the wonders of peru with nat kelley
the wonders of peru with nat kelley
21st - 27th March 2025
earlybird pricing - $250 off!
join actress and activist nathalie kelley on a transformative seven-day journey through peru that blends breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ethical, sustainable travel. this adventure focuses on connecting deeply with locals and honoring the land through ancient traditions.
begin by acclimating in cusco before visiting sacred sites like tipon and trekking through stunning mountain trails, including the sun gate, inti punku. along the way, share meals and moments with local families, learning about their traditions and sustainable practices. the journey concludes at the awe-inspiring machu picchu, showcasing the quechua people's harmony with nature.
this is more than a trip—it’s a meaningful exploration of peru’s culture, people, and heritage.
itinerary
YOU HAVE ARRIVED in cusco, peru the historic capital of the inca empire. cusco is a vibrant blend of ancient tradition and modern culture
SETTLE into your hotel and allow yourself time to acclimatise to the high altitude
MEET nathalie and your travel companions for the week of exploring ahead
WELCOME group dinner, traditional peruvian food is a flavorful fusion of indigenous and international influences, featuring ingredients like potatoes, corn, quinoa, and seafood, highlighted by dishes such as ceviche and lomo saltado.
BREAKFAST
JOURNEY south of the city to visit tipon, an ancient temple of worship to water and agriculture, with beautiful ceremonial fountains where you will take a moment to ask permission and give thanks through an offering to the mountains and mother earth followed by a short walk around the site.
RETURN to cusco for free time to wonder around the city or grab a bite to eat
EXPLORE the historic center of the city of cusco on a guided tour. learn about its importance as the capital of the quechua people.
DINNER in the historical city as you prepare for a life changing trekking expedition. the following 3 days of pilgrimage will be an incredible experience to connect with nature through its mountains, its tranquility and its majestic view
BREAKFAST
BEGIN your journey with a drive from cusco toward the small community of socma, located near to pomatales gorge.
VISIT the community school to interact with the children and learn about their life and culture
PUSH your body as you trek almost 6 kilometers to the community of rayán, passing by the perolniyoc waterfall, with its archaeological site raq'aypata acting as a natural lookout point (this trek is physically demanding)
BREAK for lunch at this site and then continue climbing towards rayán, where a local family will welcome you to camp in their home.
FREE time to rest and enjoy the mountain air
DINNER with a local family
BREAKFAST nourish your body as a near full day of trekking awaits
BEGIN the ascent to reach our first pass, which will take 2.3-hours approximately
CONGRATULATE yourself on completing the hardest part of the trek. good news, there are no further steep climbs
BE AWED by the incomparable landscape of the vilcanota mountain range, continue trekking until the second pass, from where you will see the sun gate or intipunku in the distance
DESCEND until a flat stretch of path which will lead you to the sun gate, where you will have a closer look, as the sunsets with the waqay willka mountain (sacred tears in quechua) in the background. finally, another 20 minutes of descent awaits you until we reach camp
DINNER and rest
WAKE up with your head above the clouds to breakfast
BEGIN your journey down to the inca bridge of ollantaytambo a journey of roughly 3 hours. pause halfway at the quarry of qachi q'ata, where gigantic stone blocks were extracted to build the inca city
ARRIVE at the inca bridge, before entering ollantaytambo, a picturesque and historic quechua culture town nestled in the sacred valley, known for its impressive archaeological ruins and well-preserved streets that still follow ancient layouts
LUNCH at chuncho, a resturant in which the food is prepared with organic products of local farmers
FREE TIME to explore this magical town
BREAKFAST
JOURNEY by road to visit the community of patacancha nearly 4000 meters above sea level.
VISIT a group of local weavers, who will share with you the wonderful art of weaving using alpaca fiber
LUNCH with a local family
VISIT a local home to participate in an ancient practice called hayllariquy, in which you will make an offering to the mother earth pachamama and the alpacas whilst learning about the ancient agricultural systems that have allowed quechua people to thrive in high altitudes.
RETURN to ollantaytambo transformed and educated
FREE time to explore ollantaytambo
BREAKFAST
RIDE the iconic train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes then take a short bus ride to the famous machu picchu
ENJOY your time at machu picchu, the 15th-century inca citadel showcasing remarkable quechua culture engineering and architecture amidst the breathtaking andean mountains.
BREAK for lunch
TRANSFERS to cusco
SAFE TRAVELS back home or onwards to explore more of peru or its neighboring countries
an invitation from nathalie
To my beloved community,
I want to personally invite you to join me on a transformative journey to my homeland of Peru, the epicenter of indigenous Quechua culture - where we’ll connect with the land, its people, and its incredible history.
As an actress and activist, I’ve always believed in the power of travel to open our hearts and minds and connect us with what it means to be human. This trip is designed to do just that.
As “modernity” encroaches on almost every corner of the planet, it is such a privilege to visit cultures that have preserved ancient knowledge and agricultural systems and traditional ways of living, in harmony with the Earth.
We’ll be trekking through the Sacred Valley, visiting sacred sites like Tipon and Machu Picchu, and experiencing the rich culture of the Quechua people, from whom we can learn so much.
And while tourism is an industry that needs radical transformation, I have personally ensured that our trip will be conducted ethically and sustainably, with an emphasis on connecting with local people and communities rather than exploiting them.
During these 7 days we will trek together, make offerings at sacred sites, connect around the nighttime fire and share meals and laughter with local families.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s an invitation to grow, learn, and discover the magic of my homeland in the most authentic and respectful way possible.
I would love for you to be part of this unforgettable adventure, and I can’t wait to share this experience with you.
With love,
Nathalie
exclusions
Flights to and from Peru
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
inclusions
3 nights lodging in Cusco
2 nights lodging in Ollantaytambo
Return airport transfers
All group transportation as per the itinerary
Private guide/s
Camp set ups during the trek
Tents
Matras
Sleeping bags
Horsemen and horses to carry luggage during the trek
Welcome dinner on day 1
All meals and water during the trek
Experience and lunch with the Patacancha community
Entrance ticket to Machupicchu
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Bus ticket to Machupicchu
Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu in tourist class service
meet your host
Nathalie Kelley is an Australian actress, activist, and advocate known for her dynamic career in film and television as well as her passionate work in sustainability and social justice. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the hit television series The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and has since starred in various projects, including Dynasty and The Baker and the Beauty.
Beyond her acting career, Nathalie is deeply committed to environmental causes and ethical travel, using her platform to promote sustainability, wellness, and positive change. With a focus on cultural exchange, she encourages conscious travel that fosters deeper connections with local communities and supports eco-friendly practices. Nathalie’s work as an activist continues to inspire her followers to live with intention and contribute to a better, more compassionate world.
your guide abel
Born in Cusco, Abel is passionate about the outdoors, mountains and his cultural heritage. He is an on-staff guide and co-designer of many experiences with local communities in the Andes. Abel has a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism by the Universidad del Medio Ambiente in México and specializes in mountain biking, paddle boarding and trekking.
Abel is certified by the National Outdoor Leadership School as Wilderness First Responder. Abel is a head guide in Peru for several companies from different countries who design tailor made trips in Peru.
"My main goal as a trip leader is to provide people a genuine experience about local culture and a deeper connection with nature through the simplicity of being present ". - Abel
location
During the tour, you’ll stay at a Tierra Viva San Blas hotel in Cusco and Tikawasi Ollanta 2 in Ollantaytambo, offering a comfortable base to explore the area. While trekking through the mountains, accommodation will be in tents at well-maintained campsites, where you can expect basic yet clean and comfortable setups to rest and rejuvenate amidst the stunning natural surroundings. **photo of campsite is an example - locations will vary
FAQs
How can I join?
Please secure your place by clicking book now and either paying a deposit or the full trip price.
How do I get there?
To reach Cusco, the most common route is by air, with daily flights available from Lima, the capital of Peru, which is well connected internationally. Many airlines offer direct flights from major cities around the world to Lima, and from there, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reach Cusco by bus from Lima or other major cities in Peru, although the journey is much longer, taking around 20-24 hours depending on the route. Once in Cusco, the city is easily accessible for travelers and serves as a gateway to many other destinations in the Sacred Valley and beyond.
What is the rooming configuration?
Rooming will be shared in both the hotels and at camp during the trek. If you would prefer a private room, please email operations@aweventurer.com to inquire about upgrade options.
What should I pack?
When visiting Cusco and trekking to Machu Picchu, it's important to pack for both the city’s high-altitude climate and the varying conditions along the trek. Here’s a list of essentials:
Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers: For both warmth and breathability (including a base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer).
Warm jacket: Evenings and mornings in the mountains can be chilly, so bring a warm, insulated jacket.
Rain gear: A lightweight, waterproof jacket and pants, as weather can be unpredictable.
Comfortable trekking clothes: Quick-drying pants, long-sleeve shirts, and T-shirts.
Trekking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Casual clothes for Cusco: Comfortable clothes for exploring the city, such as jeans or pants and a light jacket.
Hat and gloves: Even in warmer months, the altitude can bring chilly temperatures.
Daypack: A small backpack for daily essentials during the trek.
Water bottles or hydration system: Staying hydrated is essential, so pack a refillable water bottle or hydration bladder.
Sunscreen and lip balm: The high-altitude sun can be intense, so be sure to protect your skin.
Sunglasses: UV-protection sunglasses to shield your eyes from the strong mountain sun.
Headlamp or flashlight: For early morning or evening use.
Trekking poles: Optional but helpful for stability during steep ascents and descents.
Personal medications: Bring any necessary medications, including altitude sickness tablets if recommended by your doctor.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Useful during the trek and at campsites.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like granola bars or nuts for the trek.
Insect repellent: For protection against mosquitoes and other bugs.
Camera: To capture the stunning scenery along the trek and at Machu Picchu.
Travel adapter: Peru uses types A and C plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V.
Notebook or journal: To document your journey and experiences.