Calling all Peruvians in the diaspora in the metro-area, vamos a pasar el dia con Pachamama. Vamos!
In honor of Peruvian Independence Day (July 28-29)—but let’s be real, we celebrate all month!—we’re gathering Peruvians in the diaspora for a powerful day in nature.
Nature is a bridge to our ancestors, offering space to reclaim our strength, reflect, and connect with our heritage. Ancestral landscapes hold sacred wisdom, helping us deepen our sense of identity, honor our roots, and step into our power.
Meet Vanessa — Your Co-Host 🇵🇪
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Vanessa grew up in a warm, entrepreneurial household where her love for family, food, and Peruvian culture was deeply nurtured. Sundays meant huayno, música criolla, and family meals that celebrated heritage and home.
Vanessa, co-founder of The Peruana Collective, at our past hike in the Hudson Valley.
In 2008, after studying English in NYC, she returned determined to make the city her own. She earned her degree in Marketing & Advertising Communications from FIT in under three years, all while navigating a new country on her own.
Now a travel expert and Director of Marketing for her family’s hospitality business, Vanessa brings deep knowledge of Peru, a passion for cultural connection, and years of experience in the tourism world. Her story is rooted in resilience, curiosity, and deep pride for her Peruvian roots.
Cindy and Vanessa created The Peruana Collective (TPC) is a vibrant and growing community dedicated to empowering the Peruvian diaspora. What started as a small gathering in 2018 to celebrate Peruvian Independence Day has blossomed into a thriving network of Peruanas coming together to foster connection, celebrate our cultura, and amplify our voices. Through curated events and cultural experiences, we create opportunities for meaningful engagement and economic empowerment within our community. We’re here to bridge the gap between Peruvians born and raised in Peru and Peruvian-Americans, creating a welcoming and inclusive space where all Peruanxs feel seen, heard, and valued.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Cornish Estate Trails
Level: Easy
Distance: 1.8 miles
🚆 Public Transportation Friendly
Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central to Cold Spring
The trailhead is a short walk (15 min.) from the station—no car needed!
Exact meetup details will be emailed 3 days before the hike
About the hike: We’ll explore the scenic Cornish Estate Trail in Cold Spring, NY—an easy, under-2-mile trail perfect for clearing your mind, grounding yourself, and reconnecting with nature. Expect lush greenery, peaceful paths, and an opportunity to unplug from the city while tapping into your ancestral connection to the land. Plus, it’s train-friendly for those coming from NYC!
🌿 Who Can Join?
While The Peruana Collective focuses on creating spaces for Peruvian women, for this special event, we’re opening it up to all Peruvians in the diaspora—men and women are welcome! Bring a friend, a sibling, or come solo and connect with new people through cultura, comunidad, and the great outdoors.
breakdown:
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Welcome/Smudging/Introductions
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Hike in
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Replanish + Guided Journaling out in nature
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hike back/Closing circle
Here’s what to expect:
🥾 A grounding spiritual hike
✨ Energy cleansing with ethically-sourced sage or Palo Santo
💬 A supportive space to connect with like-minded women of color
what’s included:
Energetic cleanse with Sage and/or Palo Santo
Grounding Meditation
Guided Spiritual Hike
Reclama Journal and Gel Feather Pen
Guided Sharing Circles
Goodie Bag: Herbals products and tea by Nuestra Salud!
From our past hikes there. Now we get to see this magical trail in the winter.
What to Bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes (the terrain is mostly flat, but there are some rocky areas). If not, sturdy sneakers that aren’t mesh.
Water and snacks for a peaceful break at one of the viewpoints.
sliding scale exchange:
$66, $77, or $88
Bring a friend for $111 (for two spots)
Please Note: Refunds for no shows are not available but transfers are. In case of inclement weather (heavy snow or rain), the hike will be rescheduled and those will tickets can be refunded.
WHY HIKE?
It boosts endorphins, reduces stress and helps keep you present. By allowing ourselves to be unapologetically spiritual in a place like the outdoors, we honor and affirm how we take up space in the world.
WHY JOURNAL?
The peace you get from being out on a hike naturally leads to personal reflection because your mind is super clear and you’re tapped into your highest self. Writing in this state is a powerful way to connect with yourself and what you want out of life. Once the pen hits the paper, anything is possible.
SIDE EFFECTS OF HIKING WITH US INCLUDE:
Spiritual freedom as we unapologetically take up space in nature, self-esteem on point, nature high that lasts about a week, inner peace, remembering who the fuck you are, feeling grounded, deep connection with nature, appreciation for ancestral land a.k.a. Pachamama, self-revelations through journaling, and the sassiness to stand in your power. You’ll always walk away from a hike feeling better than how you came in.