Andean Trek & Wachuma Ceremony: Four Days in Peru's Sacred Valley

Day one is the big hiking day. After the pickup in Cusco and the drive out, the blessing ceremony sets the tone, and then it's a climb through Andean terrain — ancient ruins, forest, open mountain — up toward Huchuy Qosqo. The Maestro and the local guide walk with you and talk about the land, the ruins, and how people live in these valleys. You eat a box lunch on the trail and finish at a family homestay, where dinner is whatever's cooking and the room is simple and clean.

Day two is lighter on the legs. You spend the morning around Huchuy Qosqo itself with the guide, then hike downhill to Lamay, where transport is waiting to drive you to the retreat center near Urubamba. From here the trip changes gear entirely — the afternoon is free to settle in, and dinner is a light vegetarian meal, since the San Pedro diet starts the evening before the ceremony.

Day three is the Wachuma day. It opens in silence and fasting — no breakfast. Before anything begins, the Maestro explains what the medicine is, the tradition behind it, and what the day might feel like. During the ceremony the Maestro plays traditional Andean music and stays beside you, as does the guide. The effects come in waves, sometimes stronger and more inward, sometimes soft. You spend the day out in nature at the center. Afterward there's an offering to Pachamama and a gratitude ceremony to close, then rest and a light dinner. Day four is just breakfast and the drive back to Cusco.

What sets this apart from a standard Sacred Valley tour is who you're with. Ruty Salas, the leader, is from Pomacanchi in southern Cusco and grew up in these traditions. The ceremony is run by Maestra Martha Apaza Quispe, a female Pampa Misayoq Paqo from the Q'eros Nation with over twelve years of practice. That combination — a guided trek to a quiet Inca site plus a ceremony led by a Q'eros shaman — is the heart of the trip.

It's worth saying plainly that this is a plant-medicine retreat, not a fitness holiday. The hiking is real but moderate, spread over two days with homestay and vehicle support. The focus is cultural and ceremonial. Arrive in Cusco a couple of days early to let your body adjust to the altitude before the first day's climb.

What's included

- Pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco on Day 1 - 3 nights accommodation (homestay near Huchuy Qosqo, retreat center in the Sacred Valley) - Private room - Guided trek to Huchuy Qosqo with a local guide and Andean Maestro - Traditional blessing ceremony - Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony led by a Q'eros shaman - Offering to Pachamama and gratitude ceremony - Meals as per the daily programme (Day 1: lunch, dinner; Day 2: breakfast, lunch, dinner; Day 3: organic snacks, dinner; Day 4: breakfast) - Transport between trek points and the retreat center - Return transport to Cusco on Day 4

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available for an additional cost) - Extra nights in Cusco - Meals or activities not listed in the programme - Personal expenses