Awaken is an 8-day women's retreat in the heart of Peru's Sacred Valley, where ancient wisdom, breathtaking landscapes, and intentional rest create space for profound renewal. Whether you arrive after completing our Ascend trek to Machu Picchu or join us directly for this experience, Awaken offers a journey inward—one that invites you to reconnect with yourself, embrace the present moment, and return home with renewed clarity and purpose.

Hosted in partnership with the beautiful Willka T'ika Wellness Retreat Center, our days unfold at a slower pace. Mornings begin with yoga, meditation, and nourishing meals crafted from fresh, organic ingredients grown in the retreat's gardens. Throughout the week, you'll experience the rich traditions of the Andes through ceremonies honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), opportunities to learn from local artisans and healers, meaningful cultural experiences, and time to explore the vibrant villages and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

This is not simply a vacation. It is an invitation to step away from constant demands and rediscover the wisdom that already lives within you. Through guided reflection, authentic connection, restorative wellness practices, and unforgettable adventures, you'll create space for healing, gratitude, creativity, and joy.

At Breath + Story, we believe every destination has a story to tell—and every traveler has one waiting to unfold. Peru has long been considered a place of extraordinary spiritual energy, where the mountains are revered as living beings, the earth is honored as sacred, and ancient traditions continue to inspire a deep connection between humanity and nature.

Whether you come seeking rest, inspiration, healing, adventure, or simply the gift of uninterrupted time for yourself, Awaken is designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what matters most.

Come awaken your spirit in one of the world's most extraordinary places.

Welcome to Peru.

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Cusco Airport before we depart at 11:30 a.m. for the breathtaking drive into the Sacred Valley. As we wind through the Andes, you'll take in soaring mountains, ancient terraces, rushing rivers, and vibrant villages—a beautiful introduction to the place you'll call home for the week.

After arriving at the peaceful Willka T'ika Wellness Retreat in Urubamba, we'll enjoy a nourishing farm-to-table lunch before the afternoon is yours to settle in. Wander the gardens, sip tea, journal, rest, or simply savor the opportunity to arrive—not just in Peru, but fully in the present moment.

That evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner celebrating the flavors of Peru and the beginning of our shared adventure. You'll meet the incredible women who will journey alongside you before flowing into a gentle yoga practice to release the stress of travel and prepare your body and spirit for the days ahead.

As the evening draws to a close, you'll be immersed in a restorative Sound Healing Ceremony. Using an array of beautiful instruments from around the world, a skilled sound practitioner will guide you into a deeply relaxed, meditative state. The soothing vibrations help quiet the mind, melt away lingering tension, and restore balance to both body and spirit—creating the perfect beginning to a week of connection, renewal, and transformation.

Tonight, there's nowhere else to be but here.

Today, we slow down and allow the Sacred Valley to become our teacher.

Begin the morning with a gentle yoga practice followed by a nourishing breakfast. Then, explore the beautiful grounds of Willka T'ika, including a guided tour of the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens—spaces thoughtfully designed to inspire reflection, balance, and renewal.

Following the garden tour, we'll visit a local ceramics studio, where you'll create and paint your own handcrafted keepsake inspired by the Sacred Valley. Using the region's rich clay traditions, you'll design a decorative wall hanging or large coaster to take home—a meaningful reminder of your journey. Your piece will be fired before our departure, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your time in Peru.

After a leisurely farm-to-table lunch, we'll welcome a respected paq'o (Andean spiritual guide) who will introduce us to the wisdom of the Andes through a traditional coca leaf blessing, inviting us to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the journey ahead. Guests who wish to explore more deeply may also schedule a private coca leaf reading for an additional fee.

Later, we'll gather for a traditional Despacho Ceremony, creating a beautiful offering of flowers, seeds, grains, sweets, and sacred plants as an expression of gratitude to Pachamama and an invitation for balance, abundance, and healing. Whether you participate from a place of faith, curiosity, or appreciation, this sacred ritual offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on where you've been and where you're headed.

Today, we explore one of the most beautiful principles of Andean life: Ayni—the sacred practice of reciprocity. Ayni reminds us that life is built on relationships, where giving and receiving create deeper connection.

We'll depart early for a Quechua community supported by the Willka T'ika Children's Fund. Since 1994, the foundation has partnered with remote villages to support education while preserving Andean traditions. Rather than simply visiting, we'll share time with local children through meaningful activities that foster joy, creativity, and connection—experiences that often become the heart of the journey.

After a picnic lunch surrounded by the beauty of the Sacred Valley, we'll explore the remarkable Incan citadel of Písac. As we wander its ancient terraces and ruins, we'll pause for a guided meditation and quiet reflection while taking in sweeping views of the valley below.

We'll then visit the vibrant Písac Market, where you'll have time to browse handcrafted textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and artisan goods before returning to Willka T'ika.

Before dinner, Mindy will lead a gentle yoga practice to help us integrate the day's experiences, followed by an evening to relax, reconnect, and enjoy another delicious meal together.

Today, we experience one of the world's most extraordinary places.

Before sunrise, we'll enjoy an early breakfast before boarding the scenic train along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. As the Sacred Valley gives way to cloud forest, take in the breathtaking views on the journey to the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

With an expert guide, we'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering among ancient temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces while discovering the remarkable ingenuity of the Inca and their deep connection to the surrounding landscape. More than simply visiting an iconic destination, today is an invitation to be fully present in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.

After our guided tour, we'll enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes and have free time to browse artisan shops, relax at a café, or explore the charming mountain town before returning by train through the Sacred Valley. Back at Willka T'ika, we'll gather for a light dinner and a well-earned evening of rest.

Today you stood among wonders. Tomorrow, you'll discover how their story has become part of your own.

Today invites us to do something that's often missing from everyday life—and even from travel: pause.

This morning, we'll visit the ancient Incan town of Ollantaytambo, exploring its charming cobblestone streets and the remarkable Sun Temple while learning about the history and ingenuity of one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited communities.

After lunch on your own in the village, the afternoon is yours. Treat yourself to a spa service, wander the Chakra Gardens, journal, or simply enjoy the peace of the Sacred Valley.

Later, we'll gather for a signature Breath + Story experience: The Next Chapter. You'll write a letter to your future self, reflecting on what you've discovered and the intentions you hope to carry home. We'll seal your letter and mail it to you six months after the retreat—a meaningful reminder of the promises you made in this extraordinary place.

Following dinner, we will relax into a gentle yin yoga practice, inviting you to slow down, release, and settle into a restful evening before another day of adventure.

Today invites us to savor the simple beauty of life in the Sacred Valley while celebrating the community we've created together.

Begin the morning with a deeply restorative Andean wellness ritual. Together, we'll experience a traditional Umpina Wasi (sweat lodge ceremony), where the warmth of the lodge encourages detoxification, relaxation, and renewal while surrounded by breathtaking views of the Pumahuanca Mountains. Following this cleansing ritual, you'll cool and refresh your body in Willka T'ika's medicinal plunge pool, infused with locally distilled botanical essences such as lavender, eucalyptus, muña, ruda, or molle. This time-honored experience offers a beautiful opportunity to release what no longer serves you and embrace a renewed sense of balance.

After a nourishing farm-to-table lunch at Willka T'ika, we'll gather for a heart-opening cacao ceremony, creating space for gratitude, reflection, and connection as we honor the journey we've shared.

In the evening, we'll celebrate one of our favorite Breath + Story traditions: the Affirmation Dinner. Around the table, each woman will have the opportunity to offer words of encouragement and appreciation to the others, recognizing the unique gifts, strengths, and stories they've witnessed throughout the week.

This isn't about saying goodbye—it's about celebrating how far we've come together and the connections that will continue long after we leave the Sacred Valley.

Our final full day together is an opportunity to reflect on all we've experienced and carry the spirit of the Sacred Valley forward.

After breakfast, we'll journey to the historic city of Cusco, beginning with a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán. Overlooking the city, we'll participate in a traditional K'intu blessing—a simple ceremony of gratitude honoring Pachamama and the journey we've shared.

Following a picnic lunch and hotel check-in, we'll explore the charming San Blas neighborhood before visiting Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple of the Incan Empire, where ancient history and colonial architecture meet.

We'll conclude our retreat with a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships, experiences, and transformations of the past week. Together, we'll raise a glass to the stories we've shared—and to the ones still waiting to be written.

The journey may be coming to a close, but its story is only beginning.

Enjoy one final breakfast together before checking out of the hotel. Guests will make their own transfer to Cusco Airport for flights home. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2½ hours before departure to allow plenty of time for check-in and connections through Lima.

As you return home, we hope you carry with you the wisdom of the Andes, the friendships you've formed, and the moments of peace, courage, and connection you've discovered along the way. May this journey continue to inspire you long after you've left Peru.

Your journey home is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of your next chapter.

We understand that no one reserves a retreat with the intention of canceling, and we know that unexpected circumstances can arise. Because our retreats require advance commitments to accommodations, transportation, guides, and other vendors, we have established the following cancellation policy.

Reservations & Payments

• A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space.

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• Reservations may be transferred to another participant identified by the original attendee, subject to Breath + Story's approval. Transfers must be completed prior to the retreat.

• Payment plans are available. The remaining balance is due in full by June 1, 2027.

Cancellation Schedule

• Cancellations received before February 1, 2027: You will receive a refund equal to 50% of all payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.

• Cancellations received on or after February 1, 2027: No refunds will be issued.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage all participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Many travel insurance providers require policies to be purchased within 14 days of making your initial reservation to receive the broadest coverage.

Please review your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

No Exceptions

Because we incur significant expenses well in advance of each retreat, no refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations due to illness, injury, weather, family emergencies, work obligations, travel delays, airline cancellations, or any other personal circumstances.

Likewise, no refunds or credits will be provided for failure to attend, arriving after the retreat begins, or leaving the retreat early.

Retreat Cancellation by Breath + Story

Breath + Story reserves the right to cancel or postpone a retreat due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances that make operating the retreat inadvisable or impossible.

If Breath + Story cancels a retreat, all payments made directly to Breath + Story will be refunded in full. This refund constitutes the full extent of our liability.

Participants are responsible for any non-refundable personal travel expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, visas, or other travel-related costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Force Majeure

Breath + Story shall not be liable for any delay, modification, interruption, or cancellation of a retreat resulting from events beyond our reasonable control. These events may include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather, wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, pandemics, epidemics, government orders or travel restrictions, civil unrest, terrorism, strikes, transportation disruptions, acts of God, or any other unforeseen circumstance that makes the retreat unsafe, illegal, or impracticable to operate.

If a retreat must be canceled or materially modified due to a Force Majeure event, Breath + Story will make every reasonable effort to reschedule the retreat or provide participants with an appropriate credit or refund, taking into consideration any non-recoverable expenses already incurred. Any refund or credit provided will be at the sole discretion of Breath + Story and subject to obligations owed to third-party suppliers.

By submitting your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Cancellation Policy.