FAQ – Peru Trip Vision Quest

Frequently Asked Questions About our
Machu Picchu/Peru Trip Vision Quest

Spiritual Questions | Health-Related Question | Logistical Questions | Other Questions

Spiritual Questions

What is a Vision Quest?
Generally speaking, a vision quest is a journey to find oneself, establish a deep connection with Nature or Spirit, uncover one’s spiritual gift or path in life, or get divine guidance that will heal them and balance their lives. The ritual of the vision quest is practiced in many different ways among many tribal (and now urban) peoples. The vision quest typically takes place in the wilderness or in a designated sacred space either in isolation or with the guidance of a master shaman. The seeker also engages in additional ritual exercises designed to facilitate their connection to spirit and receptivity to a vision. Exercises may include fasting, physical endurance, sensory or sleep deprivation, meditation, ingestion of plant medicine, or other techniques depending on the tradition and/or the person. The vision that the seeker seeks may come in a dream, a mental image, the appearance of a spirit messenger, a sudden revelation, a sign or in some other form. Receipt of the vision, and following the guidance given is always a life-changing experience and an initiation into a new way of being.

What is a shaman?
Shamans have been present in virtually every tribal culture around the world for thousands of years, although the word or title for the shaman differs from tribe to tribe. The word ‘shaman,’ which may be of either Sanskrit or Siberian origin, roughly means ‘sage,’ ‘One who knows or is wise,’ or ‘monk.’ A shaman is adept at working with and commanding energy directly, serving as a conduit for Spirit, and being an intermediary between people and the spirit world. To the outsider it may appear that the shaman and shamanism is about ritual and magic but they are more about connection and right relationship with Existence. Ritual is a tool used to establish the connection. “Magic” is the effect when the relationship is sustained. The shaman’s role might include acting as a spiritual leader, healer, diviner, mediator between the living and the ancestors, spiritual teacher, keeper of knowledge and tradition, earth steward, interpreter of dreams and signs, etc. He or she accesses the spirit world through a “doorway” that is opened by entering an altered (or ecstatic) state of consciousness (including the dream state). Techniques, tools and rituals used to accomplish this vary greatly. They may include the use of plant medicine, drumming, dance, art, music, earth elements, and any number of other things. A master shaman may specialize in certain kinds of energy, knowledge, or “magic.”

Shamanism is a spiritual path but not a religion. Shamans follow the guidance of Spirit in the moment. Their tools and techniques therefore can change or evolve according to what is most appropriate and works best for the time, place and energy in which they find themselves working.

Who is our shaman?
Our Machu Picchu/Peru Trip Vision Quest is led by Don Victor Estrada, a native Peruvian shaman, master healer and artist. The focus of Don Victor’s work is helping seekers to heal, liberate themselves from heavy energy in their body, mind, emotions and life, and to plant the seeds of a new humanity. Don Victor has been a gifted seer since childhood and has also been a university professor. Therefore he brings a very unique blend of sacred and historical knowledge to our quest. His spiritual teachings, readings and healing abilities are profound. He is a very gracious, humble, compassionate and good-humored man with a child-like wonder and appreciation for the world. He speaks Spanish, the native Quechua language, and some English. He is accompanied on the trip by an apprentice and translator. Don Victor also works with the plant medicine, San Pedro. It is described as cosmic medicine, a master teacher plant, a sacred healer, and a doorway. Don Victor and his wife prepare the plant medicine according to the tradition of their spiritual lineage. Read more about this plant under Health-related Questions

What level of spiritual experience do I need to go on this trip?
All you need is a desire to be there. If you have had little or no hands-on experience with spirituality, vision quests or shamanism, you will get a good introduction on this quest. You do not need to have any particular spiritual knowledge or experience to benefit from taking this trip.

What should I do to spiritually prepare for this journey?
At minimum it is recommended that you observe a healthy diet for the two weeks prior to the trip. A balanced, organic, vegetarian diet of raw foods (with plenty of water and dark greens) would be best. Whole green supplements, like Chlorella for example, may also be good choices. Chlorophyll and mineral water are good for a healthy aura. Optionally, consider an internal cleanse or detox prior to observing the healthy diet.

If you would like to do even more to prepare, then engage in some simple exercise prior to coming on the trip if you do not already exercise. Something as simple as walking, doing stretches, taking tai chi or even dancing a few days a week would suffice. Regular meditation or breathing exercises will also be beneficial if you would like to prepare yourself even further. Don’t overdo it though. You don’t want to burn yourself out before you get there! Do as much as you can handle consistently without it becoming a chore. The longer you are able to sustain your regimen before the quest, the better.

Spiritual Questions | Health-Related Question | Logistical Questions | Other Questions

Health Related Questions

How healthy do I need to be to go on the Vision Quest?
It is recommended that you be of moderate health. The quest will not be overly strenuous in terms of physical endurance, however, our days can be very long. If you tire easily, you could become exhausted on this trip. On some of the mountain trails, the combination of high altitude and the incline of the trail may be challenging for you. You may want to practice the following exercises to help build your stamina or endurance:

• Complete Breathing – being able to breathe properly, using your full lung capacity can help tremendously
• Stair climbing, hiking, treadmill walking with an incline

Do I need to be vaccinated?

• Peru: Recommended vaccinations (but not required unless coming from an infected area) include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis (A & B), Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies. Visit the Center for Disease control web site for more information.
• Bolivia: Yellow Fever vaccination (and proof thereof) are required.

What kind of food is available in Peru?
The hotels typically have traveler-friendly menus. You’ll find familiar types of items on the menus, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, eggs, coffee, etc. You’ll find authentic Peruvian cuisine in local restaurants. The cuisine is very diverse and is considered the best in South America. The staples of Peruvian cuisine including corn, potatoes and chiles – and there are many different varieties of these. Fish, beef, alpaca, chicken and guinea pig (cuy) are also typical foods. Specialty dishes varies by region. Criolla cuisine in Peru blends native and European dishes. Criolla dishes are flavorful but not overly spicy. The most famous Peruvian dish is called ceviche, which is fish naturally cooked in lemon or lime juice–no heat required! Street vendors selling choclo (cooked corn on the cob with humongous kernels) are probably as plentiful as hot dog or pretzel vendors on the streets of New York and other urban US cities. Popular drinks in Peru include Inka Cola, Pisco sour (a lemony alcoholic drink), and “chica morada”, a sweet delicious drink made from purple corn, which is different from the homemade alcoholic “chica de jora”. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to indicate so before leaving for the trip.

What plant medicine will we work with and what is its effect?
We will work with the San Pedro cactus plant, which is also known as Wachuma, Huachuma, achuma, and by some other names. Sacred plants such as this are viewed as the embodiment, so to speak, of a master teacher/healer. The plant assists the shaman and the patient to see and correct the spiritual, psychic or energetic disturbances that are creating illness or other life problems, and, in the case of this plant, to elevate and open up the awareness. San Pedro has been in continuous use for more than 3,000 years in Peru and Bolivia for the purposes of healing, divining, and expanding consciousness. The plant is described as cosmic medicine, a sacred teacher plant, a sacred healer, and a doorway because of its affect on those who take it. The medicine is prepared and administered by a trained shaman in a ceremonial context. The shaman’s “patient” may experience different sensations such as drowsiness, dreaminess, dizziness, nausea, heightened senses, flying, or feeling out-of-body. They may also experience greater mental clarity and tranquility. Spiritual effects can include opening of the third eye to see higher dimensions, the sensation of transmitting or expanding consciousness across time and space, increased dreaming activity at an elevated level of consciousness and spiritual blossoming. Each person’s experience will be different but there is usually and growing awareness of the spiritual dimension within and around you.

Note: San Pedro is not the same as the Ayahuasca plant. San Pedro typically guides the spiritual seeker with a more gentle hand than Ayahuasca. Also, if you are looking to go on a “plant medicine trip” or get “blissed out,” then this Vision Quest is not for you.

Spiritual Questions | Health-Related Question | Logistical Questions | Other Questions

Practical/Logistical Questions

What should I pack for this trip?
The temperatures and terrain in the different areas we will visit will vary. The day often starts out warm, gets hot and then can get very cool (sometimes cold) at night.

• Clothes that can be work in layers. For example, you may start of with a t-shirt, add a light jacket later on, then add a heavy sweat jacket or poncho in the evening, and a scarf.
• Rain gear (such a poncho with a brimmed hood)
• Bringing a blanket (or sleeping bag) to keep in the van for those times when we are driving at night is recommended.
• Comfortable hiking boots and sneakers with good traction
• Bathing suit for the hot springs
• Hat with brim (ideally with a string so it won’t blow away) and sunglasses
• Backpack for our day trips
• Water canteen (ideally with a hose so you can get to your water easily) or a holder for bottled water)
• Light snacks (like energy bars or fruit roll-ups, for example)
• sunscreen and mosquito/bug repellent and/or netted mosquito jacket
• Extra bag or suitcase for bringing home your souvenirs
• Ear plugs and/or eye mask.
• Travel alarm.
• camera and accessories: extra batteries, film, tape, memory  card, flash drive, charger
• pajamas and toiletries
• travel documents and copies of your travel documents
• money belt

When should my flight arrive/depart?

Please check your itinerary for your arrival and departure dates. You should generally arrive early in Peru (roughly between 5 – 7 am if a flight is available). We will be picked up at the air port. You should schedule an evening or night time departure flight (after 5pm). You will need to provide your flight information so our team can keep track and be aware if there are any changes or delays with your flight.

Do I need to arrive early to get used to the altitude?
If you are going on Quest 1 (Machu Picchu & Madre Selva jungle), no. We will be in Lima for the first two days of this trip. Lima is not that high above sea level. If you are beginning your trip with Quest 2, you will be flying to Cuzco (about 11,000 feet above sea level) and then going to Machu Picchu (8,000 feet above sea level) the very next day. If you think you are very susceptible to altitude sickness, you may want to arrive a few days early. Locals typically chew coca leaves or drink coca tea to prevent altitude sickness. These are freely available at the hotel.

Where will we be staying?
We will be staying in various comfortable hotels along our travel route. During our days in the jungle (during Quest 1), we will be sleeping tents (provided) that are elevated off the ground. Your passport information in required in order to reserve your rooms. We will be sharing double or triple occupancy rooms. You may book a private room at an additional cost.

Do I need an adaptor to plug my stuff in?
The Electrical current in Peru is 220V. Both 110V (US & Canada standard current) and 220V outlets are available in some buildings. If your equipment indicates “100V-240V,” then you will not need a voltage adaptor. Most electrical outlets in Peru accept either two flat, or two round prongs. If you have equipment that requires a three-prong outlet, you’ll need to bring a plug adaptor.

Can I get on the Internet, check e-mail and make international phone calls?
Occasionally. Some towns have cybercafés and some hotels offer Internet access. Internet phone calling is also available at some locations. If you have an international cell phone, you’ll be able to make calls as long as you are able to get reception. Optionally, you can purchase a phone card in Peru and make calls from a landline, or make calls from your hotel phone (which will be much more expensive).

How much spending money should I bring?
Aside from airport taxes ($35 in Peru; and $24 if going to Bolivia)  and the cost of a visa upon entering  Bolivia ($135), the majority of any money you bring will be spent on souvenirs. The equivalent of $400-$500 (USD) is usually sufficient to cover all your spending needs (including food) if you are a moderate souvenir shopper. If you really like to shop, and particularly if you are a jewelry, art, textile or crystal lover, you may want to budget for $700-$1,000. These amounts are based on an exchange rate of 3 Peruvian dollars (soles) to 1 American dollar. Check the exchange rate closer to the date of the trip. ATM machines are available in some locations. You can also use your credit card in some places, but will pay additional fees. Travelers checks are not accepted in many places.

How safe is it in Peru?
There is the typical tourist danger of being pick pocketed or having items stolen if you leave them unattended on the street or in the airport. The group, however, will be traveling together (except during our free time in tourist areas). Our shaman, his apprentice, and/or our driver is always with us.  The designated free time is typically in highly populated tourist areas like the area around Machu Picchu. Our shaman and his assistants will always alert us if a particular area presents any special danger.

Do I need to know Spanish?
You don’t need to know Spanish for this trip but it doesn’t hurt to pick up a few words or bring a pocket dictionary with you. An interpreter will accompany our group so you will not need to know Spanish to understand our shaman (who does speak a little English). Knowing a few words in Spanish will come in handy during your free time if you do a little site seeing or shopping on your own or with your travel companion.

Can I bring my children?
Children age 14 and up are welcome.

How much time do I need to “wind down” after this trip?
Physically, you can get back into your routine after a few days. However, if you have the luxury of taking an extra week for yourself after this trip, it is highly recommended. When you return home from the trip you will be in a completely different energy and you’ll also still be processing things that happened during the vision quest. It can take up to a month or more to get comfortable with your new energy and feel like you’ve fully integrated it.

Spiritual Questions | Health-Related Question | Logistical Questions | Other Questions

Other

I have more questions. Can I talk to someone about this trip?
You can contact Dr. Antonia M by e-mail or by phone in the US (718) 407-0776 (country code: 01).

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