Horseback Healing Adventure to Machu Picchu, Peru

This retreat is run by Wari Adventures, an indigenous-led travel agency based in the Sacred Valley. Your host, Alfredo Huari, is a professional tour guide with deep knowledge of Andean history and culture. He and his team were born and raised in local highland communities, and their passion for their heritage is evident in every detail of the trip. They handle all the logistics—horses, camping gear, gourmet meals—so you can focus on the experience.

Day one begins with a transfer from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, where you'll explore the ancient Inca site of Ñaupa Iglesia and see pre-Inca rock paintings. Then you'll mount your horse and start the trek, following a route that winds through valleys and past ruins like Perolniyoq and its waterfall. Your first night is spent in the village of Rayan, where you'll have the unique opportunity to share in the daily life of local people.

The second day takes you higher, ascending to Rainbow Pass at over 4,300 meters. The views from the top are stunning—snow-capped Nevado Veronica and the winding Urubamba River far below. You'll visit the Intiwatana sun gate, an important Inca astronomical site, before descending to your next campsite. Hiking by foot for parts of the day gives you a chance to stretch your legs and really feel the landscape.

On day three, you'll ride down to Cachicata, the ancient Inca rock quarry, where your guide will share the history of how the stones for Ollantaytambo's Temple of the Sun were carved here. After lunch in Ollantaytambo town, you'll take the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and check into a comfortable hotel for the night. The final day starts early with a bus ride up to the citadel, where a guided tour brings the ruins to life. There's time to climb Huayna Picchu if you're up for it, before returning to Cusco by train and private transfer.

What sets this retreat apart is the combination of horseback riding and cultural immersion. You're not just a tourist passing through—you're traveling with local people who share their stories and traditions along the way. The meditation sessions each day help you process the experience, and the sense of connection to the land and its history is unlike anything you'd get from a standard tour.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation (2 nights camping, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes) - 3 daily nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily meditation classes - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat (including train to Machu Picchu) - Luggage storage - Professional tour guide - Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats) - Sunset at Intiwatana sun gate

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Airport pickup (unless booked as an upgrade) - Tips for guides and staff