A. Active Workers
1. Arda
a. Shortly
I was born and grew up in İstanbul. I studied at Galatasaray (an old selective school) in the old town of the city. I work since I am 18, serving is an important part of my life.
After my first arrival to South America and to Sacred Valley in 2010, moving here was not a hard decision to make. I live here because I love Andes, quechua people, mountains, adventures, traveling, learning and spirituality.
I have held a communal house in Calca for 10 years. I organize, operate and guide customized 15 days long journeys in different South American countries and also 1-7 days experiences here in Peru, always for small groups.
I share my knowledge and love, in order to help people having a strong adventure and a spiritual connection. I feel like passengers enjoy my knowledge and love that are combined with my roots and teachings.
At present, we are building our community in Sacred Valley, a place to share, learn, produce and heal. Love is the base of my life.
I speak English, French, Spanish and Turkish.
I am a husband and father of three kids.
b. Professionally
I studied business in college.
I traveled abroad for the first time when I was 19, and from that point on, to fund my travels—thanks to my dad’s encouragement—I gained a lot of work experience. Because I’m good with people, I was successful in sales. At the age of 20, I decided not to build money-driven relationships with people (i.e., not to work on sales).
I worked as a tour guide at ETS, a lifeguard in the U.S., and an event coordinator at Ahmet San Productions. I also worked at the reception desk at Atatürk Airport and in the marketing department at Renault Trucks Turkey for three years. Most of the work I did there went through the general manager. And yes, thanks to those three years of office experience, I know how to use Excel (:
I played music at university festivals and in bars in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy with a rock band I formed with my high school friends. After working professionally as a photographer for a while, I suddenly left the city and spent four months living in a tent in Butterfly Valley, where I volunteered.
When I was just 20 (with my dear father’s support), I was able to buy myself a car. I partied hard but never let it interfere with my work. I became a partner in a secret, underground bar in Beyoğlu that operated like a social club. Even though I left that partnership with a significant financial loss for my age, it taught me invaluable lessons.
After these experiences, I finally graduated from university at the age of twenty-six, left wondering what on earth I was supposed to do next.
After spending years in the city, at the age of 26, I made a promise to myself that I would never forget: I want to live in nature, and we can do it together, with friends.
In 2010, along with my girlfriend at the time—back when there was very limited information available online—I set out on a low-budget trip to South America.
The trip lasted 9 months. With camping and photography gear in my backpack, I explored the most special places on this amazing continent—freely and even a bit recklessly. I saw the Caribbean coasts and met wonderful people. I spent 6 weeks in Venezuela and 6 weeks in Colombia. I hitchhiked 8,000 km through Chile and Argentina all the way to Patagonia, where I camped in many different spots over the course of two months. I got to know the calm and unpretentious people of Uruguay and enjoyed its laid-back vibe.
The idea of leaving Turkey, offering authentic travel experiences, and building a community came to me during this long journey.
Since 2012, I’ve been living in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas. I organize boutique tours for small groups throughout South America. For those who prefer not to visit this beautiful continent on a package tour, I design 1–2 week itineraries where we travel together as a group, striving to help them experience the magic of the lands they’ve come to explore. At the same time, I organize short trips in my off-road vehicle to remote and largely unexplored areas in the Andes Mountains.
In addition to this, I have been developing a project to establish a shared living and production space since 2012, and I have been actively working on this since 2021.
I was born in 1982, am married, and am the father of three children.
To learn more about my professional background, visit my LinkedIn profile:
c. Me and Vamoss
The truth is, as someone who has lived through and kept this story alive, hiding behind Vamoss has done me a world of good. Vamoss is both an idea and an ideal, and ultimately a tool. For me, it’s a symbol of the circle and unity we’ve always dreamed of together.
Vamoss has always brought beautiful people together. Beautiful people have gathered during our travels and in our home to meet one another and experience beautiful things. For me, Vamoss is like a self-sustaining, growing entity that carries me along. In this sense, I’m actually thanking Vamoss and striving to be worthy of it—or rather, of the one who gave it to us.
In short, finding myself as part of a formation like Vamoss at this moment in my life makes me feel truly wonderful.
I am fully convinced, both in my heart and in my mind, that we know our intention and have done the necessary work.
All the details, decisions, and processes not included in this presentation will be made and experienced through the Vamoss initiative—I hope, guided by our hearts.
Up until now, all decision-making processes have been carried out through collaborative efforts I’ve led (the Circle Initiative). They took shape through the resonance of the trust, love, and ideas that reached me. For the sustainability of this project—which could grow even further over time—I believe this trust is necessary for now.
For 14 years, I have willingly dedicated a significant portion of my time, energy, and money to Vamoss. I did this not as an investment, but to walk my own inner path and not to hinder Vamoss’s progress (it has always wanted to move forward).
I’ve maintained Vamoss Home through a self-sustaining system, and I want to ensure it continues that way. My intention is for Vamoss to function independently, without relying on any of us, myself included.
I haven’t even attempted to weigh the balance of giving and receiving during this process. In my life, questioning this balance (except for my strained relationships) is something I’ve always avoided.
Vamoss, to me, seems to have been created for those who know how to give and who love.
With love and respect,
Arda
d. Emotionally
I was born in that beautiful city, Istanbul, and grew up as a Beyoğlu kid with a deep love for Kadıköy. My dear family and Galatasaray—where I spent eight years in high school and eight years in college—had already laid a solid foundation for me to live as my heart dictates, to trust in life, and to take on responsibilities. My father is from the mountains of Antalya (the town of Elmalı), and my mother is from Rize but was born in Istanbul. My mother is a literature teacher, and my father is a geography teacher. My sister is also a Galatasaray graduate like me and is a wonderful older sister—in short, I’m very lucky in these matters as well, thank God.
By the time I reached my 20s, I had begun to realize the aspects that living in a megacity had deceived me into forgetting. I understood that I needed to free myself from the tangled web of values inherent in Turkey’s ancient civilization and the invisible pressures and fears it entailed. When I spent time in nature, I felt good. I began to understand that life is actually much simpler than I imagined, that my heart is vast, and that our minds are all too prone to deceiving ourselves.
In the summer of ’09, I found myself in the coast along the Lycian Way—places that taught me so much. In a place like Butterfly Valley, I volunteered to prepare breakfasts and stayed in a tent until the end of October. When I returned from the valley to the city (on a sudden impulse, even though I really didn’t want to), the first place I went was the military recruitment office. Living in the valley had felt so wonderful that I thought military service would be a break for me—a time to pause and reflect—and I suppose that’s exactly what it was.
During my time in Kelebek, I discovered that I wanted to see the stars at night, that I could live comfortably and mindfully in my own private space, that I wanted only a short time to pass before stepping outside from where I slept, and that I could do so when I focused—and I left there with certain intentions.
Throughout this entire time, I’ve come to realize a little more that the true joy lies not in the things I experience, but in the way I experience them. I’ve tried not to be tied to or dependent on anything at all. And as I shared this feeling, I became even happier.
This reality—where we all seek a little more love and respect, expect compassion and tolerance, and perhaps long for the earth and the sky—is beautiful and exciting to me. To my parents, my sister, my entire family, my friends, my high school, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, my fellow travelers, and everyone I’ve met along the way: I hope you always feel my love and gratitude.
e. Spiritually
As a child, I was someone who could pray with all my heart and felt a sense of excitement while doing so; yet, having forgotten all such connections due to city life and the influence of alcohol, I was fortunate enough to make a trip to the Andes Mountains, where I remembered what peace and energy truly mean. I’ve finally managed to escape, even if just a little, from that state of mind where I’d constantly ask questions and grow restless—and even irritable—when I couldn’t find answers.
Here, I’m living in a town inhabited by the indigenous people of South America (the Quechua). At an altitude of 3,000 meters, I’m leading a peaceful life within the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado), which is home to the world wonder Machu Picchu.
Here, I’ve had the chance to find my heart, understand my inner world, hear my inner voices, and (if I include spirits) strengthen my connections with the five elements. I’ve had the space to discover the power of breath, the importance of diet, and the beauty of intention, along with the opportunity to learn and practice these things.
I have shared these gifts given to me by trying not to impose myself. I see myself as dedicated to serving on the path of Love, compassion, and peace, and I strive to do my best.
2. Kateřina
Beautiful butterfly, always with the children and with me—thank goodness. She gives, gives, gives. She’s doing the greatest work of all: being a mother, caring for children. It’s wonderful to see how she helps the women who come here discover their fertility and embrace motherhood.
I can’t thank Katerina enough for reminding us of the beauty of serving—first and foremost those around us and those in greatest need—and of being there unconditionally (as I write these lines, she is calmly soothing a child’s deep cry inside).
You’ll see the gifts you can receive from her as you delve deeper.
3. Doruk
My relationship with Doruk is special. In 2014, we met in a remote corner of the Andes, in a part of Bolivia where almost no foreigners live. He had turned inward, in a true state of self-isolation. It was such a beautiful meeting, such a beautiful embrace, that when the time came, he got up and came to Vamoss Home, which didn’t even have a single nail in it yet. Together we dreamed, made plans, learned, and since materials were cheaper in Bolivia, we loaded construction supplies onto our backs and brought them here. We organized trips, maintained the Vamoss Home, planted seeds in the garden… When the time came, he listened to his heart again and set off on the road once more.
It was as if he were my old lover; for a long time after Doruk, I compared everyone who came along to him. We both know well what it means to never get enough of each other. Now he’s a family man too, and we’re on the road together again, supporting each other on our paths of Love.
4. Marie
Marie is one of the people I cherish most—she motivates me in a completely different way on my own path, gives me confidence, makes the journey enjoyable, and allows me to be myself around her. I have complete trust in her connection with her heart, with the Sacred Valley, and with me. I have complete belief in the service she provides and the many more she will provide.
Just as she offers osteopathic care, her conversation, music, or even her silence is healing.
I believe there is nothing Marie cannot do when she takes action and sets her mind to it.
5. Hasan Hüseyin
He is our elder brother who has big experience—both in terms of quality and quantity—in living far from the city, in nature; in building a place with his own hands in an untouched setting; in providing space, lodging, and meals for people; in facing the challenges that come with such work; while simultaneously living among many people and taking responsibility for his own inner journey—he is our elder brother who can hear the voice of his heart and trust it.
While his support has been immense from the very beginning, we intend to soon join him here, walking the path with our hearts and growing our village with our loving hands.
Thank you, brother,
6. Santiago
We had a wonderful encounter with him. On the road, at a moment filled with uncertainties where we had to trust the flow, he showed us the beauty of trusting people—just as he is, and with genuine sincerity.
Santiago is from here, from the Sacred Valley, from a village called Coya. His native language is Quechua. He has a very strong sense of spirituality, and a heart as big as the world. This phrase, which is always on his lips, says a little about him: “Sure, of course it’s possible—there’s no such thing as impossible!”
With his friendship, his solution-oriented perspective, and his energy that springs into action immediately, he has a special place in the hearts of many who have come to Vamoss. So much so that people who have passed through Vamoss, when they reach out to us again after some time, never fail to ask about Santiago. He served as our driver and provided full support on all technical matters. He was a true guide during the land acquisition process. At a moment when I thought I couldn’t afford it, even if it meant just the financial aspect, he said, “We’ll sell my car and pay for it.” When the time came and I asked, “Can we move to the land? Can we handle the water, road, electricity, and septic system and build a house?” he didn’t hesitate for a moment and said, “I’m quitting my job, I’m coming, Arda, we’ll do it.”
May his beautiful family and that powerful presence that brought us together with the magic of these lands always be with us, and may there always be love.
7. Christopher
He is a true friend, older brother, and master. It might be helpful to write here about some of the wonderful qualities he has developed—most of them after he passed middle age—in the hope that they might inspire us all.
Christopher believes that the practice of gazing directly at the sun is the most beneficial for our spiritual connections and physical health. His first task every morning is to greet the Sun and meditate by gazing at it for at least half an hour. He is a true musician. He plays nearly all instruments exceptionally well; he is a true marvel on the guitar, kena, flute, and harmonica—his stage presence is incredible, and his voice is equally wonderful. He has composed many of his own pieces.
He is an expert in nutrition and cooking. He is a master of organic construction. He is a master of Chi-Gong and Tai-Chi, dedicating an average of 3–4 hours a day to these practices. He maintains a healthy distance from medicinal herbs and wins our hearts by believing they shouldn’t be taken unless absolutely necessary.
Despite being over 70 years old, he is as sharp as a knife and incredibly flexible. Our friendship of over 10 years and our brotherly bond are very special. He has done a lot of good for many people at Vamoss Home.
With his huge heart, dedication to his practices, dietary discipline, constant talk of love, and the incredible chocolates he makes—among many other amazing qualities—he is the heart and soul of Vamoss.
At the beginning of 2018, a friend filmed our Sunday shopping trip together; you can watch it here.
He isn’t very tech-savvy, but he’s uploaded an album to YouTube—you can listen to it here.
8. Fırat
When Fırat first came here, he and his wife gifted their heartfelt music to Vamoss Home, and through his volunteer work, he had already invited all of us to Love.
With his demeanor, his creations, and his warm heart, Fırat is now a part of the Vamoss team. During our trips to South America, as we organize the travel arrangements for the incoming group, we wish him success in the wonderful service he provides by hosting, guiding, and showing the group around on various routes.
As Vamoss, while we do our best to provide heartfelt and professional service to those we serve, we are delighted to work with someone like you.
9. Salqa
In order to understand our Salqa, it is necessary to learn about the story of the community it belongs to. Because he is a Q’ero, he comes from one of the most uncontaminated tribes living in one of the most difficult areas of this region, under (in some ways) very primitive conditions.
The protected Q’ero Tribe is a tribe that lives in the altitude range of 4000-4500 meters and lives with its own healers, without a doctor’s face. The whole family of Salqa, who is a healing channel with the sacred mountains and lakes he is connected to, is actually a real healer. We became like brothers with Salqa, whom we met in 2016 in their village, which can be visited only with a special invitation.
He made an effort, learned English and is now invited to conferences around the world on the Andean Cosmovision (cosmic vision of the Andes). Salqa shares with us the clean vibe these places have. We have a long way to go with him; we wish to be intermediary for healing together.
Q’ero’lar Rotası için LINK
Salqa’nın vimeo’daki videosu için LINK
10. Cem Tevfik
My dear friend, my elementary school classmate—our friendship, tested by our unbreakable bond, is a source of trust. Though it’s difficult to put into words the place Cem holds in my heart, I hope that his faith in his own heart, in me, and in Vamoss will bring us together physically at just the right time and lead to many beautiful things.
I believe his sincerity and hard work will contribute greatly to our village and all our endeavors here, and I wish for our path to remain open.
11. Sevda
With the confidence gained from our heartfelt first meeting and our successful discussions, we embraced one another; since then, we’ve embraced the responsibilities that came with the doors we’ve opened, and now we’re preparing to take even bigger steps. Sevda has gone beyond simply advising us that we should start sharing our progress here on social media—she’s taken the initiative in this matter, giving us love and trust, and continues to do so.
She’s handling Vamoss’s social media posts (thank you so much!) and the thought of embarking on many more journeys and adventures in the future fills us with joy.
12. Dario
Dario is a local who is both cultured and well-educated; his native language is Quechua, and he speaks English fluently. As a licensed guide for the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, he is an excellent driver and possesses a respectful and mature demeanor—he is someone I truly enjoy working with.
He leads and guides our groups on certain sections of our itineraries in this region.
Thank you, Dario,