Peru: A Sacred Valley Adventure
August 1-13, 2026
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 the Sacred Valley, where you’ll stay in boutique, family-owned accommodations that offer warm hospitality and authentic local charm. From guided explorations of Cusco, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo to breathtaking day trips like Laguna Humantay and Rainbow Mountain, 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.
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:
Welcome to Cusco! Relax in your charming boutique accommodations, walk to the Plaza de Armas, or grab a coffee in town. Join your group for a welcome dinner and get ready for your big adventure!
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Day 2:
Enjoy a day tour of Cusco and surrounding archeological sites like Sacsayhuaman. Learn about the history of this city, once the seat of the Inca Empire!
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Day 3:
Venture out of Cusco for a day trip to Laguna Humantay. Test your legs and your lungs on this acclimatization hike. Take it slow and use this hike to prepare for your upcoming Inca Trail trek. The views at the top are astounding!​
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Day 4:
Enjoy a tour of the Sacred Valley, including an alpaca farm, Pisac, and a trip to Ollantaytambo.
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Day 5:
Today can be about adventure OR history! Choose between a tour of Ollantaytambo and it's mighty fortress, or a Via Ferrata over the Sacred Valley. Finish your day with a trail briefing at your accommodations because tomorrow--you begin the Inca Trail!
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Day 6-8:
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Sleep under the stars and marvel at the archeological sites that most visitors to Peru do not see! Embrace the challenge of the trail and be transformed by it.
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Day 9:
Wake up very early on the Inca Trail, because today is the day you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate! Explore Machu Picchu, and hike the famous Huayna Picchu. Return to Ollantaytambo in the evening.
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Day 10:
Explore the sites of Moray, Maras, and Salineras today! Finish the day with a stop at a textile shop where local andean women will teach you about the ancient art of preparing and dyeing wool for clothing and textiles. End the day in Cusco.
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Day 11:
Rest in Cusco. You've done alot! Take this day to refresh your traveler's wardrobe with a laundry service, walk the streets of Cusco, and enjoy shopping, museums or local bites at your own leisure.
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Day 12:
An early morning departure is worth it when you stand atop Rainbow Mountain. This day hike will soar you to nearly 17,000ft and give you views of the mountain of many colors, Ausangate Mountain, and the Red Desert. Enjoy lunch on the trail before heading back to Cusco for the evening.
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Day 13:
Departure. Your Sacred Valley Adventure comes to an end, but we hope it has left you breathless, amazed, and forever changed.
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 or Ollantaytambo Tour
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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:
$4,600.00/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 are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Peru itinerary if you’re unable to join the trip you originally selected.
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Final payment is due April 1, 2026.
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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