The Yoga & wellness experience
A Lodge to Lodge Adventure: Cusco, Lares, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Introducing our new 8-day Yoga and Wellness Experience to Machu Picchu; a combination of exhilarating hikes, wellness workshops, and focused yoga practices for a holistic journey like no other. This trip is especially unique in that guests will also have the opportunity to connect with our Andean neighbors in remote communities along the way, to learn about their culture and participate in the traditional ceremonies that are an intrinsic part of their daily lives. Experience the incredible culture and scenery, sharpen your holistic wellness skills and knowledge, and connect with like-minded people.
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. Expert guides tailor the experience with daily activities, cultural encounters, and wellness workshops.
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.
SUMMARY
Day 1 ::: Cusco Arrival
Day 2 ::: Cusco
Day 3 ::: sacred valley and the lamay lodge
Day 4 ::: Lares and Huacahuasi Lodge
day 5 ::: sacred valley
Day 6 ::: ollantaytambo to machu picchu
Day 7 ::: Machu Picchu To Cusco
Day 8 ::: Cusco Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Meals:
D
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. We will gather at lunchtime for a short walk through the historic city center to enjoy a light lunch.
After the leisurely exploration of the city we'll gather for a wellness workshop before walking to a nearby yoga studio for an early evening practice. Followed by a traditional Peruvian cuisine Welcome Dinner in a charming courtyard. Spend the rest of the evening connecting with the group or retire early.
Overnight: El Retablo in Cusco.
Day 2
Hiking, Meditation, and Superfoods of Peru
After a relaxing breakfast we will hike to the Temple of the Moon, where we will participate in a K’intu initiation ceremony, followed by a guided meditation focused on merging our intentions and personal energy with the sacred lands that surround us.
We will hike back to Cusco for an organic lunch, followed by a wellness workshop on the Superfoods of Peru.
Later we will gather for a quick walk to a fabulous farm-to-table dinner.
Overnight: El Retablo in Cusco.
Day 3
The streets of Cusco beckon you to lose yourself - both in spirit and locale.
Meals:
B | L | D
Pisaq Town | Viacha
We start the day with breakfast at your leisure, before departing for the Sacred Valley and a full day of 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. 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.
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 Incan complex free of the morning crowds.
By late afternoon we'll arrive at the Lamay Lodge where you can choose to relax, indulge in a massage or a soak in the lush garden hot tub. Spend some time relaxing before an evening restorative yoga practice followed by dinner at the Lodge.
Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,721’- 2,963m.).
DAY 4
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals:
B | L | D
Lares Region:
We will start the day with a morning power flow practice, followed by breakfast at the lodge. We will have a workshop on “The Five Pillars of a Holistic Lifestyle Transformation - Become your Own Best Healer.” Following the workshop we will set 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.” 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.
Choose one of the following activities:
Cultural activity: Visit the town of Choquecancha, meet with local textile weavers, including an introduction to natural Andean dyes and coca leaf reading. Lunch in town.
Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi / Duration 3.5-4 h. / Moderate / Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838´- 4,219m, with lunch in route
The late afternoon will be at your leisure, followed by an optional Yin restorative flow practice and dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,599’- 3,840m.), 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.
Day 5
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals:
B | L | D
Sacred Valley of the Incas | Hiking in the Footsteps of the Incas
After an early morning sunrise flow, stretch, and meditation, we will have breakfast at the lodge before departing on a scenic drive to the archeological site of Marcacocha. We will participate in a traditional Andean ceremony honoring the Apus (Andean gods) at this remarkable site.
We will then drive to the Pumamarka archaeological site to enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we will hike from Pumamarka embarking on a spectacular trail that runs over a high mountain pass into an adjacent breathtaking valley, eventually leading to the ancient to the town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest living city in Latin America.
After completing the hike, we will transfer from Ollantaytambo to the Kuychi Rumi Lodge in the town of Urabamba. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or participate in the optional workshop, “Andean Shamanism and its Modern-day Holistic Integration and Applications.”
Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (el. 9,284’ – 2,830 m.)
DAY 6
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 movement and energetics practice 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 for Manco Inca Yupanqui), 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 quiet window away from the crowds, as most visitors arrive in the early morning and begin to leave by lunchtime.
Train: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes / Late morning train / Duration 1h30m approximately.
Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, located in the town of Aguas Calientes (el. 6,232´- 1,900m.), the base town of Machu Picchu.
Day 7
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L | D
Machu Picchu Sanctuary | Mandor Nature Preserve
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will have the option to either:
Return to The Sanctuary with a guided hike up Machu Piccu Mountain.
Hike to the Mandor Nature Preserve, followed by a gratitude farewell ceremony.
Either way, the morning will leave you with a sense of peace and rejuvenation which will linger even as you board the train back to the city lights and hustle of Cusco. After a late day arrival back in the city, we will have the chance to clean up before enjoying a celebratory Farewell Dinner in a local hot spot, complete with folkloric show and dancing.
Train: Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo / Early afternoon train / Duration 1h30m approximately.
Transfer: Ollantaytambo - Cusco and drop-off at hotel (Duration: 2hrs, arriving approximately 6pm).
Overnight: El Retablo, Cusco.
DAY 8
Cusco Departure
After breakfast we say our final farewells. Our time in Peru will leave your rooted to your inner self, fellow travelers and a deeper wellness practices.
AcCommodations
EL retablo
Cusco
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).
Kyuchi Rumi
Sacred Valley
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes
K’uychi Rumi offers an exclusive lodging alternative for your stay in Peru. It consists of seven luxurious and individually designed rustic Andean lodges surrounded by beautiful gardens and native fruit orchards. The property is nestled at the foot of some of the most picturesque mountain peaks in all of Peru and is within short distance from the Urubamba River.
Located outside the quaint town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We are one hour away from the historic and world famous city of Cusco. We are half an hour away from the train station to the unforgettable one-hour scenic ride to Machu Picchu. Other nearby historical sites and cities include Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, Paucartambo, and Manu National Park.
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.
Included:
All transportation services mentioned in the detailed itineraries
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