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Dates: May 1-10, 2020
Destination: Peru Highlands
Tour Leader: Sadie Lincoln
Focus: Connection + Balance
Giveback: TBD
Difficulty: Active, all levels supported
Gender: Womxn

barre3, enabling balanced body and empowerment from within, is traveling to Peru, a land rich in history, beauty, and tradition. We can think of no better way to tap into our connection to self than traveling the world with our community and enveloping ourselves in the culture of Peru.

Majestic archaeological sites lead to remote and uncrowded trails taking travelers through mountains and valleys, abounding in natural beauty and dotted with Andean communities, where the locals are master weavers and their traditions are still firmly rooted in ancient Incan culture. In addition to exploring the depths of the ancient land and rich traditions, we’ll have daily barre3 full-body balanced workouts combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness.

At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration.

Meet the Tour Leader…

about-sadie-06356284feae3d3808a3fe2126ba2722c41254b914ef9d0827baf23fd49b71eb.jpg

Sadie Lincoln is the co-founder and CEO of barre3, a fitness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Starting in 2008 with the flagship studio in Portland, Oregon, barre3 has grown to include more than 140 franchise studios powered by female entrepreneurs, plus an online-workout streaming-subscriber base in 98+ countries. What started as a workout has blossomed into a full-blown movement made up of millions of people focused on body positivity, personal empowerment, and redefining the notion of success in fitness.

Sadie is on Inc.'s Female Founders 100 list, has been featured on NPR's How I Built This, and speaks regularly on the topics of mindful leadership, the power of body wisdom, and the movement to redefine success in fitness. Beyond running her company and being a global spokesperson, Sadie still enjoys teaching barre3 classes to many of her founding clients in her hometown of Portland, Oregon.


SUMMARY

Day 1: Fri, May 1 ::: Cusco Arrival

Day 2: Sat, May 2 ::: Cusco Exploration

Day 3-4: Sun-MON, May 3-4 ::: Lares and the Lamay Lodge

Day 5-6: Tue-Wed, May 5-6 ::: Lares and Huacahuasi Lodge

Day 7: Thu, May 7 ::: Sacred Valley and wilka t’ika lodge

Day 8: Fri, May 8 ::: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Day 9: Sat, May 9 ::: MACHU PICCHU - sacred valley

Day 10: Sun, May 10 ::: depart sacred valley for cusco and lima


DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1

Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.

Meals:
none

Cusco Arrival

Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Spend the rest of the evening connecting with the group or retire early.

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.


Day 2

Weather permitting, we will workout surrounded by the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.

Meals:
B | L | D

City and Ruins Tour in Cusco

After breakfast and energizing barre session, we explore the ancient city of Cusco as a group. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built overlooking Cusco.

A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers us to a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for a pre-dinner barre session.

Overnight: El Mercado in Cusco.


DAY 3-4

The kindness of the locals is even more vibrant than their attire.

Meals:
B | L | D

Lares: Pisaq Town | Viacha

This morning we enjoy an early morning barre session before heading into the Sacred Valley to start our exploration.

The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market. And none is more alive than the famous market at Pisaq. Choose to spend the morning exploring this wonderful community where a unique array of products will inspire you with a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored on your journey. Or if you prefer to seek today's inspiration in nature, you can instead opt for an invigorating morning hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andean peaks that stand guard over this magnificent valley.

At midday we'll regroup high above the valley for exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha. Together we'll learn about their age-old artisanal potato farming practices before sharing in a Pachamama ceremony (a sacred Andean ritual used by the local people to offer thanks to Mother Earth) and a traditional Pachamanca lunch featuring delicious meats and vegetables cooked in under hot stones.

After lunch, our group will visit the archaeological complex at Pisaq where we'll enjoy a guided meditation in addition to exploring the Inca complex free of the morning crowds. By late afternoon we'll arrive at the Lamay Lodge where you can opt for an afternoon wellness class or perhaps choose to instead indulge in a massage or a soak in the lush garden hot tub.

We have two days to enjoy the Lamay Lodge, so we will have a chance to participate in numerous activities, or just enjoy some quiet time together.

Activity Options:

  • Cultural Activity: Visit the town of Pisaq and local market, and experience an encounter with members of the local community of Viacha.

  • Hike: From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha / Duration 2.5-3 h. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200´.

Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705’.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.


Day 5-6

The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.

Meals:
B | L | D

Lares Region: Inca Sites and Villages

We’ll enjoy two days in this area as well, beginning with an early morning group barre session before setting out for the day to explore the rich Andean tapestry of the Lares Region.

Traveling into the heart of the Lares Valley, our group will enjoy a scenic drive along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail,” including a stop at the remarkable, yet little-visited archeological site of Ancasmarca located not far from the hub-town of Lares.

From here, those who wish to get an up-close look into traditional life in remote Peru will visit the ancient weavers’ village of Choquecancha for an opportunity to connect with local women and see first-hand the painstaking work behind the stunning textiles their communities have become famous for.

Meanwhile those who prefer a day of hiking will hit the trail, walking in solitude amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks until reaching the remote village of Huacahuasi, our evening destination. 

Lunch is served en route, with the night spent at Huacahuasi Lodge, an innovative joint venture with the local community. Specifically designed to help protect the cultural heritage of the local community and the environmental health of the surrounding area, this unique partnership provides a sustainable source of income to the local people while offering guests rare insight into the evolving lives of the original Andean people, both in terms of their culture and in terms of their place in Cusco's modern-day commerce. Here you can also enjoy an evening massage or soak in your personal hut tub under the stars.

Group Activity (morning to noon): In the morning, explore the town of Lamay and visit the archeological site of Ancasmarca. 

Activity Options:

  • Cultural activity: Visit the town of Choquecancha, meet with local weavers and experience an encounter with members of community.

  • Hike: From Quelqena to Huacahuasi / Duration 2-2.5 h. / Easy to moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 12,595´- 3,839 m.

  • Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi / Duration 3.5-4 h. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838´- 4,219m.

Note: Guests that opt for the cultural activity will have lunch at the local community of Choquecancha. Guests that opt for the hikes will have lunch en route. 

Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585’), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region.


DAY 7

Enjoy the warm waters of the outdoor hot tub each night at the lodges.

Meals:
B | L | D

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Hiking Among Authentic Inca Trails

After breakfast, we'll spend some time learning a bit about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community. From here, you’ll have a choice for how to spend the day. Hikers can choose to embark on a spectacular trail that runs over a high mountain pass into an adjacent valley, eventually leading to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo (the oldest living city in Latin America). Or for hikers preferring a little less intensity, there’s also a shorter option to hike from Lares Pass along an authentic Inca trail leading deep into a beautiful canyon and finally ending at the Local Community of Totora.

For those who prefer to see more of the Sacred Valley, you can drive back for a visit to a wonderful ethnographic museum featuring a dramatic presentation on the history of Peru’s rich civilizations. Afterwards, lunch will be served in the Urubamba River countryside.

We'll all gather together again late in the day for an outdoor yoga session in the gardens of our next lodge before sitting down to dinner. 

Activity Menu (all day, choose one):

  • Cultural activity: Drive back to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a local farmer’s market and a Pre-Inca and Inca cultural museum.

  • Inca Trail hike: Beautiful hike from Lares pass to the village of Totora / Duration 3 hrs. / Easy to moderate.

  • Hike: From Huacahuasi to Patacancha / Duration 7 h. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,646’ - 4,464m. Route lunch at Ipsaycocha lake.

Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)


DAY 8

Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.

Meals:
B | L | D

Sacred Valley of the Incas | Discovering Ollantaytambo

Start the day with an early morning barre session in the garden before breakfast. From here, we'll head off to the temple ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important ceremonial centers for the Inca (first as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec and later as a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors), where we'll receive a thorough introduction to its mystical history and the strategic architectural planning behind the design. The sense of awe that overtakes you here will be the perfect introduction to our next stop... Machu Picchu!

A late morning scenic train ride along the famous Urubamba River will deliver us to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, by the early afternoon. A short, rollicking bus ride uphill from the train depot will deposit us at the gates of the “Sanctuary” (as locals refer to it), where we'll enjoy our first views of the world-famous Incan ruins. Prepare to be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many others. You might even take a moment to quietly sit and listen to the wind…or to meditate and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. Your imagination will soar as you contemplate the history of Machu Picchu and its mysterious origins. And thankfully our late arrival ensures we have the best chance to enjoy a reprieve from the crowds, as most visitors arrive into the complex in the early morning and begin to leave by lunchtime.

Group Activity: In the morning, after the optional early morning activities, explore the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

Train: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes / Late morning train / Duration 1h30m approximately. 

Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, located in the town of Aguas Calientes (el. 6,232´), the base town of Machu Picchu.


Day 9

Connection is the root of all travel.

Meals:
B | L | D

Machu Picchu | The Sanctuary

This morning you will return to Machu Picchu for a more thorough exploration of the complex and, for those who choose, a hike up Huayna Picchu (the iconic towering mountain often seen in photographs for its dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle). Either way, the morning will leave you with a sense of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you board the train back and the eventual departure for home.

Group Activity: Early in the morning, visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. 

Activity Menu (late morning, after the group activity, choose one):

  • Cultural Activity: free time to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (el. 7,872´).

  • Hike: Guided hike of Huayna Picchu Mountain / Duration 2-2.5 hs. / Moderate to challenging / Mountain summit at an elevation of 8,924´.

Train: Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo / Early afternoon train / Duration 1h30m approximately. 

Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)


DAY 10

Depart the Sacred Valley for Cusco and flight to Lima

After breakfast and a final barre session, we transfer to the Cusco airport for our departing flight to Lima. Our time in Peru will leave your rooted to your inner self, fellow travelers and a deeper wellness practices.


AcCommodations

El Mercado
Cusco

El Mercado is a 4-star property located three and a half blocks from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the heartof picturesque Cusco. Formerly part of the city’s old farmer’s market, El Mercado’s 32 rooms and quaint atmosphere guarantee personal and friendly service, and will inmediately immerse our guest in the cultural and historical traits of Cusco and Peru.

Mountain Lodges
Lamay + Huacahuasi

Accommodations along the Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure are located both in remote places as well as in traditional towns, yet always surrounded by stunning sceneries and local living culture. As a reference, all the lodges are comparable to a 4-5 star property. The following information might be useful for additional things to expect. If you have any questions about the accommodations, please contact your Travel Specialist.

  • Complimentary internet is available in every room.

  • Each room has a safety deposit box.

  • Some lodges have Jacuzzis.

  • Massage service.

  • Toilet equipped with hair-dryers and full amenities.

  • There are 110V compatible sockets in the lodges (220V is the official voltage).

Wilka T’ika, the original premier luxury wellness retreat & yoga center of Peru's Sacred Valley, is an exquisite eco-friendly sanctuary for rejuvenation, relaxation and for cultivating optimal well-being.

Willka T'ika's peaceful energy and mystical surroundings are sure to inspire, refresh and revitalize, offering a wonderful connection to Mother Nature, revered by the Quechua as Pachamama. Located in one of the most energetically charged places on earth, Willka T'ika prides itself on serving the spiritual and cultural needs of all guests seeking a genuine mind, body, spirit experience. Nearby ancient Inkan ruins, ceremonial sites, temples and an abundance of cultural activities beckon. For hikers, winding rivers, charming villages and high mountain meadows where herds of llama and alpaca graze await exploration. 

The facilities include elaborate and vibrant Chakra Gardens for healing relaxation, state-of-the-art sunlit yoga studios for practice, outstanding service from our professional Quechua staff and more. 

 

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.

After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.


PRICE STARTING AT: $5295 PER PERSON
BASED ON DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Single Supplement: $2200 (king bed)
Double room: 1 king bed or 2 twin bed room (specify preference at booking)
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due February 1, 2020

Payment plan available, please inquire


Included: 

  • All transportation services mentioned in the detailed itineraries

  • Daily activities “a-la-carte” (Daily choice of hikes, soft adventure or cultural activities)

  • Entrance fees to tourist and archaeological sites (Includes half day entrance to Machu Picchu)

  • Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (subject to availability)

  • Lodges / hotels as detailed

  • All meals as detailed

  • Services of professional guides (Excluding moments in the program which are labeled on your own)

Not Include:

  • International flights

  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Activities not mentioned in itinerary

  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary

  • Alcoholic beverages