A pilgrimage is all about experiencing the sacred world of the people and places that one travels through. Traveling through the Andean World of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia opened up a vista of a sacred landscape known by the Quechua and Aymara people as Pachamama (Mother Earth).
It was only after I had completed the Inka pilgrimage that I could fully appreciate all of the "Hidden Treasures of Pachamama" that I had seen:
The legendary gold at the Museum of Gold in Bogota, Colombia. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and the Muisca culture. The San Agustin archaeological site, where I walked with Luis Salazar through the groves of living stone statues. The contemplation of all the images of the Virgin Mary at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas in Ipiales. Listening to Virgilio as he revealed the secrets of the Pyramids of Cochasqui near Quito. Swimming in the waters of the great Amazonia with Gabriel, who introduced me to the wisdom of the jungle people. Walking through the puma-designed Ingapirca archaeological site near Cuenca. Looking into the face of a centenarian, Lucila Guerrero, and discovering the Sacred Valley of Longevity. Spending a night at Orlando's Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve, and exploring his trail system. Encountering the Lord of Sipan in Chiclayo, and touring the Huacas de Moche with guide Wilmer Rodriguez near Trujillo, Peru. Seeing the great palace of the Chimu ruler at Chan Chan. Standing at the ancient civilization of Tiwanaku in Bolivia. Paying homage to the Virgin of Copacabana, patron saint of Bolivia. Spending two nights at Isla del Sol at Lake Titicaca, the place of origin of the Aymara and Inca people. Traveling on the Inka Express to Cusco (navel of the world). Hiking the Inka Trail with Hilbert Sumire to Machu Picchu.