International Retreats
Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley - April 27 - May 4, 2025
Adventure, Yoga, and Service
Spend a week in the heart of the Sacred Valley in Peru to explore and restore, surrounded by the lush landscape of the Andes Mountains.
Our home away from home will be the luxury Willka T’ika Retreat. From here we will explore the world-famous Machu Picchu, the P’isaq ruins, and other sites.
We will enjoy easy to moderate hikes through the Sacred Valley, explore Machu Picchu, participate in an authentic Andean despacho offering and a fire ceremony with healer Q’ero Pakko, visit the Andean Mountain School, immerse yourself in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony including a medicinal bath, relax in a Sound Ceremony, and gently move in five yoga classes. Tune into the pure Sacred Valley energies, and meditate and relax in the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens.
Additional healing treatments include solar-heated floral baths under the stars, Andean spa and massage, and crystal light therapy. Each day there is ample time to tap into authentic Andean spirituality. Your carefully chosen guide will help you experience the traditional and cultural wonders of Peru and its people. Willka T’ika is a retreat conceived, built and maintained on sustainable principles, where you will savor gourmet organic vegetarian meals, fresh from their gardens and fully relax in your garden accommodation. The food is 100% vegetarian and lovingly prepared with organic, home-grown vegetables, herbs, Andean grains, and fresh eggs. Vegan and gluten-free options are readily available.
MACHU PICCHU
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu citadel sits at 7,972 feet above sea level overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Built between 1400 and 1500, what makes Machu Picchu so special is that almost 80 percent of its ruins remain in their original state — a far higher percentage than other discovered Inca ruins.
The P'isaq Ruins are among Peru’s most intact ancient sites, and a perfect example of indigenous Inca architecture. They are built on top of a mountain that towers over the small town of P'isaq. The views of the countryside are spectacular, and the ruins are remarkable. P'isaq isn’t just home to incredible Inkan ruins. It’s also home to one of the best markets in Latin America! You won’t want to miss this indigenous market in the main square, where you’ll find anything and everything for sale, every day of the week. P'isaq is such a small town that you can’t really miss the market.
Day 1
Cusco
Depart your hometown for Cusco, Peru. Plan to arrive in Cusco by 11 a.m. to acclimate to the altitude. Transfer to your lovely 4-star hotel conveniently situated off the historic Plaza de Armas. Meet your local guide at 3 p.m. in the hotel lobby for a group orientation. Following the
orientation there will be a two hour walking tour. You will walk through the cobblestone streets in San Blas, where your guide will point out fascinating Incan stonework enroute to the Korikancha Temple, the holiest site during Incan times. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. is included in one of Willka T’ika’s favorite restaurants. (D)
Day 2
Cusco and the Sacred Valley
AM: Visit the Incan site of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco. By these majestic ruins, a traditional K’intu blessing invites you to tap into the presence and energies of Pachamama, Mother Earth. PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive to Willka T’ika in the Sacred Valley through spectacular Andean mountain scenery. After a brief introduction by the guide and leader, the Willka T’ika Quechua staff will welcome you to the retreat center, and help you schedule time for Andean spa services and the use of the beautiful yoga, meditation and ceremonial spaces. At 5 p.m. a one- hour gentle yoga class will be offered by one of the wonderful, experienced teachers at Willka T’ika prior to dinner. (B.L.D.)
Day 3
Day at Willka T’ika with Shaman and Fire Ceremony
AM: This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Morning yoga offered before relaxing in the splendors of nature and enjoying a tour of the Seven Chakra Gardens. Enjoy a guided walk through the nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood where Quechua campesinos live. More challenging hikes along scenic routes into the valley are also possible. 1:00 pm Lunch. After lunch, meet our pakko, a very special Q’ero shaman healer, visiting from the high Andes. You will participate in a coca leaf blessings and a sacred “Despacho” ceremony. After dinner, our pakko invites guests to an authentic and transformative Andean fire ceremony to honor Pachamama, yourself and your loved ones. The ceremony will remind us to focus our intention for this journey and serves as a wonderful preparation of mind, body and spirit for the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. (B.L.D)
Day 4
School Visit and P’isaq Day
This day is for “Ayni,” which means exchange or “giving comes before receiving” or “today for you and tomorrow for me.” Ayni is the Andean way honored for centuries and continued in practice to this day.
Drive through the Sacred Valley to a Quechua mountain school supported by the nonprofit Willka T’ika Children’s Fund. Since 1995, Willka T’ika has supported high mountain community communities where few tourists are privileged to visit. In a reciprocal Ayni exchange, the group offers an activity the children can enjoy. The warmth and heart-warming joy of the children, and their openness in bringing guests into their daily lives are special moments not easily forgotten. We will provide a few activities based on the interests and talents of our group.
Besides donations, the most-welcome contributions to this fund are:
• Good quality clothing for ages 4-12.
• Baseball caps, quality soccer balls and volleyballs.
• Spanish children’s books
• Small, durable toys for all ages.
• Pens and notebooks.
• Flashlights and solar lights (especially those that do not require batteries).
PM: Afterwards, enjoy a picnic bag lunch. Continue to the spectacular ruins of P’'isaq, overlooking impressive Incan terraces. Hike up the ruins or walk quietly in a silent personal vision quest. Return to the main square of P'’isaq by bus and visit the famous, colorful market filled with woven goods, jewelry, wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork. Enjoy café or tea in the market square. P'’isaq is a photographer’s dream. Return to Willka T’ika for yoga prior to dinner. (B.L.D)
Day 5
Machu Picchu
Enjoy an early breakfast, then train to Aguas Calientes. Tea/coffee and snack are served on the train. A bus takes you to the sunlit terraces of
Machu Picchu. Enjoy a fabulous guided tour of the ancient “City of Light.” Experience a journey through the masculine energy temples of political and spiritual power, followed by a deep reconnection of feminine earth energies. In the afternoon, hike to Inti Punku, the original Incan Gateway to the Sun or to the Incan bridge. We’ll take a late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to Willka T’ika in time for a late, light dinner. (B.D)
Day 6
Quaint Town of Ollantaytambo & Maras
Visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytambo and its famous Sun Temple. Lunch is on your own in the quaint picturesque town. On the return trip, we will go to the nearby Maras Salt Flats. It will be an easy to moderate hike back to Willka T’ika. This afternoon take time to meditate in the Chakra Garden before a yoga in the late afternoon. (B.D)
Day 7
Urubamba Day
A guided morning hike is offered to the nearby town of Urubamba through farming neighborhoods. Visit a typical, lively Peruvian market, a wonderful alpaca factory, and the famous Seminario ceramics shop. 1:00 pm: Lunch. Enjoy the afternoon of mindful integration at Willka T’’ika in the afternoon with a yoga class and a Sound Immersion Ceremony.
Sound Ceremonies (or what is commonly known as “Sound Healing”) have the power to penetrate our habitual thought patterns, permitting us to reduce our mental activity and reach a profound state of relaxation. With a variety of beautiful instruments from around the world, the talented musician will help you balance your mental and physical equilibrium and reach a place of internal harmony. 6:30 pm: Farewell dinner. (B.L.D)
Day 8
LAST DAY
Enjoy breakfast and quiet time at the retreat before departing back to Cusco for your flight home. Check-out is 10:00 a.m. Transfers are included for those taking off mid- afternoon that day. Ideal flights to schedule from Cusco would be from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Arrive home feeling blessed with the pure energy of yourtransformational Andean journey-of-a-lifetime. (B)
ABOUT OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
• Willka T’ika is Peru’s premier luxury wellness retreat and boutique hotel and the original yoga center of the Sacred Valley — serene, sustainable and enchanting.
• Renowned Seven Chakra Gardens—inspiration of the 3-time gold award-winning book Chakra Gardens, Opening the Senses of the Soul.
• Vibrant, organic, vegetarian “farm to table” meals lovingly prepared by Willka T’ika chefs.
• Two sun-filled garden studios for yoga, movement and large group gatherings.
• The new Wifwasi is an expansive dining and coffee lounge for private calls and wifi use. Above this building are 25 solar panels, enough energy to power Willka T’ika.
• The circular Takiwasi music shala with a fireplace and an array of Andean musical instruments — used for group meditations and ceremonies.
• The Yachaywasi library has a cozy fireplace and a great selection of English books.
• Nearby hikes beneath magnificent Andean peaks in awe-inspiring Sacred Valley scenery.
• Conveniently located between the ancient cities and temples of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
• Staffed by 20 local Quechua farmers, Incan descendants who still practice ancient traditions
• Passionate local guides who are experts in Andean culture, history and cosmology.
• Supports the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund (WTCF)
• Unique opportunity to participate in ancient Incan ceremonies with authentic Q’ero healers - visit an isolated mountain community to experience first-hand the practice of Ayni, Andean reciprocity, by supporting Quechua students.
• The gift store offers rare quality jewelry, textiles, and exclusive Willka T’ika products (such as essential oils made from our gardens), supporting WTCF.
Lynne Norris
TRIP LEADER
Lynne has been involved with Peace through Yoga since her first trip hiking the Camino de Santiago in 2022. An avid hiker and traveler, she also enjoys yoga, transcendental meditation, photography, biking, kayaking, reading, and cooking. Lynne is also a Master Gardener and works for Windowbox Gardner in Indiana. Formerly she was a radiology technician and a packaging engineer. She lives in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Price Per Person Double Occupancy: $2999
Single Supplement: $900
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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1 night/2 days in Cusco
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5 days/6 nights at the luxury Willka T’ika Resort
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Organic gourmet vegetarian meals at Willka T’ika
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Full day at Machu Picchu
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Hike surrounding area near Willka T’ika Resort
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Hike to Inti Punku, the original Incan Gateway to the Sun at Machu Picchu
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Hike the spectacular ruins of P’isaq and shopping in the famous market
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Hike to nearby Urubamba and visit the authentic market, Seminario Pottery Studio and alpaca factory store
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Authentic Andean offering and Fire Ceremony with Q’ero Pakho (Shaman) healer
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Sound Immersion Ceremony
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Sweat Lodge including medicinal bath
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Visit to the Andean Mountain School
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5 one-hour yoga classes with special onsite teachers
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Guides for 7 days
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Quality buses and tourist train
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Use of Chakra Gardens, fire pit, and ceremony areas
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare to Cusco via Lima (a group airfare from the U.S. will be pursued by June 2024)
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to local guide
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Meals not listed (B/L/D)
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Airport transfers, if outside the guidelines on itinerary
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PAYMENT SCHEDULE
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$500 non-refundable deposit
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Final non-refundable payment due three months prior to departure
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3.5% is added if using a credit card. Paying by checks is recommended.
Book your space by filling our Reservation Form or call Lynne Norris at 317-385-5338.
Checks can be sent to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Lynne Norris
16511 Stonewolf Blvd.
Noblesville, IN 46060
Call Lynne Norris at 317-385-5338 if you have any questions.
TRIP PROTECTION – Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended.
* Travel Guard - 888-405-3087
* i travel insured - 317-655-4500
Our trips are in partnership with Peace through Yoga Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, and Blooming Life Yoga.
To register for this trip, please fill our the reservatin form then call the Trip Coordinator, Lynne Norris, to pay deposit. (317)385-5338 or email macynorris@yahoo.com
