Customer Reviews

Journey to Machu Picchu: Spiritual Wisdom from the Andes

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Whether you travel to Peru in person or in spirit, this book will guide you. The authors share their vast knowledge of all things Andean, going far beyond Machu Picchu and other sites of Peru in much greater depth than the usual tour books. This book is very readable, very approachable, and the reader comes to know how deeply the authors love Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the people of the Andes. The book is enhanced by outstanding stories of the people and by splendid photography (color as well as black and white).

Bottom line: I love this book.

The book has the information of an encyclopedia without the dryness and some might say without the organization. It is like a syncopated fountain, flowing with details, dotted with definitions and poetic words of the people. Information is often repeated in different contexts so that at the end the reader has really learned something. That something is likely to be very personal to each reader. It may include a knowledge of Andean cosmology and a familiarity with the three worlds of Hanakpacha (upper world, represented by the condor), Kaypacha (present world, represented by the puma), and Ukhupacha (lower or inner world, represented by the snake). Along the journey, the reader will come to know and feel the protection of the apukuna (deities of the mountains) and to appreciate the connection we all have to Pachamama and to each other. The reader can also delve into sacred sites, healing ceremonies, daily life, the rich language, dream material, medicinal healing techniques, and so many other subjects.

Like an incredible tapestry, the book weaves together the personal stories of the authors, plus the tales and traditions of many others. One of the most moving "stories" in the book is related by Aurelio Aguirre, telling of his experience as a guide for an Italian group, whose members may have literally saved his life. The tale keenly illustrates the interconnectedness of spiritual seekers--the learning and teaching and healing that ties us together, whether Andean or not, whether traveling in person or through books, in fact whether "seeking" or not.

This reviewer is no expert on Peru, but I recently returned from my first trip there, during which time this book was published. I know that when (not if) I return to the Andes, this book will accompany me. While in Peru, I had the good fortune to meet Carol Cumes and some of the people whose stories fill this book. They are real, as authentic as can be.

Enjoy this book and see where the journey takes you!

Journey to Machu Picchu is not a travel guide, but a glimpse at the magic and spirituality of the Peruvian Andes. A mixture of folk lore, the authors' personal experience, stories from living Quechuans (the direct blood line of the Inca), this book isn't for everyone. But, if you're interested in the spritual aspect of Machu Picchu or the Andes, then this is required reading.

This is a pretty good book on the Quecha culture of Peru. However, there is not much in the book about Machu Picchu. So the title is a bit misleading. If you are looking for information about the historical and spiritual culture of Peru, this book, along with Return of the Children of Light, and Masters of the Living Energy: The Mystical world of the Q'ero of Peru, are your best bets. If you are looking for detailed information on Machu Picchu you should look at The Machu Picchu Guidebook: A Self-Guided Tour.

VERY informative and beautifully written (though I think some cultural words were misspelled).. The background of the spiritual world in the Andes is beautifully described and very informative... I was born in the Andes and have learned A LOT from reading this book.. Too bad her tours are sooo expensive! =(

I've always wanted to go to M.P and probably would have gone any old way. Now, I want to go on one of Carol's Magical Journeys! To me MP represented beautiful and fascinating remains of the Incan people. Now, I am also fascinated by the Quechua people who lived there prior to the Incans and to this day. It is these people that the book is really about and it reveals their belief systems, ceremonies, ways of life. Now I feel that a visit wouldn't be complete without a shamanic ceremony - a real one not the disrespectful fakes that are marketed to tourists by some non believers.
Also, the book includes an interesting section about Hiram Bingham, the Yale professor credited with discovering MP. It lays out the controversy that surrounds him but also includes a letter written by one of his descendents for counterpoint. Anyone who is not only interested in MP but the indigenous residents of the surrounding areas will appreciate this book.

Book arrived super fast and was a good price. Arrived in unpadded manilla envelope and was slightly squished in one corner-would have preferred padded envelope. If this were a gift to be given to somebody else, I would have not been pleased.

Carol and Romulo have writen a beautiful description about an wounderful location. Filling the reader with an understanding of why Machu Picchu intrigues so many people, encouraging a deeper love for the region.