts :
Jessica
Customer Service
signmeup4itnow@gmail.com


Inca Jungle Pilgrimage Trek to Machu Picchu

For trekkers wanting to get off the well beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then a trek through the secondary jungle around Quillabamba to Machu Picchu is a must. 
This remote and rarely visited region offers the trekker an insight into the lives of the inhabitants of this diverse area of jungle visiting some Inca sites along the route plus the opportunity to visit and camp at the communities carrying out there daily routines amongst the jungle plantations of fruit, tea and coffee. Inside the houses youll see guinea pigs running loose.


This new trek will provide you with a refreshing adventure at a relaxing pace with added bonus of reaching Machu Picchu at a comfortable lower altitude.

Ayahuasca Ceremony  or San Pedro Ceremony  jungle ceremony onroute as optional.


Day 1; Sacred Valley & Jungle trek to Machu Picchu.  

Start 06.30am. 
Transfer by bus to start point of the trek in the town of Huyro. The journey by road winds its way up and along precipitous cliffs and after a few hours, having travelled over the pass of magical Abra Malaga we make the slow descent towards Chaullay and then to Huyro. From here on, youll see jungle vegetation beginning to cover the valley sides; the weather gets steadily warmer and the plant life thickens as you gradually descend into the jungle valley. As we arrive into the Amayabamba Valley  we will stop to visit Inca sites such as Inca Tambo, Huaman Marca and Humas Bamba,
We can then begin our trek through cloud forest  visiting farming communities,coffee plantations, coca fields and fruit farms. Lunch will be at  Cochapata. After lunch we continue on our way to Coripujgio community for our nights camp. Arriving 4.30pm.

Day 2; Jungle trek to Machu Picchu.
Start 07.30am. After our early breakfast . We trek through the cloud forest to reach the ruins of the Inca fortress and prison, still partially covered in vegetation. After exploring the ruins and taking a snack we descend through the jungle heading into the Amaybamba valley where we will have lunch. After lunch we then take a steady climb up to our nights camp at Cocalmayo where there will be the chance to relax in the hot springs after the days exertions. After our relaxing time in the hot springs we take our transport to our nights camp close to a waterfall near to Lucmabamba. 
Arriving around 6.00pm.

At night 8pm: Ayahuasca Ceremony  or San Pedro Ceremony (optional)

Day 3; Jungle trek to Machu Picchu.
Start 07.30am. After an early breakfast, we take the local transport to Lucmabamba (40 minutes ride) to our start hiking point. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric where you will eat lunch. The last part of the trek, an approximately 2 hours walk, takes us to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, around 4.30pm, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). There is free time in the evening. 
Overnight Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Sacred Valley
Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30am. and walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00am. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures. After an extensive guided visit of the ruins we then return by bus and train to the Sacred Valley. 
Transfer to your hotel in late afteroon.

More photos here >> 

Dates in 2016:
1 – 4 June
4 - 7 July
9- 12 August
6 – 9 September
16 - 19 October
13 - 16 November
4 - 7 December

Treks available also on demand.


TOUR COST PER PERSON BASED ON 2 SHARING;

Trek only  
In a group of 2: USD765  
In a group of 4: USD605  
In a group of 6: USD495  
In a group of 7- 10: USD470
Single supplement: USD115

Optional add ons: 
Ayahuasca Ceremony  or San Pedro Ceremony (optional): USD200 per person

This trek is operated by our business Partners: 
Aston Garcia Tours (Luxury Tours in South America)

Contacts and bookings:
Jiron Bolognesi No. 152, Urubamba, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru. 
Tel: 084 509703. Cel: 947 773896
E: reservations@astongarciatours.com
W: www.astongarciatours.com

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Just to be absolutely clear, here is what you're getting for your money on this holiday.
* Evening dinner on  days 1, 2 & 6
* 4 night / 3 day Jungle trek to Machu Picchu with all camping equipment, meals, train ticket, entrance Machu Picchu.
* Local guides and assistance.
* Excursions as described in tour itinerary 
* All hotel baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person.

RESTRICTIONS
There are no restrictions on this tour.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
* International and Internal flights (we can advise on routes. Contact us for more information).  
* Travel insurance
* Meals other than stated
* The Cusco tourist ticket (BTC) this allows discounted entrance in to most archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley which can be purchased on entry to the sites. 
* Tips and gratuities
* Personal expenses.



Sacred Valley Pilgrimage Mountain Treking

5D/4N Sacred Valley Pilgrimage Mountain Treking

Sacred trecking pilgrmage throu the mountains to undescovered and unspoiled Temples and sites with pure energy. You will be walking where virtually no tourist walk. There are opportunities for spiritual Andean initiations on this route.


Detailed programme

Day 1: Urubamba to Chinchero.
After breakfast you are met at your hotel by your guide to begin your trek. The trek starts in the local community pueblo of Chichubamba passing along agricultural fields towards the small town of Yucay which during the Inca time was the elected resort for the Inca royalty which also attributes a mythological character and empowerment on the human spirit. Here there are numerous Inca constructions one of the most outstanding among these is the Palace of the Inca Sayri Túpac. This is a stone and adobe construction with beautiful wall decorations. After a stop to take a guided tour of the palace we head to the pueblo of Huallaybamba following the path of the Urubamba river before ascending by the Inca Trail to Urquillos to enjoy one of the natural and spectacular views that this area of the Andes provides us here we may be able to appreciate the snow capped mountains of Pitusiray and Sawasiray a symbol of the duality to The Incas also you will notice the change in flora as we ascend up the valley. We reach our lunch stop in the scenic setting among the terraces and aquaducts of Urquillos. After lunch we continue on to Chinchero passing through Andean communities going about their daily routines including farming and shepherding their flocks of sheep. We pass by the ruins of an “Incatambo” which was an Incan military post or a resting place. We reach Chinchero via the beautiful valley behind the town where we will have time to explore the Inca ruins and temple before making our way to our campsite ro evening dinner. 
Overnight Chinchero.

Day 2: Chinchero to Zurite.
After breakfast we begin our trek across the agricultural plains of Chinchero district set amongst  the incredible scenic backdrop of the spectacular snowcapped Andean mountains and the nearby Lake Huaypo. As we trek passing through local Andean communities and flocks of sheep and goats we approach the town of Huarocondo where we will set up camp in a nearby eucalyptus forest for our lunch. After a rest and lunch we continue through the town of Zurite and the gently ascend to the one the most impressive and largest Inca n agricultural terraces in the area. Close by we will make our overnight camp. 
Dinner and overnight Zurite.

Day 3: Zurite to Ankahuasi.
After breakfast explore the terraces with your guide as we trek towards Zurite district and Tamboreal where we stop for lunch before ascending up through a forest as we head towards our camp at Ankawasi archaeological complex the Quecha meaning is Eagle house As we descend to this rarely visited ancient site we can observe the layout of the temples and buildings of this mystical place. The Ankahuausi site features the Killarumiyoq or Quillarumiyoq the meaning of which when one breaks down the name into its component parts is : Quilla, meaning moon, Rumi being rock, and Yoq meaning place of.Although this, like almost all ancient places in the area are regarded by conventional academics as being of Inca construction, there is evidence that at least one older ancient culture may have been present here due to the much higher technological standard  of the stonework than the Inca had access to. 
There is free time to experience and explore this special site. 

The Ankahuausi site is an initiatic complex, where initiations and rituals are available (optional)

Dinner and overnight Ankahuasi.

Day 4: Ankahuasi to Pachar.
After breakfast we head down through the valley following the route of the river heading for the village of Socma which is a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Just before we arrive to Socma we'll have a stop to take photos of some stone-age petroglyphs behind Socma as we make our way to a small Inca site and beautiful waterfall that lie at the top of the valley. Walking past fields cultivated with potatoes, corn and quinua we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and native plants and to learn about the customs of the Andean people. Your guide will teach you a little Quechua (the language of the Incas) so that you can communicate with the people you meet on the trek. After lunch in a  local community we have the opportunity to visit a local family and practise some the Quecha language we learnt earlier during the day. After lunch and time spent  with the local people we head to our campsite close to Pachar stopping along the way to visit the Inca site of Perolniyoc. 
Diner and overnight near Pachar.

Day 5: Pachar to Cachicata - Ollantaytambo- Pinkuylluna.
After breakfast we take a short trek to Cachicata the quarry used by the Inca to construct Ollantaytambo. We will have a guided tour and the opportunity of exploring Cachicata. Despite it's proximity to Ollantaytambo and the wide variety of interesting features, hardly anyone actually comes up here. Cachicata is an extensive site, it was the quarry used by the Inca for the construction of Ollantaytambo and there are various points of interest including several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site, chullpas (burial houses) and a cave with Inca mummies still in place.

After a guided tour of the site and lunch we'll continue our way down the mountain following the original platform used for transporting the stones to Ollantaytambo. Our final visit of the trek will be at the nearby ancient ruins Pinkuylluna overlooking the Patacancha river and the Incan town. 

Apu Pincuylluna was a dwelling place of Tunupa or Wiracocha is a very important figure in the Incan Mythology, a pilgrim preacher of knowledge. It is believed that Tunupa turned to stone in Ollantaytambo.

This site offers us an opportunity for an Andean Blessing and some meaningfull meditations (optional)
We might be even get a presence of an Andean Wisdom Keeper and Sage, Grandfather Vidal (if available).

After spending time on the Apu Pincuylluna we head down to the town of Ollantaytambo where our transport will return us to our hotel in Urubamba. 

Dates:
May 16 to 20
June 20 to 24
July 18 to 22
July 29 to 2 August
August 13 to 17
August 26 to 30
September 5 to 9
September 16 to 20
September 28 to 2 October
October 30 to 5 November

Treks available also on demand.

TOUR COST PER PERSON BASED ON 2 SHARING;

Trek only  
In a group of 2: USD765  
In a group of 4: USD555
In a group of 6: USD495    
In a group of 7- 10: USD470

Single supplement: USD115

Optional add ons: 
* Ankahuausi initiations and rituals : USD 150 per person
Apu Pincuylluna Andean Blessing and activities : : USD 100 per person

This trek is operated by our business Partners: 
Aston Garcia Tours (Luxury Tours in South America)

Contacts and bookings:
Jiron Bolognesi No. 152, Urubamba, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru. 
Tel: 084 509703. Cel: 947 773896
E: reservations@astongarciatours.com
W: www.astongarciatours.com