Our pilgrimages vary in difficulty, with some designed for beginners and others for more experienced participants. We recommend a moderate level of fitness for most journeys. In all our journeys there will be 4-5 hours of hiking a day. You do not need to be in top shape or even close, but you do need to be able to keep a pace of around 20-30 minutes per mile on flat trails.

• Introductory (Beginner)
  Designed for those new to wilderness experiences, this level requires some prior outdoor experience. It offers a gentle introduction to the practice of pilgrimage and soul work, focusing on building comfort in natural settings.

• Intermediate (Moderate Experience)
  Ideal for those with some experience in the outdoors, this level provides a deeper engagement with the wilderness and the inner journey. It involves more challenging hikes and longer solo vigils, suitable for those ready to explore further.

• Advanced (Experienced)
  This level is for seasoned wilderness travelers seeking profound transformation. It involves intensive hiking, extended solo vigils, and deep soul work, demanding both physical endurance and emotional readiness.

No prior experience is necessary for the beginner-level pilgrimages. More advanced journeys may require some familiarity with wilderness survival or spiritual practices. Our most advanced vigil is the Peruvian Jungle, however, there is not much physical activity, almost all of it is deep inner work.

At the heart of our pilgrimage is a commitment to both personal growth and safety. While embracing a balance of risk is essential for transformation, we take safety seriously and provide guidance, support, and appropriate precautions throughout the entire journey. Our experienced guides are trained in wilderness first aid, survival, and risk management, and are adept at holding space for the emotional and spiritual processes that arise during these deep experiences.

Preparation: Before the pilgrimage, we offer a series of individual and group preparation calls. These calls assess your physical, emotional, and spiritual readiness while allowing us to tailor the experience to meet your specific needs. The group calls help build a sense of community, set expectations, and address logistics, ensuring everyone feels aligned and prepared for the journey.

On the Journey: Throughout the pilgrimage, we maintain a safe and supportive environment. From carrying first aid kits and having evacuation plans to facilitating emotional and spiritual support during challenging moments, our guides are there to ensure your well-being. We balance the physical demands of the journey with emotional support through counseling, grounding practices, and group sharing circles, creating a container where you can engage with the experience fully and safely.

Post-Pilgrimage Integration: We understand that returning to everyday life after a pilgrimage can be challenging, especially when family or friends may not fully understand the depth of your experience. To support this transition, we offer three months of group integration calls after the pilgrimage, along with optional 1-on-1 integration sessions for those who need deeper, individualized support. This ongoing connection helps you to process your experience, integrate its lessons, and embody the transformation in your daily life.

Whether through preparation, support during the pilgrimage, or integration afterward, we provide a comprehensive, safe container that nurtures your growth while ensuring your well-being at every step.

We offer pre-departure sessions to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the journey. These include discussions, meditations, and guidance on what to expect.

We are equipped to handle most minor injuries and illnesses in the wilderness. All of our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and will carry first aid kits. For more serious injuries, we have established evacuation protocols and communication systems in place to ensure the swift and safe removal of anyone needing advanced medical care. Safety is our top priority, and we are prepared for unexpected situations.

Your well-being is the most important consideration during the pilgrimage. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or need to stop, we will work with you to find the best course of action, whether that involves taking a break, adjusting your activities, or, if necessary, arranging an early exit from the journey. Our guides are trained to support participants both physically and emotionally, ensuring you have a safe space to process and engage with the experience.

Each day of the pilgrimage carries its own rhythm, influenced by the land, the group, and the spirit of the journey. While we remain flexible, there are three general types of days:

• Hiking Days:
  Our hiking days begin with the sun, starting with light morning practices—stretching, yoga, and breathwork. After breakfast and sacred offerings, we set off on a morning hike. Conversations flow, reflections deepen, and connections with the land and each other grow. After a break for lunch, we continue in silent hiking, allowing for deeper personal reflection. Evenings are dedicated to dinner around the fire, where we gather for stories, song, and shared wisdom before concluding with stargazing and prayers.

• Vigil Days:
  Vigil days are spent in solitude. Each participant will enter a personal space to sit with the land, reflect, and be in silence. You create your own rhythm for these days, supported by the practices we've cultivated. It’s a time of deep introspection and connection with the wild world around you.

• Retreat & Travel Days:
  Retreat days provide a chance to rest and integrate, offering time for ceremony, meditation, and community connection. We may spend time at the hot springs, gather for group discussions, or engage in more personal, restorative activities. Travel days involve moving between locations, allowing us to reset and refocus our intentions as we transition to new sacred spaces.

Each day is fluid, adapting to the needs of the group and the environment. While there is a general structure, we remain open to the moment, trusting the journey to guide us.

A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration, including essentials like clothing and hiking gear. For most of our pilgrimages, tents, sleeping bags, and mats are provided. Specifics may vary depending on the pilgrimage.

The vigil is the heart of our pilgrimage—a sacred time set apart from the rhythm of group life, where you step into solitude and enter a deep dialogue with the land and your soul. It is a time for reflection, stillness, and listening to the inner voice that can often be drowned out by the noise of everyday life.

During the vigil, you will find a place on the mountain or in the wilderness that calls to you, a spot where you can feel held by nature’s embrace. Here, you will spend 1-3 days in solitude, without the distractions of modern life, allowing yourself to be fully present with your thoughts, emotions, and the natural world around you.

This time is not about seeking immediate answers or forcing transformation; it’s about being present with the unknown, welcoming whatever arises—whether it’s clarity, confusion, grief, or joy. The land itself becomes your guide, offering wisdom, reflection, and, often, unexpected insights.

The vigil also traditionally involves some form of fasting, though this is individualized based on what feels most supportive to you. You will be encouraged to listen to your body’s needs and make choices that honor your physical and emotional well-being. Fasting may heighten your senses and allow for a deeper experience, but it is always optional and can be ended at any time.

No two vigils are the same—the experience is deeply personal, shaped by your own journey, the land you’re on, and what your soul is ready to encounter. After your time in solitude, we will gather again as a community, where you will be held in a sacred space to reflect on and integrate your experiences, allowing for a gentle return from the depths of your inner world.

Meals are provided during the base camp and communal phases of the pilgrimage. During vigils, participants may engage in fasting, but guidance is given on how to prepare.

Group sizes are intentionally kept small, usually between 6-12 participants, to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.

Accommodations vary by pilgrimage. They may include camping in tents, rustic lodges, or other nature-based setups, with a focus on simplicity and connection to the land.

Absolutely! After your deposit is made, we can break down the remaining balance into 6 monthly payments. You can make these payments via PayPal or bank transfers on your own schedule. For those who prefer to set it up automatically, we can also arrange for recurring payments through a card (please note, this option incurs a 3% processing fee).

Regarding scholarships or work trade, we currently do not offer traditional financial aid, but we are open to alternative ways of support. One of the best ways you can assist is by helping spread the word. Referrals are incredibly valuable, and if you bring friends along, it creates a deeper community vibe for the pilgrimage, which is essential to the experience. By gathering friends to journey together, you support the group as a whole.

If you're interested in supporting the pilgrimage in this way, I'd love to explore how we can set you up with a referral program. Please reach out directly, and we can discuss the details further. Your contribution in spreading the word is a powerful way to help us build this experience for everyone.

No, the deposit is non-refundable, as it allows us to secure your spot and begin making necessary arrangements such as accommodations and logistics. However, the deposit is fully transferable. If your plans change, we can apply your deposit toward any other offering with Zach or any future pilgrimage, ensuring your investment is honored.

There isn't a fixed deadline for enrollment. We accept participants until the pilgrimage is full. In most cases, this happens about 2 months before the offering begins. To secure your spot, it's best to enroll early, as spaces tend to fill up quickly.

If you’re interested in the Sacred Pilgrimage, you have two options: you can send me an email or use the contact form on the website if you have any questions you'd like answered first. Alternatively, if you feel ready to take the next step, you can directly book a free introductory call. This call is required to ensure the pilgrimage is the right fit for you and for us to connect. Once we’ve had our call and it feels like a good match, you can secure your spot with a deposit. I look forward to guiding you on this transformative journey!