More Than a Hike: A Sacred Journey to Machu Picchu Through Peru’s Sacred Valley

In 2015, I set out with a big backpack and an intention to check off a bucket list item—hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. I never would’ve imagined how profoundly this Peru travel experience, moving through the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley, would stay with me long after I returned home.

I started my journey in Cusco, Peru, taking a few days to acclimate to the high altitude before beginning the trek. Cusco felt like a bridge between worlds—both ancient and modern coexisting in a way that made me slow down and truly pay attention. From there, we began the four-day trek along the Inca Trail, one of the most iconic hikes in the world.

There was something deeply grounding about moving through the Andes Mountains, surrounded by mist, stone, and silence. The thin mountain air required presence. Every step became intentional. Every breath mattered. It wasn’t just a hike—it was a meditation in motion.

By the time we reached Machu Picchu at sunrise, something had shifted. We hadn’t just arrived at a destination—we had been welcomed into a sacred ritual, one that had been practiced by the Inca civilization for over 500 years. Watching the morning light move across the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is something I still carry with me. It felt timeless, reverent, and deeply alive.

Walking these ancient paths through the Sacred Valley of Peru, it was impossible not to feel the presence of the Inca people and the values that shaped their way of life. They lived with a deep reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth), seeing themselves not as owners of the land, but as its caretakers. This respect is etched into the mountainsides through their agricultural terraces—designed to prevent erosion while nourishing the soil—and in the way their cities were built in harmony with the natural landscape, rather than imposed upon it.

Their way of life reflected a profound sense of balance, community, and sustainability—something that feels just as relevant today as it did centuries ago.

Throughout my time traveling in Peru and the Sacred Valley, we were met again and again with kindness, patience, and generosity. There was a simplicity to daily life that felt intentional—rooted in honoring the past while being fully present in each moment.

It reminded me that the most meaningful parts of travel to Peru aren’t just about what you see, but how deeply you allow yourself to feel it.

That journey changed me. And now, years later, I feel so grateful to return to this sacred land—this time in community—with the GetAway Yogis, to experience the magic of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the Sacred Valley in a whole new way.

~ Elaine P. Board-Certified Wellness Coach,

Reiki Master Healer,

and 2 time GetAway Yogi