Step into the heart of the Andes for a soul-nourishing retreat through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu—Gopi and Miriyam will lead you a pilgrimage to the ancient pulse of Pachamama, where yoga, meditation, and sacred ceremony guide our days. This is more than a journey; it’s a return to origin, both inner and outer. 

We begin in Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire. Cusco is a city where time layers itself—Incan stones hold up Spanish churches, Quechua chants echo alongside Catholic bells, and the sacred energy of the Andes still pulses through its cobbled streets. For many, it’s more than a destination—it’s a pilgrimage to a place where the spiritual and historical meet in profound and living ways.  Winding cobblestone streets lead us to Sacsayhuaman, a majestic stone fortress that once served as a ceremonial site of immense power, and Qoriqancha, the revered Temple of the Sun. These are not ruins in the ordinary sense—they are living temples that continue to transmit spiritual intelligence. In Cusco, the past breathes in the present.

From there, we descend into the fertile embrace of the Sacred Valley, where the land opens with golden light and ancient memory. We’ll explore Pisac’s sprawling terraces and vibrant market, the ceremonial citadel of Ollantaytambo, and the mystic spiral depressions of Moray—thought to be an agricultural laboratory of cosmic proportions. We’ll pause at the shimmering Maras Salt Mines, where salt is still harvested as it has been for centuries. Daily yoga and meditation practices root our experience, aligning breath and body with the potent stillness of the mountains.

The pinnacle of our journey brings us to the gateway of the clouds—Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world . Powerful and mystical it is a portal in time, taking each traveler on an inward journey to discover their true nature and self.  The mystic of the Valley awaits you, to heal you and to show you your next step

We’ll board the famous Expedition scenic train to Aguas Calientes, a vibrant and colorful town nestled at the foot of the mountain, where we’ll sleep surrounded by jungle energy and local markets brimming with handmade treasures. At dawn, we rise for the final ascent—either by a steep and rewarding hike or by bus—to the sacred citadel itself. As the morning light washes over Machu Picchu’s stones, we’ll step into a living mystery: the brilliance of the Inca’s spiritual and architectural genius, perched between earth and sky, a portal where man connects to the world of the gods, a place where the veil is thinner and access to the sacred is made easy.  In the  afternoon, we descend and return by train, carrying the imprint of that mountaintop experience in our hearts.

Our time together includes a sacred Mother Earth Offering —an invitation to sit with local wisdom keepers and offer prayers and intentions to Pachamama, asking for balance, healing, and guidance. These rituals connect us to the unseen threads of reciprocity and reverence that have guided Andean life for millennia.

This retreat is a woven tapestry of movement and stillness, ritual and adventure, inner discovery and outer awe. Come and be transformed by the breath of the Andes and the sacred pulse of life that lives in all things.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure aboard the Luxury Expedition train, where every detail connects you to the essence of Incan culture. With décor inspired by this ancient civilisation, the train offers all the comforts you need as you journey towards the world wonder of Machu Picchu.

The Expedition train adapts to your adventurous spirit with various schedules and frequencies, allowing you to explore at your own pace. As you cross the towering Andes, you’ll get closer to one of humanity’s most legendary treasures, waiting to be discovered.

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, arbol de la vide is a sanctuary for stillness, transformation, and deep connection. Surrounded by majestic mountains, waterfalls, and vast Andean vistas, this intimate and fully equipped retreat center invites introspection, healing, and grace at every turn. The natural beauty of the land holds a timeless presence that gently supports your inner unfolding.

Srbol del la vide is high-standard retreat space and spa, thoughtfully designed to serve the depth of practice and restoration. Accommodations are limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a personal and spacious experience where individual needs are met with care and attention.

All rooms are shared accommodations. If there is an uneven gender split and we are unable to accommodate all guests on-site, we will make additional arrangements at a nearby guesthouse within walking distance that is equal in quality and comfort, ensuring everyone feels at home.

Each day, we gather in this sacred space for yoga, meditation, and reflection—supported by nourishing food, vibrant nature, and the deep spiritual energy that lives in this land.

https://www.arboldelavida.com.pe/index.php

It is recommended that you book your international flight to Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez International Airport) in Peru. From there, take a short domestic flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, it’s easy to catch a taxi to our meeting point.

While Lima is the most common hub, there are also flights to Cusco from other South American cities if you're arriving from within the region or connecting.

We will be gathering at the Plaza de Armas, also known as Cusco’s Main Square. Gopi and Miryam will be waiting for you in the heart of the plaza to welcome you from between 11am-1pm. If you prefer, we can arrange a private taxi to pick you up from the airport and bring you directly to the meeting location in Cusco for an additional fee.

For more about the meeting point: Cusco Main Square

Sacsayhuaman – The Temple of Lightning

Perched high above Cusco, the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman tell stories of sacred power and celestial design. This ancient Incan fortress is more than a marvel of architecture—it is a living temple aligned with the stars, once used for solar rituals and great festivals. Its interlocking stones, some weighing over 100 tons, were placed without mortar yet fit so perfectly that not even a blade of grass slips between them. As we walk along its zig-zagging terraces, said to represent the jaguar’s teeth, we enter a space where sky, stone, and spirit meet.

In the heart of Cusco lies Qoriqancha, once the most revered temple of the Inca Empire. Known as the Temple of the Sun, its inner sanctums once shimmered with gold and housed the most sacred relics dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. Though much was stripped away during the Spanish conquest, the temple’s foundation remains, now encased by the Santo Domingo monastery. Standing here, one can feel the meeting point of civilizations—Inca stone merging with colonial stone—inviting deep contemplation on resilience, transformation, and the light that endures beneath all forms.

Maras Salt Mines – Crystalline Pools of Earth

Carved into the mountainside like a mosaic of mirrored gems, the Maras Salt Mines are a natural and ancestral wonder. These terraced salt pools have been harvested since pre-Inca times and continue to provide mineral-rich salt through traditional methods. Fed by an underground spring, each pool glistens under the sun, evoking a sense of Earth’s quiet generosity. As we walk through this luminous valley, we witness a living relationship between human stewardship and natural abundance—a humbling reminder of our place within the greater rhythm of the land.

A true jewel of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a village suspended in time. Known as the Temple of the Wind, this ancient ceremonial center was both a royal estate and a fortress. Its vast terraces climb toward the mountains, crowned by intricate stone temples that align with celestial events. Below, the town still follows the original Incan city planning, with aqueducts and narrow cobbled paths alive with daily life. Walking here is like stepping through a threshold, where the past speaks clearly and the wind carries whispers of devotion, strategy, and cosmic order.

Pisac – Where the Condor Soars

Nestled above a lively artisan town, the Pisac ruins stretch across a mountain ridge like a condor in flight. This vast Incan complex once served as a ceremonial and agricultural hub, with terraces carved into the hillsides and watchtowers overseeing the sacred Urubamba Valley. Its temple complex, sun altar, and burial caves create a landscape of memory and reverence. Below, the colorful Pisac market offers handwoven textiles, sacred instruments, and treasures crafted by local artisans. Pisac is a place of flight—where the spirit lifts, and the view opens wide.

Moray – The Navel of the Earth

A mysterious and breathtaking creation, Moray is a series of concentric circular terraces carved deep into the earth, resembling a cosmic amphitheater. Scholars believe it was an agricultural research station where the Incas experimented with crop growth at different altitudes and microclimates. But many also feel its deeper spiritual resonance—as though it mirrors the spiral nature of consciousness itself. Standing at its rim, you may sense how the ancients worked in harmony with the Earth’s rhythms, listening deeply to her pulse and cycles. A place of inward journey and sacred geometry.

We’ll board the famous Expedition scenic train to Aguas Calientes, a vibrant and colorful town nestled at the foot of the mountain, where we’ll sleep surrounded by jungle energy and local markets brimming with handmade treasures. At dawn, we rise for the final ascent—either by a steep and rewarding hike or by bus—to the sacred citadel itself. As the morning light washes over Machu Picchu’s stones, we’ll step into a living mystery: the brilliance of the Inca’s spiritual and architectural genius, perched between earth and sky, a portal where man connects to the world of the gods, a place where the veil is thinner and access to the sacred is made easy

Shopping in Cusco is a delightful sensory experience, rich with color, culture, and craftsmanship. From the cobbled streets near the Plaza de Armas to the narrow alleys of the San Blas neighborhood, you’ll find an array of local artisans offering textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and alpaca wool goods—many of which are handmade using ancient Incan techniques. The San Pedro Market is a must-visit for authentic gifts, from handwoven blankets and ponchos to Andean herbs and sacred ceremonial items. Be ready to barter kindly—it's part of the cultural exchange!

For coffee lovers, Cusco’s café scene is thriving, fueled by Peru’s exceptional high-altitude beans. Many local favorite coffee cafe are tucked just a few blocks from the main square, known for its rich espresso and stunning views.

When it comes to chocolate, Peru is one of the world’s top cacao producers, and Cusco is proud of its heritage. Visit the ChocoMuseo, an interactive chocolate museum where you can learn about the bean-to-bar process, sample different types of chocolate, and even take a workshop to make your own. 

Whether you're sipping, sampling, or shopping, Cusco offers a warm and earthy immersion into the spirit of the Andes.