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On the morning of the solstice, we will venture up to the hillside of Cacchicata, an ancient ceremonial site that offers breathtaking views of the old town of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley below.
When the sun’s first rays break over the mountains, painting the Andean sky with hues of gold and orange, magic happens. The profound connection between architecture and astronomy will manifest itself, filling the air with an echo of the reverence once held by the ancient builders for the celestial bodies. Standing at the top of Pacaritampu’s pyramid, you will be part of this moment of magical space-time connection in which earthly and heavenly, present and past touch and unite.
Welcome to Cusco! An introductory lecture on Andean Cosmology will open the doors to the journey back in time that we’re about to embark on. Walking around the streets of Cusco we will learn about the controversial dating of its foundation, and feel speechless upon discovering how the layout of the ancient city is precisely aligned with the stars.
In the morning, we will make our way to the stunning site of Sacsaywamán, a simply unmissable stop for anyone trying to fathom the monumental genius of Cusco’s first settlers. At the end of the day we’ll visit the city's Planetarium, where we will look at the stars with the same eyes as the ancient builders.
Today we leave Cusco to reach the Sacred Valley, stopping on the way for a visit to the archaeological site of Pisac and its impressive stone structures, originally designed to read the passing of the sun and the moon. Immersed in the magnificent landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Inca, we will enjoy a gentle downhill hike to the colonial town of Pisaq, on the shores of the Urubamba river. In the evening we will attend a lecture on the Ancient Astronomical Qosqo.
An early lecture will set the stage for today’s adventure. We will then proceed to visit Ancasamarka and Urco, two emblematic archaeological sites which will deepen our understanding of Inca and pre-Inca agricultural practices, and their links with astronomy.
Today, prepare to visit another two jewels of ancient architectural mastery. We will spend the morning walking around the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, the architectural setting of which is still outstanding, because of the size, originality and detail of its stone structures. After lunch, we will proceed to visit one of the Sacred Valley’s most enigmatic (and least visited) places, the complex of Naupa Iglesia.
Today we will have the opportunity to witness firsthand one of the most magical alignments between the rising sun and an ancient archaeological site - the Pacaritampu Pyramid. It is considered South America’s largest sundial, designed to eternally align with the solstices and equinoxes in a dance of light and eternal harmony.
Exploring Machu Picchu at the culmination of all we have learned over the past few days will be an experience that is nothing short of magical and incomparably richer than that of a typical tourist. We will immerse ourselves in a one-of-a-kind, timeless experience as we visit South America's most important old citadel through the eyes of a world-class expert. Be ready to travel back in time and far into the Universe for the next few hours, as this experience will write its own chapter in your memory books.
On this last day, you will have the morning free, with an option to visit a local museum. We will gather for a farewell lunch - one last chance to say goodbye and exchange impressions with our fellow travelers.
A resident of Cusco for two decades, Andrés is an archaeoastronomer, artist, explorer, and excursion leader. He has dedicated his professional activity to the study of ancient cultures and their astronomical practices. In 2006, he began giving lectures on Archaeoastronomy, a field that examines ancient astronomies in their cultural contexts using evidence from architecture, archaeology, and anthropology, among others.
An explorer and researcher by nature, Andrés loves hiking in the mountains and exploring ancient and isolated archaeological sites, as well as spending time connecting with people in remote and traditional Andean communities, in an attempt to gain even more knowledge of a culture that still maintains and protects the traditions of its ancestors.
His expertise in Andean Archaeoastronomy has made him a highly sought-after speaker, and he currently holds the position of Director of Research and Archaeoastronomy at Bohic Ruz Explorer, a prestigious international group of archaeologists and ethno-historians dedicated to uncovering the roots of humanity.
Mark Stratton - Wanderlust Magazine
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