Pilgrimage Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you offer payment plan options? scholarship / financial aid / work trade?
2. Is the Sacred Pilgrimage deposit refundable?
​​​3. What is the enrollment deadline?
​​4. Where does the Pilgrimage take place?
5. What Airport to I fly into? Is there shuttle service to the retreat center? Where should I sleep in Lima if there's a layover?
6. When is the best time to arrive?
7. Do we go to Machu Picchu as part of the pilgrimage?
8. How much hiking is there? What kind of shape do I need to be in?
9. Can you accommodate food restrictions like glutton-free or vegan?
10. How many people will attend the pilgrimage?
11. What is the weather like in Peru in September?
12. What do you suggest I pack?
13. What can I do to prepare for the pilgrimage?
​14. Where can I get cash? How much do I need?​
15. Do I need any vaccines?​

1. Do you offer payment plan options? scholarship / financial aid / work trade?
Definitely yes to payment plans. After you've made your deposit, we can spread the remaining balance out over 6 monthly payments. We can set it up in an automated way on a card, which does come with a 3% fee. Or, you can make Venmo transfers on your own schedule.

Regarding discounts, work trade, scholarships, etc., we are already very well supported and we have a lot of people who would like to support. The biggest area of help we can use is to get the word out and let your friends know about pilgrimage. This works particularly well for the pilgrimage because the idea is to go up the mountain as a community to leave offerings. Bringing a friend is an excellent way to create the community vibe.

If you're interested in supporting us in this way, signup for a Affiliate Link here.

2. Is the Sacred Pilgrimage deposit refundable?
No. But it is transferable. We need deposits to know when to tell people we're full and to start making R&B payments. So, while it's not refundable, we will transfer it to any other CobAnanda offering.

​3. What is the enrollment deadline?
There's no specific deadline. The deadline is whenever it fills. We generally fill about 2 months before the offering begins... so somewhere around the beginning of July.

4. Where does the Pilgrimage take place?
We begin our journey at Munay Sonqo Retreat Center in Arin, which is in the Sacred Valley of Peru. We spend the first several days hiking to various sacred places in the Sacred Valley, but always returning to Munay Sonqo to sleep. After a 5 nights, we board a bus that takes us to the hot springs of Lares where we will enjoy a washuma day and an integration day with a cacao ceremony. Finally, we will move once more to go to the base camp of Ausungate Mountain (which towers over us at 21,000 feet!) for the final two nights. The journey concludes at Ausungate where there will be buses available for those who would like to return to Cuzco.

5. What Airport to I fly into? Is there shuttle service to the retreat center? Where should I sleep in Lima if there's a layover?
We will provide shuttle service from Cuzco Airport (CUZ) at 2pm on September 10th. Almost all flights that arrive in Cuzco fly through Lima, Peru. Some flights require you to spend the night in Lima. If this is the case for you, we recommend Pay Purix Hostel for an affordable, clean accommodation close to the airport.

6. When is the best time to arrive?
While we will be providing free shuttle on the day the pilgrimage begins, you may enjoy arriving early and exploring Cuzco and the surrounding area. This is also advantageous as you will begin to acclimate to the relatively high altitude. To answer the question specifically, we will provide shuttle service from Cuzco Airport (CUZ) at 2pm on September 10th. If this doesn't work with your flight, we can help you organize private transport ($45) or you can find your own way to Munay Sonqo Retreat Center. About a month before the Pilgrimage begins, we will send out an arrival and prep email to organize each persons arrival plans.

7. Do we go to Machu Picchu as part of the pilgrimage?
No. We love Machu Picchu, but it is very full of tourists, which is not conducive to work with plant medicine. For those who would like to go, you may want to go after the Pilgrimage as there may be others in the group who would like to join you. If yo do want to go, you will need to book train tickets and park entrance tickets.

8. How much hiking is there? What kind of shape do I need to be in?
While there is a lot of hiking as part of the pilgrimage, we take altitude into consideration and generally choose routes which are suitable for the group. If you are able to walk 3-4 miles with relative ease, you will be fine for Part 1. Part 2 is much more challenging. Some days we will hike 15 miles (24km) with substantial changes in elevation. A moderate to advanced level of fitness is needed to achieve these feats. Part 3 is the most mellow of the 3 parts as we are primarily focused on exploring the ancient washuma temple and surrounding areas.

9. Can you accommodate food restrictions like glutton-free or vegan?
Yes, absolutely. Munay Sonqo Retreat Center has been hosting yogic and shamanic retreats for many years and their kitchen is really impeccable.

10. How many people will attend the pilgrimage?
The idea of pilgrimage is to hike, as a community, to ancient power places to make prayers and leave offerings. This means that this particular offering is able to hold many people, since the community aspect is part of the experience. While we don't have a specific cap, we have had groups as small as 6 and as large as 26 and all experiences have been amazing. There is also a nice balance of group time and alone time as within each journey we spend a lot of time in meditation, contemplation and prayer.

11. What is the weather like in Peru in September?
September is in between the dry and the wet season, which makes it difficult to predict. It may rain, it may be cloudy, it may be sunny every day. In general, though, days are warm when sunny and nights are COLD but we'll mostly be in doors or around the fire at night.

12. What do you suggest I pack?
We'll go to a great artisan market right away where you'll be able to buy beautiful wool panchos, sweaters, hats, gloves, etc. For toiletries, make sure they are as non-toxic as possible. Check out the Environmental Working Group's page, Skin Deep, for toxicity ratings. And here's the most important one... make sure you have an unexpired passport!

• Comfortable natural fiber clothes for ceremonies

• A headlamp with a red light setting for Ayahuasca Ceremony (Part 1 only)

• Comfortable shoes or sandals for hiking (Hiking shoes or boots for Part 2 are a must)

• A set of Merino Wool Long Underwear (we love Smart Wool)

• Natural Sunblock

• A journal and pen

• ​Rain gear​

• Sun Hat

• Organic mosquito repellent if you're particularly sweet

• Any super foods or supplements that may help you stay energized

​13. What can I do to prepare for the pilgrimage?
We'll send an email about 30 days before the pilgrimage begins that will have more specific preparation ideas in it. It's never too soon to start preparing though. So, generally, the best way to prepare is to reflect on your own holistic wellness. Ask yourself, how am I doing physically? mentally? emotionally? Is there anything I can do to improve my health? Are there any actions I can take to tie up loose ends? Allow these questions to inspire action. And, be ready for the 30-day out email for more specific ideas and suggestions.

14. Where can I get cash? How much do I need?
There is an ATM at the Cusco Airport. We'll also visit a market town during the cleanse where there will be another chance for an ATM, but not another one after that. We suggest you take out a bit of money as Peru has gorgeous crafts that you may want to take home with you. Other expenses should be minimal. The maximum withdraw is usually 500 or 700 soles (pronounced "so-lace"). There are currently 4 soles to the dollar. We recommend taking out the maximum amount allotted.

15. Do I need any vaccines?
No vaccines are required