Dates: May 16 - 22, 2020
Destination: Peru’s Sacred Valley
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…
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: sat, May 16 ::: Cusco Arrival - pisac market and ruins
Day 2: Sun, may 17 ::: umasbamba community and piuray
Day 3: Mon, May 18 ::: moras & moray
Day 4: tue, may 19 ::: ollantaytambo and machu picchu
Day 5: wed, May 20 ::: machu picchu and huayna picchu
Day 6: thu, may 21 ::: yoga at qenqo
Day 7: fri, may 22 ::: depart sacred valley for cusco
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
The radiant colors of the locals are matched only by their smiles and kindness.
Cusco Arrival and Transfer to Sacred Valley
Upon a morning arrival in Cusco, we will be met at the airport and transferred to the Sacred Valley. We will visit the traditional market and Inca ruins of Pisac. 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.
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.
Spend the rest of the evening connecting with the group or retire early.
Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)
Day 2
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals: B | L | D
Umasbamba Community and Piuray
After breakfast and energizing stretch session, we visit the Umasbamba Community Project. In the afternoon, we’ll learn 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. We’ll participate in an evening wellness activity at Piuray followed by dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is even more vibrant than their attire.
Meals:
B | L | D
Chinchero, Moras & Moray
Following breakfast and a morning yoga session, we’ll embark on a full day tour of Chinchero, Moras, and Moray. We’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. An evening wellness practice followed by dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Wilka T’ika, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near the town of Urubamba (el. 9,420´)
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals:
B | L | D
Discovering Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
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 5
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
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: El Mercado in Cusco.
DAY 6
Meals: B | L | D
Cusco City and Ruins Tour
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 7
Depart Cusco
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
Wilka t’ika
Sacred Valley
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
Aguas Calientes
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.
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.
PRICE STARTING AT: $4750 PER PERSON
BASED ON DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Single Supplement: $995
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due February 16, 2020
Payment plan available, please inquire
Included:
Private guide and private transportation
All the meals mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance tickets to all the places mentioned in the itinerary (Cusco ruins, Sacred Valley ruins, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu).
Train tickets, round trip, in Vistadome train
Space at hotels and Piuray Lake to do Yoga sessions
6 nights at hotels (3 nights in Sacred Valley, 1 night in Aguas Calientes and 2 nights in Cusco).
Not Included:
International and internal flights
Tours not mentioned in the itinerary
Entrances not mentioned in the itinerary
Yoga equipment for yoga sessions
Tips, laundry
Others not mentioned