I wanted to take a moment to share our newest blog that was written after our most recently returned departure. I hope that you can get some inspiration from it, all of us here at CLSA certainly have!
Picture the scene. You awake in the ancient city of Cusco, the morning air filled with the crisp essence of history and mountainous majesty. This is the start of a unique, enriching journey on our first full day of our Spirit of Machu Picchu adventure — a sober vacation that fuses cultural discovery, physical challenge, and spiritual exploration. Welcome to the Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, an experience that reshapes perspectives and nourishes the soul.
Click here to see the whole trip
*Pictured above is our Machu Picchu crew from the last adventure
As dawn breaks in Cusco, we gather to share a moment of collective silence and reflection. This morning meditation sets the tone for the day — an exploration of what it means to truly live in the moment, to observe and appreciate life as it unfolds in front of us. The vibrant, bustling markets, the narrow cobblestone streets whispering tales of a rich past, and the warm, inviting aura of the local community create an experience that’s hard to compare. After a nourishing breakfast, we embark on our journey into the verdant realm of the Sacred Valley.
*Pictured above is Holly, Susie, and David from our last Machu Picchu adventure
Our destination, the Sacred Valley, is a tapestry of the past. It is home to Peru’s major archaeological sites — tangible remnants of ancient civilizations that speak volumes of human ingenuity and resilience.
Nestled amid sprawling green valleys, these sites tell stories of ancient cultures whose lives were intrinsically tied to the land. Intertwined with this historical richness are charming villages that maintain strong links to the past, boasting bustling markets where traditional crafts, textiles, and produce offer a glimpse into Peruvian daily life.
As part of our sober adventure in Peru, we embrace the tradition of travel on foot. We commence our 6-mile hike at the archaeological complex of Chinchero, slowly winding our way through the Sacred Valley. Our destination is the small but charming village of Urquillos. This route, sloping downhill, is a feast for the senses — the only people we’ll likely encounter are locals attending to their livestock, and the air is filled with the comforting hum of nature, painting a beautiful picture of serenity and harmony.
*Pictured above is Teresa, Ashley, and Susie in Machu Picchu
The journey of sobriety, much like our trek through Peru’s Sacred Valley, offers a profound exploration into personal transformation, renewal, and connection. The tranquil beauty and rich history of the Sacred Valley not only provide an awe-inspiring backdrop but also a mirror to the inner journey of sobriety.
In the Sacred Valley, you stand at the nexus of the past, present, and future. Here, you’ll experience the profound impact of ancient cultures, feel the pulsating life of the present moment, and consider your own path forward. This aligns closely with the journey of sobriety — understanding your past, living in the present, and building a future.
Sobriety brings about a profound reconnection with nature, a shift in perspective that encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of our environment. The Sacred Valley, with its sprawling landscapes, offers an unparalleled venue for this renewed bond. Every step of the hike, from observing the rhythmic simplicity of local life to enjoying a shared meal on the trail, presents an opportunity to immerse oneself in the splendor of the natural world. This mirrors the sense of rejuvenation and heightened awareness often experienced in sober living, creating a symphony of sensory experiences and internal reflections.
Amidst the towering Andean peaks, without the distractions of modern life, there lies a moment of truth, a clear vision of the world as it is, untarnished and authentic. This simplicity found in the journey through the Sacred Valley embodies the essence of sober living. Thus, an excursion from Cusco into the Sacred Valley is not just an exploration of Peru’s cultural heritage but also a metaphorical journey that reflects and enhances the transformative power of sobriety.
Sobriety Embraced by a Spiritual Journey
The journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley, starting from Cusco, serves as a compelling metaphor for the sober path, providing rich insights into the parallels between the external voyage of exploration and the internal journey of sobriety.
Through its tranquil landscapes and profound history, the Sacred Valley offers a rare space for reflection, introspection, and reconnection with nature, enhancing the transformative power of sober living. It serves as a vivid reminder of the heightened senses, mental clarity, and authenticity of experience that sobriety brings, underscoring the many shared themes between these two paths.
Ultimately, it reveals that sobriety, like the journey through the Sacred Valley, is about much more than abstaining from substances — it is about embracing life in its rawest form, fostering a deep connection with the world around us, and continually embarking on the path of self-discovery.
Click here to reserve your space on our next Spirit of Machu Picchu adventure!
I’d love to connect with you about our sober adventures to explore your
joining our sober travel community. Feel free to reach out by email or text at 720-697-4388, or schedule a time to chat here.
Cole Bressler
Founder
