Experience the beauty of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, on an 9-day, 8-night adventure specifically for highly sensitive people and introverts.  

Wake up with mindful meditation and movement as you greet the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains and ease into your day.  

Soak up the sites of the Sacred Valley visited by few and take a solo hike to a nearby waterfall.  

Befriend an alpaca and observe traditional weaving techniques at a local women's cooperative.
 

Connect in  a meaningful way through vibrant culture and living rituals as you learn about Peru from our local guide.
 

Support education for Peruvian children, as both our accommodations and guide services fund NGO projects. 
 

Final deadline for registration is November 30, 2021.

We advise you to read our full Yoga International Retreat Agreement before signing up.

We take COVID-19 seriously and will be following public health guidelines from our countries of origin and host country of Peru, which we understand will continue to change by the time this trip takes place.  

We request that for the safety of all guests and residents of Peru that you be willing to abide by safety protocols put forth by MNR Retreats, LLC, our partners, and the Peruvian government, including wearing a mask, if required at the time of travel. 

For the safety of guests and residents of the host country, we require all travelers to provide:

• Proof of full vaccination sixty (60) days prior to travel

Additionally, as of June 21, 2021, Peru requires that inbound international passengers on commercial flights provide ONE of the following that must be issued within the 72 hours prior to boarding the plane:

• A negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR) result
• A negative COVID-19 antigen test result

OR

• A medical certificate of epidemiological discharge

It is your responsibility to obtain and tender any and all necessary documentation required by MNR Retreats, LLC, our partners, the Peruvian government, and your country of origin, including but not limited to:

• Proof of vaccination (required by MNR Retreats, LLC)
• A negative COVID-19 test within three (3) days prior to travel to Peru (required by Peru)
• A negative COVID-19 test within three (3) days prior to return to home country (if required)

*Should your home country require a negative COVID-19 test for your return, you should plan to allow time in Cusco for testing and we will provide support in obtaining a test on your final day.

We strongly encourage and recommend that you take precautions in the ten (10) days prior to your retreat to reduce the risk of a positive COVID-19 test. Please do not make the journey to your retreat if you’re feeling unwell for any reason. 

We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to your lack of proper travel documents, including proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and other documents that may be required by the retreat venue.     

The world is full of amazing, life-changing experiences and many introverts and HSPs love adventure. 

Yet, not everyone wants to travel alone and most group travel comes with its own set of challenges.  You may worry about sensory overload, too much social interaction, or feeling pressured by others.  

This is why we offer a better way that helps take the anxiety out of travel – an opportunity to connect with others while honoring your needs for personal time and space.

We allow alone time to recharge. Group travel can feel overwhelming if you always have to be with the group. We structure our schedules so that you have substantial downtime.

We reduce sensory overload. We do our best to balance any activities that entail more sensory stimulation with ample quiet time the day before/after to prepare and recharge. Many activities are off-the-beaten-path to be able to enjoy the beautiful peace of the natural world. If a popular excursion is included (like Machu Picchu!), we do our best to visit at the least busy times and provide free time to relax around this excursion.

We support self-guided activities. If you want to go on a solo excursion or practice yoga alone, you got it. We’ll help you arrange activities to fit your desires. Group activities are optional and we set the tone from the start to ensure you know you can bow out when needed.

We minimize small talk. We can’t ban small talk, but you will be among like-minded folks that want to connect and understand that small talk can be draining. We offer group reflection time to debrief activities and discuss other meaningful topics related to introversion and sensitivity.   

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

We encourage you to be yourself. 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.

You will fly into Cusco (CUZ) at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Be prepared that flights from most major U.S. cities can entail 12-16 hours (2 stops) of travel on average and may cost $700-900 USD.    

The retreat center, Munay Sonqo, is located about 1 hr, 45 minutes from Cusco. A private return shuttle will be provided between Cusco and the retreat center.  The retreat center is remote and the nearest town, Pisac, is roughly 30-40 minutes away and approximately a $20-25 taxi ride.

We've included several group excursions to offer you opportunities to see the sacred valley, as well as time to relax at the retreat center or visit other sites on your own. There's a nearby waterfall just a short hike from the retreat center.   

We'll stay at El Santuario, a private property of Munay Sonqo, which is nestled in an oasis of native plants and fruit trees and nourished by a magnificent waterfall. Munay Sonqo is also an NGO, which uses retreat profits to support educational permaculture projects to support and provide food to 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.   

Guest rooms are modest, yet comfortable. Each is a reflection of the Peruvian culture in the Sacred Valley and offers quality beds and linens.

Most rooms have their own bathroom, so there will be no more than 2 people to a bathroom if sharing.

Munay Sonqo serves three (3) delicious meals per day with locally-grown, mostly organic, and lovingly prepared ingredients. Meals are mostly plant-based, but animal protein can be accommodated. All dietary needs and restrictions can be met.    

On Day 2, we'll go the home of our guide for a traditional pachamanca lunch, a Peruvian stew cooked in the earth.  

On Day 4, we'll take a packed lunch from the retreat center for our excursion around the valley.  

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

Payment Due Dates

Non-refundable deposit must be made by November 30, 2021.

Remaining balance must be paid 90 days before trip start date.

Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.

In the event that a retreat must be cancelled due to a COVID-19 related reason, MNR Retreats, LLC reserves the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments, less any non-refundable, non-transferable fees including but not limited to airline, train, bus, entrance tickets or permits purchased by Company on your behalf for the previous booking, will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates. 

Trip Cancelled by Participant

• All deposits are non-refundable.
• If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.

-More than 90 days before retreat start date, receive a refund of your trip payment, excluding your deposit. 

-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment previously 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 $2500 with a $500 deposit, and you’ve paid in full, $1500 may be applied toward a future retreat.  

-15-59 days before retreat start date, 25 percent of your payment previously made 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 $2500 with a $500 deposit, $500 may be applied toward a future retreat.  

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

Do I need vaccinations? 

Yes, you WILL need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate in this retreat.   

No other vaccinations are required to enter Peru. However, we strongly recommend and encourage you to consult with your doctor or visit your local travel clinic to ensure you are up to date with all relevant vaccines. 

Do I need a passport or visa? 

Peru requires a current passport that will be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your travel dates. Peru does not require a special visa to enter. 

Do I need travel insurance?  

We strongly recommend and encourage the purchase of travel insurance. If your concerned about cancellation due to COVID-19, we recommend purchasing "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage. Here's an overview with some key considerations: "Travel Insurance & Coronavirus" 

What do I need to know about flights? Length & Cost: 

You will fly into Cusco (CUZ) at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Flights from most major U.S. cities can entail 12-16 hours (2 stops) of travel on average and may cost $700-800 USD. 

When to Arrive/Depart: 

Plan your travel so that your flight arrives in Cusco by late morning on Day 1 (or the night before). We'll depart Cusco at approximately 1:00pm on Day 1. 

On Day 9, we will leave the retreat center in the morning and arrive to Cusco by noon. You may want to plan to spend that night in Cusco. At a minimum, you should allow ample time to get a COVID-19 test (we will help you!) if needed for return to your home country. Thus, you should plan your return flight so that it departs from Cusco after at least 4:00pm on Day 9.   

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

Flight Tips: Wait until about 2-3 months before your trip to book your flight for best pricing and given the current context of the pandemic.  

If your dates are flexible, both Google Flights and Kayak.com offer features for searching with flexible dates. We recommend that you book with airlines directly and avoid third party platforms for booking.  

For domestic carriers in Peru, we recommend choosing flights that work with Avianca or LATAM. Peruvian, VivaAir, Sky Airlines, etc. are not as reliable and often have delays and hidden fees.

What's the average age/gender? Of course, every retreat varies, but most of our guests range from ages 20-70, with the bulk being in the 45-55 age range. Most of guests who sign up identify as women, but there are usually a couple of men and all genders are welcome. We are committed to creating a retreat experience that values the dignity of each person. We actively promote awareness and sensitivity toward differences in race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and disabilities.

Can you accommodate disabilities?
Though Peru may not offer ideal accommodations for physical disabilities, please reach out to discuss your unique needs. The main house of the retreat center offers several rooms on the ground floor with spacious bathrooms. We will do our best to work creatively to accommodate as best we can.  

How will the altitude affect me?  

Every traveler is different with respect to how their bodies respond to elevation change. Out of the places we will visit, Cusco has the highest altitude at 11,154 feet. Urubamba Valley is 9,420 feet and Machu Picchu is about 7,972 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 altitude medication to take before you arrive as a precaution. Over-the-counter altitude medication is available in Cusco. If you have any medical conditions, we strongly recommend that you discuss the effects of altitude with your physician before traveling.

How much time do we have at Machu Picchu? Can we hike Huayna Picchu?
Machu Picchu entrances tickets are assigned a specific entrance time and your ticket permits your to visit for four (4) hours. This may sound like a short time, but this tends to allow plenty of time for our guided tour and solo time to wander or sit for meditation.

Huayna Picchu is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu in many photos. Prior to the pandemic, there was an option to hike this mountain for an added cost, but this is not an option at this time. We will let you know if this option becomes available again.

Do you have hotel recommendations in Cusco? 

Hotel Niños is a cute, modest boutique hotel that supports 600 Peruvian children with school and medical expenses.  Both Niño Hotels (Meloc and Fierro) are good options, but we will depart from Niños Meloc on Day 1.  

You may also check TripAdvisor or Airbnb for other options in the quieter neighborhood of San Blas, which has some nice shops and restaurants as well.  

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, so you can expect little rain. 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/70s and nighttime temps can drop down to 40s/50s. 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 to accommodate various levels of 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.

What do I need to pack?
A packing list will be provided in the Pre-Departure Packet you'll receive after registration.