Travel with Nat to Peru

I’ve teamed up with First Step Expeditions to bring you a unique, action-packed 10 days in Peru May 29th - June 7th, 2025! Join me for an off the beaten path adventure in Peru, and experience this trip of a lifetime. We’ll start our journey in Cusco, and make our way over to the Sacred Valley, ending with a bang hiking the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu.

Limited spots

available!

Tour price: $2,000





Trip Information


Pay a non-refundable $500 security deposit to hold your spot here. Once secured, you have a three-part payment plan to pay off your trip.

Payment plan dates: October 1st, January 1st, April 1st (can be adjusted for those joining after October 1st)


What does the $2,000 package include?

  • All transportation in Cusco (*Airport transfers are customizable. Pick-ups and drop-offs will be arranged according to each individual’s arrival and departure*)

  • All hotels

  • All entrance fees and trail permits

  • All walking tours

  • English/Spanish local guide service

  • Tent (double occupancy)

  • Sleeping mat

  • Purified drinking water on the trail

  • Duffel bag & Porterage to carry up to 15 lbs of equipment on trek per person

  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

  • Professional photographs taken of you throughout the trip!


Package does NOT include:

  • Airfare

  • Gratuity

  • Meals not listed

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Single room or tent supplement

  • Optional extras (sleeping bag (+$30) or walking stick rental (+$12))

  • Travel insurance

  • Assistance purchasing flights

    * If you would like over the phone flight purchase assistance with Nat, there will be an additional fee of $45 *


Things to keep in mind:

  • We WILL be hiking for the better part of 4 days (about 6 hours days 1 and 2, 8 hours day 3, and 4 hours day 4). The hike is challenging, but you CAN do it!

  • You do NOT have to be an athlete to join - hiking these treks is for everyone, and you will be able to go at your own pace. It will be cold in the early mornings and evenings on the trail, but warm during the day as we hike. The altitude can be a struggle for some, so be sure to prepare for that.

  • You do NOT have to join the trek. You can substitute those days for smaller day trips/shorter hikes from Cusco at no additional cost, and meet us in Ollantaytambo before we head to Machu Picchu!

  • “Training” for this hike is NOT necessary (or realistic) due to the change of altitude in Peru vs. your home town.

  • Cusco is 11,000 feet above sea level. Because of this, we will stay in Cusco a few days before hiking to get acclimated to the altitude before beginning the hike. The hike is a marathon, not a sprint! During the hike, we will take our time going up in altitude to get acclimated over the 4 days.

  • DON’T let fear of altitude sickness stop you from joining! Altitude sickness is an illness caused by exposure to low air pressure, which many people experience at high altitudes. Exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimated, can cause it. It is most common at altitudes above 8000 feet. The following will help your body adjust:

    • Slow and steady - keeping your pace slow enough to maintain a normal conversation.

    • Drinking much more water than you think you need - proper hydration helps acclimation dramatically.

    • Taking Diamox, Advil or Ibuprofen - There has been research that shows that it has been helpful in avoiding altitude sickness by speeding up the acclimation process. Diamox is a prescription drug in the US, so talk to your doctor if you think it might be right for you!

  • During the hike, you will only be expected to carry a day pack (not all your baggage), we will have 3 meals prepared by chefs daily on the trail, snacks and water will be provided on the trail at each stop, and there will be a portable toilet available at each stop. Our team will set up your tent and sleeping bag for you - you won’t be expected to!

  • You’ll need a valid passport (expiring at least 6 months from date of departure), a return flight (Peru does not accept one-ways), and to be up to date on the COVID-19 requirements. It is YOUR responsibility to meet all of these requirements at time of travel!

Itinerary

10 Days - 9 Nights

 

May 29th - June 7th, 2025

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco! Airport pickup and welcome dinner in the city. (Dinner included)

Day 2: Cusco city walking tour with local guide - local food and amazing views! Followed by Inca site tour. (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour (Maras, Moray, local weaving community). (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 4-7: Spend 4 days and 3 nights trekking through the Andes to Machu Picchu. On day 7, we will hike to Rainbow Mountain. From there, we’ll take a 6 hour private transfer to UNESCO World Heritage site Ollantaytambo! (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included each day on the trek)

Day 8: Wake up and take the Peru Rail to Aguas Calientes to see one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu! Once there, we will have a 2 hour historic tour with our local guide around the site. After, we’ll take the Peru Rail from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo to explore/shop in the local markets before our bus ride back to Cusco. (Breakfast included)

Day 9: Free day in Cusco followed by a Pisco sour making class and our farewell cooking class dinner! (Breakfast included and dinner included)

Day 10: Say “Hasta Luego” and head to the airport for your flight home! (Breakfast included)

FAQ's

FAQ's

Do I have to do the trek?

No! It is possible for you to skip the trek portion, and meet the group in Ollantaytambo just in time to see Machu Picchu. There is an alternate itinerary the days the group is on the trek with smaller trails/day trips from Cusco.

How will you pick me up from my flight?

Prior to arrival, an email will be sent requesting your flight number and arrival time.  Our driver will be outside the Cusco airport holding a “First Step Expeditions/Travel With Nat” sign.  More information and a map will be provided with purchase.

Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?

We will provide a tent and padded sleeping mat.  Tents are set for double occupancy.  If you need your own tent, there will be an additional $25 charge. Sleeping bags are available for rent for $30 per person.

What are the accommodation types?

The actual hotels will depend on group size and availability as we get closer to the trip, but we work with 3 star hotel-level accommodations (two double or queen sized beds with private bath).  Costs are set for double occupancy.  If a single room is required for the duration of the tour, there will be an additional charge of $200. On the hike, the tents are double occupancy.

Are there showers/bathrooms on the hike?

We will be trekking in remote areas with no base camps. There will be 1-2 private potties (depending on group size), and no showers while on the trail.

What is the weather like in June?

We will be traveling during Peru’s winter/dry season. In Cusco and on the trail, we will experience warm days (70-80F) and cold nights (30-40F).  The mountains are unpredictable, so you should always pack layers and be prepared for rain. Packing recommendations will be provided prior to arrival after booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

The $500 deposit is non-refundable. It is used to reserve entry to Machu Picchu. For any reason of cancellation, you will receive a voucher for entry to Machu Picchu that lasts 2 years from the tour date (until June of 2026).

Otherwise, 100% of the remaining balance is refundable if you cancel more than 60 days before your trip. 50% of your balance is refundable if you cancel between 59 and 31 days prior to the trip. If you cancel within 30 days, no refund will be available.

Join me on this adventure of a lifetime, and see Peru like never before!

To secure your spot, book here.