Dates of Adventure: May 7th to May 21st, 2025
An active trekking guided pilgrimage for those who love to hike, camp, and experience mind-blowing natural beauty and ancient culture.
Lima, Cusco, Inca Trail – Vilcabamba, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
We are in love with Peru. A few years ago, we visited the iconic site of Machu Picchu. We expected it to be amazing but were not fully prepared for the overwhelming sense of awe and spiritual connection we experienced. We realized we had only scratched the surface of all the treasures in the magnificent Andes, and the beautiful people that embody one of the most spiritually rich cultures in the world. We vowed to return someday, and to share the experience with others.
In the Spring of 2022, we partnered with a Peruvian guide, Washington (Washi) Gibaja, who is a community leader and a native of Ollantaytambo, one of the many Inca archeological city sites that contribute to the richness of the Sacred Valley.
Washi has been a professional guide for his entire life, a photographer, and a board member of the non-profit, Path of the Heart – providing food, clothing, education, and necessities to indigent children and families in the sacred valley region and surrounding communities. In a beautiful full circle, Washi was helped by the organization as a child and now serves on its leadership team.
We have now hosted several adventures with Washi and his team, and feel a deep connection to him – while trusting him implicitly with our groups. He has become our exclusive guide for several destinations in South America.
This is a unique and active experience for those with an adventurous Spirit! This pilgrimage will take us through the Sacred Valley of Peru, the Andes, and to Machu Picchu like 99.99% of the rest of the world will never be able to do. Travel on authentic Inca trails that are known only to the Inca natives that live there – our guides. You will not find a similar adventure to this on any group travel website or tour operators playbook. This is the perfect Peru experience for those who love to hike, camp, and visit epic ancient sites and vistas, without the tourist crowds and restrictions of the typical trails and sites.
Highlights:
- 14 days / 14 nights visiting ancient Inca sites, experiencing breathtaking vistas, and meeting and interacting with beautiful Peruvian native peoples.
- 8 nights camping with all provided gear, porters, and professional meal service. All gear is transported by porters and horses so you’ll only need to carry a daypack for hiking.
- Hiking or walking 5-7 miles per day average on Inca trails and through the Andes Mountain passes. Horseback riding options are available for parts of the trek.
- A visit to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu – iconic among the most amazing places on earth.
- Lovely hotels when not camping.
- Rich interaction with local Incan guides, shamans, and local villagers.
- A Spiritual experience involving participation in traditional ceremony, blessings, and educational opportunities. No evangelizing by, or to, us.
Accommodations and Meals:
- Mix of nice hotel stays and camping during the trek, with most meals included
- Professional cook provides delicious meals during the trek, including vegetarian options.
Inclusions and Pricing:
- Includes internal flights, transportation, accommodations, most meals
- entrance fees, guides, and camping equipment
DETAILED ITINERARY
Dates of Adventure: May 7th to May 21st, 2025
Trekking note: We will have local porters and horses to assist with carrying gear and supplies while trekking. Plan to carry a daypack with basic necessities, water, and trekking poles.
DAY 1 (5/7/25): HOME TO LIMA
Flight from US to Lima, Peru. Typically, you will arrive in Lima before or after midnight. Our staff and guides will take you to the hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner on your own (usually on the plane). Welcome to Peru! We will provide purified water upon arrival; please bring your own water bottle for filling. Accommodation: Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Aeropuerto
DAY 2 (5/8/25): LIMA - CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
After a good breakfast, take a 5-minute walk to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Fly to the Inca capital city of Cusco. Your guide and driver will pick you up from the airport in Cusco for a welcoming ceremony. Embark upon a guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley, as majestic today as it was during the reign of the Incas. You will see Inca terracing that climbs the steep valley walls and the beautiful temples of Zurite and Quillarumiyoc (Moon Stone Temple). We will try an amazing typical lunch in the town of Warocondo and then arrive in Ollantaytambo. Check in and rest at the hotel. You are free to explore this ancient town – the only living Inca town that has been inhabited continuously since Incan times. Accommodation: Hostal Samanapaq (B, L, D)
Note: Ollantaytambo is lower than Cusco, which is why we begin here to ease your acclimation to the altitude. We will provide purified water daily; please bring your own water bottle for filling..
DAY 3 (5/9/25): INKA TRAIL TO VILCABAMBA AND MACHUPICCHU
After an early breakfast, we will start hiking for about 6 hours to reach the campsite near the gate of the Sun site. The trail will follow the side of the mountain open to the Sacred Valley, so we will be able to see the town of Ollantaytambo below and the mountains on the other side of the valley. This part of the trek will vary from hiking on a flat trail to ascending. We will then cross the Inca bridge and enjoy breathtaking views before reaching Intipunku (Inca gate). We will have lunch at the quarry of pink granite stones, which was a strategic lookout post for the valley. We will stop here for a snack and learn more about the Incas before continuing up. Here we will see hundreds of stones in the process of being carved and transported down to the town via a system of platforms. We will also see small chullpas that were buildings used as tombs for importantant Incas. Accommodation: Beautiful campsite overlooking the Sacred Valley. (B, L, D) Note: Every day we will enjoy tea time to enjoy the sunset around 5:30 pm and wake-up tea/coffee in the morning.
DAY 4 (5/10/25): INTIPUNKU TO SACRED TEARS AND ANDES VIEW CAMP
After a great breakfast, meet the team cook and wranglers, and then take a 1.5-hour hike to the summit to see the valleys like the Incas did. We will pass by Raccaypata ruins. Here, enjoy a snack with the scenic splendor and explore the ruins before hiking to the small community of Ancascocha for lunch at the house of our wrangler. We willsee llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat. We will reach the blue lake for our campsite. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 (5/11/25): ANCASCOCHA TO MUYU MUYU WATERFALLS
After breakfast, hike a winding ascending trail to reach the 14,910 foot Guitarrachayoc Pass, surrounded by the Arequipayoc mountain range with Mt. Veronica rising above the peaks at 17,000 feet. Locals still plant at Inca terraces seen on the other side of the little valleys. The hike to the pass is a step back in time where you can see Peruvians working in fields of potatoes and other local crops. After about an hour, you will come to a small straw house where you will stop for snacks. Surrounded by cattle, llamas, horses, sheep, and the most spectacular bird named Wallata by the locals, who have created dances and more that shows their connection with wildlife. Here we will reach the Pass of Wayanay, which sits at 15,300 feet. From here, you hike into a valley with views of the famous Mt. Salkantay, stopping to take great pictures with the incredible Inca Trail along the valley. Descend and find the small Inca ruins of Inca Racay and finally the Waterfall Campsite of Muyu Muyu looking at the snowcapped mountains. Enjoy the Milky Way, the amazing constellation, explained by your professional guide. You will have an afternoon to relax. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 (5/12/25): MUYU MUYU TO PAMPACCAHUANA
Today's trek will start by passing a clear water river and the community named Qesqa and continue along the Old Inca Trail, stopping to visit with students of the small school of Qhesqa (where gifts for the children are appreciated). One hour later, we will reach the Inca ruins of Paucarcancha. Here lunch will be provided overlooking the ruins and its small community. The next stop is the community of Pampacahuana. Hike alongside the beautiful river and ancient sites, stopping at the Inca ceremonial and work site, Sacred Stones, with great views of elaborate Incan aqueducts. Another amazing camp awaits, overlooking the ruins and beautiful valleys. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 (5/13/25): PAMPACCAHUANA TO SALKANTAY AND COLLPAPAMPA (HOT SPRINGS)
Our early morning awakening begins at 5 AM with a coca leaf tea known as “te despierto,” served by the kitchen team to assist with acclimatization to the altitude. After breakfast, start the hike to the highest point of the Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters above sea level. You’ll have time to soak in the stunning views, photograph the mountains, and feel the proximity to Salkantay Mountain. We will have a small ceremony to express gratitude to the Apus, the mountain gods in local beliefs. Near here, we will enjoy an amazing lunch. There’s a short time for rest and then we will continue downhill to the camp at Ccollpapampa for a delicious dinner prepared by the cooking team. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 (5/14/25): CCOLLPAPAMPA TO SAN JUAN PASS TO YANAMA
Our hike continues following the famous Inca Trail. We will have a beautiful view of the valleys, mountains, and glaciers. The ecosystem is constantly changing; the Vilcabamba Mountains are located in one of the most complex areas of Peru. Our campsite will be in the small village of Yanama (11,581 feet). A late lunch will be provided by the professional cook with a Pachamanca, which is a traditional Peruvian dish baked with the aid of hot stones. The earthen oven is known as a huatia. We will have food for vegetarians and vegans and visit the ancient village. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 (5/15/25): YANAMA - YUTUPA - LAZUNA PAMPAS – HUANCA CALLE
In Yanama, we will experience Andean life, traditions, and customs of the locals. Our path will go up and down among the tropical forest of Urpipata, Yutupata, and Tucarhuay, and will lead us to the Quellccamachay cave. We will experience an ascent to the Choquetacarpu Pass (15,091 feet). Here we will take a short break to savor and explore the area. Then we will descend again to the village of Huancacalle (10,498 feet), where our camp is located. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 (5/16/25): PILLAUPATA - VITCOS, ÑUSTAHISPANA (YURAC RUMI)
It is a delight to visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosasapata (10,104 feet) and Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi). Enjoy a nice evening at these unique ruins. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 (5/17/25): VITCUS TO MACHUPICCHU COFFEE TOUR BY LOCALS
Enjoy breakfast and you can revisit the ancient site. Afterward, drive for 3 hours to Santa Teresa for an amazing hot spring. On the way, local coffee experts will teach you about sustainable growing practices and coffee’s vital role in Santa Teresa's social and economic evolution. From the fields, you will continue to the roasting, where you will breathe in the aroma of roasting coffee and learn all about the magical process that turns a red coffee cherry into a delicious cup of java. After a cup of coffee, you won’t want to move from this place, but we have to in order to visit the Tunquihuayco waterfalls, with a high possibility of seeing the national Peruvian bird, the Cock of the Rock. From here we will walk to the Hidroeléctrica station. On the way, we will pass the waterfall of Mayubamba and the mountain of Machu Picchu. Arriving at Hidroeléctrica, we will have lunch, then take a train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu (B, L, D)
DAY 12 (5/18/25): MACHU PICCHU
We will leave the hotel after breakfast and ride to Machu Picchu (7,874 feet) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 06:00. After a guided tour of the archaeological site (including information about the life and culture of the Incas), you will have time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, as well as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you wish. Return to the hotel. Dinner as a group at Indio Feliz. Accommodation: Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu (B, L, D)
DAY 13 (5/19/25): MACHU PICCHU - MORAY, SALT MINES
After breakfast, we will take the train to Sacred Valley and board our private bus. Drive for 30 minutes to stop and visit the circular terraces of Moray - the Navel of the Earth. At this sacred site, we will feel the connection with the three worlds represented by the Condor, Puma, and Snake, sacred animals of the Incas. See how our ancestors built an amphitheater-like structure to study different microclimates. We will also visit an amazing salt terraces operation en route to Ollantaytambo, and for those who want to stretch their legs and get a little exercise, there is an opportunity to hike down into the valley for a while and meet up with the bus further down the road. Buffet Lunch at Hacienda Tunupa Restaurant in the Sacred Valley. From here we will travel to Cusco. Accommodation: Quinta San Blas (B, L, D)
DAY 14 (5/20/25): CUSCO - CITY AND SURROUNDS
Today you will spend learning about the region’s rich cultural history. The day starts with a guided walking tour through Cusco’s craft markets. You will visit the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the Inca’s Temple of the Sun, before enjoying a delectable lunch of regional cuisine. We will visit the Restaurant of the Universal Heart (www.pathoftheheart.org) to serve the kids that walk so far to school for a meal. The afternoon will be spent visiting the other significant Inca ruins in the vicinity of Cusco by private transportation, including: the mammoth fortress of Sacsayhuamán above the city, noted for its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its distinctive zig-zag patterned carved stone and subterranean altars; the hillside outpost of Puka Pukara, a small fortress that formerly protected the royal sacred capital of the Incas; and the Tambo Machay water temple that served as royal baths. Accommodation: Quinta San Blas (B, L, D)
DAY 15 (5/21/25): FREE DAY IN CUSCO – FLIGHT HOME
After breakfast, you can enjoy Cusco on your own – stroll through its cobblestone streets, poke your head into galleries and meet artists and artisans before you stop for a café on the Plaza de Armas or in the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. After lunch on your own, you can visit the Choco Museum or other places, and we will give you a ticket for some attractions that you can choose to go to. Then take a stroll back to your hotel to meet the group, and in the late afternoon, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima and then connect home. (B)
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Please note that exact pick-up times and tour start times will be reconfirmed daily with your local guides and Shamans.
HOTELS: Hotels are listed for each day; you can get more information by visiting their web pages. All of them have Wi-Fi in the rooms. Note: Hotels are subject to change based on availability.
IMAGES
PRICE
Price: $4500 per person, based on double occupancy. $5200 for singles with a private room.
Note: If you are single and open to sharing a room with a same-gender participant, we will do our best to pair you and offer the double-occupancy rate. Pairing is not always possible based on other participants, but we'll do our best!
You may reserve your spot now by paying the $1000/person deposit. We will contact you later for balance payment options.
Donations to Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon and Path of the Heart will be made from any of our net proceeds :-)
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
- Internal flights (Lima – Cusco, Cusco – Lima) and airport taxes.
- Private ground transportation for the entire trip.
- Beautiful hotels.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Huana Picchu, Vilcabamba, Sacred Valley, Cusco, all sites listed, and museums.
- Professional cook.
- All breakfasts and lunches. (Vegetarian options available).
- 15 Dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
- Shaman-trained guide and 1 native Shaman.
- Tourist train fares.
- Bus to Machu Picchu round trip.
- Smaller tips and a small project for children.
- Purified water daily for filling your personal bottles.
- Service for children (Hot Chocolatada and special bread).
- Snacks while on the trek.
- All camping equipment.
- All camping accommodations (Tent, sleeping bags, mattresses)
- Wranglers and porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear.
- Horses for riding throughout the trek for those who need them.
- Kitchen, dining, and latrine tents.
- Hot water in the morning for washing and a hot shower at a few of the campsites.
- First Aid and oxygen bottles available.
Not Included:
- International airfares.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips (guides, wranglers, cooks, drivers).
Participant Cancellation:
We limit our adventures to small groups in order to provide the best, most intimate, and engaging experiences. Each person is an integral part of making our trip successful and affordable for all!
A reservation fee of $1000 per person is required to reserve your spot. The balance due is as follows:
- 120 days prior to departure – $1000 installment due.
- 60 days prior to departure – final balances due.
Initial reservation fees of $1000 are fully refundable for 7 days after payment if made more than 67 days prior to departure. Refunds cannot be guaranteed within 60 days of departure. If we can refill your canceled seat, we do our best to refund any recovered payments.
We make payments in advance to our guides to secure the best locations, booking options, prices, and experiences. Refunds from our vendors cannot always be collected when cancellations are made at the last minute, therefore we cannot guarantee refunds to our attendees within 60 days of departure.
Personal travel medical insurance is required. We are happy to recommend providers we've used.
TESTIMONIALS
The beauty of this adventure is that it wasn’t about the adventure, but the connection. We experienced connection to so many of the aspects that define Perú such as: Inca culture and history, Peruvian cuisine, present time Peru through the cities, traditional Peru through smaller towns, nature, microclimates and so much more.
What made this experience so exceptional was the connection we formed with each other by exploring our inner spirituality with our guides who were more than tour guides, but spiritual shamans as well. I enjoyed both the external exploration of the travel throughout Peru, and the inner exploration as we pushed ourselves past our comfort zones to try new things. Our guides were very wonderful, knowledgeable and fun.
-Benita C., Peru 2022 Adventure
This was, indeed, a trip of a lifetime. Everything we experienced was carefully, professionally and compassionately mapped out. Even the extra last-minute side trips (roof tile-making, bakery, pork soup restaurant) side trips were joyfully interspersed with the itinerary. Clare and Kevin are perfect hosts - caring, accommodating, respectful, happy, patient, etc., etc., etc! Our guides, Washi and his brother, Rogelio (Rocker), were outstanding! Even Washi's wife, Pammela joined us from time to time to support our travels. So much knowledge to share, and as with Clare and Kevin, our guides were caring, accommodating, respectful, happy, patient, etc., etc., etc! As an example, Washi's skill, knowledge and kindness were evident in his ability to give a few of us the confidence we needed to safely walk to the top of Rainbow Mountain in spite of the thin air. Washi had us hold hands as if in a chain. We walked 20 steps, rested and continued in this manner to the top of the mountain - altitude 16,313! What a sense of accomplishment! As promised we were introduced to fabulous foods above and beyond expectations (well, maybe not the cuya😳). The spiritual aspect of this journey was life-changing. Our time with our Shamans, the local people and the entire experience stirred my soul. I will be forever changed (in a good way). Difficult to put into words. You just have to experience the magic of this adventure for yourself to get the full beautiful impact. Would I travel again with Kevin, Clare, Washi, Rocker, and Pammela again??? Yes - to the ends of the earth!!!
-Lorraine S., Peru 2022 Adventure
THE TEAM
Kevin & Clare Kubota
Aloha! We have been leading workshops and tours around the world since 2001 when I, Kevin, was asked to teach my first International photography workshop in Italy. Ever since then, the love of sharing our travel experiences with others has been an inspirational piece of why we do what we do. I've been a professional photographer for over 30 years and have taught photography workshops since 1998. Clare is our "Queen Bee", who joyfully and eloquently manages our team, co-leads our tours, and inspires me, and many others, with her zest for life and love for rich connection with people.
We have led travel experiences in Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Brasil, Italy, Hawaii, and Bolivia. We have also traveled and taught photography courses in many more places nationally and internationally.
We know one thing to be true: traveling with an open mind and open heart leads to amazing experiences and profound personal growth. We call this the "Traveller's Mindset" – where you allow yourself to be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and seeing life from a different perspective. You do more than allow, however, you take the first steps. You take the initiative to say "hello", ask to try, and listen more than you talk.
Inevitably, when you bring your Traveller's Mindset home to your own community, you find treasures in your backyard.
We were VERY excited to have made a connection and friend in Washi, our Peruvian guide. His kind and gentle heart, compassionate spirit, and love of sharing his culture made an immediate impression on us. We are truly excited to share this adventure with him.
Washington (Washi) Gibaja (our Peruvian guide)
I was born in Ollantaytambo, (10-06-82) on the Axis between Machu Picchu and Cusco. Ever since my childhood, I have dedicated myself as a guide to the sacred archeological site where I was born. Today I am also a professional guide (Tour Leader), photographer, partner for Buen Power Peru SAC for bringing Solar lights to remote communities, student for the law, etc.
Thanks to this work, I have had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world to do spiritual treatments, expositions, and conferences – taking the message of the heart towards the mind, and all about Peru and the ancient sites also the prophecy, union of the Condor and the Eagle. As well as to meet people and sacred places with magical energy. Like Desmond Tutu, Mark Victor Hansen (writer of the book chicken soup for the soul), the king of Indonesia, etc.
I drew inspiration for many book that I am author of from my first book “Wisdom and Kindness of the Pachamama”, Second book, the Magic of Machi Picchu, The Origin of the Incas and Their Medicine and JOURNEY THROUGH THE INCA CITY OF MACHU PICCHU, Spiritual, Political and Financial Freedom, with the intention to share and extend a little of the knowledge and wisdom of my ancestors, towards you. In addition, with the sale of this book, 15% of all proceeds will go to create efficient projects in the future to help the less lucky families in the Andes.
Also In Partnership With www.magicaltoursperu.com, www.be-a-bridge.com, www.pathoftheheart.com, Buen Power Perú, USAID, Multiple Organizations, and Private Donors I have been part of:
- Installing in 11,000 homes with solar panels or photovoltaic modules so that 55,000 people have Access to Light.
- 20 years in a row with 900,000 meals served to date, for the less fortunate children and families of the Andes.
- 104,000 Hot Chocolates, Cake and gifts to Boys and Girls at Christmas in the Sacred Valley.
- 3000 units of equipment (Coats, Shoes - Boots, Pants, Caps, Gloves, Stockings, etc.) for Vulnerable Boys and Girls and protect them from the cruel cold, etc.
- 5,000 food package delivered on this Covid19 world emergency to the needy families.
Today I live in Ollantaytambo, married to a wonderful woman name Pammela and have Two beautiful daughters named Victoria Alejandra and Helene Rose, the source of my daily inspiration. I have plans to continue writing, Guiding, and proving service while I can still here on this great planet.
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