Awaken to the magical beauty of the Andes Mountains on a peaceful yoga adventure specifically for highly sensitive people and introverts in the Sacred Valley of Peru. 

Explore the magnificence of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. 

Rejuvenate with soul-nourishing, mindful meditation and movement. 

Connect your spirit through ancient rituals, authentic culture, and meaningful discussion.

Join us if you want to connect through a transformational experience that includes stunning natural landscapes, mindful yoga and meditation, locally-grown food, culture, earth-friendly accommodations, and meaningful discussion.

All of this is with introverts and highly sensitive people in mind.

Retreat guests make lifelong connections and change the way they see the world and themselves. 

Enter code EARLYBIRD100 for $100 OFF before Sept. 30th. 

The world is full of amazing, life-changing experiences. Yet, not everyone wants to travel alone and most group travel comes with a set of challenges for us introverts and HSPs. We may worry about sensory overload, too much social interaction, feeling pressured by a group, feeling accepted, and so forth. This is why we offer a better way – an opportunity to connect with others while honoring your needs for personal space and freedom. Take the anxiety out of travel.

We allow plenty of alone time to recharge. Traveling with a group can feel overwhelming if you always have to be with others. We structure our schedules so you have substantial alone time to do anything your inner heart desires. If we have full day activities planned, we balance this with ample downtime. 

We reduce the likelihood of sensory overload.  Many of our group activities are off-the-beaten-path to be able to enjoy the beautiful peace of the natural world. If a popular excursion is included in your trip, we do our best to visit at the least busy times and provide free time the day before and after to recharge. Machu Picchu is spectacular, but it is a popular site. We take this into account so that you have personal space and time before and after this adventure.  

We support self-guided activities. If you want to go on a solo excursion or meditate alone, you got it. No questions asked and we’ll help you arrange activities. Group activities are optional and we set the tone from the start to ensure that everyone can be themselves.

We minimize the small talk. We can’t ban small talk, but you’ll be among like-minded folks that want to connect at a deeper level and understand that small talk can feel draining. We offer group discussions centered on meaningful topics. We encourage quiet hours during certain times of the day to support mindfulness and peace. 

We connect travelers before the retreat. We create private Facebook groups for trip guests to get to know each other before the trip to feel more connected and comfortable upon arrival. 

We create authentic travel experiences. We select locations that we offer a genuine connection to the natural beauty and culture of a place. Our experiences allow time and space to connect with yourself and fellow travelers.

We encourage you to be yourself. We set the stage from the start so that you can decline an activity or leave the dinner table early. We value each person’s individual needs and encourage you to say no when something is not for you. We ask all guests to honor your wishes.

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.

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

On our 1-day Sacred Valley excursion, we'll share a traditional pachamanca (Peruvian stew) with the children at a small school our guide's company, Pachamama Journeys, has helped to build. 

Two (2) lunches and one (1) dinner during our 2-day Machu Picchu excursion are NOT included in the trip cost. Breakfast before Machu Picchu IS included.

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 minutes away and approximately a $20-25 taxi ride. We've included 3 full days of group excursions 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.  

 Cancellation

• All deposits are non-refundable.
• Fifty (50) percent of trip cost is due by December 31, 2018.
• Remaining balance must be paid 60 days before trip start date (February 12, 2018).
• 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, 100 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat. 

-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment already made may be applied to another retreat, 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. 

-15 – 59 days before retreat start date, 25 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat, 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. 

-If you cancel 14 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. 

Where do I fly into?

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 on Day 1 at approximately 2:00pm. The precise time will be determined once all travelers' flight itineraries are received.

Please plan your return flight so that it departs after 2:00pm on Day 8 to allow enough time. We recommend you plan to spend at least that afternoon and evening in Cusco and depart the next day to enjoy Cusco!

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

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. 

If your dates are flexible, both Google Flights and Kayak.com offer features for searching with flexible dates. 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. 

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 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. 

Do you have hotel recommendations in Cusco?

Hotel Niños is an adorable boutique hotel that supports 600 underserved children with school and medical expenses.  Both Niño hotels (Meloc and Fierro) are great options, but we will depart from Meloc on April 13th at 2pm

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

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.  

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. Tours such as the ruins at Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray require minimal walking. 

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.

All guests will need to meet at Hotel Niños Meloc in Cusco by 2:00 p.m. A private shuttle will transport us to Sach'a Munay Retreat Center in the Urubamba Valley. We will arrive around 3:30/4:00 for a welcome snack and then have time to settle in before our opening circle at 5:30. The circle will include introductions, intentions, and some gentle stretching and meditation to move our bodies and ground after traveling. We will then have our welcome dinner at 7:00.

We'll wake up to nature's bliss with some meditation and mindful movement in a hatha vinyasa flow class from 7:00a-8:15a. After we'll enjoy breakfast and then have a free day to soak up the view,, hike to a nearby waterfall, or whatever your heart desires. At 3:30 p.m., you'll have the option to participate in a Despacho Ceremony, a traditional shamanic ritual to bring us into harmony and balance with the natural world. From 5:30p-6:30p, Melissa will guide a gentle yoga class to nourish the body and soul as we embody the essence of the ceremony. Dinner will be at 7:00.

This is a full day of sightseeing, but our past introvert/HSP guests affirmed that each activity is well worth the long day! Breakfast will be at 7:00. The yoga shala will be available for personal meditation/yoga practice, but yoga/meditation will not be guided. At 8:00, we'll head out with our local guide, Valentin, to visit the sacred sites of the region. We'll drive through mystical mountains to the town of Chinchero to stop at a women's weaving cooperative to see how they use traditional Inca patterns and dyes. After the weaving demo, we'll see a community project where Valentin's company, Pachamama Journey's, has used tourism proceeds to build a school. We'll share a traditional pachamanca (Peruvian stew) lunch with the small children before making our way to Moray, an Incan agricultural site to contemplate the ancient concentric circles. Finally, we'll visit a collection of salt mines that have been used since pre-Inca times to evaporate salt from an underground stream. We'll arrive back to Sach'a Munay at around 4:30.  Dinner will be at 7:00.  

Free day: We'll arise for morning meditation and yoga from 7:00-8:15 followed by breakfast. This day is a free day to rest and relax amidst the sounds of nature, hike to the waterfall, or perhaps visit the Pisac ruins and handicraft market for further cultural experience and fascinating views . We'll have a short discussion circle from 5:30-6:30 and eat dinner at 7:00. 

After meditation, yoga, and breakfast, we'll pack our bags for an overnight near Machu Picchu. You may leave your other belongings in your room. At approximately 9:30, we will travel to Ollantaytambo. There we'll visit the town and Incan ruins before taking a train to Aguas Calientes for the night before visiting the amazing Machu Picchu! You may choose to have dinner on your own or with the group. 

Our day starts early to arrive at the mystical Machu Picchu. Breakfast will be served at our hotel beginning at 4:30 and we will leave to take the bus to Machu Picchu (20 min) at 5:30. Valentin will give us a tour of Machu Picchu from about 7:00-9:00. Those who want to climb the precipitous steps of Huayna Picchu, will visit from 10:00-12:00. We'll then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you'll have lunch on your own before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo to Sach'a Munay, we have a one hour drive. Dinner will be served when we return at 7:00. 

We'll wake up to meditate and stretch our bodies with a yoga flow. After breakfast, the day is yours to explore, get a massage, or do some quiet introverting. We'll seal in the connections we've made this evening with a our closing circle at 5:30 and end with a last communal dinner at 7:30.

Before we part ways, we'll come together for one last meditation and yoga session. After breakfast (around 10am), a group shuttle will take us to Cusco. Our official retreat terminates here, but you're encouraged to discover Cusco for a day or two before returning home. It's a magnificent city, so please make time to explore it!