Vibrant Peru Journey 2026 - Micro Group Adventure

Hiking • Cultural Connection • Well-Being • Andean Cuisine
with Annie Barrett, M.A. and Steve Scheuerell, Ph.D.

August 22–31, 2026
This trip has filled! You may join our wait list.

Join this immersive journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas—a place of breathtaking landscapes, ancient wisdom, living culture, and deep connection. This thoughtfully curated experience invites you to explore the Cusco region of Peru through hiking, cultural exchange, local cuisine, and daily well-being practices, all while traveling in small group limited to 6 guests.

Over the course of our time together, we’ll visit highland Quechua communities, remarkable Incan archaeological sites, local farms, and landscapes that have been inhabited for more than 10,000 years. We’ll stay in charming Andean towns with vibrant markets, savor nourishing farm-to-table Andean cuisine, and enjoy hikes through the cultural landscapes of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains—experiences that inspire awe, engagement, and renewal.

Daily optional yoga and well-being sessions are woven throughout the journey, offering opportunities to stretch, ground, and integrate each day’s experiences.

As retreat leaders, we bring Spanish fluency and a long-standing relationship with this region. We have been offering Peru journeys over many years and since 2010 have made a home and gardens near the Sacred Valley town of Pisac. You’ll be guided by Annie Barrett, bilingual educator, yoga teacher, and wellness coach, and Steve Scheuerell, college professor with extensive experience teaching and leading groups through the cultural landscapes and communities in this region. Together, we are passionate about sharing Peru in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and deeply enriching.

This is more than a trip—it’s an invitation into place, culture, movement, and presence.

Highlights of the Journey

• Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and significant archaeological sites
• Hike through stunning Andean landscapes
• Visit Quechua highland communities and local homes
• Wander vibrant markets filled with regional produce and artisan crafts
• Enjoy exquisite farm-to-table Andean cuisine
• Participate in yoga and well-being sessions
• Engage with local artisans, guides, and Andean cultural experts
• Travel alongside a small group of like-minded adventurers

Who This Micro-Adventure Is For

This journey is designed for active, curious, and culturally engaged travelers who enjoy hiking, exploration, and meaningful travel experiences with a handful of others.

Physical considerations:
Participants should be in good health and comfortable with walking and hiking on uneven terrain. Some days include hikes of up to 6 miles, as well as flights of stone stairs commonly found at archaeological sites.

Altitude:
Travelers should be prepared for elevation. Cusco sits at approximately 11,400 feet. The Sacred Valley ranges from 9,000–10,000 feet, with Quechua villages and farmlands at 13,000 feet. While our itinerary is designed with easier front-end days to support acclimatization, we begin in Pisac at 10,000 feet and potential guests should consult with their medical provider to determine the suitability of this itinerary before committing.

Itinerary

From arrival in Cusco and settling into the Sacred Valley town of Pisac, we'll visit markets, archaeological sites, and Quechua communities, while enjoying Peru's amazing cuisine. Moving down valley to base out of Ollantaytambo, there is an optional add-on Machu Picchu excursion, and diverse sites to behold. Our final days will be exploring Cusco city with ancient and modern juxtaposed throughout. The itinerary balances activity, cultural depth, and spaciousness. Optional well-being sessions are offered throughout, along with ample time for rest, reflection, and personal exploration.

10 Days / 9 Nights

‍

Day 1 – Saturday, August 22

Arrival & Orientation | Cusco → Pisac

Arrive in Cusco, where a private van will meet you at the airport and transport you to Pisac, a scenic 45-minute drive descending into the Sacred Valley. Pisac is known for its spectacular Incan terraces and temples, vibrant artisan market, and access to beautiful hiking trails.

We’ll gather together at our garden property and guesthouse for a welcome dinner and trip orientation, setting the tone for our journey together.
Lodging: Pisac Mountain Vista Guesthouses

‍

Day 2 – Sunday, August 23

Pisac Sunday Market & Town Exploration

Optional morning wellbeing session and birdwatching, followed by breakfast. We’ll then walk into town to explore the famed Pisac Sunday Market, learning about native Andean foods including tubers, grains, and fruits.

Lunch features local ingredients enjoyed al fresco with views of the Sacred Valley. The afternoon is free to relax or continue exploring the market, town, and local life before regrouping for dinner.
Lodging: Pisac Mountain Vista Guesthouses

‍

Day 3 – Monday, August 24

Pisac Archaeological Site & Valley Hike

Optional morning wellbeing session. Following breakfast we'll drive up to the extensive Pisac archaeological site, a large Incan complex of agricultural terraces, residences, watchtowers, and ceremonial spaces dramatically set along a mountain ridge.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with expansive views before hiking down from the site to the town plaza. Free time in the afternoon; we'll support your learning interests. Dinner, followed by optional fireside chat under the Andean stars.
Lodging: Pisac Mountain Vista Guesthouses

‍

Day 4 – Tuesday, August 25

Kinsa Kocha Lakes & Amaru Community Visit

Optional morning wellbeing session. breakfast, followed by a day excursion above Pisac to the highland agricultural landscapes and walk around mountain-ringed lake Kinsa Kocha. From there, we’ll walk several miles to the Quechua community of Amaru, learning about traditional land management while often encountering llamas and alpacas along the way.

In Amaru, we’ll enjoy lunch with local families and learn about traditional Andean weaving with a demonstration of natural yard dying and back strap loom weaving. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase exquisite textiles directly from the weavers. Return to Pisac for dinner.
Lodging: Pisac Mountain Vista Guesthouses

‍

Day 5 – Wednesday, August 26

Urubamba Market, Salineras & Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, we depart Pisac and travel down the Sacred Valley to the bustling agricultural market in Urubamba. We’ll walk through town to observe daily life and local commerce.

Next, we visit the Salineras—thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds still worked by hand using traditional methods. From there, we’ll hike down the valley to a restored hacienda on the Urubamba River for a buffet lunch featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, we continue to Ollantaytambo, an Incan fortress town where we’ll stay for three nights in the historic, pedestrian-only district. Dinner together.
Lodging: Apu Lodge, Ollantaytambo

‍

Day 6 – Thursday, August 27

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site & Free Afternoon

After breakfast, we’ll visit the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, with its masterful stonework, ceremonial baths, and agricultural terraces arranged in the shape of a giant llama.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore the town—climb to Incan granaries, wander stone streets, shop, whatever we can help you with. Optional afternoon yoga in the garden at Apu Lodge. Dinner together in town.
Lodging: Apu Lodge, Ollantaytambo

‍

Day 7 – Friday, August 28

Machu Picchu OR Pumamarca

Option 1: Machu Picchu (Add-on Day Trip)
Early departure by train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Enjoy breakfast on the train, explore the site with a local guide, and have a picnic lunch. Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo in late in the evening.

Option 2: Pumamarca Valley Hike
A guided hike up valley from Ollantaytambo to the Pumamarca Incan fortress, offering sweeping views and a quieter, less-traveled experience with a return walk on an Incan trail. Optional afternoon yoga and dinner together in town.

Lodging: Apu Lodge, Ollantaytambo

‍

Day 8 – Saturday, August 29

Ollantaytambo → Cusco | Walking Tour

After breakfast, we drive to Cusco and check into our hotel in the San Blas neighborhood. We’ll guide you through the Incan and colonial heart of the city, including lunch, plazas, palaces, historic architecture, and the old, central market. A great time to try Peru's delicious coffee and chocolate!

Evening group dinner.
Lodging: Amaru Inca Hotel, Cusco

‍

Day 9 – Sunday, August 30

Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo & Free Afternoon

After breakfast, we visit the monumental stone sites of Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman, forming the ceremonial “puma head” of Cusco. Return to the city for lunch, followed by free time for museums, markets, and shopping. Just ask what we can help you with.

Final group dinner together.
Lodging: Amaru Inca Hotel, Cusco

‍

Day 10 – Monday, August 31

Departure

After breakfast, departures to the Cusco airport arranged by the hotel.

‍

Your Travel package includes:

• 9 nights accommodation - 4 nights in Pisac, 3 nights in Ollantaytambo and 2 nights in Cusco. 
• Transport to and from Cusco airport
• All listed regional transportation
• Retreat leaders and local guides
• Daily well-being sessions
• Daily tours and activities per itinerary
• Entrance tickets to all itinerary sites
• Tips for guides, hotels, and restaurants, etc
• All meals 27 meals (9B, 9L, 9D)
• Bottled water and snacks

 Your package does not include:

• Your roundtrip airfare to Cusco, Peru
• Alcoholic drinks beyond one per meal
• Personal items, souvenirs

‍

Pricing

• Double Occupancy: $3295
• Single Occupancy: $3595
• Machu Picchu add-on: $400

‍

Why Travel With Us

We have been traveling to—and leading journeys in—the Sacred Valley of Peru for over 15 years. What began as a love of place has grown into long-standing relationships with local communities, guides, artisans, and farmers, as well as a deep respect for the cultural and ecological wisdom of this region.

We don’t offer “checklist tourism.” Instead, we create experiences rooted in presence, curiosity, and connection—where time is taken to walk, listen, learn, and engage with people and place in meaningful ways.

Because we speak Spanish fluently and have a home in the Sacred Valley, we are able to travel beyond surface-level experiences and offer access that feels personal, respectful, and authentic. Our itineraries are intentionally paced, balancing activity with rest, cultural immersion with reflection, and group experiences with personal space.

This journey is designed for those who value:

• Thoughtful, relationship-based travel
• Cultural exchange over consumption
• Movement and well-being as part of exploration
• Traveling in a small, active community

If you’re drawn to Peru not just as a destination, but as a place to experience deeply and return from changed, this journey is for you.

This trip has filled, but you can join our waitlist!

👉 Contact me to be added to our waitlist.

‍