Peru Bucket List adventure
October 21 -28, 2023
We are thrilled to once again share this special, sacred experience with an intimate group of intrepid travelers. We have handpicked and carefully curated the best of the best experiences for YOU: adventure, culture, cuisine, history, nature elements, and of course, movement and meditation…all this with attention paid to our environmental and social impacts on this beautiful land and her people. Keep reading for a sneak peek at what’s in store…
This bucket list adventure includes:
* 7 nights of accommodation in a range of idyllic locations from city to Sacred Valley, including 6 nights split between our favorite swanky boutique hotel in Cusco and our favorite gorgeously landscaped hotel in the breathtakingly beautiful Sacred Valley, and 1 night of tented accommodations (think: glamping!) at the base of a stunning glacial lake
* All in-country transportation in a comfortable transit van with our own private driver, including pick up and drop at the Cusco airport on arrival and departure days at designated time (we will share recommended flight arrival and departure times before you book your flights). Train through the Sacred Valley to and from Inca Trail.
* Guided hike of the final leg of the Royal Inca Trail (about 7 miles; this is our longest hike), through the sun gate to Machu Picchu.
* Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu pass ($250 value; these are reserved specifically for each individual, and non-refundable per Peru regulations)
* MACHU PICCHU (!!!) tour, including history and cultural significance
*Guided hike to a majestic glacial lake, and camping at its base (if it’s a clear night, we’ll be able to spot the Southern Cross along with other Southern Hemisphere constellations)
* Guided tours to multiple important Inca archeological sites throughout the Sacred Valley
* Local expert guide accompanying our private group throughout our whole trip, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the region. Our guide has become like family to us during our visits to Peru; we imagine he will quickly feel like family to you, too.
* Traditional Andean blessing ceremony with a local shaman (this was one of the most special and memorable experiences of our last retreat!)
* Visit to local markets, cooperatives, and textile village
* Visit with native mountain community to learn about their life, traditions, local crops, customs, and contribute to sustainable development of the community
* Hike along the ancient Incan aqueducts, over the valley below
* Daily breakfast, snacks, most lunches and most dinners, including a special multi-course dinner on our camping evening, picnicking on the Incan Trail, and a traditional “panchamanca” meal ceremony. Be prepared to have all of your senses thoroughly delighted by Peruvian cuisine! Just for starters, imagine tart passionfruit juice, fire roasted native potatoes, citrusy ceviche from local trout, and of course, Pisco sours!
* Daily group practices, including yoga, meditation, introprective exercises and facilitated group dialogue, led by highly experienced facilitators, teachers, and coaches Carrie and Kelly
* Group Coaching Support throughout our journey
* Personal Expansion Challenges
* Opportunities to explore and relax on your own. Stroll historical sites in Cusco, visit a local market, book a massage or time in the sauna or steam room at our in-hotel spa, or whatever else your adventurous heart desires
* Gratuities for our guide and all support staff and local community representatives (driver, porters, chefs, shaman, etc). This is an important way we can support the individuals that take care of us so well throughout our journey.
* Carbon offsetting. All carbon produced by our travel while in Peru, including our van transport and flights from Lima to Cusco, is offset into a carbon sink. This makes your trip Carbon Neutral. In addition, two trees extra per person, per day of your trip will be planted in the Cusco area as part of a long term reforestation project. This ensures your trip is Carbon Positive. In addition, 1% of the cost of your trip goes to a long term reforestation project in the Lares area.
* Extraordinarily beautiful natural beauty, deep connection, the opportunity for personal growth and transformation…and as always, fun surprises to delight you along the way!
* Thorough support prior to our trip, including extensive recommendations for packing, arranging flights, acclimating to altitude, insider’s tips, and more!
FAQs
That’s a lot of goodness! What is NOT included?
airfare
2 lunches and 2 dinners (we encourage you to explore the delicious and beautifully prepared local cuisine!)
spa services or extra excursions if you wish to arrange on your free days, and associated gratuities, other than those noted above
extra drinks, snacks, and alcohol (we know you want to try those Pisco sours!)
Covid testing prior to trip and before re-entering U.S. if still required at time of trip
any gear you might want to purchase or rent (like hiking poles- highly recommend!). Tents, sleeping bags and pads ARE included for our one camping night!
travel insurance (highly recommended for unforeseen needs while traveling internationally, and to protect your investment)
overnight in Lima, if required to accommodate flight times (we will provide very detailed advice on scheduling flights)
How do I get to there?
While we will provide detailed recommendations regarding timing, here is the rundown: 1) fly to Cusco, Peru (almost certainly, through Lima) 2) we pick you up at the airport at the designated time.
I really want to bring my partner, but they don’t practice yoga. Can they still come?
Absolutely! All group activities, including yoga, are optional. And, we offer practices to delight a range of levels. Some yoga classes will be great for everyone, even including folks who have never stepped foot on a yoga mat. Other classes may be geared toward people with some experience practicing yoga. You’ll be provided with a detailed itinerary, so you (and your partner!) can decide what you’d like to participate in, and what you’d like to skip.
I’m a solo traveler and don’t know any of the other participants. Can I still come?
Yes! Absolutely! We assert that though you’ll begin the retreat on your own, you’ll leave the retreat with a community that very much feels like family (and probably will be, forever).
I see that rooms are double occupancy. What if I want to stay in a room by myself?
If space in our hotels allow, we may be able to offer you a private room. Message us for availability and rates!
I have a condition that may be aggravated by high altitude conditions. What should I do?
If you have any concerns about your well-being, particularly those involving high intensity exercise at high altitude, please consult with your medical provider and get the “all clear” prior to booking.
What happens after I reserve my spot?
We do a happy dance and welcome you to the Explore & Expand family! And then, we send you an email with itinerary, next steps with regards to booking your flights, and an invitation for our pre-travel intro and info Zoom call. We will ask for a copy of your passport right away, so that we can reserve your Incan Trail and Machu Picchu passes.
I have another question! What should I do?
Email us! We’re happy to help.