Activities

On our trip you will have an incredible range of opportunities: Our first 9 days we will be based in the endearing and colorful town of Pisaq, famous for its abundant produce and vibrant art market. We will begin by delving into the world-renowned Peruvian cuisine, learning vocabulary, recipes, and cooking techniques of the region. We will have the honor of participating in an ancient Quechua Despacho ceremony. Led by a Maestro of the Q'ero linage this is a traditional way to pay our respects to the land, ask permission to be in the Sacred Valley, and bless all aspects of our paths in this life. After a couple days to rest, ground and get oriented, we will take daily trips to surrounding sites, including: Inca temples, Lares Hotsprings, local schools, and the Chawaitiri weaving community.

On day 10 we will begin to travel down the Sacred Valley, all the way to Machu Picchu, visiting many significant archeological sites and living villages along the way. There in Aguas Calientes, where the Andes meet the Amazon, we will explore the exquisite flora and fauna by walking thru a butterfly house and several botanical gardens to a lush waterfall tucked into the skirt of the mountains below Machu Picchu. Our trip will conclude with a couple days in Cusco, the capital of the region, enjoying the many museums and fine restaurants nestled amidst the steep cobblestone streets. For guests wishing to stay longer and continue traveling, we are happy to offer suggestions and contacts for further exploration of the area- there is SO much to see and it is fun to venture out on your own once Colibrí Journeys has helped you stretch your traveling wings!

Welcoming Dinner
Gourmet local food cooked by yours truly will be ready as soon as our group has nestled into the hostel. I source delicious organic ingredients and make traditional Peruvian recipes that delight your senses with fresh produce and new flavors. This time allows us to settle in slowly to our surroundings and get to know our fellow Colibri Journeyers while we adjust to the altitude and rest.

Rest and Relaxation
We choose hostels that are locally owned, quiet and comfortable so that during free time you can soak up the sun, chill in the hammock, or take a siesta. Our lodging comes with a delicious breakfast spread of tropical fruit, local eggs and freshly baked bread; plus a full kitchen, lovely gardens, and comfy common areas. The first two days of our trip are designed to have lighter activities to encourage a gentle transition to this potent part of the world. That said, there are always enticing options of additional adventures: trails to explore, restaurants to peruse, and interesting folks to meet, the choice is yours…

Spanish Lessons
Almost every morning after breakfast, we begin our day with an hour of language practice. Vocabulary is based on students' needs and the most useful words according to the day's activities. Lessons are taught in an immersive style, and designed for learners of all levels of experience. We play games, have fun, and then put our newly acquired knowledge to use in the world around us. Lessons often include a few phrases in Quechua (the local indigenous dialect) and tips on common cultural practices to allow you to connect with Andean people in a respectful way.

Peruvian Cooking Class
This is me after we completed the first Colibri Journeys cooking class! Can you tell I'm excited? I was raised up in my mom's catering kitchen that specialized in international cuisine, so its a total joy to bring those skills to fruition as a part of our tour. Here we learn to make Causa, Choclo con Queso, Soltero de Havas, Aji and Huacatay sauces; with local chocolate-superfood truffles for dessert. History, language and cultural context are included with the recipes and instructions, so you are fully prepared to venture into the markets in search of exotic ingredients, and prepare these delicacies yourself - either back at the hostel or upon your return home. Provecho!

Despacho Ceremony
As a traditional way of welcoming you to Peru on a cultural, physical and spiritual level, we are invited to partake in this ancient ritual. Led by a Maestro of Q'ero lineage, Despachos are a way to center our intentions, offer gratitude, and nourish the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). The ritual is centered around a beautiful mandala which the Maestro creates from our Kintus (coca leaf prayer-bundles), flower petals, quinoa, sweets, and all sorts of other significant offerings. The Despacho is then sealed with prayer, wrapped and bundled with string, and placed into a fire as an offering. It is an honor to be included in this ceremony and it is very helpful as we ground and integrate into this sacred land and unique culture.

Vibrant Markets
Theres nothing like the colors, textures and sensations of wandering the Mercado, whether you're looking for ripe mangoes, alpaca textiles, or just soaking in all the beauty. Pisaq, where we are based for the first half of the trip, is world-renowned for their local artisans and vivid market. Weavers, silversmiths, potters, instrument makers and fruit stands line the cobblestone streets- and on Sundays, the surrounding villages come down to fill the Plaza with fresh flowers, local produce, and exquisite crafts. The quality and variety of skills is stunning, and the vendors are full of heart and kind-spirited. This is an excellent place to connect with local folks, practice your Spanish and Quechua, and find quality unique gifts for friends back at home.

Botanical Gardens
Throughout our journey we will traverse a wide variety of unique ecosystems, from the glacial-peaked Andes where alpacas graze upon high-altitude mosses, thru the bounteous fields beside the Urubamba River, to the lush jungles below Machu Picchu. Along the way we will admire and learn about Peru's immense botanical diversity - from cacti to coca, plants are used for dying textiles, natural medicines, gorgeous ornamentals and culinary abundance. We will pass thru the Quinsa Cocha region where a handful of villages cultivate over 4,000 different kinds of potatoes, and we'll gather native trees from the Pisaq nursery to plant for future generations. You will have the opportunity to visit several Botanical Gardens and a butterfly house to get an up-close view of these delicate creatures and extraordinary plants.

Inca Temples and Archeological Sites
The massive temples, unfathomable techniques, and sacred significance of Inca stonework remains mysterious and awe-inspiring to this day. We will visit many of the key creations of this talented and industrial society, including the Pisaq Temples, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Qori Kancha, and Saq'sayhuaman. A local guide will be present to help us understand and imagine the rich cultural significance, irreplicable skill, and extensive organization that was required to construct such a rich and elaborate empire. We learn how to approach these revered places with respect and take time to study the science and bask in the bewilderment of these immense enigmas.

Volunteer Projects
An important aspect of Peruvian culture is Ayni: reciprocity, a form of exchange that recognizes that we are all connected and uplifted by generosity. Once we are oriented in the diverse Andean ecosystem, and have had a chance to experience the sweet hospitality of the Peruvian people, it feels really good to be able to give back with your own two hands. On each trip we have taken the time to collect native trees and plants from the Pisaq Nursery and plant them on the grounds of the Kusi Kawsay School. This school is one of the most inspiring and alternative schools in the country, combining indigenous Andean cosmology with more modern educational philosophies to create a unique and empowering education for local children. We are honored to support their community by digging into the rich soil and laying down roots that will provide for the generations to come. In return, the staff and students often share traditional songs, stories and wisdom that they have learned in this extraordinary educational environment.

Chawaitiri Weaving Village
Often our Colibri Journeyers reflect that the time in Chawaitiri was their favorite part of our cultural immersion. The village is a short ways into the mountains above the Sacred Valley, but it truly feels like another world. Mist drapes across the Andean peaks and the slopes are quilted with potato and favabean fields. Nestled there are the adobe homes of my compadres, who are some of the most talented weavers on Earth. Their families tend herds of hundreds of llamas and alpacas the remote mountain meadows. They live richly simple lives: spinning soft wool on wooden spindles, dying it with local plants, and then weaving it into the most intricate ponchos, scarves and belts. Their family workshop contains a series of looms: each programmed with it's own set of patterns and symbols to be woven with the potently colored natural fibers. We will share tea and lunch with a few families, have a chance to see the impressive amount of work and skill that goes into each piece of cloth, and can buy beautiful weavings directly from their creators. In ancient times, only Inca royalty was allowed to wear these precious garments - but now, you have the privilege of supporting this traditional craft and the pleasure of wrapping yourself in its exceptional warmth and elegance.

Museums
While we spend most of our time exploring the living culture of the Cusco Region, there are a few museums that are included on our route as well. The Pisaq museum is free and easy to drop into whenever you have some time in town- it provides interesting cultural insight into historical Andean life. The Machu Picchu Museum is included in our admission to the world heritage site, and can be a tranquil way to deepen your understanding of this cultural icon. And once we arrive in the bustling city streets of Cusco, we will visit the Q'ori Kancha Museum. It is unique in that it was originally an exquisite Inca palace housing a sacred garden in which all the plants and animals of the Inca kingdom were replicated (life-size!) in gold. It then was "conquered" by the Spanish who after failed attempts at demolishing the immaculate architecture, decided to build a church upon its solid foundation; and now it houses a museum of ancient culture and modern art surrounded by a beautiful garden. If you are inspired to visit more museums, I encourage you to extend your trip and stay a few extra days in Cusco to explore on your own... from ceramics to textiles, pre-inca artifacts to contemporary theatrical performances, Cusco contains a wealth of art, culture and history to be admired!

Salsa, Bachata and more!
We top off our time in the lively city of Cusco with with a few spins around the dance floor! The class we attend is designed for beginners- followed by a social dance, which is attended by everyone from the casual novice to sizzling professionals. There are so many other activities that fit into our journey: Train rides to and from Machu Picchu... Snuggling alpacas we encounter on the roadside... A song exchange with local musicians... Stopping to picnic in the countryside with a view of epic snowcapped glaciers... Sketching the sunset from the hostal balcony... Feeling your heart flood with the beauty, healing, gratitude and love that emanates from this sacred place, it's ancient culture, and vibrant way of living.

Come see for yourself...

World School Opportunities

All of the above activities and more are available for world-schooling families and communities. I have over 20 years of teaching experience in homeschool, public, and alternative schooling environments. I'm an advocate for child-directed learning and have decades of practice in multi-aged classrooms, environmental education, language immersion, and creative arts. I originally designed Colibri Journeys as a way for my beloved homeschooling families to take the next leap into learning abroad.

Whether you are looking for a homestay experience, community service projects, adventures in nature, or kid-friendly tour-guides, I am happy to connect you with my friends and families in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. In 2022 I began working with the Traveling Circus World School Community, and it has been such a blessing to all involved. I was able to enhance their child-led curriculum with daily Spanish lessons (treasure hunts, songs, stories and games), art projects that encouraged students to represent their experiences and understandings of local culture, plus bi-weekly field trips out into nature and to visit lesser-known villages. If you are looking for a more immersive education with deep cultural connections, please reach out and see how we can weave our intentions together. Even if you don't need teaching assistance, I am happy to pass along contacts to enhance your world school adventures. My compadres love to host children and will welcome you to their adobe homes with open hearts.

World Schooling Families Photo Gallery:

What People Are Saying... About the Activities

Botanical Gardens

"It was amazing to experience the vibrant diversity of plant life; both in the rich, mountainous Sacred Valley and the steamy, cloud-swirled Jungle below Machu Picchu."

Volunteering

"It was very inspiring to get to see the school, meet fellow teachers, and hear about the emphasis on the preservation of local traditions and knowledge. I enjoyed getting my hands in the soil and having a positive impact on a local level.”

Markets

“We found wandering the markets to be a tremendously rewarding experience- not just for the colorful displays of food and weavings, and the sweet interaction with local vendors; but also because it helped us form the basis of understanding the rich agriculture, arts, and crafts of the region.”