Hopi Indian Lands Journey for the independent traveler

Hopi Mesas & Villages

1 or 2 day independent traveler journey with:

1.  Pre-trip planning & private guide(s) reservations 

2.  In-depth Hopi Culture program in Sedona area preparing you for your Hopi Journey.

3.  Drive to Hopi for a private tour with your guide(s).
You enter with a depth of understanding that goes beyond what you read in books or on-line.

Each Hopi independent traveler journey is unique to time of year, village activities, and guests.  This authentic experience is personalized to your goals and time frame.

"I hold the space for you to step into a circle of friendship and respect, a coming together of peoples, each learning from and inspiring the other. No two journeys are ever alike--the participants, the seasonal activities and an unexplainable magical synergy makes each one a unique experience." Sandra Cosentino

“I hold the space for you to step into a circle of friendship and respect, a coming together of peoples, each learning from and inspiring the other. No two journeys are ever alike–the participants, the seasonal activities and an unexplainable magical synergy makes each one a unique experience.”
Sandra Cosentino

 


Hopi kachina carving, Hopi art, ceremonial cycle of the year, Hopi indendent travel journey

Your Journey 

Your Hopi Journey begins with itinerary planning with Sandra Cosentino, founder of Crossing Worlds Journeys & Retreats in 1991.

Step 2 is a personalized pre-trip cultural seminar in the Sedona area a day or so before your drive to Hopi.  She goes over the route with you, gives tips for traveling safely.

We discuss the ancestral migrations to Hopi and ceremonial cycle of the year.   You gain understandings of world view, life today, and respectful visitor protocols.  This journey provides meaningful contacts with these warm-hearted peoples.

View Hopi art and items they make for ceremonies.

You receive a map, study packet.

Step 3. Drive to Hopi on our own to meet with your private Hopi guide(s) which Sandra has arranged for you.  Enjoy seeing villages and Hopi art, go into private home. If a community event is happening and open to guests, your guide will escort you to that and advise you of any protocols so Hopi cultural privacy is respected.

You will have a chance to buy crafts directly from the artists.

Option to arrange a meal(s) in a home.  More options are available for a 2-day journey.

Please see Hopi Culture Experiences for more information.


above left image is of Hummingbird Kachina carved in the old style usually gifted to girls and hung on the wall

Sandra Cosentino has been sharing in friendship and respect with Hopi people since the 1980’s.

Her informed passion, knowledge of the cultures and natural history of the region create a felt sense of these sincere, warm-hearted peoples.  You gain a sense of how they dedicate their lives to the Hopi way.

“I try to move past romanticized expectations to an openness to experience the daily life as well as the wisdom and energies that exist there.”

Entering with openness, aligned with knowledge of the cultural history, ceremonial cycle of the year and challenges of life today on the remote reservation, creates the opportunity for a deeper experience.

Sandra created the non-profit Crossing Worlds Hopi Projects in 1999 to support Hopi sustainability, self-empowerment and cross-cultural learning knowing from a place of respect, thanks and friendship knowing we are all connected in the greater web of life.  Please see video on Hopi: Ancient Ways in Today’s World


romyramishongovi1-Day Independent Traveler Journey 

Plan on an 11 hour day.
The drive each way is over paved roads and takes about 5.5 hours round trip.
At Hopi, your private guide travels with you in your vehicle as you go to villages and homes for 5 to 6 hours.

2-Day Independent Traveler Journey 

Hopi youth ready for fall social dances by Sandra Cosentino

Stay overnight at a Hopi owned inn (or camping option).

The next day go to a remote rock art site (depending on weather and if your vehicle can go on a 5 mile gravel road).

See more villages.  Enjoy going to community activities if available.

We can set up other personalized explorations with your guide or an art making experience.

Option to have dinner and an evening sharing circle in a home and blue corn pancake breakfast the next morning.


Please email for more information if you are an independent-minded explorer with a serious interest in Hopi people and their culture.

Please include your goals, interests and time-frame and number of people.  I will send you options and more details.

A planning deposit is required to begin the personalized itinerary and guide contact process as this takes time to organize for you in a meaningful way taking into account your goals, the season of the year, and what might be happening at Hopi.


Sun setting on Winter Solstice behind the San Franciso Peaks, the holy mountain of the Hopi people. This is a very special and sacred time of year to quietly share with Hopi people. Spending Winter Solstice with Hopis, one of our guests perceived: “what it means to celebrate the solstice to understand the cycles of mother earth more deeply, subtly, intuitively.” And how “My prayers and my intentions grew from the relative singular to the collective – all of humanity in a fuller way then ever before. Some Hopis never leave their land but their prayer touches the entire world.” Photo by Sandra Cosentino


fall showers, Second Mesa by Sandra Cosentino

fall showers, Second Mesa
by Sandra Cosentino

 

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

 


Other Cultural Journeys and Programs:

  • Explore Navajo independent journey
  • Hopi Spirit Program
  • Navajo Vision Circles Spirit Program
  • Southwest Cultures & Canyons independent journey overview

Past Journeyer comments:

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for an amazing day yesterday with you into Hopi Land! The journey, the native people we met, the privilege of witnessing their sacred ceremonies and land, has stayed with me in a deeply felt and profound way. Thanks to your passionate commitment to the Hopi and your own spirituality, this was a trip of a lifetime.” Ann, Seattle, WA, October, 2015

“I want to thank you for the work that you do in creating a bridge between the world of westerners and the world of the Hopi. Without the relationships you have forged, we would not have had a ‘heart experience’ of Hopi. Our time with Hopis you introduced us to touched us in ways that I have no words for. It is your work that created that bridge for us and I want you to know how grateful we are. We also loved our weekend experience at the Indian festival organized by the Archaeology group. Just fantastic!”
Jean Walker, Canberra, Australia, March , 2012

“Your journey was the highlight of our vacation, and surly the most fulfilling and spiritual experience I have ever encountered. The Hopis have touched my soul and I will always have a piece of them in my heart. I wish every person could have the opportunity to delve into their world and culture, ÊI think it would shed light on the ability for peacefulness among mankind, and remind everyone that there is more to life than what we can obtain materialistically, The true completeness lies in the fulfillment of the spirit…..at one with nature. remembering how very small we are in this world.”
Glenn, New York, August, 2001, 2-day Hopi journey

“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.