Story time: Once upon a November 5, 2011 at sunrise, I was the very first person to enter Machu Picchu through the visitor gates. Once through, I didn't even wait for my travel buddies. I ran down the path until I could see the ruins before me and was met with silence, a misty morning fog, and a wild thrill of being alone in the Lost City of the Incas. I may have happy-hollered and took a bad, sweaty selfie. I turned and went up a short trail that brought me to an overlook, where my people caught up with me, and we enjoyed a rare, people-less view of the wondrous Machu Picchu as the fog cleared. We had spent the past few days hiking there, earning this moment, reveling in it all, together. I haven't been back since, but that is about to change...

Today, the plan is is place, the dates are set, the lodgings and activities have been selected, the Peruvian highland magic awaits...

The only thing missing is YOU.

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PERU: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Starting in Cusco, we’ll embark on a highland trekking adventure through the charming towns of the Sacred Valley, to seldom-visited Inca archaeological sites, along remote highland hiking trails with breathtaking views, and to hidden villages for first-hand glimpses into the culture and daily life of traditional Andean communities. We’ll hike, feast, sleep in luxury, and make our way to the Inca Trail all the way to the famous Sun Gate and into our grand finale of Machu Picchu. Welcome to your Peruvian bucket list dream trip.

Where: Cusco & the Sacred Valley, and the iconic wonder of the world - Machu Picchu

What: Mostly hiking, eventually making our way to the Inca Trail and through the famous Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. There will also be opportunities for biking, kayaking, cooking lessons, and even SUP along the way.

When: September 24 - October 4, 2025

Who: About 14 of us, including yours truly!

How: We are doing this in STYLE. Among other culturally- and naturally-immersive accommodations, we'll be staying in remote, gorgeous, locally owned and operated mountain lodges along our trek, where we'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from the local people of the Peruvian highlands and participate in some of their cultural traditions as we hike through vast landscapes and ancient archeological sites. Our entire trip is luggage supported (meaning we only carry what we need for the day on our backs!), and there will be hot tubs for after-hike relaxation beneath the quiet night skies. (This is what we refer to as 5-Billion Star accommodations). Star-gazers and ancient civilization nerds, get excited.

But wait... it gets better! There will be surprises from both Oboz Footwear and Osprey Packs for every participant who goes on this trip. HUZZAH! 🥾🎒😍

If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email. I can't wait to see you in Peru!

❤️ Jackie

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