The Magic of Peru

This weeklong adventure is our most physically challenging trip - but the rewards are worth it! We will spend three days hiking through an off-the-beaten path trek in the Andes mountains, visiting local villages and homes along the way, two nights of which we spend camping out in tents.

 

This retreat is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Peru’s rich culture, learn a bit about the history of Cusco, see lots and lots of alpacas and other animals and, drumroll please, visit Machu Picchu! This retreat is not for people who like to sleep in...there will be a lot of early mornings!

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*Please note that Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,399 metres above sea level - and Machu Picchu is located at an elevation of 2,430 metres. When we are at higher altitudes, the air pressure drops and there is less oxygen available. Acute mountain altitude sickness typically occurs at heights of 2,500 metres and above, which puts people - no matter how fit they are - at risk. To reduce our risk of getting altitude sickness, the best thing we can do is be gentle on ourselves the first couple of days and so we will take it very easy and will not offer any training sessions on the first days.

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It is also important to note that there are a couple of days where we'll be on the road for two to three hours.

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Highlights:​

• a three day/two night guided trek in the Andes to Macchu Picchu.

• a Cusco city tour.

• a day-long tour of the Sacred Valley.

• a "gastronomical immersion". We will go beyond the plate to experience the day to day life of local farmers; take in magnificent views; learn from a bartender about plants used for medicinal and aromatic purposes (and collect them); visit a distillation lab and taste a variety of unique creations; tour a cacao lab and participate in a chocolate tasting; and finally enjoy an eight course tasting menu with the ingredients we have spent the day discovering.

• local market visits, delicious local food and views for days.

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Sample day:​

• 6am: wake up in our camp with a warming cup of coca tea

• 8am: after a hearty breakfast, set off for about five and a half hours total hiking today - the first three hours of which are uphill. We will be reaching the highest pass of the trail today, at 4,450 metres. As we hike up to this pass, we will see llamas, alpacas and sheep grazing close by and then descend to a beautiful lake where we will have lunch. We will then pass a village and some picturesque farmyards and houses.

• Late afternoon: we arrive at our campsite at 3,700 metres.

• Early evening: time to relax before dinner tonight, which could include guinea pig, for anyone who wants to try! 

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This retreat includes:

• Four nights shared (double) accommodation in a three star hotel in Cusco

• One night shared (double) accommodation in three star hotel in Aguascalientes

• Two nights shared (double) accommodation in tents. Tents, thermarests and pillows are provided. You can supply your own sleeping bag but these, as well as hiking poles can be made available for rent at an additional cost.

• All hikes and excursions.

• General admission to Machu Picchu, which includes an option of four established circuits. We will do circuit 2, which is the longest circuit and includes the Inka Bridge. More information about this here. 

• All meals with the exception of lunch and dinners in Cusco and Aguascalientes.

• Local transportation, including Vistadome train from Aguascalientes to Cusco.

• Airport transfers from and to Cusco airport

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The retreat does not include:

• Flights

• Sleeping bag and hiking sticks for the trek (we can help you rent these if you don't want to bring your own)

• Dinners in Cusco

• Alcohol

• Mandatory medical insurance that covers hiking at high altitude

• Acetazolamide pills for altitude sickness

• Any costs incurred for travellers who need to terminate the hike

• Optional trip cancellation insurance

• Incidentals

• Gratuities

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A recommendation:

• When purchasing your airline ticket, you might find it cheaper to buy two round trips: one from your hometown to Lima and then a second round trip for the Lima-Cusco leg. Many flights to Lima will arrive late at night, so a night at an airport hotel on the way to Cusco is suggested. If you have time on the way home, consider spending a few days in Lima and/or extending your trip in the Cusco area or elsewhere in Peru. There is so much more to see and do here - consider this retreat just a taste of this incredible country. 

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Retreat rates:

$3900 CAD per person.

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Preferred flight details:

When flights become available for booking, we will let you know what is the preferred time of arrival and departure and can help​ with routing advice.

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Registration:

This trip is not yet open for registration. Please contact natasha@thevoyagiste.com if you would like to be put on the mailing list for this trip or if you'd like to privatize this trip for your own group.