Peru Backroads Trekking
May 16-24, 2027
Beyond the Inca Trail: Trek the Hidden Andes
This rare trekking route was developed in collaboration with the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities to protect the fragile Meso-Andean Relic Cloud Forest while creating a meaningful alternative to the crowded Inca Trail.
Over four unforgettable days, you'll move through remote mountain landscapes, cloud forest ecosystems, and traditional villages rarely visited by travelers — culminating in one of the world’s most iconic destinations: Machu Picchu.
This is Peru experienced slowly, intentionally, and in partnership with the communities who call these mountains home.
Highlights
• Trek a rare Andean route developed with local communities
• Experience a quieter alternative to the crowded Inca Trail
• Camp in the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities
• Support protection of the Meso-Andean Relic Cloud Forest ecosystem
• Experience a four-day luxury camping trek through the Andes
• Visit the Chincheros weaving community and learn traditional textile arts
• Explore the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray
• Walk through the dazzling Maras salt pans, still harvested today
PLUS:
+ Knowledgeable guides with decades of experience and personal connections with locals
+ Daily mindfulness activities and intentional conversation
+ Experienced Root tour leader
+ 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
This is an adventurous trek designed for travelers who want a deeper, quieter experience of Peru beyond the typical tourist routes.
This trip is a great fit if you:
• Love hiking and spending full days immersed in nature
• Are comfortable hiking 6–10 miles per day at altitude
• Want to experience a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail
• Feel excited about learning from local communities and traditions
• Enjoy remote landscapes with limited connectivity
• Want both physical challenge and mindful presence
Meet Your Planners:
Carisa and Breanne are the heart and soul behind Root Adventures. With decades of combined experience exploring the world and building meaningful connections across cultures, they believe deeply in the transformative power of travel. Every journey they design is rooted in intention, joy, and a fierce belief in the magic that happens when people step outside their comfort zones and into something real.
Contact us:
720-743-5516 | INFO@ROOTADVENTURES.COM
Detailed Itinerary
(click “+” to learn more)
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Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco and dinner on your own.
Accommodations: Antigua Casona San Blas
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
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After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Koricancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Antigua Casona San Blas
Meals: B | L | D
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From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will gain our first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where we’ll begin our trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021.
We begin our uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relict Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory. Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law.
As we approach the heights, we will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach our campsite at Acopía (13,628 ft.).
Trekking time: ~5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 5.78 miles
Bus ride: 95 km (59.03 mi)/Time: 3:00 hours
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will gain our first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where we’ll begin our trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021.
We begin our uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relict Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory. Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law.
As we approach the heights, we will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach our campsite at Acopía (13,628 ft.).
Trekking time: ~5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 5.78 miles
Bus ride: 95 km (59.03 mi)/Time: 3:00 hours
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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Leaving Acopía, we will continue our uphill climb toward the first pass at Tambomachay (4367 km/ 14,323 ft). As the day warms up, we may see some Andean bird species, including Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains.
After 5-6 hours of gentle uphill climbing, we will reach our lunch spot Uspaccasa (4,559 km/ 14,953 ft), a sheltered area just beyond the pass with majestic views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay.
After lunch, we’ll continue along the high ridge and veer right toward Cruzjasa Pass (4,683 km / 15,360 ft) where we will have fantastic views of the South face of Mt. Palcay, the south face of Mt. Salkantay and the Pampacahuana Valley and enjoy the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity.
From here, we descend on a steep trail to our campsite where we will sleep surrounded by mountains and stars at Mirador de Pampacahuana (3902 km / 12,801 ft).
Trekking time: ~7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 9.20 miles
Altitude: Min. 12,864 ft | Max. 15,808 ft
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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We’ll take our leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q ́esca valleys.
After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we will have lunch. Then we’ll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward the Patallacta ruins. This site was once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu. After a brief visit, we will continue to our campiste at Chamana, which is a private campsite that we have equipped with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days.
Camp at Chamana (2585 km / 8480 ft).
Trekking time: ~7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 10.19 miles
Altitude: Min. 8,481 ft | Max. 12,864 ft
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. After visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the Sanctuary through the town of Q’oriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located.
The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, in time to take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Trekking time: ~5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 9.63 miles
Altitude: Min. 8107 ft | Max. 9213 ft
Bus ride: 15.6 km (9.69 mi)/Time: 0:30 hours
Train ride: 43 km (26.72 mi)/Time: 1:45 hours
Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals: B | L | D
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Afer an early breakfast, a quick, half-hour bus ride brings us up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where we’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel. Exploring the various sectors and entering some of the houses and temples will bring these iconic ruins to life for us. As we immerse in this mystical place, we’ll feel that we’ve entered a dream of ancient times.
Wandering among these ancient manmade structures blended seamlessly into natural surroundings, will leave us with a sense of wonder and reverence, and gift us with memories to savor for years to come.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where a train will take us back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available. We will arrive in the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco.
Dinner on your own.
Bus ride: 12.4 km (7.71 mi)/Time: 1 hour
Train ride: 43 km (26.72 mi)/Time: 1:45 hours
Accommodations: Antigua Casona San Blas
Meals: B | L
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Today you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B
Price: $4895 per person
Deposit: $500 due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Price based on double occupancy (2 people per room)
Solo travelers will be paired with one another
Single rooms throughout the trip are an additional $900 per person
Payment plans available, please inquire.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
FAQs
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We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
+Transportation+Professional bilingual guide
+Hotel in Machu Picchu Village
+Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Village and from Machu Picchu Village to Cusco
+Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Village (round trip)
+Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
+Guided tour in Machu Picchu
+Lunch in Machu Picchu Village on day 5
+All meals during trek
+Non-alcoholic drinks
+Kitchen and dining tents
+Cook and field staff
+Horses and drivers
+Entrance tickets
+Solar energy lamps
+Eco toilets
+Adequate garbage disposal
+First aid kit and oxygen tank
+Meals as detailed
+Daily mindfulness activities
+2 pre-trip calls
+2 post trip calls
+Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions logistical, emotional, or otherwise!
+6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
+ 3 month pre-trip preparation series
+Lifetime access to the Root Community
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Airfare, travel insurance, souvenirs, Tips/Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
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May is one of the best months of the year to trek in the Andes. It falls at the beginning of the dry season, which typically brings clear skies, comfortable hiking temperatures, and excellent mountain views.
During the day, temperatures are usually pleasant for hiking, while evenings and early mornings can feel quite cool due to the higher elevation.
Typical conditions in May include:
• Daytime temperatures: ~60–70°F (15–21°C) in the valleys
• Nighttime temperatures: ~35–45°F (2–7°C) at higher elevations
• Mostly dry conditions with occasional light rain possible
• Clear skies and excellent visibility in the mountains
• Cool mornings and evenings, especially at campBecause we are trekking through the Andes at varying elevations, the weather can shift throughout the day. You may start the morning in a jacket, hike in a t-shirt under warm sunshine, and add layers again in the evening.
The key to comfort is layering. We provide a detailed packing list before the trip so you arrive fully prepared for the range of mountain conditions.
Overall, May offers some of the most stable and beautiful trekking weather in Peru, making it an ideal time to experience the Andes and Machu Picchu.
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Make sure you are in Cusco, Peru any time on Day 1.
Please depart from Cusco, Peru any time on the final day.
If you need assistance booking your flights, please contact our trusted air consolidator, Exito Travel, or contact us directly, info@rootadventures.com.
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Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America and welcomes millions of visitors each year. The regions we travel through—including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Andes trekking areas—are well established for tourism and considered very safe for travelers.
This trek takes place in remote mountain landscapes and small rural communities, far from large cities. The areas we visit are known for their hospitality, strong community traditions, and long history of welcoming travelers.
Your safety is a top priority throughout the journey. We work with experienced local guides who know these mountains intimately and maintain strong relationships with the communities along the route.
Throughout the trip you’ll benefit from:
• Expert local trekking guides with decades of experience
• A Root Adventures trip leader traveling with the group
• Carefully designed itineraries with thoughtful pacing and acclimatization
• Established partnerships with local communities along the route
• Support teams assisting during the trekking portion of the journeyAs with travel anywhere in the world, basic awareness and common-sense precautions go a long way. We provide guidance before the trip so you know what to expect and how to travel comfortably and confidently.
Many travelers find Peru to be one of the most welcoming and enriching places they’ve ever visited, and exploring the Andes with a knowledgeable team allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
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The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world—but it has also become very crowded and heavily regulated due to its popularity.
Our Andes trek offers a quieter, more immersive alternative while still allowing you to experience Machu Picchu at the end of your journey.
Inca Trail
• Very popular and often crowded
• Strict permit system that sells out months in advance
• Larger trekking groups
• Primarily focused on the historic Inca routeRoot Andes Trek
• A rare route developed with local communities
• Far fewer trekkers on the trail
• Smaller, more intentional groups
• Deeper connection with local culture and landscapes
• Luxury camping experience
• Still culminates with a guided exploration of Machu PicchuFor travelers who want to experience the Andes without the crowds, this route offers a special opportunity to explore a part of Peru that very few visitors ever see.
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We classify this trip a level 5 out of 5.
This means that prior hiking experience is required. Expect long hikes, significant elevation gain and variable terrain in some areas.
We definitely recommend preparing physically for this trip and will provide a pre-trip preparation guide with a training plan starting 3 months out from your trip.
Check the detailed itinerary with daily mileage, approximate walking time and elevation changes.
A note about altitude:
The Andes are a high mountain environment, and altitude is something every traveler should take seriously when visiting Peru.
During this journey, we spend time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before beginning the trek, which allows the body to gradually acclimate before hiking at higher elevations.
Our guides are also highly experienced in monitoring how guests are feeling and adjusting pacing when needed.
Most travelers do very well when they take the proper steps to prepare.
To support your acclimatization we recommend:
• Arriving well-hydrated and well-rested
• Taking the first few days at a slower pace
• Staying well nourished and drinking plenty of water
• Following your guide’s pacing during the trekWhile altitude can affect everyone differently, most travelers find that with the right preparation and support, they are able to enjoy the trek fully.
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Sleeping accommodations are a combination of hotel stays and camping as detailed in the itinerary. All camping is double occupancy. For hotel accommodations there is a pricing option for single occupancy.
Our superior guides and support staff will provide a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and thick camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
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This is a trekking trip, however it is not a backpacking trip so you will not be carrying a large pack. Porters transport your luggage to each new overnight accommodation. You will carry a day pack (recommended with hydration bladder) to hold your needed gear from the day (sunscreen, water, camera, extra layers, etc.) for the day hikes.
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Yes! Most dietary requests can be arranged in advance.
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There will be of course access to electricity and some wifi on the nights you’ll be staying in hotels.
However please be prepared to have minimal to no electricity and wifi service while trekking. If you need a charge we recommend bringing a charging block.
Should an emergency occur we do have methods of communication via satellite phone.
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During the camping portion of this adventure there is no access to showers.
However we do provide a private tent with a transportable toilet.
Additionally, our guides will brief you on “leave no trace behind” principles for elimination on trails and outdoors.
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You can find a packing list here. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
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It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip.
Three months before the start of your trip you will receive a pre-trip preparation series that includes a training plan.
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Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!
Bring Peru to your home
Every adventure leaves a mark—why not wear yours with pride?
These limited-edition designs were hand-drawn by our founder (Breanne) and inspired by the spirit, color, and magic of our Peru journey. Whether you're joining us on the trip or just dreaming of the Andes, these gifts and apparel are the perfect way to celebrate your connection to this unforgettable place.
Grab something for yourself—or a fellow adventurer—and keep the memories alive long after the trip ends.
Machu Picchu Peru Sticker
$5.00
High altitude. Deep perspective.
Tucked between the Andean peaks and the Amazon basin lies a place that defies logic and transcends time. Machu Picchu isn’t just an archaeological site; it’s a testament to what is possible when humans build in conversation with the earth rather than in spite of it.
This hand-drawn sticker captures the iconic silhouette of Huayna Picchu towering over the stone terraces. For those of us who have walked the Inca Trail, this image brings back the scent of mountain mist, the burn in our lungs, and the silent reverence of watching the clouds peel back to reveal the "Lost City."
2.75 in X 2.25 in
Machu Picchu Unisex Hoodie
$58.00
This design captures the spirit and energy of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu looming in background. Remember your travels every time your snuggle up!
A soft and comfy unisex hoodie that fits all your hoodie needs. The fleece fabric makes it a great partner all year round, be it a summer evening on the beach, or a Christmas dinner in a mountain cabin.
• 52% airlume combed ring-spun cotton, 48% poly fleece
• Heather colors are 60% airlume combed ring-spun cotton, 40% poly fleece
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Peru Camper Mug
$25.00
This design captures the spirit and energy of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu looming in background. Remember your travels every time your snuggle up!
Every happy camper needs a unique camper mug. It's lightweight, durable and multifunctional. Use it for your favorite beverage or a hot meal, and attach it to your bag for easy access on a hike.
• Material: Enamel
• Dimensions: height 3.14″ (8 cm), diameter 3.25″(8.25 cm)
• White coating with a silver rim
• Hand-wash only
Attention! Don't heat liquids or food directly in the mug—it can damage the coating.
Disclaimer: The Enamel Mug is susceptible to staining when used with certain beverages, including coffee, tea, and natural juices. That’s a normal characteristic of enamel products and not specific to our mug alone. Due to the enamel’s rough and porous surface texture, particles from these drinks may easily adhere to the mug, resulting in stains over time. Stains can be effectively removed by applying lemon juice or soda to the affected area and gently scrubbing with a hard sponge.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Machu Picchu Hardcover Bound Notebook
$25.00
This design captures the spirit and energy of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu looming in background. Remember your travels every time your snuggle up!
Whether crafting a masterpiece or brainstorming the next big idea, this notebook will inspire your inner wordsmith. The product features 80 lined, cream-colored pages, a built-in elastic closure, and a matching ribbon page marker. Plus, the expandable inner pocket is perfect for storing loose notes and business cards, so you’ll never lose track of important information.
• Cover material: UltraHyde hardcover paper
• Size: 5.5" × 8.5" (13.97 cm × 21.59 cm)
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
• 80 pages of lined, cream-colored paper
• Matching elastic closure and ribbon marker
• Expandable inner pocket
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Machu Picchu Unisex t-shirt
$32.00
This design captures the spirit and energy of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu looming in background. Remember your travels every time your snuggle up in this cozy shirt!
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
A note from our founder:
Before my first retreat—as a guest—I was nervous. I worried I wouldn’t connect, that I’d get irritated by small talk or just crave space. I thought group travel might feel forced or draining.
But something unexpected happened. I softened. I connected. I laughed—hard. I felt seen.
Since then, group travel has become a central part of my life and work. It’s opened my heart wider than I thought possible. I’ve built friendships and community across the world, deepened my connection to cultures through local relationships, and expanded my understanding of what it means to belong.
I used to think making new friends was something you did in your twenties. But my network keeps expanding, my heart keeps opening, and I even appreciate the people already in my life more deeply now.
Traveling with others isn’t always easy—but it’s always real. It invites us to show up as we are, to listen more closely, to let our walls down just enough to grow.
And that’s the magic I hope to offer you through Root Adventures.
—Breanne
Why travel with us?
Why Group Travel? Why Root?
There’s something powerful about traveling with others—especially when those others are kind, curious, and craving connection just like you. On a group trip, you’re not just seeing new places—you’re sharing them. You’re creating moments together that go deeper than snapshots and itineraries.
At Root Adventures, our group trips are designed with intention. We keep groups small and thoughtful, led by mindfulness-trained guides who create space for both laughter and reflection. You’ll practice presence daily, share real conversations, and come home feeling seen, supported, and shifted.
Our journeys are adventuresome, beginner-friendly, and heart-led. Come as you are. Leave more you than ever.
WHAT MAKES ROOT GROUP TRIPS DIFFERENT:
Daily mindfulness practices woven into each day
Pre- and post-trip group calls to build connection and intention
Small, values-aligned groups—no big buses, no surface-level itineraries
Mindfulness-trained trip leaders + local WFR-certified guides
Real conversations and deep connection—no forced small talk
All-inclusive logistics—from meals and tips to permits and gear
Pre- and post-trip integration support, including an 8-week preparation program and a 6-week guided post-trip meditation program
Personal support talk to real people before, during, and after your journey
WHO ARE ROOT TRAVELERS?
In Transition, On Purpose
They're moving through a season of change—career shifts, empty nests, personal reinvention—and they’re doing it with curiosity and heart.
Depth Seekers
They’re not interested in surface-level travel. They crave meaning, connection, and experiences that touch the soul.
Courageously Curious
They may not have all the answers, but they’re open. To new places, new people, new ways of being. That openness is their compass.
Vibrantly Genuine
Often women in their 30s to 60s, they show up fully and authentically—real, kind, brave, and wonderfully human.
Active Explorers of Inner + Outer Worlds
They love to move—through landscapes, conversations, and inner terrain—with a sense of wonder and grounded presence.
Our group trips are more than just getaways—they’re intentional journeys designed to foster connection, curiosity, and growth.
Whether you're hiking ancient trails, practicing mindfulness under wide-open skies, or sharing stories over a meal, you’ll be surrounded by kindred spirits who value meaningful experiences and grounded adventure.
Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed, inspired, and part of something bigger.
ROOT ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE TRAVEL COMPANY, BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
What root travelers
are saying :
There’s something powerful about hearing how a journey changed someone—not just the places they went, but how they felt along the way.
From deep connections to life-shifting insights, these stories reflect the heart of what we do: helping people travel with meaning, mindfulness, and joy.
