A Transformational Path Guided by Ancient Wisdom
At The Journey Home, we offer intentional and transformative wilderness experiences that provide men with a sacred space to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world. In the stillness of nature, free from the distractions of daily life, you’ll find the opportunity to come home to yourself.
The Journey Home
Where the path meets the Heart
Our journeys honor ancient traditions where men came together to learn from one another and elders, face shared challenges, and gain wisdom that went beyond mere survival. These trips are a modern reflection of that timeless wisdom—designed not only to explore the outdoors but to foster emotional depth, meaningful connections, and an enhanced sense of purpose.
Guided by Native American teachings and ceremonies, our experiences are rooted in brotherhood, reverence for nature, and a commitment to personal transformation. Whether it’s through ceremonies and rituals, deep conversations, or the challenge of the wilderness, each journey helps men embrace their true selves, gain clarity, and break through the patterns that no longer serve them.
If you’ve been searching for a path to connect with your purpose, empower yourself, and build lasting bonds with like-minded men, this may be what you’re searching for. Join us, and find the strength, wisdom, and peace you’ve been looking for.
Ready to start your journey home?
Explore Your True Path
Journeys
Apu Asangate Pilgrimage
August 19-25th
Peru 2750$
Embark on a profound 4-day pilgrimage around Apu Asangate, one of the holiest mountains in the Andes. In the Andean tradition, mountains are revered as Apu’s, sacred spirits that offer guidance and protection.
Trip Description
Apu Asangate, considered the most sacred of them all, invites you to connect with the deep wisdom of this land. This transformative journey will immerse you in the beauty and grandeur of this remarkable landscape, with the guidance of a local expert, a cook, and horses to carry your gear. This 7-day experience includes both the pilgrimage itself and time spent in the village, offering you a chance to acclimate, reflect, and deepen your connection to the sacred mountain.
The trek begins and ends in the small, peaceful village of Pacchanta, where you will have the chance to relax in natural hot springs and experience the simple, meaningful life of a family who has lived at the foot of Apu Asangate for generations. This is a rare opportunity to step into the high-altitude world of this sacred mountain and walk in the footsteps of those who have revered it for centuries
What’s Included:
- Two traditional ceremonies that connect you with the sacred land and its spiritual heritage.
- 6 nights of accommodation, with the first and last nights spent at a family guesthouse in Pacchanta, and camping throughout the trek.
- Vegetarian meals provided for the entire duration of the trip, from a local cook.
- All necessary camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and other essentials.
- Transportation to and from Pisac.
Getting There & Where to Meet:
We’ll gather in Pisac, Sacred Valley, a 45-minute drive from Cusco Airport, which is easily accessible via flight from Lima. From Pisac, we’ll take a 2.5-hour shuttle to Pacchanta, the starting point of our trek.
Start & End Times:
This 7-day, 6-night journey includes the time spent in the village before and after the trek. We’ll meet at 10:00 AM in Pisac on the first day, and return around 1-2 PM on the final day.
What to Bring:
All camping gear will be provided. Bring warm clothes, good hiking boots, and rain gear.
Eligibility Criteria:
The trek will take us from 4,300m (14,100ft) to 5,200m (17,060ft), requiring a certain fitness level and resiliency. If you’re unsure, please reach out for more information.
Safety Precautions:
Safety is paramount. Our experienced guide Eloy has been leading treks around Apu Asangate for 20 years, ensuring a safe and well-prepared experience. With 5 years of guiding experience and training in wilderness first aid, I do my best to ensure every journey is well-prepared and secure. I follow established risk management protocols and carry a satellite phone and a comprehensive first aid kit to help address any potential needs along the way
Weather Expectations:
From August to October, expect dry weather with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while nights can dip to –5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), especially at higher altitudes. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations.
Accommodations:
The first and last nights will be spent at a family guesthouse in Pacchanta. During the trek, we’ll camp in tents, with two people per tent.
Shenandoah National Park
June 13-15th
Virginia, USA 950$
Step into the healing embrace of Shenandoah National Park, where the mountains echo with the wisdom of Native American tribes who revered this land as sacred.
Trip Description
Over three days, and two nights we’ll hike through the wilderness, carrying only what we need in our backpacks, and spend time in the solitude of nature, giving you space to reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you. Along the way, you’ll pick up essential wilderness skills that will serve you in everyday life while sharing meaningful moments with other men who are also on their own journeys of growth.
This trip is an opportunity to embrace the wild and sacred, challenge yourself, and deepen your connection to nature. Shenandoah, with its quiet forests and peaceful streams, offers the perfect backdrop for this experience, where you’ll find space for both personal growth and connection with others.
What’s included
- 1 Traditional ceremony
- All camping gear necessary
- All meals during trek
- Backcountry camping fees
Getting There & Where to Meet:
The exact meeting location will be sent to participants prior to the trip. Shenandoah National Park is about 1.5-2 hours from Washington, DC, and 2.5 hours from Baltimore.
Start & End Times:
We’ll begin at 9 AM on Friday and finish between 1-3 PM on Sunday.
What to Bring:
All camping gear is provided. You will need to bring warm layers, good hiking boots, and rain gear.
Eligibility Criteria:
Participants should be comfortable hiking 3-6 miles per day while carrying a 40lb backpack in mountainous terrain. A moderate level of fitness is required. Please contact us if you have concerns about your fitness level.
Safety Precautions:
Your safety is our top priority. With years of guiding experience and training in wilderness first aid, I do my best to ensure every journey is well-prepared and secure. I follow established risk management protocols and carry a satellite phone and a comprehensive first aid kit to help address any potential needs along the way.
Weather Expectations:
Expect daytime temperatures from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C), with cooler nights in the mid-50s to low 60s°F (12-16°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, so be prepared for rain.
Accommodations:
We’ll camp in the backcountry for the two nights of the journey.
A Brothers Journey: Work exchange
May 16 -18th
Free
We invite you to join us for a deeply transformative weekend retreat in the pristine wilderness of West Virginia. This sacred gathering offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with your true self, honor ancient wisdom, and experience the profound healing power of brotherhood.
Trip Description
This retreat, inspired by Native American traditions, is designed to help you find a stronger sense of belonging and inner clarity. Central to our experience is the principle of Ayni, a teaching from the Quechua people that emphasizes giving back to Pachamama (Mother Earth) before receiving. This practice nurtures a balanced, harmonious connection with nature, encouraging us to give and receive in equal measure.
With this mindset, we offer our work and gratitude in order to receive the blessings of the land, fire, and one another. Through the sacrament of Huachuma and the sacred fire, we create space for these gifts to manifest.
This annual work exchange has become a profoundly nourishing experience for men dedicated to personal growth. It offers a sacred space for transformation, prayer, and connection. You will leave with a deeper understanding of yourself and the realization that to receive, we must first give.
Come home to a sense of belonging and friendship, alongside brothers who share the same journey.
What’s included
- 1 Traditional fire ceremony
- 2 Nights camping
- All meals included
Getting There :
The exact address will be shared with participants, but the land is within 20 minutes of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
Start & End Times:
Arrive between 4-6 PM on Friday and we’ll conclude around 2-3 PM on Sunday.
What to Bring:
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headlamp, warm layers, hiking boots, and a backjack or meditation cushion. Rental options are available for those who need them.
Eligibility Criteria:
No fitness requirements for this journey.
Safety Precautions:
Your safety is our top priority. With years of guiding experience and training in wilderness first aid, I do my best to ensure every journey is well-prepared and secure. I follow established risk management protocols and carry a satellite phone and a comprehensive first aid kit to help address any potential needs along the way.
Weather Expectations:
May brings mild spring weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18-22°C) and cooler nights in the mid-40s to low 50s°F (7-12°C). Occasional rain showers or thunderstorms are possible.
Accommodations:
We will camp in tents during the retreat
If you feel called to gather a group of at least four people for your own wilderness adventure, reach out via the reservation request. I’ll supply all the gear and expertise to create a meaningful experience. There is something incredibly special about venturing into the wild with close friends for an adventure.
Gallery
Experience the Journey
“Going into the wilderness is like going into the soul. You’re stripped of all the distractions and complications of daily life, and you find out who you really are.”
Bill Bowerman
Testimonials
From those who have experienced the journey
Unveiling the Path
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve never been camping before?
No, Our wilderness adventures are designed for people of all experience levels, including beginners. You don’t need to have prior camping experience to join our trips. You will receive all the necessary instructions and support, from setting up camp to how to pack your backpack. This is an opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment, and by the end of the experience, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable in the outdoors.
Is this a religious camping trip?
No, this is not a religious camping trip. We do not follow any specific religion. However, we deeply honor the earth and practice gratitude for the natural world around us. Our experiences are centered on connecting with nature, ourselves, and one another in meaningful ways, with an emphasis on mindfulness, reflection, and community. All faiths are welcome, as nature itself shows us the unity in all paths and beliefs. Whether you have a spiritual practice or not, you’ll find a place of belonging here.
Who can join these journeys?
These journeys are open to all men, regardless of beliefs, sexual orientation, or background. We welcome men from all walks of life who are seeking a deeper connection with themselves, nature, and a supportive community. Whether you identify as gay, straight, spiritual, or secular, our focus is on building a space where every man feels accepted and supported. This is a place for growth, healing, and brotherhood, where every individual can show up as their authentic self.
Bio
Discover My Journey
I’m Allan Baker, a wilderness guide with over five years of experience leading men’s groups, retreats, and transformative journeys in nature. With part of my ancestry coming from the Native American Cree lineage, I’ve always felt a natural connection for the sacred relationship with Nature, which guides my work in helping others reconnect with their inner nature. With a background in holistic health coaching, yoga, and trauma-informed practices, I believe true wellness comes from aligning with the rhythms of the natural world and our own hearts.
My approach is centered on the transformative power of nature, where I create spaces for healing, emotional maturity, and personal growth. I integrate ritual, ceremony, and mindfulness into each experience, offering a supportive environment for individuals to shift into more harmonious states of being.
Reservation Request
