What if your next walk took you beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary?
To ancient Incan paths where your breath becomes a sacred prayer. Where stones carved centuries ago still hum within an ancient ceremony. Where glacial peaks give way to cloud forests, and cloud forests descend into jungle rivers thick with orchids and birdsong.
This isn’t just another retreat to South America.
This is a pilgrimage for those who know walking is sacred work—who are ready to trade “checking boxes” for coming home to themselves. Who want to stand on ground that has witnessed transformation for millennia and ask: “What’s next?”
Picture this… You’re standing before an ancient temple, breathing deeply from the climb and the awe. Your legs strong from days of walking through mystical lands—from high mountain passes where condors circle overhead, to jungle valleys where the air turns thick and misty. Peruvian sunshine warming your face as you place your hands on smooth stone that has held countless prayers.
Time slows. Worries fall away.
Surrounded by peaks that pierce the sky and earth pulsing with old magic, you can feel it…
You are exactly where you are meant to be.
Welcome to Sacred Walking Peru…
Where we walk ourselves awake, together.
13 days. Five ecosystems. One legendary path…
This is Salkantay and beyond—a carefully crafted journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley culminating at Machu Picchu, designed for experienced walkers ready to go deeper. We’ll share ceremonies with Andean wisdom-keepers, sleep beneath glacier-covered peaks, soak in natural hot springs after days of walking, and arrive at one of the world’s most mystical sites not as tourists, but as pilgrims who’ve earned every step.
You’ll return home with more than photographs. You’ll carry new sacred practices for daily life, unexpected friendships forged on mountain paths, and the quiet confidence that comes from walking far—through beauty, challenge, and profound connection.
A Sacred Walk is calling. Are you ready to answer?
Why Peru?
The land speaks to those that walk slowly and listen.
Ancient Incan pathways wind through five distinct ecosystems, from glacier-carved passes above 15,000’ to jungle rivers thick with exotic orchids. The mountains strengthen you, the forests soften you, the rivers carry you forward—each step an agreement between body, land, and spirit.
Peru feeds every sense—and then some.
Explosions of color in hand-woven textiles. Soups simmered with local herbs you’ve never tasted. The sweet smoke of palo santo at dawn. The shock of turquoise glacial lakes against white peaks. This culture doesn’t perform for tourists—it invites you in, feeds you well, and sends you home restored.
Real ceremony with real wisdom-keepers.
This isn’t performative spirituality. We’re welcomed by Quechua paqos whose families have tended these traditions for generations and who will guide us through despacho offerings, fire ceremonies, and practices that remain living spiritual technology, not museum pieces.
The perfect balance of iconic and intimate.
Yes, you’ll stand at Machu Picchu—but you’ll know the rivers that feed it, the passes that protect it, the valleys that lead here. You’ll belong in a way tourists stepping off buses never will. We also explore the quieter sacred sites, temples, precision-carved stone caves, hot springs, and hidden waterfalls, where only the sound of rushing water breaks the silence.
You’ll learn practices that keep working.
Daily meditations. Andean gratitude rituals. Ways to tend your inner fire. Techniques for turning everyday walks into sacred practice. This isn’t about peak experiences that fade when you get home—it’s about integrating tools that transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones.
Expert guidance makes magic accessible.
Your experienced, local guides know every stone of these trails and how to keep you safe at altitude. Together with local paqos, they create a container where real magic can happen without overwhelm.
Small groups, profound connections.
Limited to eight participants, this isn’t a tour—it’s a pilgrimage with people who understand that walking far together creates bonds that last. You’ll return with stories, yes, but also with genuine friendships forged at 15,000 feet and laughter shared over celebratory dinners.
Step Through the Portal… and into Authentic Peruvian Spaces
Our journey begins in the Sacred Valley at EcoLodge Ccatan Urubamba, a peaceful family-run sanctuary surrounded by gardens and Andean peaks. Sunset-tinted adobe walls, vibrant local art, and spacious common areas invite you to unplug, breathe deeply, and begin acclimating to this enchanted land.
From there, we venture to El Santuario de la Verónica, a magnificent off-grid lodge nestled beneath the mystical Apu Veronica. Multiple generations of one family committed to conservation, have been the stewards of this remote sanctuary that sits where two rivers converge beneath snow-capped peaks—the perfect setting for walking among ancient trees and glacial waterfalls.
On the Salkantay Trek, we embrace simpler comforts: rustic mountain huts and tents set up by our expert crew. These high-altitude camps offer what no hotel can—stars so close you could touch them, silence broken only by wind and distant water, and the deep satisfaction of sleeping where you’ve walked.
As we descend toward Machu Picchu, we arrive in Aguas Calientes at Hotel El Mistico, a recently renovated refuge featuring private rooms with terraces overlooking the Urubamba River. Perched high above the town, it’s a peaceful oasis where you can rest weary legs and prepare for the sacred site waiting above.
Our final nights are spent at Hotel Rumi Punku in Cusco’s historic center—a charming boutique hotel blending Incan, Spanish colonial, and modern design. With peaceful courtyards, rooftop terrace, spa, and walking distance to the Plaza de Armas, it’s the perfect place to integrate all you’ve experienced before returning home.
Nourishment for Body and Spirit
Peruvian cuisine isn’t just food—it’s a conversation between altitude and ocean, ancient tradition and bold innovation, mountain soil and jungle abundance. We’ll taste the results of extreme geography: over 4,000 varieties of native potatoes, rainbow-colored corn varieties found nowhere else, aji peppers that range from smoky-sweet to face-meltingly fierce.
From garden to table, every meal tells a story. Fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and mountain gardens. Quinoa soup simmered with Andean herbs. Avocados with textures you’ve never encountered, often stuffed with local treasures. During our trek, you’ll even pick, roast, and brew your own coffee straight from the farm—there’s nothing quite like understanding your morning cup from bean to mug.
The fusion is real. Centuries of Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences have created what many consider the world’s most exciting cuisine. Coastal ceviche meets highland pachamanca (earth-oven cooking). Street food rivals fine dining. And for those with a sweet tooth, alfajores—dulce de leche sandwiched between buttery cookies and dusted with powdered sugar—appear everywhere, and yes, they’re every bit as good as they sound.
All dietary needs honored. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food sensitivities—Peru’s agricultural diversity makes accommodation easy and delicious, never an afterthought. All food is handled with international safety standards, so you can eat adventurously without worry.
Coffee and cacao grow wild here. Which means chocolate lovers and coffee devotees are in their element. And here’s the best part: on our Salkantay journey, you’ll pick coffee cherries from the trees, roast the beans over open flame, grind and brew your own cup—tasting coffee the way it was meant to be experienced, from branch to mug in a single afternoon.
Highlights of Our Journey – Day by Day
DAY 1 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 29: Arrival & Opening Circle We gather in Cusco at La Bo’M Creperia and Tea Room while we’re waiting for everyone to arrive and journey together into the Sacred Valley. We wil stop at Chinchero’s weaving cooperative where traditional techniques are still practiced by hand and see epic views at the Mirador. After settling into our peaceful lodge in Urubamba, the afternoon is yours. The afternoon is intentionally unstructured, allowing your body to rest, hydrate, and begin acclimating to the altitude. That evening, our Welcome Dinner and Opening Circle marks the beginning of walking in rhythm together.
DAY 2 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 30: Walking with the Ancestors at Quillarumiyoc At this remarkable archaeological site, we walk slowly among carved stone altars and ceremonial channels that reflect Incan cosmology. After a picnic lunch on the land, local paqos Victor and Celia guide us through a Despacho ceremony—a sacred offering to honor Pachamama and the mountain spirits (Apus), setting intentions for our adventure ahead.
DAY 3 – MONDAY, AUGUST 31: El Santuario de la Verónica We travel deeper into the mountains to El Santuario de la Verónica, a remote sanctuary nestled at the base of Apu Veronica, one of the most powerful glacier-covered peaks in the region.
This area is known for its biodiversity, clear water, and strong sense of remoteness—far from towns, traffic, or modern distraction. After settling in, we take a sacred walk through the high-altitude ecosystem, learning about local medicinal plants, birdlife, and the conservation history of this sacred land.
As night falls, we gather for dinner and a fire ceremony led by Willko, our paqo, whose family lineage is deeply rooted in these traditions. The silence here is profound, broken only by wind and distant water moving through stone.
DAY 4 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: Ceremony, Nature & Integration This day unfolds slowly, guided by presence rather than schedule. For those participating, a Wachuma ceremony (San Pedro) will be held in a protected outdoor setting with experienced facilitators who prioritize safety and cultural integrity. Meals are simple, conversations softer, senses expanding. In the evening, we gather around the fire to share reflections and stories, grounded by the stillness of the mountain listening with us.
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: Sacred Sites & Trek Preparation
We return to Urubamba, stopping for lunch at Tunupa, a restaurant chosen not only for its food but for its festive atmosphere—overlooking green terraces and a wide river valley that illustrates how deeply food, land, and culture are intertwined here.
Later, we visit Naupa Iglesia, a lesser-known cave temple carved directly into the mountainside. This site is believed to have been a place of initiation and ceremonial preparation in Incan times. Its stone doorway, precision-cut niches, and natural acoustics make it a powerful place to wander and pause before beginning our long walk ahead.
That afternoon, we meet with our lead trek guide, who walks us through the coming days in detail—terrain, pacing, safety protocols, and what to expect.
DAY 6 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3: Salkantay Trek Begins
The Salkantay route begins in wide glacial valleys surrounded by towering peaks. Our morning hike is steady and unhurried before we ascend to Humantay Lagoon—one of the most striking bodies of water in the Andes, its intense turquoise color created by glacial minerals. We spend time here resting, taking in the landscape, and allowing the body to fully register the shift from valley walking to high-mountain travel before returning to camp for the evening.
DAY 7 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: Crossing the Salkantay Pass
We begin before the valley fully wakes, warming our hands with coca tea as first light touches the peaks. Today we climb steadily through alpine terrain toward the Salkantay Pass—the highest point of our journey at over 15,000 feet. At the pass, views open in every direction as Salkantay and Humantay stand like white giants.
From here, the trail descends into a different world. We descend through high-altitude valleys and shifting ecosystems as the landscape transforms into a lush cloud forest. We arrive at camp in Huayracmachay as evening settles in, tired in the best way, nourished by warm food and the deep satisfaction of having crossed something ancient and immense on foot.
DAY 8 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5: Welcome to the Jungle
We descend through dwarf tree forests where the temperature warms noticeably and hummingbirds flicker between flowering trees. This is one of the most visually diverse days—where snow-fed peaks fade behind us and green gathers in every direction. By afternoon we reach Challway, a quiet settlement surrounded by luscious green vegetation and cleansing waters.
DAY 9 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6: Coffee Farm & Hot Springs
We follow the Santa Teresa River through dense rainforest, walking alongside waterfalls, orchids, banana trees, and fields of coffee growing on steep hillsides. The air is rich with moisture and birdsong, and the trail moves gently through farming communities that live in close relationship with the land. In Lucmabamba, we will enjoy a unique coffee farm experience, by picking, roasting, and brewing our own cup of coffee straight from the farm.
Later in the day, we travel to nearby remote hot springs, where mineral-rich waters offer deep relief for tired legs and backs. Steam rises into the mountain air as the river rushes nearby—a moment of rest, laughter, and simple gratitude before the final days of the journey unfold.
DAY 10 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: River Walk to Aguas Calientes
The final stretch of our trek follows gentle terrain alongside the river. Machu Picchu occasionally reveals itself high above through breaks in the trees—just a glimpse, hinting at what waits ahead. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we celebrate with dinner at Indio Feliz, savoring good food, shared success, and the feeling of having truly arrived somewhere magical together.
DAY 11 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8: Machu Picchu
We rise early and ascend to Machu Picchu before the day fully unfolds. Stone terraces emerge from the mist as our guide reveals how the Inca understood astronomy, agriculture, and sacred geometry—principles that shaped every wall and passageway. In the afternoon, we travel by train through the river valley to Ollantaytambo, then onward to Cusco.
DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: Sacred Sites & Closing Circle
We visit Qoricancha—once the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire, where walls were covered in gold to honor the sun god. Then we explore Sacsayhuaman’s massive, fitted stones and hike past the Temple of the Moon. That evening, we gather at Nuna Raymi for our Closing Ceremony and Celebration Dinner—honoring the path we’ve walked together.
DAY 13 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: Departure
We carry home far more than photographs: new friendships, shared stories, unexpected insights, and the quiet confidence that comes from walking far through beauty, challenge, and profound connection.
Why Walk This Path With Me?
Small group, profound impact. Limited to just 8 participants, this isn’t about managing crowds—it’s about creating space for real transformation. You’ll arrive as individuals seeking something more and leave as a tight-knit circle who’s walked far together. The bonds formed at 15,000 feet and around fire circles don’t fade when you get home.
Why Walk This Path With Me?
Because walking can be sacred—and you already know this. As author of WildWood Magic: A Guide to Walking as a Sacred Path, I’ve spent decades teaching people to walk as spiritual practice. This trek brings those practices to life in one of the most powerful landscapes on Earth. You’re not learning theory—you’re living it, step by step, alongside someone who’s dedicated their life to this work.
This is the trip you’ve been waiting for. Not too extreme. Not too soft. Not tourist-trap spiritual bypass. Real trekking, real challenges, real ceremony, real connection. The balance you’ve been seeking but never knew it.
You’ll take home more than memories. Not just inspired for a week but changed in ways that integrate into Monday mornings and difficult conversations and ordinary walks around your neighborhood. Every day integrates meditations, Andean practices, and sacred practices designed to work in your everyday life—not just on mountaintops. You’ll return with a toolkit of practices that keep the magic alive. This isn’t about a peak experience that fades—it’s about building a foundation that lasts.
You’ll feel both held and free. Safe enough to go deep. Supported enough to surrender. Guided enough to trust the process. I know how to create containers where transformation happens naturally—not forced, not rushed, just… allowed.
Small circles create big magic. Limited to a small number of kindred spirits who understand that walking far together creates bonds that last. You’ll make friends you’d never meet any other way—people who get it, who’ve been called here for the same reasons you have.
Peru has been calling you. This is your answer. Maybe for years. Maybe you didn’t know why until now. But something in you recognized these mountains before you ever saw them. Maybe you needed more experience as a walker. Maybe you were waiting for the right guide who could hold space for both adventure and awakening. Maybe you needed to be ready for what happens when you walk yourself into genuine transformation. That time is now. This is your invitation to answer the call.
Meet Your Guides:
Collin Chambers
Guide. Educator. Author. Long-Distance Walker
Collin Chambers is the founder of WildWood Walking and is widely recognized for encouraging people to reconnect with nature through the simple act of walking. After losing over 100 pounds by adding a daily walk to her life, she now inspires people to reclaim their energy and self-confidence through meaningful movement outdoors.
Over the course of her career as a professional speaker, backpacking guide, walking coach, outdoor gear shop owner, and facilitator of transformative treks around the world, she has helped countless people discover their inner strength and resilience through walking. Her own path has taken her from hiking the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail to guiding sacred walks in Peru and Nepal—including living in Peru for a year over a decade ago. She’s returned to these sacred mountains many times since, building deep relationships with local guides and wisdom-keepers, always refining what it means to walk as pilgrimage rather than simply as a visitor.
She has served as the long-season Ridgerunner on the Appalachian Trail for multiple years and wrote the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Ridgerunner Handbook, a training manual for future trail stewards. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Backcountry Survival Instructor, Leave No Trace Level 2/Master Educator, and the award-winning author of WildWood Magic: A Guide to Walking as a Sacred Path, and the forthcoming book, The Mastery of Backpacking: Walking as a Path to Empowerment.
Through experiential group mentorship and personalized programs, she teaches walking, backpacking, and outdoor self-reliance as a profound pathway to confidence, strength, and embodied presence—both on mountaintops and in everyday life.
Dr. Maureen Santucci, DACM, LAc, EMP
Acupuncturist, Peru Expert, & Salkantay Trek Veteran
Maureen’s relationship with walking began long before Peru. She grew up in a rural town where cattle outnumbered people, spending her childhood wandering pastures and tracing streams, learning the quiet language of land through long days outdoors. After more than two decades of city life, it was the Andes that rekindled that sense of belonging during her first visit to Peru in 2008.
Although she had been an avid hiker for years, her first multi-day trek was the Inca Trail—a journey that changed the course of her life. Later that year, she relocated to Cusco, drawn by the mountains themselves. What began as devotion became vocation when she opened her own travel agency, allowing her to continue walking the landscapes she loved while helping others experience them with care and respect.
Before returning to the United States, Maureen completed the Inca Trail five times, the Salkantay route twice, and the Choquequirao trek once. She also contributed to several editions of Fodor’s Travel Guide to Peru, offering thoughtful insight into the country she came to know deeply.
In addition to her trekking experience, Maureen is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with more than twenty years of clinical practice. She brings both her medical expertise and her needles on this journey, offering an added layer of support as bodies adapt to altitude, long walking days, and the demands of the trail.
She guides with steadiness, warmth, and deep respect for the land—someone who knows these mountains not as destinations, but as living companions.
Your Investment
$3,995 USD per person (double occupancy)
This is not your typical “tourist retreat.” Only 8 spots available for this intimate journey—when they’re gone, they’re gone.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $3,795 USD per person ~ $200 off for those who feel an immediate “YES! Sign me up!” Full payment must be received by April 1st, 2026.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to new government regulations, Machu Picchu entrance permits must be purchased in advance using exact passport information and cannot be transferred between individuals. To secure the optimal time and route for our group, early registration is essential. Once we have your deposit and passport details, we can lock in your Machu Picchu ticket. Delayed registration may limit available tour options
DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to hold your space. Balance due 60 days before departure (or other arrangements can be made—reach out to us at collin@wildwoodmagic.com).
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE: We’re happy to work with you to create a payment schedule that fits your needs. Just send us a message.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Due to the nature of this trek (shared tents during the Salkantay section and at Apu Veronica), private rooms are only available for 6 of the 13 nights—and only if space permits. Contact us at collin@wildwoodmagic.com to check availability.
REGISTRATION CLOSES: August 1st, 2026
What’s Included
✓ 13 days/12 nights of transformative Peruvian magic
✓ Pre-trek Support – Months of pre-trip preparation group-coaching
✓ All lodging (hotels, mountain huts, and tents)
✓ Most meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner as noted in itinerary)
✓ Expert professional guides (international and local wisdom-keepers)
✓ All ground transportation: drivers, shuttles, transfers, and train tickets
✓ Pre-trek orientation with lead guide Odon
✓ All ceremonies and cultural experiences (including Wachuma ceremony)
✓ All trek permits and entrance fees (Machu Picchu and other sacred sites)
✓ Emergency supplies: First Aid kit, Oxygen, Emergency Radios
✓ Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
✓ On-trail acupuncture support (altitude adjustment, muscle recovery, sleep, digestion)
What’s NOT Included
✗ International round-trip airfare
✗ Some meals (as noted in itinerary – 3-4 meals on your own)
✗ Sleeping bag & trekking poles (rental options available – contact us for details)
✗ Personal gear and clothing
✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
✗ Gratuities for guides, horsemen, cooks, and drivers
✗ Personal expenses: souvenirs, laundry, spa services, massages
Testimonials
What People Say About Collin’s events:
“Collin sees the world in such a magical way. It is a gift to be in her presence. I’ve learned so much from her during this retreat and I look forward to more opportunities to learn from her in the future!” – Dawn C.
“Collin’s knowledge of the practical advice of walking paired with her connectedness to Mother Earth leaves one feeling reattuned to our roots! I would highly recommend anyone to learn under her. My favorite part was learning about walking as a spiritual practice. I loved the intention put into everything!” -Jessica B.”
“Collin is a wonderful host and speaker. She is lively, fun, very knowledgeable on the subject of walking/hiking, the power of positivity, and an all-around good soul. The entire event was perfect. I loved all the laughter, the easy-going walks, and a truly wonderful host. I am very inspired by this event!” -Alice K.
“I highly recommend joining one of Collin’s events. Spirit guide Collin helps you reconnect with nature and self.” -Wanda C.
“Collin is a magical being that takes you to the most enchanted places, creating connections, and a respite in nature.” – Jewel R.
“If one is considering attending one of Collin’s events, you should be prepared for being filled with light and healing in a world where it is very hard to push the pause button.” – Tamara C.
Frequently Asked Questions
BEFORE YOU GO
Where do I fly into? We meet in Cusco, Peru at Alejandro Velasco International Airport (CUZ). All flights to Cusco originate in Lima, Peru at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). Multiple daily flights to Cusco are available on LATAM and Viva Air Peru. Pro tip: Booking your Lima-to-Cusco flight separately is almost always cheaper than booking it as a connection.
Do I need a visa? Visitors from most countries in the Americas and Western Europe don’t need a tourist visa and will receive a 90-day tourist stamp upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. For specific requirements, visit peru.travel.
When should I arrive? Everyone should arrive at Cusco airport by 12:00 noon on August 29th. However, we strongly recommend arriving 1-2 days early to acclimate to the altitude leisurely. Many people need a day or two to adjust and regain energy. Arriving early also gives you buffer time if flights are delayed.
Is airport transportation included? Yes! Group transportation to/from the airport is included if you arrive by noon on August 29th. If you arrive later, we’ll arrange private transport for $30 per person (less if multiple people arrive together).
Can I arrive early or stay late in Peru? Absolutely! Many participants extend their trip to explore Lima, the Amazon, or other regions. We’re happy to provide recommendations. Just arrange your own accommodations for nights outside our itinerary dates.
PREPARING FOR THE TREK
What fitness level is required? You should be an experienced walker comfortable with 4-6 hours of hiking per day at altitude. Our beginning walks are shorter and easier to help with acclimatization. The Salkantay Trek includes some challenging sections (including crossing a 15,190′ pass), but the pace is intentionally slow and supportive. If you can walk 5-6 miles with elevation gain in your home terrain, you can train for this trek.
Pre-trek support included? Yes! After registration, you’ll receive access to a walking training program, group coaching support, and detailed packing guidance. This preparation is a key part of the experience—we’ll help you arrive confident and ready.
What about altitude? Cusco sits at 11,150,’ and we’ll reach over 15,000’ on the Salkantay Pass. Our itinerary is designed with acclimatization in mind—we start in the Sacred Valley (lower elevation), gradually ascend, and include rest days. We recommend arriving early, staying hydrated, drinking coca tea, and listening to your body. Your guides are trained in altitude safety protocols and will be providing additional information in your welcome packet.
What should I pack? You’ll receive a comprehensive packing list in your welcome packet. Key items: layered clothing for varying temperatures (30°F-79°F range), rain gear, sturdy hiking boots (broken in!), sleeping bag, and trekking poles with rubber tips (required at sacred sites). Sleeping bags and poles can be rented if needed.
What are the weight limits? Horses carry up to 8 kg (17 pounds) of your personal belongings during the trek portion. Your sleeping bag counts toward this limit (average sleeping bag + mat = ~3 kg). You’ll carry a daypack with water, snacks, layers, and camera. Detailed weight guidelines provided after registration.
Can I rent gear? Yes! Sleeping bags: $30, Trekking poles: $25. Contact us after registration to arrange rentals.
DURING THE TREK
What’s the weather like in September? September is one of Peru’s best months—fewer crowds and typically dry, sunny days. Expect low temperatures ranging from 40°F at high altitude to highs of 79°F in lower valleys. Weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for warm, sunny days and chilly, rainy possibilities.
What currency do I need? Peru uses the Nuevo Sol (S/). US dollars are accepted in many places, but you’ll need soles for smaller communities, local restaurants, and markets. ATMs are available at Lima and Cusco airports and throughout Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Tip: Withdraw larger amounts when possible to minimize fees. Exchange rates are best in Cusco.
Will I have cell service or WiFi? Most lodges have WiFi, though it may be limited or slow. During the trek (Days 6-10), expect minimal to no connectivity—embrace the digital detox! Cell service is spotty in remote areas. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing loved ones you’ll be off-grid for portions of the journey.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Absolutely! Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are easily accommodated. Peru’s agricultural diversity makes this simple and delicious. Just let us know your requirements during registration.
What about gratuities? Gratuities for guides, cooks, horsemen, and drivers are not included in the trek cost. We’ll provide suggested gratuity guidelines before departure based on industry standards and the level of service you receive.
Why do you need my passport information so early? Peru recently changed Machu Picchu’s ticketing system. Entrance permits must now be purchased with exact passport details (full legal name and passport number) and are non-transferable. We can no longer hold generic tickets.
The earlier we have your information, the better tour times we can secure. Popular slots fill quickly, and we want to ensure you experience Machu Picchu early before crowds arrive. This is a government requirement, not our policy. Register early to lock in optimal tickets for everyone.
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
What is the group size? Limited to 8 participants maximum. This intimate group size ensures personalized attention, deeper connections, and minimal environmental impact.
What if I’m traveling solo? Most participants travel solo and form deep friendships along the way! Due to shared tents during the trek and limited facilities at Apu Veronica, private rooms are only available for 6 of the 12 nights (if space permits). Contact us about single occupancy availability.
What is the Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony? Wachuma (the Quechua name for San Pedro cactus) has been used in Andean ceremonies for millennia. It’s a plant medicine containing mescaline and other alkaloids, used for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Our experienced facilitator, Willko—a respected paqo (Andean spiritual leader)—guides this optional ceremony with careful preparation, cultural integrity, and safety protocols. Participation is entirely optional. A guided nature walk is available for those not participating.
Is Peru safe? Yes! Peru is generally very welcoming to international travelers with a strong tourism industry and warm locals. Like any destination, exercise normal precautions: watch belongings in crowded tourist areas, use official taxis, avoid displaying valuables, and stay aware of surroundings. Petty theft (pickpocketing) can occur in busy areas, so keep valuables secure. Our guides know the areas well and will help you navigate safely. Cusco and the Sacred Valley are well-traveled tourist regions with good infrastructure.
LOGISTICS
Is travel insurance required? Yes, travel insurance is required for this trek. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation (especially important at altitude), and lost/delayed baggage. We can provide recommendations for adventure travel insurance providers.
What is your cancellation policy? Deposits are non-refundable. Full cancellation policy details, including refund schedules and transfer options, are available on the registration page. We strongly encourage trip insurance to protect your investment.
What payment plans are available? We’re happy to work with you to create a payment schedule that fits your needs. Contact us at collin@wildwoodmagic.com to discuss options. Balance is due 60 days before departure unless other arrangements are made.
When does registration close? Registration closes August 1st, 2026. However, with only 8 spots available, the trek typically fills well before the deadline. We recommend securing your spot as early as possible.
Still have questions? We’d love to talk with you! Schedule a conversation on the registration page or email collin@wildwoodmagic.com.
Sacred Walking Peru: Salkantay and Beyond
A 13-Day Walking Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Some journeys are measured in miles.
Others are measured in what begins to move inside you as you walk.
This thirteen-day experience through Peru’s Sacred Valley and along the Salkantay route is for those who already know that walking—steady, attentive, unhurried—has a way of re-ordering the inner world. That something ancient wakes up when breath, body, and an enchanted landscape fall into rhythm.
We begin far from the crowds, on quiet paths through highland villages, forgotten temples, and ceremonial sites still honored by local Quechua communities. Days unfold with intentional walking, simple meditations, and Andean earth-based practices shared by Indigenous guides whose families have lived on this land for generations. Evenings are spent in small lodges, tents, and mountain sanctuaries—off-grid in places, always chosen for their extraordinary character and connection to place.
From this gradual immersion, the journey deepens into a six-day crossing of the Salkantay—one of the most powerful and beautiful mountain routes in the Andes—moving from glacier-fed valleys to cloud forest, hot springs, and river paths, before arriving at the base of Machu Picchu on foot.
You’ll be guided throughout by an experienced wilderness guide alongside trusted local leaders who know these mountains not as scenery, but as living teachers. Every detail—from pacing and acclimatization to meals sourced from nearby farms to the small, intimate group size—is designed to support depth, safety, and genuine presence.
This is not a retreat.
Not a race.
Not a checklist of famous places.
It is a carefully held passage through powerful terrain—outer and inner—created for those who feel called to walk with reverence, curiosity, and courage.
You will return with strong legs, clear memory, new friendships, and the rare satisfaction of having met a place slowly enough for it to leave its mark.
