Also:
* Geology, plants, and animals of the Colorado Plateau.
* Sovereign nation status, environmental, economic, social and political issues.
* Living in the 2 worlds of Western culture and traditional Hopi.

When available, we see special seasonal activities and craft making. You will have a chance to buy crafts directly from the artists and to see items of traditional culture at a unique on-reservation trading post.

We stop travel through a corner of the Navajo Nation--cultural information is shared about Navajo peoples.

Please scroll down for:
2 and 3 day Hopi and Navajo journeys description and
Past Journeyer Comments

or 4 - 6 day cultural retreat/gatherings
are highly recommended for people seeking a more in-depth immersion

Group tour escort and special itineraries available.

Cliffs
by Faron Suli from First Mesa

Across I stand and see
Faces of mesa cliffs
Each face has their own song
They sing in turn
Loloma* they sing
Qua-qua* they sing
All is one.

*loloma means good
*qua-qua is male way of saying thank you

Special 2 and 3-day
Hopi & Navajo Cultural Journeys
Having more time on Native lands allows for more experiences and a lot deeper immersion experience!

Do you have a deep cultural interest and want the special experience of spending quality time with warm-hearted hosts?
Do you enjoy experiential learning?
Does your spirit long for an ancient connection to another time?
Are you an educator or a person with a deep cultural interest?
If any of these fit you, this may for you!

Hopi Mesas 2-day Journey In addition to above day trip activities: spend more personal time with the People, see ancestral great house ruins with earth breathing hole and special ceremonial sites, visit a a major remote rock art site (if permit is available), see sacred mountains, (dinosaur footprints, striking volcanic field are options). Learn about the importance of springs and water to Hopis, how they dry farm in the high desert. Participate in special seasonal activities, an evening program with music and a blessing circle, thoughtful discussions, exploration of your personal interests. Go home feeling like you have found a new family and perspective on life. Hopi artists will help you create a special rock art piece or gourd rattle to take home as a visual reminder of these heart-felt experiences. Each trip will be customized to the season, community events and interests of the participants. Sweatlodge option may be available (by donation and not included). 2 days: $595* (per person based on 4-6 people; ) includes van transportation, cross-cultural guide and Native American guides, entry fees, permits, program, Hopi dinner and breakfast, 1 night lodging Comments from guests from Holland who went on the Aug. 7-8, 2001 Hopi 2-day journey: "When I look in the eyes of the Hopi and Navajo people, I feel the country. They are at home with the land and they have a real way of life. I feel one with them and am not a stranger. They have so much wisdom. We in Europe have learned much, but our eyes say nothing of our heart. The people here live with their heart." Jos Jeurissen "I felt that I was affected by the environment here with these Hopi people who are so calm, warm, so peaceful--I start to get the same feelings. When I go home and have to hurry, I will think back of this experience in Hopi land, the people there--it will bring me alive more. I am able to use these memories." Rene Reulink

2-day Hopi and Navajo Cultural Journey plus Canyon de Chelly jeep tour, cliff dwellings and rock art Day trip to Hopi Mesas with overnight on either Hopi or Navajo lands and also visit Navajo land. In Canyon de Chelly, you will feel the spirit of adventure and discovery as you jeep ride with a Navajo guide through this roadless, sandy, sheer, red-walled canyon famous for its beauty and the concentration of cliff dwellings and rock art of the ancestral pueblo people from 400 BC to 1300 AD. The heart of the Navajo Reservation today, this is a sacred place in the Dine spiritual world. We will see Navajo hogans and livestock, hear their stories and songs, and experience this dynamic earth-based culture with roots in ancient tradition. Gaze or hike into the depths of the canyon from spectacular rim views. When available will have a personal visit with a Navajo weaver for insights into this ancient craft and women's role at Navajo and a sandpainting demonstration. $595* (per person based on 4 - 6 people) includes van transportation and jeep tour, cross-cultural guide and Native American guides, entry fees, program, Hopi dinner and breakfast, 1 night lodging more info and photos: --Canyon de Chelly tour page --Earth Medicine Vision Quest Retreat

3-day Hopi and Navajo Cultural Journey plus Canyon de Chelly jeep tour, cliff dwellings and rock art with option to include Monument Valley or Window Rock or more time at Hopi 2-day journey described to left with more time with the people. Some customized options available on a 3-4 day Hopi and Navajo trip can include campfire circle with song and dance and a fire blessing, backcountry hikes, visit to Dineh College, make a sandpainting art piece, Navajo cook out, visit a remote hogan, sweatlodge, special wedding or other personal blessing. above is photo of part of wall mural at Dine College With Window Rock option, we can visit Navajo Nation capital area, learn more about Navajo arts and history, meet with interesting people involved in different aspect of Navajo life, go behind the scenes at an historical trading post. Window Rock by tribal capitol offices 3 days: $795* (per person based on 4 - 6 people; cost) includes program, transportation, guides, entry fees, 2 nights lodging, double occupancy.

Sweatlodge and fire blessing ceremonies, when available, are optional, by donation, and not included in price.
*plus fuel surcharge when gas is more than $3.40 a gallon

scheduled 2008-9 dates:
Jan. 2-3, 2009
New Year's Journey
Hopi , Navajo, Canyon de Chelly special journey with blessings of the New Year

Other cultural experiences:
Special 4 - 6 day cultural seminars/journeys
Ancient Cultures and Spectacular Landscapes Journeys

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Past Journeyer's comments:

"I just wanted to tell you that our day in Hopi Land was one of the highlights of our trip. Like you mentioned we went with an open mind and open heart and were not disappointed. The day spent was a real privilege. Isn't it amazing that in this day and age, the Hopis continue to live much in the same way as their ancestors. This was the real deal! ...We are so fortunate to have been allowed to enter their world for a few short hours. You take care and continue in your work to help educate all of us."
J. Morimoto from California, April, 2008

 

"I want to thank you for the great experience you gave us on our trip in the Hopi reservation. Our expectations were exceeded. Quickly all of us realized we had hired a very legitimate, experienced guide who knew the people well. That was one of the most important, if not the most important, considerations for us in choosing a guide, and we were glad that you were in fact an expert. It seemed the people we met enjoyed giving us something to take away beyond the basic exchange, and that was wonderful. We had nice conversations and it added significant depth to our experience of Hopi; we were participating rather than just looking in. And we saw much more than we could have without a guide. I would highly recommend Sandra as a Hopi guide to other groups. It quickly became clear that Sandra has real personal relationships with the Hopi people she knows. She was able to guide us through the reservation, and put together a program that was special and unique. The people she introduced us to were welcoming and opened up to us some things you just can't read about in a book." Jered Stoehr, Arnaud and Ann, California and Netherlands, 2007

 

"I HIGHLY recommend Crossing Worlds to any traveler. We feel EXTREMELY grateful to have found her!!!! Sandra took care of every detail of our trip from wheelchair rental to hotel accommodations. Every thing was absolutely perfect during our 9 day adventure during which my 80 year old parents and myself (I'm in my 40s) did everything you can think of - from a 4 hour jeep tour of Canyon De Chelly to playing Bingo on the Hopi rez until 11:30 at night! (The Bingo probably won't be a common request - but it was ours and she made it happen!)

We met some lovely people through her and felt both excited and relaxed during our trip. Being Native myself I can tell you that traveling with Sandra will allow you to meet real people from the area - who happen to be Indian - and if you are not familiar with Indian culture(s) you will have a real view into a different world from the "dominant" one most of us live our daily lives within. Words can not convey all of our experiences - I wish the same positive energy and force that all three of us gained for our lives to all travelers who are fortunate enough to have found Sandra and Crossing Worlds." Roberta A Duhaime, DVM, Mohawk heritage

 

"I chose Crossing Worlds Journeys because I sensed that they really cared and wanted me to experience the Native American cultures as well as to understand their beliefs. Little did I know that they would transport me into their world, help me honor people who live by their beliefs, and rekindle an awe of the magic found in nature.

The persons we met accepted us without judgment, shared with us their food and knowledge, and welcomed us into their spirit at the level that each person chose to be received. It makes one wonder what life on Earth would be like if all of us were as unconditionally loving as the guides involved with Crossing Worlds. I am grateful that the persons we met and learned from have chosen to be caretakers." Lisaminh Woodruff, New York, fall, 2000.

 

"Thank you for an unforgettable trip to the Hopi lands. The whole day was special. As we drove away from the mesa with the Indian music playing, I felt that I was leaving a special world behind. I will treasure these memories. Thank you for introducing me to your Hopi friends and being a gracious guide."
C. P., Indianapolis, May, 2000

 

"Getting to know the Hopi people was one of the highlights of my trip. Interacting with the Hopi by eating with them at their table, dancing with them and mingling with the children was an experience that was very unique with a tour. In fact. I felt as if iI was part of their family and really connected with them on every level. It was such a personal experience that I didn't think of me being on a tour but on vacation visiting family and friends". Carolyn W., Washington, D.C.