*Please note: In order to maximize your working and creative time at this workshop in Cusco we would encourage to you arrive at least one day prior for altitude acclimatization. An alternative would be to spend a night or two in The Sacred Valley which is at a slightly lower elevation and just an hour’s drive from Cusco. We include a short list of recommended locations on the Resources page of the B&B. The return flight out of Cusco should be scheduled for the day after the last day (please contact us if you have any concerns regarding this timing).
We begin our journey in Lima with a wonderful July 4th feast at one of Adam’s favorite restaurants in Lima. If you arrive a day or two early, we can help set up city tours of Lima – Archeological Museum, the Museum of Gold, the Catacombs of San Francisco or the trendy streets of Miraflores. The workshop formally begins the following morning, July 5th, as we fly to Cusco and gain a bit of familiarity, understanding the region and the people in Peru most fabled city.
Arriving in Cusco, we will get to know each other and speak about our goals for the workshop. This is an opportunity to build a foundation for our coming time together. This will include introduction and discussion about process, history, creativity, and technique. It is a relaxing day as we adjust to the altitude, the surroundings and the culture. We will orient ourselves to the central market, Cusco’s unique back streets and the main Plaza of central Cusco. The next day will be a short journey just outside of Cusco. The Southern outskirts offer a unique perspective more so than the average traveler or tourist receives. We embark on a full-day excursion to Lake Huacarpay, the abandoned 18th century wool factory of Lucre, and what is known as the “Sistine Chapel” of the Americas in Andahuaylillas. We will reunite in the evening to discuss some of the issues we faced – working with locals, exposures at high altitude, etc.
And we’re off to The Sacred Valley! July 7th brings us to the surreal Salt Terraces and the natural agricultural amphitheatre at Moray, with a visit to the town of Maras itself and its fabulous church and famous hat-maker. We’ll spend the evening in Ollantaytambo for one of the most unique sections of the Sacred Valley – the last surviving Incan village, still comprised of Incan stone work, water canals and massive square constructions. This was the last strong-hold of resistance to the Spanish Conquistadores.
We then embark early for an overnight trip to Machu Picchu with a quick guided tour to help orient you. You then have the full afternoon and early evening to work at this historic site. A nice dinner, an early bedtime and then an early morning bus back up to the ruins for sunrise. We’ll spend some alone-time at the Sanctuary, hopefully coming away with some of its magic.
Returning to Ollantaytambo and then Cusco, our focus returns to the intimacy and uniqueness of some of the less touristy areas around Cusco – places which will find us alone with our cameras, some history and our vision. The perfect counter-point to a full week, and both Lonnie and Linda’s forte. We’ll spend some time getting to know the people themselves, the contours and contradictions of the lands in the high Andes and its people. We’ll also visit remote ruins beyond raging rivers and fascinating canyon systems in the less-visited Southern section of region of Cusco, beyond the influence of tourism and famous ruins. The towns and huts scattered along the way make great moments to reflect and enjoy the landscape. The villagers are more than anxious to work with us and bring life to our landscapes.
Post-workshop Extension (in case you’re ready to mix it up with the locals!):
Festival of the Mamacha del Carmen in Paucartambo and Tres Cruces de Oro
Between the 15th and 18th of July of every year, thousands of believers and visitors come to celebrate the festivity of the Virgen Del Carmen in the small town of Paucartambo, about 3 hours drive from Cusco. This village of a few thousand people has white-washed houses, red-tile roofs and blue doors, windows and balconies, similar to what you’d find in Greece (and I’m not sure why!). It still retains its Colonial architecture with an ancient stone bridge and narrow cobble-stone streets. Paucartambo sits in a unique valley, about 2 hours from the point at which the Andes meets the Amazon: truly a perch beyond comprehension. The fabled sunrise over the Amazon is literally a magical moment for those lucky enough to witness this intense display of light, physics and beauty.
Thousands of believers come together to celebrate the festivity of La Virgen del Carmen, also called Mamacha Carmen, Patron Saint for the mestizo population, in this colonial outpost from the 1700’s. In the traditional festival, closely knit fraternal groups practice over the course of a year in preparation for the moment – the entrance – to the town’s church to pay homage to the Mamacha del Carmen in song, dance and joy. The Ukukus are but one of 26 different groups and represent the Conquistador history present in Peruvian lineage, often in jest. The reunion starts in the main square of the town, where bands play their instruments and a chorus sings in quechua, representing the many faces in the history of Peru.
There is an immense combination of dueling congregations – in movement, costume, music, food and drink; the spectacle of worship acts as a pretext to party. The song and camaraderie are only superficial to the immense faith and devotion at the Virgen’s apparition. As she is paraded among the streets, windows, doorways and alleys are lined in homage to this singularly unifying and revered idol. Backs draw down and heads hang heavy knowing that the power and prayer of La Virgen del Carmen is now among them. As she heads back to the temple, the Diablos crawl and cower on rooftops and perches, unable to step on the same ground her bearers pass over. At the end of the procession, they have a little war against the devils, in which the believers come out winning.
Three crosses
Leaving Paucartambo, a road ascends to the gates of Acjanaco (3.800 msnm) and the view point of Three Crosses, a natural balcony on the Eastern edge of the Amazon from which one of the most singular dawns of the world can be seen. Produced by the optical effects of the sun that seems to glitter above the clouds covering the tropical jungle, some people report multiple suns, multi-colored rays, and an all-around spectacular light show whose wondrous effects – both physical and metaphysical – last for hours and a lifetime.
*Details of this itinerary will be in flux due to the nature of this unique event, but include private chofer & round-trip transport, bare-bones lodging (which is all that the town accommodates), access to several private events & festivities; and round-trip transport to Tres Cruces for those that would like to witness; and return accommodation at Panza del Artista for the last evening of the 17th.
*A detailed and daily itinerary is available upon request and will be sent to all those who register for this workshop. Please note changes to the itinerary are not uncommon.
