Embark on a journey to the heart of the Inca civilization, designed for those seeking a connection with Mother Earth. Join us in exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley, the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, and the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca. Through time-honored ceremonies with local communities you’ll embrace the spirit of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and gain insight into ancient traditions that celebrate all of life. Join us in the land of the Incas for an unforgettable, soul-stirring adventure.

As we explore this sacred land, we will work to reconnect with the wisdom we hold deep inside and are meant to bring to this moment. We will explore the gifts of Wild Hope and what activation looks and feels like for you. The gifts of this trip are endless and the journey begins the minute you say “yes”.

We’ll review the itineraries, meet the journey leaders, and answer all your questions. Schedule Here

Our Wild Hope Journeys are experiences that hold the inner and outer work in one incredible adventure. Together we explore what it looks and feels like to reconnect with the wisdom of nature for each of us individually. We explore communities and regions of the world, guided by those who have never lost their connection to the healing power of the more-than-human world.

This is a time of activation, and we need to make sure we move into action in a way that honors the gifts that we are here to share. Activation that best aligns with our own health and well-being alongside the health and well-being of all life.

Our journeys into the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains are not vacations—they are living invitations to remember who you are and how you belong to this Earth. In partnership with Indigenous communities who have welcomed us into their sacred lands and life ways, we co-create immersive experiences rooted in trust, reciprocity, and reverence. Every step of the way is guided by relationship—relationships with elders, healers, rivers, jaguars, mountain spirits, and the unseen intelligence of the natural world. These are not curated performances for outsiders—they are real, raw, and rooted in the wisdom of people who still live in harmony with the living Earth.

You’ll hike ancient paths, sit in ceremony with plant teachers, share meals in remote villages, and hear stories passed down for generations. But more than that, you’ll slow down. You’ll listen. You’ll begin to remember a way of being that is both deeply human and profoundly connected. This is a journey that will ask something of you: your presence, your humility, your willingness to be changed. And in return, it will offer you something rare: a glimpse into a way of life centered in relationship, where every choice ripples out into the whole. These journeys are not just about where we go—they are about what awakens in us when we finally arrive.

Laurie Benson is the founder of the Center for Wild Hope, focused on amplifying nature’s wisdom through story and experience. She is an adventurer who has traveled the world and is now focused on leading groups into the Andes of Peru and the Ecuadorian Amazon with lots of adventures in between. As an author and speaker, she has had the honor of supporting and working within Indigenous communities around the world. Her first book, Leading From the Feminine has won many awards and is acknowledged as a go to guide for embodiment and somatic awareness work. Her newest book, Resilient Activism: Igniting Wild Hope in Uncertain Times is here to serve us all in this moment of deep transformation.

Juan Fernando Duran has guided Journeys into South America for over 30 years. His expertise spans South American history and wildlife, from the Galapagos Islands to the Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest. His passion for nature preservation, and fostering bonds with indigenous groups shines through.  His journeys let people authentically connect with the land, its inhabitants, and the spirit of nature itself.

"My journey through Peru was nothing short of transformative—a soulful pilgrimage across sacred mountains, ancient temples, and luminous lakes. Each step brought me closer to something I had been quietly seeking: a deeper sense of who I am, and the courage to live from that place." Caroline C

"Fabulous journey! Loved the entire experience! Highlights for me were the San Pedro ceremony and time at Lake Titicaca. Loved all the hikes and being off the beaten track! Juan Fernando was totally professional, personal, and caring the entire time. Special kudos to him! I am recommending Travels With Steve and Juan to others." Christina L

"Another trip of a lifetime with Steve and Juan! It couldn't have been better: great off-the-beaten-path itinerary, great food, people, accommodations." Anne R

"A rich, intense, and awe-inspiring adventure into the jungle and into our hearts. The journey leader, Steve, and our interpreter, were trustworthy, kind, and highly capable. All of our accommodations and journeys were excellent. Best of all was the experience of being held as we swam in ancient waterfalls, connected with the locals, and experienced the deep wilderness. Life-changing!"  Joseph A 

"First off I'll say the preparation of this journey was thoughtful..  They anticipate your needs, so you always feel fully supported in everything; bathroom comfort, food restrictions, physical and emotional needs. The complete unplug that you experience on this journey gives you tremendous clarity.  And then there's one more element....the difference you can make by taking time to bare witness to the lives of the indigenous tribes so you can truly hear and understand them.  Just sign up.  You won't be disappointed and you're in loving hands."   Debbie L 

"This journey was superb with really amazing guides who supported and allowed a transformative spiritual experience to unfold individually and collectively. The itinerary was really beautifully curated as a journey in and of itself."  Anya W 

"This was truly a once in a lifetime experience - I learned so much, felt so connected, and was pushed to have new perspectives and understanding of the world. I would go again in a heartbeat if I could!"  Sara H 

"I knew this trip would be transformative, but couldn't have imagined the gifts. I will be forever grateful for the container created for all of us to have incredible, life changing experiences."  Sara T. 

"The Journey was a powerful experience of learning about different people, connecting with nature, and personal spiritual growth. I appreciated the structure as a partnership - learning from and supporting each other. The insights from other group members strengthened my learning and made it an enjoyable time together. I am glad I could bring my young adult daughters - it was a connecting experience for us and important for young people who will help our culture change to a new dream."  Diana H 

"My Journey is hard to describe in words. The visitations, experiences and engagement we were part of were profound, beautiful and awe-inspiring on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The trip was a finely woven tapestry created from a place of deep love and reverence. I am awakened and changed forever in ways that will continue to unfold over time. I feel the deepest respect for their work, vision and integrity." Andrea N 

"I loved the experience and learnings I had with these docile distant brothers that I had the opportunity to embrace on this journey. The pure relationship that the Indigenous people have with the earth on the physical and spiritual plane, captivated me forever"  Ruth B 

"The Self that I identified as “me”, that left for the Journey was not the sane Self that returned.  Amidst the stillness and silence of the jungle and welcoming spirit of our indigenous brothers and sisters, I discovered my Self, as a self rooted in being,  blissful and serene."  Mark F 

"I was so impressed with the organization and care of the leaders and guides of the entire journey. The care of all parties involved helped create a safe space to wholeheartedly experience the present moment. I remained in a state of presence for such a long period of time that returning back to society has been a challenge. I recommend this for anyone seeking to come face to face with the jaguar and smile."  Michael A 

"The organization was exceptional, people were amazing, including group and the indigenous people.  One of the best experiences ever.  Very grateful."   Diana D 

Being in Pisac feels like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of Andean culture, where

colorful markets brim with handcrafted textiles and fresh produce against the

backdrop of stunning mountain vistas. The air is filled with the scent of traditional

Peruvian cuisine and the echoes of ancient Incan ruins above town, with their

agricultural terraces and the Temple of the Sun, offer breathtaking views of the

Sacred Valley.

Descending from the Pisac Archaeological Park, you wind through ancient terraces and mystical stone ruins, each step offering sweeping views of the Sacred Valley below. The path meanders past wildflowers and whispering eucalyptus trees, with the distant sound of rushing water growing ever closer. As you reach the valley floor, the sight and cool mist of the hidden majestic Poc Poc provides a refreshing, magical reward for the journey.

As you arrive in Ollantaytambo, the towering Inca fortress — which you’ll explore in the afternoon — immediately dominates the skyline, standing guard over the ancient town and its cobblestone streets. The air is filled with a sense of history as you step into what feels like a living Inca city, with its original grid of stone passageways, adobe buildings, and the distant echo of the Quechua language. The dramatic backdrop of terraced slopes against the Sacred Valley mountains creates a breathtaking scene, welcoming you to this unique blend of Inca engineering and vibrant culture.

We’ll catch the Machu Picchu train at the station in town. In arriving at Machu Picchu, you are enveloped by the misty grandeur of ancient stone terraces and temples perched high above the Urubamba River, surrounded by towering green peaks. The air is filled with a sense of mystery and awe, as sunlight filters through clouds to illuminate the intricate Inca architecture that has withstood centuries.  Every step reveals breathtaking panoramic views and a profound connection to the ingenuity and spirit of a lost civilization.  

Stepping into the San Pedro ceremony circle, surrounded by nature’s beauty, you feel a deep sense of peace and connection to the earth and the presence of the shaman guiding the process. Warmth and light flood your senses, dissolving boundaries between you and the lush, breathing earth, while the healer’s chants seem to open hidden doors within your heart, lifting your spirit and opening pathways to inner clarity and healing.

Bathed in soft sunlight, you spend the day in quiet reflection, letting the insights and emotions from the ceremony settle gently within you. Gentle walks in nature, nourishing food, and heartfelt conversations with fellow participants help weave the night’s revelations into your everyday awareness.

For those who would like to go, in the afternoon we’ll take a short drive to the mind-boggling Moray Inca ruins. Standing at the edge of Moray’s vast circular terraces, you feel dwarfed by the breathtaking engineering of the Incas, as the concentric rings descend nearly 150 meters into the earth, each level creating its own microclimate against a dramatic backdrop of Andean peaks. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Maras Salt Mines. You’ll stand amidst thousands of terraced salt pools shimmering like a patchwork quilt of white and pink hues, where local families continue harvesting salt by hand using ancient Inca techniques passed down through generations.

Being on Lake Titicaca feels like stepping into a mystical world, where the vast, tranquil waters stretch endlessly beneath a brilliant blue sky, framed by rugged Andean peaks. The gentle rocking of the boat, the crisp high-altitude air, and glimpses of floating reed islands and traditional communities create a serene and timeless atmosphere that connects you deeply to the heart of Andean culture and nature.

Hiking the walkway around Amantani Island offers a peaceful escape, which reveals stunning, ever-changing views of Lake Titicaca’s sparkling waters and distant snow-capped mountains. The trail winds through ancient farming terraces and quaint villages, where friendly locals greet you with warm smiles and traditional greetings. Each step immerses you deeper into the island’s tranquil beauty and rich cultural heritage.

You’ll take a ninety-minute boat ride to spend time on one of the Floating Islands.

Within the azure waters of the lake, the Uros Floating Islands stand as a marvel of human ingenuity—a testament to an ancient culture. Stepping onto one of the islands is like stepping into another world. You feel the springy surface of layered totora reeds beneath your feet. The air carries the scent of the reeds and the gentle lapping of the lake against the islands’ edges. You observe the Uros people going about their daily lives, their homes and boats also crafted from the versatile reeds.

This is a world where tradition and modernity coexist—where solar panels rest atop reed houses and the barter system remains alive. Here, the ebb and flow of the lake dictate the rhythm of life.

After returning to Amantani for a rest, we’ll set out in the late afternoon on a walk to the highest point on the island. As you ascend the gentle slopes toward the sacred temples of Pachatata and Pachamama, the golden light of sunset bathes the ancient stone structures and surrounding hills in a warm, ethereal glow.

Reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Titicaca—its vast blue expanse shimmering beneath the fiery hues of the evening sky. In the peaceful silence, you feel a deep spiritual connection to the land and its ancestral traditions, making the moment both awe-inspiring and profoundly moving..

Leaving Amantani Island at dawn, you watch the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca fade into the distance, carrying with you memories of the island’s warmth and serenity. The journey through the Andean highlands unfolds like a tapestry of rolling hills, terraced fields, and vibrant villages. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by the scent of eucalyptus and the charm of cobbled streets—ready to unwind at our hotel nestled beneath the ancient Inca ruins, enjoy a nearby spa, or do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner and celebration.

Breakfast and Departures