Peru: A Sacred Valley Adventure
August 8-18, 2027
Ancient pathways. Andean culture. Soul-stirring landscapes.
A journey through the heart of the Inca world.
Trip Overview:
Step into the spirit of the Andes on a journey that blends adventure, culture, and the timeless magic of Peru. Your experience begins in Cusco, where you’ll stay in boutique, family-owned accommodations that offer warm hospitality and authentic local charm. From guided explorations of Cusco, Moray, and Ollantaytambo to breathtaking day trips like Laguna Humantay, each moment reveals the depth and beauty of Andean life. The highlight of your adventure is the classic 4-day/3-night Inca Trail, where you’ll camp beneath the constellations of the southern hemisphere and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Inca toward the fabled Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Thoughtfully curated and deeply meaningful, this is a journey designed to open your heart to Peru’s living history and living culture.
Trail Specs
Total Distance: ~28 miles
Days on the Trail: 4 trekking days
(Inclusive of Machu Picchu day)
Highest Elevation: 13,828 ft (Dead Woman’s Pass)
Average Daily Mileage: ~6–10 miles
Daily Hiking Time: 5–8 hours
Terrain: Stone steps, mountain trails, cloud forest paths
Trail Features: Incan ruins, tunnels, cloud forest, alpine passes
Sleeping Elevation Range: ~8,000–12,000 ft
Typical Temperature Range:
• Daytime: 50–65°F
• Nights: 30–45°F
What Type of Challenge Is This?
Physical Challenge:
The Inca Trail is a moderately strenuous trek with steep ascents, long hiking days, and high-altitude mountain passes. Travelers with solid fitness and a spirit for adventure will feel well-prepared. Travelers should be prepared for early morning departures to locations, hiking for many hours, and the general exhilarating chaos that is common in South America.
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Mountain Living:
During the 4D/3N Inca Trail, you’ll enjoy fully supported tent camping beneath the brilliant southern-hemisphere night sky. Our trekking team handles all camp setup, warm meals, and logistical care, allowing you to focus on the trail, the views, and the incredible sense of accomplishment.
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Mental Challenge:
Altitude, changing terrain, and Andean mountain weather can all add layers of challenge—but also immense reward. Our expert guides provide encouragement, pacing, and cultural insight that make the journey both accessible and deeply enriching.
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Reward Level:
Profound. Walking through the Sun Gate at dawn to see Machu Picchu emerging from the mist is one of the world’s most iconic, emotional travel moments.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1:
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Welcome to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Settle into your charming boutique hotel, wander the cobblestone streets, sip coca tea or coffee in the Plaza de Armas, and begin to acclimate to life at altitude. In the evening, meet your group over a warm, inviting welcome dinner--your first taste of Peruvian culture and connection!
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Accommodation: Cusco
Meals Included: None
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Day 2:
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Step into the past as you explore the heart of Cusco, beginning with the remarkable Qorikancha—once the Inca Temple of the Sun—where precise Incan stonework meets colonial architecture. Continue to Cusco’s grand cathedrals, rich with art, history, and stories that shaped the city. Wander through the vibrant San Pedro Market, where you’ll sample local foods, browse colorful stalls, and get a true taste of daily life in the Andes.
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In the afternoon, head just outside the city to explore the massive stone terraces of Sacsayhuamán, where enormous boulders are fitted together with astonishing precision. Return to Cusco for a relaxed evening, dinner, and well-earned rest.
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Accommodation: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 3:
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Journey into the Sacred Valley to explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, the vibrant salt pools of Maras Salt Mines, and the stunning landscape of Salineras de Maras. Connect with local Andean women who will demonstrate traditional textile weaving and natural dyeing techniques passed down for generations. End the day with a pachamanca feast—food slow-cooked underground using ancient methods.
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Accommodation: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4:
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Push your limits on a high-altitude hike to the turquoise waters of Laguna Humantay. Take it slow as you climb, feeling your strength grow with every step. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping mountain views and a glacial lake that feels almost unreal.
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Accommodation: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 5:
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Travel deeper into the Sacred Valley with visits to an alpaca farm, scenic overlooks, and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Walk through one of the last living Inca towns, where ancient streets are still in use today.
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Accommodation: Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 6:
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Today is yours to shape. Climb skyward on a thrilling via ferrata above the Sacred Valley cliffs, or slow things down with a peaceful morning exploring the markets and streets of Ollantaytambo. In the evening, gather for your Inca Trail briefing—your adventure is about to begin.
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Accommodation: Ollantaytambo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 7-9:
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Embark on the legendary Inca Trail. Hike through cloud forests, over mountain passes, and alongside ancient ruins few travelers ever see. Camp under vast Andean skies, share stories with your group, and embrace both the challenge and the beauty of the journey.
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Accommodation: Tent Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
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Day 10:
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Rise before dawn and trek to the Sun Gate, where your first view of Machu Picchu unfolds below you—a moment that feels earned in every sense. Explore the citadel, then take on the iconic climb of Huayna Picchu for a breathtaking perspective. Return to Cusco that evening.
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Accommodation: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Day 11:
​Say goodbye to the Andes as your journey comes to a close. Depart with tired legs, a full heart, and memories that will stay with you long after you leave Peru.​
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Optional Add-On: ​​
Day 11:
Enjoy a much needed rest day in Cusco. Sleep in, get some laundry done, and enjoy coffee and breakfast at a leisurely pace. Today is about recovering from your Inca Trail and enjoying Cusco at a slower pace so that you can take on Rainbow mountain the next day!
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Day 12:
An early morning departure will whisk you away to the Red Valley and the iconic Rainbow Mountain. Hike to the incredible heights of 17,060 ft for a view of Rainbow Mountain and the imposing Ausangate Peak. After you've taken it all in and gotten all the pictures you want, head back down to the trail head for a delicious lunch prepared by our trail chef. In the afternoon, travel back to Cusco for one last night in the City of the Inca.
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Day 13:
Catch your airport transfer to the Cusco airport for your departure.
WanderWell Donation
At Authentica, we believe that travel should leave the world better than we found it. That’s why every trip directly fuels our WanderWell Fund—a commitment to supporting the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make our journeys so meaningful. With each booking, guests become active partners in conservation and cultural preservation. Your adventure doesn’t just take you across new horizons—it helps protect them for generations to come.
Our Impact in Peru
For our Sacred Valley Adventure, we proudly partner with Awamaki, a nonprofit that empowers Andean women artisans through sustainable tourism, fair-trade weaving cooperatives, and vocational training. Your participation helps preserve centuries-old textile traditions, supports economic independence for Quechua women, and strengthens the cultural fabric of the Sacred Valley. As you hike ancient trails and connect with the living legacy of the Inca, you can know that your journey directly contributes to keeping these traditions vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
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​Airport drop-off and pick-up
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All hotel accommodations (breakfast included)
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Licensed mountain guides, Cooks & porters
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Trip host
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National Park fees and permits
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Rescue fees
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Camping equipment (tents,chairs,mattresses,dining, kitchen)
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Portable toilets
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All meals on the trail
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First aid kit + oxygen cylinders
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All transfers to and from tours
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Entrance to Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu
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Via Ferrata
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Textile Lesson in Chinchero
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Tickets to all archeological sites
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Bottled water
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All logistics & transfers
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Pre-trip assistance with packing list and gear recommendations
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Pre-trip group briefing via zoom
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WanderWell donation
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Flights to and from Peru
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Tip for guides and staff
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Personal gear (checklist provided)
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Alcoholic beverages
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Additional food or snacks
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Some meals (lunches and dinners occasionally)
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Travel/Adventure insurance (Not optional. Guests must be insured for trekking and evacuation up to 5,000m)
"From the moment I booked my Peru trip, I didn't have to worry about a thing (other than packing and being fit enough for the trails). Authentica Travel really puts emphasis on making each trip authentic and helping me learn about the culture of the places we're visiting. The attention to detail is unmatched!"
Valerie E.
Your Trip Host
Brooke Barber, Authentica Travel Founder
Meet your Trip Host, Brooke, whose love of adventure was born right here in Peru. It was in these mountains, valleys, and ancient pathways that she first felt the spark of exploration—and that passion has shaped every journey she’s crafted since. After years in the outdoor gear world (where she became an expert in everything from boot fitting to rain gear to choosing the perfect layers), she now pours her energy into designing extraordinary travel experiences for Authentica clients. Peru holds a special place in her heart, and she’s dedicated to helping others discover the wonder, culture, and magic that make this region unforgettable. With her blend of expertise, care, and deep personal connection to the Andes, this Sacred Valley adventure becomes more than a trip—it becomes a homecoming.
Trip Cost:
$4,300.00/person
Rainbow Mountain Extension:
$350.00/person
To secure your spot on this Peruvian adventure, a deposit of $600 is required at the time of booking.
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All deposits and final payments are non-refundable. We strongly encourage guests to acquire travel insurance as soon as they sign up for the trip.
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Final payment is due May 1, 2027.
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Prices are calculated based on double occupancy bookings. Solo occupancy can be arranged for +$500.
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Please Note:
​A minimum of 10 confirmed hikers is required to run this trip. If the minimum is not met by March 1, 2027, the trip will be canceled and all deposits fully refunded.
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If you’re considering joining us, now is the time to commit — and bring your trail friends along!
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Travel Insurance:
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We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.
Because we commit permits, accommodations, and local partners well in advance, trip payments are non-refundable. Travel insurance helps protect your investment should illness, injury, family emergencies, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining us.
The world is beautifully unpredictable — and while we hope everything goes exactly as planned, insurance provides peace of mind and the possibility of recovering funds if plans need to change.
We encourage you to review policies carefully to ensure coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
Adventure is bold. Planning wisely is too.
Get in Touch
For questions regarding remaining trip spaces, gear, altitude, fitness, or a more detailed itinerary, please send us a message!
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In order to put your deposit down to secure your place, please contact us via the form provided!
Inclusions and Exclusions
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