AM:  Visit the Inkan site of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco. By these majestic ruins, a traditional K’intu blessing invites you to tap into the presence and energies of Pachamama, Mother Earth.

PM:  Enjoy a picnic lunch, then drive to Willka T’ika in the Sacred Valley through spectacular Andean mountain scenery. After a brief intro by the guide and leader, the Quechua staff will welcome you to the retreat center, and help you schedule time for Andean spa services if you wish, and the use of the beautiful yoga, meditation and ceremonial spaces. Spa services are not included in your program and can be purchased upon arrival. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

AM: This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Meet our pakko, a very special Q’ero healer, visiting from the high Andes. Optional guided walk through the nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood where Quechua campesinos live. More challenging hikes along scenic routes into the valley are also possible.

1:00 pm Lunch.

PM: After lunch, participate in coca leaf blessings and a sacred “Despacho” ceremony. Optional private coca leaf readings may be available for purchase. After dinner, our pakko invites guests to an authentic and transformative Andean fire ceremony to honor Pachamama, yourself and your loved ones. The ceremony will remind us to focus our intention for this journey and serves as a wonderful preparation of mind, body and spirit for the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) 

AM: An ayni day. Ayni is the concept of reciprocity. Today, we will drive through the Sacred Valley to a Quechua mountain school supported by the nonprofit Willka T’ika Children’s Fund. Since 1995, Willka T’ika has supported high mountain community communities where few tourists are privileged to visit. In a reciprocal ayni exchange, the group offers an activity the children can enjoy. The warmth and heart-warming joy of the children, and their openness in bringing guests into their daily lives are special moments not easily forgotten. Afterward, enjoy a riverside bagged lunch.

PM: Continue to the spectacular ruins of P’isaq, overlooking impressive Incan terraces. Hike up the ruins or walk in a personal vision quest. Return to the main square of P’isaq by bus and visit the famous, colorful market filled with woven goods, jewelry, wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork. Enjoy coffee or tea in the market square. P’isaq is a photographer’s dream. Return to Willka T’ika. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

AM: Early breakfast. Take the train with the group to Aguas Calientes. Tea/coffee and snack served on the train. A bus will take you to the sunlit terraces of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a fabulous guided tour of the ancient “City of Light.” 

PM: In the afternoon, explore the town of Aguas Caliente and have lunch at a restaurant here organized by our tour guide. Late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo where you will transfer back to Willka T’ika in time for dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included) 

AM: Visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytambo and its famous Sun Temple. Lunch on our own in the quaint picturesque town.

PM: Free time at Wilka Tika. Meditate in the Garden of your choice, enjoy an Andean Spa treatment, or crystal light therapy session. For the more active, choose from a variety of hikes, including the nearby Maras Salt Flats and activities through the valley and up the mountains. (Breakfast and dinner included)

A special day of mindful integration at Willka T'ika that will be tailored by the group leaders. Optionally, choose a guided morning hike to the town of Urubamba through farming neighborhoods, visit a typical lively Peruvian market, a wonderful alpaca factory, and the famous Seminario ceramics shop. 

Farewell dinner in the evening. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

10am Check out and Departure from Willka T'ika to Cusco Airport.

When booking flight - ideal time to depart from Cusco would be 2pm-5pm.

Option for early morning yoga, meditation or a closing session before 8am breakfast. (Breakfast included)