Q’ero Paqos/Medicine People:
Karina Davalos, Don Juan Apaza, and Fanny Cordova
Eastern Sierra July 24 – 28, 2024
Multiple events in the Eastern Sierra, connecting the Sacred Andes of Peru to our beloved Sierra and White Mountains, the Urabamba River to the Owens River, lakes, creeks and springs in this land where water flows, Payahuunadu. We acknowledge and are ever grateful to the indigenous people of Payahuunadu for the caretaking of Mother Earth. The Paiute/Shoshone people continue their care of and advocacy for this special place that many of us call home. Thank you. As said in Quechua, Urpichay Sonqo.
Hosted by Betsy McDonald
The Qero community thrives at 14,000 ft.+ elevation, one of the harshest climates on Earth. The Qero must live their lives in a way where they are in tune with nature and the elements. It is literally life or death to them. They understand how to be in harmony with Mother Earth (Pachamama) and that Pachamama is the great Mother that is loving and caring towards all of her children. As Westerners, we are not connected to Pachamama like the Qero. They understand deeply that everything is connected and alive and know that it’s critical for our species to understand this. That’s why they are traveling the world. They have been told that they cannot heal Pachamama alone, they need others around the globe. That’s where we come in!
July 24th–Welcome Dinner @ Mono City. Space very limited. Donations accepted.
July 25th–The workshop in the Lee Vining area will be connecting with Mama Cocha (Mother Oceans and Waters) through Mono Lake and its tributaries. We’ll be blessing the waters of this precious land and will receive blessings to our own blood and bones, to make a deeper connection to the waters that flow within us and in nature. These exercises give us Kallpa, strength and the ability to find our place in this world. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Suggested donation $50+.
July 26th–The workshop in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest will teach us how to connect with Pachamama, Mother Earth. We will learn about Kawsay, the living energy, and how to connect in Munay (love grounded in will) to Pachamama. The Qero will teach us techniques on how to open our hearts, cleanse our energy bodies, and develop a harmonious relationship with the Pachamama so that we know that we are held as her children. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Suggested donation $50-100.
July 27th. Day Long Retreat, First Light Ranch, Hammil Valley. We’ll begin by opening sacred space, offering a Hariwakuy (Despacho) ceremony, and Pachamama teachings. We’ll share a meal together for lunch (bring your own), and then in the afternoon we will hold space for each other for personal healings with the Paqos, massage, reiki, meditation, journaling and art. We will share a dinner together (provided), and then a sacred fire and closing ceremony. $200 (includes dinner) plus donations to providers for healings, reiki, massage, etc. 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Personal Healings by Paqos: $125 for 1 hour, $250 for 2 hour healing plus heart opening initiation.
Sunday July 28th, Bishop
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Free Community Hariwakuy/Despacho Ceremony. Donations accepted! C5 Studios, 210 S Warren Street, Bishop. Weavings for sale as well.
1:00 – 5:00 PM Personal healings available at TBD.
**Transportation to venues not included. Please try to rideshare! 🙂 The only meal provided is dinner on July 24th and July 27th for the retreat day.
Registration is now closed. If you would like to participate please email Betsy.
This is a fundraising trip for the Paqos to benefit the mountain town of Q’eros and to help fund the Paqo travel to spread the word of how to honor and come into connection with Pachamama. The above pricing is a suggested donation. You may give more, of course, or if you need to pay less, please connect with me privately. Weavings and other Peruvian made items will also be available for purchase at all events.
More Details re Personal Healings
- Private Healings will take place throughout the week. Schedule TBD. One aspect of Q’ero healing is the practice of Saminchakuy, which involves energetic cleansing and purification. Paqos use tools such as feathers, rattles, and sacred plants like Palo Santo or sage to clear stagnant energy and remove energetic intrusions. Saminchakuy helps individuals release heavy emotions, traumas, and negative patterns, allowing for greater clarity, vitality, and spiritual connection. In addition to energy clearing, Q’ero Paqos also specialize in “kuti,” which means to blow or infuse energy. Kutis are energetic transmissions performed by the shaman to restore balance and vitality to the individual’s energy field. By channeling healing energy from the Earth and the Cosmos, Paqos help to replenish and revitalize the individual’s Kawsay, promoting healing and well-being. Cost $125 for one hour.
Karpay- Munay Karpay (Love Initiation)- Receive a clearing/cleansing and an initiation (Munay Karpay) that opens up the heart and begins the transformation process of cleansing the heart of the energy that keeps the heart closed. For those following the Andean path, please bring your misha/mesa. Cost $250/2 hours.
To book a session of a Karpay or a private healing please register via this Google form or text/call me at 760-784-0745 or send me an email at betsymcdonald19@gmail.com
Meet Our Paqos
Don Juan Apaza Quispe
Born in Qollpacochu, a remote village in Hatun Q’eros, Juan is a knowledgeable Pampamesayok Paqo healer, teacher, leader, father and grandfather. He is here to teach us how to source from Pachamama and Wiracocha (Great Spirit) through the wisdom of the heart.
Karina Davalos Concha
Born in Cusco, raised with grandparent from Mollepata, Karina spent many years with her grandparents learning Quechua and how to perform ceremonies and connect with the Pachamama. Karina worked as an interpreter for Alberto Villoldo. During this time, Don Manuel Quispe, Don Mariano Apaza, Don Umberto and Dona Bernardina became her mentors. As they connected her to the Apus (mountains), she heard her calling to become a healer and ceremonialist ( Paqo). Today she works as an interpreter, guide, healer and teacher to people all around the world.
Fanny Concha
The youngest sister of Karina and born in Cusco, Fanny has followed in her sister’s footsteps. Working for Alberto Villoldo, she received her first initiation with Don Mariano Quispe in 2007. Don Juan Apaza Quispe and his wife Maria, further initiated Fanny onto the Pampamesayok path. Fanny is both a healer and an artist.
Event Details and Registration & Payment Information
To register, fill out the Google form sent by email or email betsymcdonald19@gmail.com or text 760-784-0745. Space is limited!
A 50% deposit will be required ahead of time to Venmo (@Betsy-McDonald-8), in cash or by check (PO Box 165, Bishop, 93515). Full refunds will be given if you cancel and we can fill the slot we reserved for you. If not, 50% return.
Deepest Valley Qigong 