
Peru Hike & Culture Adventure
Walk ancient paths. Connect with remarkable people. Experience Peru beyond the tourist trail.
Sacred Valley, Peru
April 28 - May 6, 2027
If you're a curious, active traveler who's ready to trade rushed sightseeing for real trail time, authentic cultural connection, boutique comfort, and unforgettable food, then join us for this hiking & culture retreat, where you'll come away with a genuine bond with the Andes and its people, a body and mind that feel stronger for the effort, and stories worth telling for years to come.
This trip isn't for everyone — and that's the point. If you're chasing rushed sightseeing or luxury-only travel, this may not be your fit.

Imagine . . .
As the sun sets over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you find yourself wrapped in a colorful Peruvian poncho, gathered around a crackling campfire with newfound friends who already feel strangely familiar. The air is cool and crisp, carrying the delicious aroma of dinner from the gourmet kitchen nearby. The heat of the fire warms your face and laughter tickles your ears as you sink into the simple joy of being fully present with friends — no rushing, no responsibilities, no endless notifications pulling at your attention. Above you, the sky transforms into a canvas of amber and rose hues, gradually giving way to the twinkling constellations of the southern hemisphere. Perched high in the mountains of Maras, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes, you can almost feel the quiet presence of Pachamama in the sacred stillness of the land — each mountain holding its own ancient spirit, stories, and whispers on the wind. Everything feels expansive, magical, and wonderfully far away from everyday life. Over the past couple days, you've hiked ancient trails, stood in awe at Machu Picchu, explored the world-renowned Maras salt mines, and shrieked with glee while feeding llamas and alpacas. Between adventures, you've soaked in local markets, shared meals with Andean families, and let yourself slow down enough to really take it all in — not just what you've seen, but how it all felt. Now, sitting beside the fire with your passionfruit pisco sour, there's a deep sense of contentment in knowing you fully lived these moments instead of rushing past them. Your heart feels full — from the beauty, the movement, the shared stories, and the feeling of truly belonging. In this moment, surrounded by kindred spirits in one of the most breathtaking places on earth, life feels lighter, richer, and wonderfully alive. Changes made: swapped the art-journaling beat for hiking trails and cultural immersion (markets, meals with local families), replaced "the creativity" with "the movement" in the closing paragraph, and tightened a few phrases throughout for length. Let me know if you'd like it trimmed further or want the hiking/culture angle emphasized even more.

Your Intentional Journey . . .
Travel That Leaves You Feeling More Alive
You're not looking for another vacation filled with rushed sightseeing and crowded attractions. You're looking for an experience that helps you slow down, reconnect, and remember what it feels like to be fully present.
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Experience a destination - not just the highlights— Meet local people, share authentic meals, hike beautiful landscapes, and discover the culture from the inside out.
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Find the right balance — Active days, beautiful accommodations, incredible food, and unhurried moments to rest, reflect, and simply enjoy where you are.
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Connection, not consumption — the moments guests remember most rarely happen at famous landmarks — they happen around the dinner table, in children waving from village streets, in stories from local guides, in laughter between new friends who were strangers days before.
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Leave the planning behind — Every detail has been thoughtfully arranged so you can stop managing logistics and simply immerse yourself in the experience.
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Travel with people who share your values — Join a small group of curious, kind, adventurous travelers who value connection over crowds and authenticity over tourism.

At RasVida, we believe meaningful travel doesn't come from seeing more. It comes from experiencing more deeply.
How Active Is This Trip?
This is a moderately active journey, best suited to travelers who enjoy spending their days on their feet. About half your days are built around hiking — climbing ancient Inca trails and stone staircases, covering roughly 3–8 miles on non-technical terrain. The other half are still active, just at a more leisurely pace — wandering villages, markets and archaeological sites, visiting artisans, exploring at a slower rhythm. Either way, the real challenge isn't fitness. It's altitude, which can make even a moderate walk feel demanding until your body adjusts.
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Your toughest day — Lake Piuray to Huchuy Qosqo — a demanding but rewarding climb to approximately 14,000 feet.
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A day to pace yourself — the Chinchero–Urquillos Inca Trail — a long, steady descent from Chinchero that's moderately demanding and can be tough on the knees.

This Trip Is a Good Fit If ...
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You enjoy hiking and long walks — you're happiest outdoors and on the move.
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You can comfortably cover 6–8 miles — over the course of a full day, with breaks.
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You're at ease on varied terrain — uneven trails, stone steps, and steady elevation gain don't faze you.
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You like a real rhythm to your days — active by day, unwinding over a good meal by night.


It May Not Be the Right Fit If ...
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You'd rather explore from a vehicle — windshield tourism isn't what you're after here.
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You're managing knee, hip, or balance concerns — steep descents and multi-hour days need to feel effortless.
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You're seeking a low-key, leisure-first escape — this trip is built around exploration, not spa days.
Even regular hikers can feel the altitude here — which is exactly why the itinerary is built the way it is. Days are spent exploring between roughly 11,000 and 12,300 feet, but each night you'll return to lower ground, sleeping at the villa's 9,300 feet. That nightly drop in elevation gives your body real recovery time, so you wake up ready for the next day instead of fighting the altitude the whole way through.

Your Home in the Sacred Valley

Tucked into the hillside above the vibrant town of Calca, Ichipacay Wasi feels less like a hotel and more like your own private Andean estate. Surrounded by gardens, fruit trees, and sweeping mountain views, it's the kind of place where the pace naturally slows and you begin to settle into the rhythm of the Sacred Valley.
While you'll spend your days exploring ancient ruins, colorful villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, each evening you'll return to a peaceful sanctuary designed for gathering, relaxing, and simply enjoying being together.
Unlike a traditional boutique hotel, our group has exclusive use of the entire property—including the beautiful main house and two charming private bungalows. Multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces give everyone room to spread out, whether you're enjoying a quiet cup of coffee with the sunrise, journaling in the garden, reading in a cozy corner, or sharing stories with new friends after an unforgettable day.
Despite its tranquil setting, Ichipacay Wasi is just a short walk from Calca's welcoming plaza, local cafés, bakeries, artisan shops, and everyday village life. It's an ideal base for experiencing the Sacred Valley—not as a tourist, but as someone who has truly settled into the community for a week.
Thoughtfully designed with traditional Andean character and modern comforts, the property offers the warmth of a private home with the beauty and atmosphere of a boutique retreat. Wake each morning to crisp mountain air, panoramic views of the Andes, and the quiet anticipation of another remarkable day in Peru.


The Cuisine
Meals on this retreat are delicious, nourishing, and inspired by the flavors of Peru, served with a side of laughter, connection, and shared stories.
All our meals at the villa are lovingly prepared by our private chef using fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. Savor vibrant Peruvian flavors, wholesome home cooking, and colorful farm-to-table meals that feel both healthy and indulgent. Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy vibrant Peruvian dishes from comforting soups, quinoa bowls, and fresh trout to traditional favorites like Lomo Saltado, Ají de Gallina, and
Causa. Freshly baked breads, local cheeses, flavorful sauces, herbal teas, and nourishing breakfasts add to the cozy, family-style warmth of meals shared at the villa. Beyond the meals shared at the villa, we’ll also enjoy a few memorable meals out together at handpicked local restaurants, giving you the chance to experience even more of Peru’s rich culinary culture. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the quiet morning light, sharing stories over a cozy family-style dinner, or enjoying a long lunch after a day of exploring the Sacred Valley, these meals become part of the magic of the experience. Rest assured, our chef is also happy to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options whenever possible.
The Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco
Your Peruvian adventure begins as you arrive in Cusco and make your way to our peaceful villa in Calca, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. After settling into your room and taking in your beautiful new surroundings, you'll gather with your fellow travelers for a relaxed welcome dinner. As stories begin to flow and names become familiar, you'll feel the excitement of the week ahead and the gentle relief of finally having nowhere to be but here.
Optional Add-On:
The Ausangate Trek
For the traveler who wants to go further
4 Nights / 5 Days · May 8–12 · Off the Grid
For travelers craving a true physical challenge and total wilderness immersion: an optional four-day extension into Ausangate, Peru's most spectacular and least-visited trekking region. Turquoise glacial lakes, rainbow-striped mountainsides, alpaca grazing beneath a 20,000-foot peak — and not another tour group in sight.
Who This Is For:
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Travelers seeking real physical challenge — a genuine backcountry trek across remote, high-altitude terrain, not a guided walk.
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Those who want to fully disconnect — four days without cell signal, roads, or crowds.
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Anyone drawn to deep wilderness immersion — mountain camps beneath the stars, with panoramic views of Ausangate's glaciers.

Physical Requirements & Altitude:
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Rated strenuous — 6–8 hours a day over uneven, high-altitude terrain, including a demanding pass near 17,000 ft.
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Camping-based — cold nights, tents and sleeping bags provided, with mules carrying gear.
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Acclimatization required — arrive already acclimatized through the preceding days of the main journey; a physician consult is recommended for cardiac, respiratory, or altitude-related conditions.
Ausangate strips travel down to its essentials — your own two feet, thin clean air, and a landscape that hasn't changed in ten thousand years. It's not for everyone. For the right traveler, it's unforgettable.


What stays with you . . .
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The Best Part Isn't What You'll See. It's Who You'll Become.
Long after you've unpacked and everyday life resumes, something shifts — not dramatically, but quietly and deeply. You'll notice a little more curiosity, a little more gratitude, a little more confidence. Meaningful travel changes us not through grand revelations, but through hundreds of small moments that shift our perspective.
The photographs will find their way into albums. The souvenirs will collect dust. But standing beneath Andean peaks, sharing stories at the table, laughing with new friends, feeling completely present — those moments become part of who you are
You'll return home . . .
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With A renewed sense of presence — You'll return feeling refreshed, grounded, and more engaged with the people and moments that matter most.
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With memories that feel personal, not manufactured — instead of checking destinations off a list, you'll carry home stories, relationships, and flavors no guidebook could have planned.
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With greater confidence to keep exploring — each new experience is a reminder that you're capable of more than you often give yourself credit for.
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With friendships that outlast the trip — Shared adventures have a way of turning strangers into lifelong friends.
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With A richer way of living — You'll come home inspired to slow down, stay curious, and make space for experiences that truly matter.
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With a deeper connection to the world — travel becomes more than sightseeing — a chance to understand different ways of living, challenge assumptions, and come home with a broader view.


What's Included?
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8 nights of boutique villa accommodations in the heart of Peru’s breathtaking Sacred Valley (option to add 1 extra night)
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Most delicious, locally inspired meals
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Entrance tickets to iconic Sacred Valley sites and awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
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Seamless airport transfer from Cusco Airport (CUZ) to our peaceful retreat property in Calca on arrival day
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Comfortable transportation throughout the journey
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Immersive tours and unforgettable cultural experiences (itinerary subject to change)
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The breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu
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Inca trail hike from Chinchero to Urquillos
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The fascinating circular terraces of Moray
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The shimmering Maras Salt Mines
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Scenic SUP or canoe experience on tranquil Lake Piuray
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Traditional Pachamanca lunch cooked in the earth
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Hike to Catarata Perolniyoc and ruins
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The living Incan village of Ollantaytambo
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Overnight trek to Huchuy Qosco
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The sacred sites of Sacsayhuamán & Koricancha
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Knowledgeable local guides who bring Peru’s history and culture to life
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3 or 4 optional yoga classes in our private yoga studio to balance our hikes and activities.
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Scenic train ride to and from Machu Picchu through the stunning Andes
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Traditional Andean ceremonies and cultural experiences
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Gratuities for guides, chefs, and house staff
Not Included
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Optional pre- or post-retreat accommodations in Cusco
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Flights to and from Cusco
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Return transportation from Cusco to airport
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Approximately 5 lunches and 2 dinners (subject to change depending on itinerary)
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Alcoholic beverages
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Optional excursions and wellness services such as massage or reiki
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Travel insurance
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Medical insurance
Jyoti Fontaine
Hi, I'm Jyoti. After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, I stopped waiting for "someday" and began building a life centered around the things that matter most: meaningful experiences, authentic connection, personal growth, and adventure. That's what inspired me to create RasVida. What started as a yoga retreat company has grown into a mindful group travel business that brings together culture, creativity, exploration, and community in some of the world's most beautiful places. As a yoga teacher and lifelong traveler, I've seen firsthand how stepping away from our routines can help us reconnect with ourselves, gain fresh perspective, and return home feeling more inspired and alive. My hope is that every RasVida experience gives you the space to do exactly that. Alongside me is Gonzalo, our tour director and my trusted partner on the ground in Peru. Gonzalo has led travelers through the Andes with warmth, professionalism, and a deep love for his homeland for over a decade. His local knowledge, genuine relationships within the communities we visit, and calm, attentive leadership allow our guests to experience Peru in a way that simply wouldn't be possible on their own. Just as importantly, his easygoing spirit, humor, and genuine joy make every day more fun. Together, we blend thoughtful planning with authentic local insight to create journeys that are both seamless and deeply meaningful—and filled with plenty of laughter along the way.

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