Kawsay (English)

KAWSAY – A Journey of Connection

Discover Peru – not as a tourist,
but as part of a living web.

Kawsay is a word from Quechua.
It means much more than “life.”
It describes a way of being –
in connection with yourself, the earth, your breath, and your surroundings.
And it is precisely this presence that this journey invites you into.

This journey leads through three great landscapes of Peru –
the Andes, the Amazon, and the Coast –
and at the same time through three inner realms:
Remembrance, Encounter, and Integration.

Stage 1: The Andes – Reconnection and Remembrance

In Cusco, the navel of the Inca Empire,
we begin at dawn with an Ofrenda a la Pachamama –
a ritual of gratitude to the Earth.

The day leads us through the market –
through scents, voices, and colors –
before we explore the living history of this city
with a locally rooted guide.

The following day we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas:
At the Piuray Lagoon we glide silently across the water –
by boat or stand-up paddle board.
We share a Pachamanca,
the ancient earth-cooked meal prepared in the ground.
We meet local weavers who invite us into their textile worlds –
stories woven in thread and color.

Afterward, we visit the ruins of Chinchero,
a place of deep archaeological and spiritual significance.
We spend the night in Ollantaytambo,
before embarking on our hike (approx. 10 km) to Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku) –
the point where Machu Picchu first reveals itself.

We stay overnight in Aguas Calientes,
and the next morning,
we enter the sacred city –
an experience beyond words.

We conclude this stage with visits to Moray,
the pottery community of Chichubamba,
and our return to Cusco city.

Stage 2: The Amazon – Encounter and Nature

From Cusco we fly to the Madre de Dios region,
to Puerto Maldonado,
and immerse ourselves in Casa Amazonas –
a refuge in the heart of the rainforest.

Here, a different rhythm begins:
We cleanse ourselves with a floral bath,
walk at dawn with Víctor,
a member of the Ese Eja community, through the jungle,
and share the evening by the fire –
in a quiet, culturally rooted exchange.

The next day, we journey up the Tambopata River,
listening to the water, the wind, the vastness.
In the afternoon, we dive into the world of cacao.

The third day is dedicated to the Yine culture.
Jenny introduces us to the art of face painting,
to sounds and rituals –
a fine, authentic closing:
grounded, connected, alive.

Stage 3: The Coast – Integration and Enjoyment

In Lima, the threads of the journey weave together.
We experience the city at night – guided, safe, awake.

The following day is dedicated to Peruvian cuisine:
Lima is one of the world’s gastronomic capitals,
a vibrant fusion of Andean, Japanese, African, and European influences.

Those who wish may begin the day with a surf session in the Pacific.

On August 19, this journey does not end –
it continues within you.
Woven. Integrated. Alive.

Journey Dates

Thursday, August 6 – Flight from your city of departure

August 7 – Arrival in Cusco
August 8 – City tour and visit to Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
August 9 – Journey to the Sacred Valley: Piuray Lagoon, Pachamanca, the fascinating world of weavers, and ending in Chinchero
August 10 – Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
August 11 – Visit to Machu Picchu
August 12 – Visit to Moray, cultural encounter at a pottery workshop, lunch in Chichubamba, return to Cusco
August 13 – Flight to Puerto Maldonado
August 14 – Optional: Morning yoga, floral bath, jungle walk with Víctor (Ese Eja culture), campfire
August 15 – Excursion to Lake Sandoval and afternoon visit to a cacao farm
August 16 – Day dedicated to the Yine culture
August 17 – Visit to Amazon Shelter, flight to Lima, evening city tour
August 18 – Culinary day in Lima, optional surf session in the morning
August 19 – Return flight from Lima to your home country