Diversity Journey

DIVERSITY JOURNEY

Gently Walking on Ancient Pathways

Reimagining the future of Waldorf Education

Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training in association with Peru Cultural Journeys and Kusi Kawsay Andean School

August 1-10, 2024

The Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu
10 days / 9 nights

This journey into the Sacred Valley of Peru is a unique opportunity for those working in or associated with Waldorf education to authentically experience the essence of ancient Andean culture. This beautifully woven exploration into the Andean world through a native perspective combines visiting magnificent pre-Columbian archeological sites, exquisite Peruvian cuisine, and profound cultural immersion events with engagement with the founders, teachers, and children of Kusi Kawsay Andean school. This trip is part of ongoing engagement and “Tinkuy” – exchange, between BACWTT and indigenous communities, to share healthy educational practices and develop new values and insights for the future of Waldorf education.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to be guided into an authentic understanding of the ancient sacred sites by Roman Vizcarra, indigenous guide, spokesperson, and co-founder of Kusi Kawsay, and to experience the living cultural wisdom that has been interwoven with Waldorf practices in Kusi Kawsay Andean School.

Savor the ambiance of the Sacred Valley. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery and exploration of the Inca legacy through its Quechua descendants. Visit ancient sites, colorful markets, and partake in an ancient living culture rooted in agriculture. Immerse yourself in the spirit of this Inca land. Discover the elegant simplicity of Andean people and celebrate our customs, cuisine, art, music, and dance. Learn about our philosophy; understand our history and way of life. Walk the ancient pathways and enrich your perspective. This unforgettable cultural immersion experience is sure to enhance your spirit.
The Andes… where sacred corn grows and iridescent hummingbirds emanate their joy. The Andes… snow peaks soaring in the distance over charming communities, Inca sites, and quaint village markets. The Andes… a profound heritage wrapped in layers of colorfully elegant wisdom and contemporary sophistication. The Andes… the inspiration of authentic Peruvian warm-heartedness and generosity of spirit.

Destinations: The Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu.

Description: High altitude, mountainous terrain with scenic drives, walks and day hikes. Special interest focused on education and Waldorf pedagogy.

Altitudes: Cusco 11,200 ft, Pisac 10,000 ft, Machu Picchu 7,500 ft, Amaru 10,500 ft.

Length: 10 days / 9 nights

Difficulty: Moderate

Category: Boutique (3-star level)

Available: Small Private Group

Pace: Moderate, with time for relaxation

Interests: Cultural & Culinary, Andean Heritage including textiles and music, Spirituality & Worldview, Sacred Geometry, Astronomy & Agronomy, Storytelling, Education.

Travel Information: Click here for more information and FAQs.

  • Accommodations

    This trip is based out of Pisac Inn on the historic plaza of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Small and comfortable, our boutique hotel is charming, full of artistic details and old-world flair that celebrate local Andean heritage. Staying at Pisac Inn offers a unique travel experience, and settling into your room for the duration of your stay with no packing and unpacking allows you to create a personal relationship to the local land and people.

  • Unucha Spa

    Treatments inspired by the ancestral legacy of Andean pre-Columbian healing tradition offer a unique opportunity for deep relaxation and personal reflection. Try the herbal bath and massage combo. Reservations are required and we suggest making appointments ahead of time because space is limited. Spa treatments are not included in tour price.

  • Socially Responsible Tourism

    This opportunity to travel with a Socially Responsible Travel company adds value to your travel experience. Please see our Sustainability Section to learn more about our vision, our commitment to socially and environmentally responsible tourism, our cultural projects, and our international certifications.

  • Amaru

    This is a unique opportunity to visit and engage with a traditional community that is preserving their ancestral Andean way of life. The wisdom of the Amaru community members is the inspiration of the Kusi Kawsay Association.

  • Kusi Kawsay Andean School

    Visiting  Kusi Kawsay is a unique opportunity to engage with a social project that is making a huge impact on educational models by empowering youth, protecting the environment, and by advocating for human rights and social justice.

    Learn about Kusi Kawsay’s recognition as recipient of the UNESCO-Japan Award Education for Sustainable Development here.

    Learn more about BACWTT and Kusi Kawsay Tinkuy exchange here.

  • Meals

    Peruvian cuisine is a highlight of the trip including meals with exclusive daily set menus that are creatively designed and prepared by our chef at the Inn’s renowned restaurant, Cuchara de Palo, the Wooden Spoon. We use the finest local products with the clear intention of exploring the richness of Peruvian cuisine, while celebrating the diversity of legendary and nutritious ingredients that are fresh, organic, and native of Peru. 

    Sitting down for a lovely meal, including a soup or salad, main course, dessert, and beverage is one of the trip highlights, with no dish repeated. We love food and invite you to savor Peru’s culinary explosion.

    • Vegetarian and special diet options available.
    • Beer, wine, and cocktails are available, not included in tour price.
    • Meals not included in program will be at restaurants recommended by your guide, either local spots or fine restaurants that are part of Peru’s culinary explosion and foodie scene.

Flights are not included, and each participant is responsible for booking flights.

Please book flights from your preferred departure airport to Cusco, Peru (CUZ) with arrival to Cusco on August 1st, ideally around mid-morning. Your Cusco departure would be August 10th, anytime of the day that works best. The Diversity program ends on August 10th after breakfast, so a late morning flight would be ideal, but if your flight leaves later in the day, you can have the day to explore on your own either in Pisac or Cusco.
 
  • Arrival: Cusco, Peru (CUZ) 1 AUGUST 2024 (ideally mid-morning).
  • Departure: Cusco, Peru (CUZ) 10 AUGUST 2024 (ideally mid-morning)
 It is best to have your Cusco flight as part of your international booking in case there are flight delays or changes. However, some choose to book their Lima-Cusco-Lima flight separately for more schedule and pricing options. If you choose to book the Cusco portion separately you would fly into Lima (LIM), then book a separate flight LIM-CUZ-LIM. Upon arrival in Lima please consider enough time to get through customs, recheck your bag at the domestic counter, and go through security in Lima for your flight to Cusco.
 
You could spend a night in Lima on either end of the trip if you like. 
 
You can book directly with your preferred airline, with a travel agent, or use a travel company such as Expedia, Kayak, etc.
International airlines: Delta, American, United, Avianca, Copa, and more. Many of these airlines have partnerships with airlines that fly from Lima to Cusco.
If you book your Cusco flight separately the most recommended airlines that fly to Cusco are Latam and Jetsmart. The flight from Lima to Cusco is a little over an hour.
 
Please contact me if you have any further questions.
  • Storytelling with Andean stories shared by community members and teachers.Special events include music, weaving, cuisine, and nighttime star observation, connected to artwork, designs, geometry, weaving, and understanding patterns. 
  • Traditional festivals tied to agricultural practices experienced through cultural immersion. 
  • Time on the land participating in planting, sowing, and harvesting in the traditional community of Amaru, along with a demonstration of processing the wool, dying, spinning, and weaving. 
  • Connect with Nature, visiting the sacred sites, the mountains and rivers, and plants as living spiritual beings.
  • Engage in Kusi Kawsay Andean School, with the children and their vitality, with the teachers, learn about efforts to combine Waldorf with Andean.
  • Enjoy time for drawing and painting at sacred sites in nature.
  • Review with discussions at the end of each day to reflect on how to integrate these experiences and bring back to schools. 
  • Engage in this rare opportunity for authentic social interaction and cultural participation.
  • Experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas stepping back in time, visiting the finest archeological sites, picturesque villages, and colorful markets.
  • Savor exquisite Peruvian cuisine and experience the exciting culinary explosion.
  • Witness small town life in the Sacred Valley while staying at the charming Pisac Inn.
  • Enjoy daily excursions with in-depth educational stories and the expertise of local native guides with their indigenous voice.
  • Visit a traditional community and participate in their communal workday, a first-hand cultural perspective that deepens appreciation of Quechua history and social life.
  • Marvel at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore Cusco, capital of the vast Inca state and navel of the ancestral world.
  • Join in our commitment to the preservation, protection and celebration of endangered Andean traditions and cultural heritage. Traveling with us directly supports sustainable tourism and cultural projects.
In depth time at the Kusi Kawsay Andean School and discussions with BACWTT, Roman, and Kusi Kawsay teachers will be for Diversity Training participants, while other optional activities will be available for those not participating in the Diversity Training.  

$2650 USD per person

Single room supplement $400 per person

Included:

  • Airport transfers and all ground transportation upon arrival to Cusco in a private tourist level vehicle.
  • Private, specialized, professional, English speaking native guides on excursions and during special events.
  • Entrance fees to all historical sites on daily excursions.
  • Cultural events with local Andean specialists.
  • Fresh, organic meals celebrating Peruvian cuisine as on program.
  • Charming accommodations, standard double occupancy at Pisac Inn – a single room has an additional cost, upon availability.
  • Time at the Kusi Kawsay Andean School & Kusi Ñan Organic Farm, an exceptional educational project that honors Andean tradition with elements of Waldorf pedagogy.
  • Visit Apu Runawana Weaving Society in the traditional community of Amaru.
  • Tourist class train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Tourist class bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
  • Overnight in Aguas Calientes, standard double occupancy

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Special events and activities not included in program
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips or donations
  • Meals eaten out as indicated on program
  • Snacks or beverages not included at mealtime

To book please submit this online Booking Form.  You do not have to include flight information if you don’t have your flights yet, just leave blank and send me details when you have your tickets. Once you submit your online Booking Form you will receive a Payment Form with instructions on how to make payment. When your down payment is received you are booked!  Then you will receive a digital Travel Pack with detailed trip information, including a packing list and recommened reading. 

Final payment is due no later than June 15th, which is the deadline to sign up for the trip. You can make full payment now or anytime before June 15.

If you have a preferred payment method not listed, let me know and we can go over that option.

We are happy to answer any questions.  You can contact us via email at info@peruculturaljourneys.com, or call or message via WhatsApp at +51 956 291 687. 

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