This will be my second adventure leading a retreat in the Sacred Valley In Peru... I can't begin to tell you what a transformational experience this was for me and the participants last year... Yoga and meditation in the morning, hiking and introspection time, food that is made with care and more yoga in the evening to reset and renew for the coming day...

    One of the many highlights here is the landscape... truly awe inspiring and nothing brings you into the moment like the overpowering of the senses into a flow of absolute consciousness as it comes into contact with pure nature...

     We will explore yoga techniques that quiet and calm the mind,  asana that stabilizes our structures and prepares us for the sacredness of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains...

     Drawing from 20 years of experience teaching yoga and 40 years of meditation practice, I will guide you through an unforgettable yoga intensive and journey back to your own heart.

Rich travels the world studying and teaching massage therapy and Yoga. He is former faculty at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy, The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Rishikul Yoga, has led hundreds of workshops and trainings internationally, guest lectured at the Auyurvedic College in Mysore, India, Hamburg, Germany, presented at Wanderlust Chicago, and Bhakti fest Midwest.  He fronts Akoustikirtan, a revolving band of world-class musicians.  A meditation practitioner since 1978, serious student of Yoga since 1998, teacher since 2001. He incorporates his knowledge of anatomy and physiology with a unique understanding of spirituality in the modern world.  Significant teachers have been: TKV Desikachar, V. Venkatesha, Hema Venkatesha, Kim Schwartz, Tias Little, and over 15 years with Gabriel Halpern. He promotes a mindful practice, bringing one to the edge of ‘experience’ to ‘witness’ the moment unfold and realize it is us who is the unfolding. 

We'll stay at El Santuario, a private property of Sach'a Munay, which translates to “love from the ancient forest”. It is nestled in an oasis of native plants and fruit trees and is nourished by a magnificent waterfall. Sach'a Munay is also an NGO, which uses retreat profits to support education and permaculture projects to support the local community. 

Both double and single occupancy are available for the retreat. You do not need to sign up with a friend for double occupancy. We'll pair you up with a compatible roommate. 

Each guest room is a reflection of the Peruvian culture of the Sacred Valley and offers comfortable beds and linens.

Our last two evenings will be spent in Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel, located in the foothills of Historic Sanctuary of the same name in the town of Aguas Calientes.  You simply have to get to the Hot Springs and enjoy some time here.  Come with me the night before our excursion at Machu Picchu or after if you choose to hike back from Machu Picchu.(this Document was prepared by Melissa Renzi with edits by Richie)

Sach’a Munay serves three (3) locally-grown, vegetarian meals per day with locally-grown, mostly organic, and lovingly prepared ingredients.  Dietary needs and restrictions can be met.  

Two (2) lunches and Two (2) dinners during our 2-day Machu Picchu excursion are NOT included in the trip cost. Breakfast the morning of Machu Picchu is included as well as our final morning before heading back to Cusco.

Sach'a Munay is located about an hour and a half from Cusco, Peru. A private return shuttle will be provided between Cusco and the retreat center.

Note that the retreat center is remote and the nearest town, Pisac, is roughly 30-40 minutes away and approximately a 25 taxi ride. We've included 3 days of group excursions and an abundance of yoga to offer you time to relax at the retreat center or visit other sites on your own. There's a nearby waterfall to visit about an hour's hike from the center.  (this Document was prepared by Melissa Renzi)

Please note that any and all funds we allow to be applied to a future retreat will be applied to a future retreat with Rich Logan, unless we are able to offer otherwise. 

• All deposits are non-refundable.
• Fifty (50) percent of trip cost is due by December 31, 2019.
• Remaining balance must be paid 75 days before trip start date (February 17, 2020).
• If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due at the time (prior to departure) we receive written notice of your cancellation.

-More than 90 days before retreat start date, 90 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat (with Rich)

-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment already made may be applied to another retreat (with Rich), excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 25 percent of the price of your retreat, excluding the deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2000 with a $400 deposit, and you’ve paid in full, $1200 may be applied toward a future retreat (with Rich).  

-15 – 59 days before retreat start date, 25 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat (with Rich), excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 75 percent of the price of your retreat. Example: If your retreat cost is $2000 with a $400 deposit, $400 may be applied toward a future retreat (with Rich). 

-If you cancel 14 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. (this Document was prepared by Melissa Renzi)

Arrival: Plan your travel so that your flight arrives in Cusco, Peru no later than morning the day your trip begins. It's wise to plan to arrive the night before if your schedule permits. We'll depart in a private group shuttle from Cusco to Sach'a Munay on Day 1 at approximately 2:00pm. The precise time will be determined once all travelers' flight itineraries are received.

Departure: Please plan your return flight so that it departs after 6:00pm on Day 9 to allow enough time for the Train and the Shuttle to get you back to Cusco. We recommend you plan to spend at least a night in Cusco and depart the next day to enjoy the city!

If your travel falls outside of group transfers, you will be responsible for your transportation costs.

Hotel Recommendations: Hotel Niños is an adorable boutique hotel that supports 600 children with school and medical expenses.  Both Niño Hotels (Meloc and Fierro) are great options. We will depart from Hotel Niños Meloc on Friday, April 26th at 2pm.

You can also check TripAdvisor or Airbnb for other options in the cute neighborhood of San Blas. 

Read the FAQS below for further details (this Document was prepared by Melissa Renzi with some edits from Richie)

How will the altitude affect me? 

Every traveler is different with respect to how their bodies respond to elevation change. You can acclimate more easily if after landing in Cusco you spend the first night or two in the Sacred Valley as the altitude is significantly lower. For example, the altitude of Urubamba (valley) is 9420 feet in comparison with that of Cusco which is located at 11,154 feet. Travelers may experience fatigue, sleeplessness, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath during the first several days. This can be minimized by drinking lots of liquids including coca tea, avoiding alcohol, and not overexerting yourself the first day. Your doctor may prescribe you sorochi, a pill for altitude sickness, to take before you arrive as a precaution. If you have any medical conditions, it is recommended that you discuss the effects of altitude with your physician before traveling. 

What is the climate like?

November to April is considered to be the rainy season in the Sacred Valley. January receives the heaviest rain and rain is minimal in March and April. When it does rain, it typically does not last all day and the green lush valleys are spectacular. Daytime temperatures in fahrenheit are typically in the 60s and nighttime temps can drop down to 40s. Please pack accordingly.  

Any hot tips on good flight deals?

Yes! It's generally best to book your flight about 3-4 months before your trip date for best pricing Although some search engine algorithms still can get you amazing deals 3 weeks prior to a trip. 

If your dates are flexible, both Google Flights and Kayak.com offer features for searching with flexible dates and my personal Favorite is Mondo(you may want to check all three). The Hopper app may also be a useful tool. You put in your dates and it will tell you whether flights are likely to increase, decrease, or stay the same.

Is Cusco part of our itinerary?

We will not be touring Cusco during the retreat. However, it is a magnificent city to visit. Because of its high altitude, we recommend you visit Cusco at the end of your trip rather than before it so that you have time to acclimate. Even if you have a night in Cusco before the retreat begins, you may not have the energy to sight-see.   I can highly recommend Valentine, our guide for any other addition tours you want to book for extended stays.  Just contact me for more info!

What is the level of difficulty for planned excursions?

It's important to note that the effects of the altitude can make normal activities much more challenging.  Machu Picchu can be challenging for some, as it has many stairs and is steep in some parts. That said, we can take it slow and easy to accommodate various levels of fitness. Huayna Picchu is not for those with serious vertigo and requires a high level of physical fitness. Additional tours to ruins and such may require some climbing, but you'll always have an alternative with minimal physical exertion as well.

Can you meet my dietary needs? 

Yes, please inform us of your dietary preferences and restrictions so that we can plan accordingly.
 

Do I need a passport or visa?

Peru does require a current passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the departure date of your travel. Peru does not require a special visa to enter. 

Do I need travel insurance? 

We strongly recommend buying travel insurance. Read What to Know Before Buying Travel Insurance for a quick overview of the features you want to look for in a travel insurance policy. Essentially, you want to be sure your policy includes trip cancellation/interruption, medical coverage, emergency evacuation, lost baggage and flight insurance. In theory, you’re supposed to buy insurance as close to the date of your first trip payment as possible to ensure coverage for all expenses and eliminate any risk of claim denial for pre-existing conditions. In the event that you need to cancel your trip, I will work with you to provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement. Many use a site like www.insuremytrip.com to purchase travel insurance. However, I’ve often found that many of the travel insurance policies offered at the time of flight purchase are sufficient and cheaper. 

Do I need vaccinations?

No vaccinations are required to enter Peru. However, please consult with your doctor or visit your local travel clinic to ensure you are up to date with all relevant vaccines. 

What do I need to pack?

A packing list will be provided in the Trip Preparation Guide you'll receive after registration. (this Document was prepared by Melissa Renzi with some edits by Richie)