PERUVIAN CULTURAL JOURNEY AND YOGA RETREAT
Peruvian Cultural Journey And Yoga Retreat
The Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu
with Yoga Instructor Sonya Luz Costanza
This Andean cultural journey combined with a yoga retreat sets the stage for a profound cultural and personal experience. Based out of the Pisac Inn in Pisac, Peru, the woven itinerary, accommodations, and meals celebrate the Andean perspective. Your participation directly supports sustainable efforts to preserve traditional Andean culture.
Admire sacred archaeological sites, colorful markets, breathtaking scenery, and delve into the rich culture of the Quechua Indians, the Inca descendants, in a very personal relationship with the land, the people, and their customs. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to Cusco, capital of the vast Inca State, known as the navel of the ancestral world, and, of course, a day of marveling at Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. One event that makes the trip truly unique is a visit to the traditional highland community of Amaru, where we will participate in their communal workday, share a meal, enjoy weaving demonstrations, music and dancing – a cultural exchange that deepens the appreciation of Quechua history and social life.
Meals are provided by the Pisac Inn’s restaurant Cuchara de Palo, celebrating the wealth of Peruvian Cuisine, and dedicated to organic, locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Peru’s ancient agrarian tradition resulted in an abundant diversity of products, with a myriad of flavors, colors and aromas that have won special recognition for Peruvian Culinary Art as one of the most exquisite and sophisticated on the planet.
Throughout our travels the yoga sessions will allow time for reflection and integration of our incredible experiences, but if you or your travel companion do not practice yoga, you can still join the tour and use the yoga time to spend at your leisure. The daily yoga practice ranges from an invigorating vinyasa sequence, to a restful, restorative session, depending on the other activities of the day and the needs of the group.
Visit Morada Lane Yoga Studio for more information about the yoga practice.
For more information and registration contact Sonya: yoga@sonyaluz.com or 575-758-8007
Useful Information
Description: High altitude, mountainous terrain with scenic drives, yoga practice, walks, and day hikes.
Altitudes: Cusco 11,200 ft, Pisac 10,000 ft, Machu Picchu 7,500 ft, Amaru 10,500 ft, Santa Teresa 5,085 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Category: Boutique (3 star level)
Available: Small Group
Pace: Moderate, with time for relaxation
Interests: Yoga, Cultural & Culinary, Andean Heritage including textiles and music, Spirituality & Worldview, Sacred Geometry, Astronomy & Agronomy
Morada Lane Yoga Studio for more information about the yoga practice.
Travel Information: Click here for more information and FAQs.
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Accommodations
This trip is based out of Pisac Inn on the historic plaza of Pisac Inn the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Small and comfortable, our boutique hotel is charming, full of artistic details and old world flair that celebrate local Andean heritage. Staying at Pisac Inn offers a unique travel experience, and settling into your room for the duration of your stay with no packing and unpacking allows you to create a personal relationship to the local land and people.
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Unucha Spa
Treatments inspired by the ancestral legacy of Andean pre-Columbian healing tradition offer a unique opportunity for deep relaxation and personal reflection. Try the herbal bath and massage combo. Reservations are required and we suggest making appointments ahead of time because space is limited. Treatments are not included in tour price.
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Socially Responsible Tourism
This opportunity to travel with a Socially Responsible Travel company adds value to your travel experience. Please see our Sustainability Section to learn more about our vision, our commitment to socially and environmentally responsible tourism, our cultural projects, and our international certifications.
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Amaru
This is a unique opportunity to visit and engage with a traditional community that is preserving their ancestral Andean way of life. The wisdom of the Amaru community members is the inspiration of the Kusi Kawsay Association.
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Kusi Kawsay Andean School
This is a unique opportunity to visit a social project that is making a huge impact on educational models by empowering youth, protecting the environment, and by advocating for human rights and social justice.
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Meals
Peruvian cuisine is a highlight of all our trips, especially those based out of Pisac Inn that include meals with exclusive daily set menus that are creatively designed and prepared by our chef at the Inn’s renowned restaurant, Cuchara de Palo, The Wooden Spoon. We use the finest local products with the clear intention of exploring the richness of Peruvian cuisine, while celebrating the diversity of legendary and nutritious ingredients that are fresh, organic and native of Peru.
Sitting down for a lovely meal, including a soup or salad, main course, dessert and beverage is one of the trip highlights, with no dish repeated. On trips not based out of Pisac Inn we select the finest restaurants that are part of Peru’s culinary explosion and foodie scene. We love food, and invite you to savor Peru’s culinary explosion.- Vegetarian and special diet menu available
- Beer, wine and cocktails are available, but are not included in tour price
- Meals not included in program will be at restaurants recommended by your guide
Classic Sacred Valley:
Early Bird
Full Price
Machu Picchu Extension:
Early Bird
Full Price
Off the Beaten Path:
Early Bird
Full Price
Price includes accommodations, delicious meals, yoga classes, guidance through and entrance to archaeological sites, private tour van, and train to and from Machu Picchu. Not included in the price is: airfare, travel insurance, gratuities, meals eaten out, and other personal expenses.
$900 deposit required to reserve your spot.
Prices are based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, add an additional $350.
For more information and registration contact Sonya: yoga@sonyaluz.com or 575-758-8007
ITINERARY
CLASSIC SACRED VALLEY
October 12-20, 2024 9 days / 8 nights
DAY ONE ~ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Arrival Sacred Valley
Take a morning flight to Cusco, the navel of the world, land in the heart of the Andes and be greeted at the Cusco airport to begin your exclusive journey. Enjoy a spectacular 45-minute scenic drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Revel in the striking beauty of the snowcapped peaks, mountainsides delineated by Inca terraces, and fields that cover the valley floor. Arrive to Pisac with lower altitude and small-town charm. Settle into your room at Pisac Inn and enjoy a cup of coca tea to help you acclimate. Savor your first in a series of delicious meals spun into a select set menu to explore the diversity and richness of Peruvian Cuisine. Take the afternoon to wander the cobblestone streets of Pisac on your own. Late afternoon yoga followed by evening reception and fireside dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: L, D
DAY TWO ~ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Cusco Sites & City
Enjoy a 30-minute scenic drive to explore pre-Columbian sites outside of Cusco
including the sacred spring of Tambomachay, the lunar and solar observatories of
Kenko, and megalithic Sacsayhuaman. You will be captivated by the introduction to Andean astronomy and sacred geometry, the foundation of Andean culture that will be expanded on each day of your journey. Enjoy lunch at one of Cusco’s fine restaurants recommended by your guide. Stroll through the streets of Cusco, admire the Inca walls, and visit the Plaza de Armas and the main pre-Colombian Inca Temple, Coricancha.
Upon return to Pisac Inn enjoy a restorative yoga class before dinner, followed by
authentic traditional music and dance with a local group of musicians, artists and
visionaries who have dedicated their lives to preserving their Andean culture. This
presentation honors the ritual Inca Agrarian calendar.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, D (lunch not included)
DAY THREE ~ MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
Community of Amaru
Delight in a 45-minute drive into the majestic high Andes and walk through the
patchwork fields replete with potatoes, fava beans and corn to the traditional highland community of Amaru, where a genuinely authentic way of life is still practiced to this day. You will be welcomed with an endearing sweetness rarely felt in this day and age by this community that is consciously preserving and practicing their ancestral heritage. Through participation in a communal agrarian workday a beautiful cultural exchange unravels as you experience this incredible opportunity to step back in time and appreciate a quality of life with an admirable simplicity that is strikingly moving and profound. Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with their prized agrarian products as the women begin to spin their naturally dyed wool. Others meditatively set up their back-strap looms to share their ancestral weaving skills with us. This wonderful opportunity to purchase textiles directly from the weavers is not to be missed. Return to Pisac for a restorative yoga session before dinner. Dinner followed by an optional evening Coca Leaf Offering, a unique opportunity to personally engage in an authentic Andean ceremony. The Coca Leaf Offering is an optional special event, and is not included.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, L, D
DAY FOUR ~ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Pisac Archeological Site & Market
After breakfast drive to the spectacular archaeological site above Pisac. Admire the staggering agricultural terrace work, among the most extensive in the area, that follows the shape of the mountainsides in entrancing concave and convex forms. Walk to the central astronomic and ceremonial area which is widely acclaimed to be some of the finest stonework, comparable to that of Machu Picchu. This expansive site provides an ideal setting for a picnic lunch with magnificent vistas up and down the valley. Drive down to Pisac, or those who want to hike down can on their own. Spend an afternoon exploring the town of Pisac and open-air market full of local crafts. Enjoy a restorative yoga session and some down time before dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, Picnic, D
DAY FIVE ~ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Free Day
Dynamic yoga session before breakfast. Visit Kusi Kawsay Andean School and Kusi Ñan Organic Farm, an exceptional educational social project. Learn about the unique vision of Kusi Kawsay that combines elements of Waldorf Pedagogy with Andean tradition, and delight in the beautiful school grounds, dedicated teachers and happy children. Free day to return to Cusco on your own, or relax with massage and herbal bath treatments at Unucha Spa. Lunch is included at Pisac Inn for those who do not go to Cusco. Enjoy a restorative yoga practice before dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, L, D (if you go to Cusco, lunch is not included)
DAY SIX ~ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
Nature Hike
After breakfast, two options for hiking are available: Huchuy Qosqo, which is a nine-hour hiking day for avid trekkers, or Kinsa Cocha which is accessible to any level of hiker.
Huchuy Qosqo: Drive to the highland lake Qoricocha to begin the Huchuy Qosqo Trek, hiking through beautiful Andean scenery along an original section of the Inka Trail, part of the Qhapaq Ñan. Enjoy a stunning walk through small communities to the lesser-known Inca archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, which means little Cusco in Quechua. The isolated site, situated on a plateau with astounding views, overlooks the Sacred Valley of the Incas and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Kinsa Cocha: Drive to the highlands above Pisac to Kinsa Cocha, the sacred three lakes nestled in the Andean mountains. These picturesque lakes called Kinsa Cocha, translates from the ancient Quechua language to “three lakes.” Those who want to appreciate the unique landscape of the Andes and its glistening lakes can enjoy this easy and lovely walk around the lakes to experience and celebrate the tranquility of this region.
Upon return to Pisac enjoy a restorative yoga practice before dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, Picnic, D
DAY SEVEN ~ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Tipón
Enjoy an hour drive to Tipon, an amazing archeological site full of water channels that come from a natural underground spring. The Inca were brilliant engineers who integrated their architecture with the natural surroundings. Tipon, a 500- acre site built around a spring near Cusco, has been called their masterpiece of water management. Hike the site and find a perfect spot for open-air yoga and a picnic lunch. Tipon has beautiful stone terraces with fountains and irrigation channels that still function, which provides an endless, soothing soundtrack of running water. Return to Pisac for some downtime before a special farewell dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, Picnic, D
DAY EIGHT / SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Ollantaytambo
Yoga and breakfast followed by a breathtaking one-hour drive through the heart of the Sacred Valley to the Inca town Ollantaytambo. Visit Ollantaytambo’s magnificent archeological site with an impressive astronomical observatory, irrigation waterways and ceremonial site. Learn about the Llama constellation and explore the quaint town that was built in the shape of a corncob. Picnic Lunch. For those continuing on the Machu Picchu Extension take the train to Aguas Calientes. For those ending with the Classic Sacred Valley drive to Cusco to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the city.
Hotel: Plaza Hotel Meals: B, Picnic (dinner not included)
DAY NINE / SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cusco airport for the return flight home.
Meals: B
MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION
October 19-21, 2024 3 days / 2 nights
DAY ONE / SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Machu Picchu
After lunch enjoy a spectacular train ride to Aguas Calientes, where you will have a nice dinner out and spend the night in preparation for an early start to Machu Picchu the following morning.
Hotel: La Cabaña Boutique Hotel Meals: dinner not included
DAY TWO ~ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Machu Picchu
Get an early start to take the 20-minute bus ride up steep slopes to magnificent Machu Picchu, renown as a wonder of the world. Isolated among mountain peaks, this awe-inspiring site carries sacred mathematical and scientific wisdom yet to be fully discovered. Explore the important sectors full of astronomical explanations, and revel in the beautiful natural setting and ancient ruins. Optional Huayna Picchu hike possible after exploring Machu Picchu. After dinner enjoy a restful evening in preparation for an early visit to Machu Picchu.
Hotel: La Cabaña Boutique Hotel Meals: B (lunch and dinner not included)
DAY THREE ~ MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
Machu Picchu
Return to Machu Picchu to explore different sectors to fully experience the magic of this remarkable site. Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo and drive to Cusco for an evening return flight. If you stay the night in Cusco this is not included. If you return to Pisac to join the Off the Beaten Path tour the Pisac Inn overnight is not included.
Meals: B (lunch and dinner not included)
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
October 22-28, 2024 7 days / 6 nights
DAY ONE / TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Arrival Sacred Valley
Take a morning flight to Cusco, the navel of the world, land in the heart of the Andes and be greeted at the Cusco airport to begin your exclusive journey. Enjoy a spectacular 45-minute scenic drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Revel in the striking beauty of the snowcapped peaks, mountainsides delineated by Inca terraces, and fields that cover the valley floor. Arrive at Pisac with lower altitude and small-town charm. Settle into your room at Pisac Inn and enjoy a cup of coca tea to help you acclimate. Savor your first in a series of delicious meals spun into a select set menu to explore the diversity and richness of Peruvian Cuisine. Take the afternoon to wander the cobblestone streets of Pisac on your own. Late afternoon yoga followed by evening reception and fireside dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: L, D
DAY TWO / WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
Sacred Valley Hidden Gems
Dynamic yoga session before breakfast, followed by a walk to visit Kusi Kawsay Andean School and the school’s organic farm, Kusi Ñan. Learn about this exceptional educational project and unique vision that honors Andean tradition combined with Waldorf Pedagogy, recently recognized with the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development Award. Return to Pisac Inn to prepare for a short drive though the Sacred Valley to the mysterious archeological site Unu Urco, where water is celebrated. Lunch at a local spot on the way to the Inkariy museum just outside of Calca. This contribution to Peru’s artistic and cultural heritage takes you on a visual and sensory exploration into the most important pre-Columbian civilizations of Peru. Dinner at the Pisac Inn, followed by festive music and dance.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, D (lunch not included)
DAY THREE / THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Amaru Traditional Community
Delight in a 45-minute drive into the majestic high Andes and walk through the
patchwork fields replete with potatoes, fava beans and corn to the traditional highland community of Amaru, where a genuinely authentic way of life is still practiced to this day. You will be welcomed with an endearing sweetness rarely felt in this day and age by this community that is consciously preserving and practicing their ancestral heritage. Through participation in a communal agrarian workday a beautiful cultural exchange unravels as you experience this incredible opportunity to step back in time and appreciate a quality of life with an admirable simplicity that is strikingly moving and profound. Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with their prized agrarian products as the women begin to spin their naturally dyed wool. Others meditatively set up their back-strap looms to share their ancestral weaving skills with us. This wonderful opportunity to purchase textiles directly from the weavers is not to be missed. Return to Pisac for a
restorative yoga session and some down time before dinner, followed by an optional evening Coca Leaf Offering. This unique opportunity to personally engage in an authentic Andean ceremony is an optional special event, and is not included.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, L, D
DAY FOUR / FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Santa Teresa
Get an early start with dynamic yoga and breakfast before embarking on a spectacular five-hour drive through the Sacred Valley, up into the high altiplano, over a mountain pass, and down into the rainforest, to the town of Santa Teresa. Enjoy the late afternoon at the natural Colcalmayo hot springs of pristine thermal glacial water that is transparent. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Santa Teresa.
Hotel: EcoLodge Meals: B, D (lunch not included)
DAY FIVE / SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Mandor Waterfall
Get an early start for a scenic two-hour drive from Santa Teresa to Mandor waterfall. After a hike to the waterfall, enjoy lunch, and continue on the spectacular return drive that crosses from jungle through the high mountain pass, and drops back down to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the town of Ollantaytambo enjoy restorative yoga, then explore the charming cobblestone streets with a nice dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Ollantaytambo Meals: B (lunch and dinner not included)
DAY SIX / SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Pachar, Killarumiyok & Chincheros
After breakfast visit Pachar altar, a sacred astronomical place of rituals with an
impressive carved chakana. Continue to Killarumiyok and enjoy outdoor yoga at this site for the moon. Visit the traditional Chincheros Sunday market and explore the Chincheros archeological site. The Native Museum will take you back in time, as you explore the rich textile art of the Andes. Return to Pisac for some down time before a special farewell dinner.
Hotel: Pisac Inn Meals: B, D (lunch not included)
DAY SEVEN / MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
Departure
After yoga and a leisurely breakfast, begin your return journey with a visit to the Ñusta and other small off-the beaten path sites en route to Cusco before catching an evening flight to Lima.
Meals: B (lunch and dinner not included)