*Get $300 off if you book by Sept 25th with code PACHAMAMA.

 ☆ SACRED VALLEY YOGA RETREAT ☆

Join us, Sandy & Caitlyn, for this really special yoga retreat! Known as the heart of Peru, the Sacred Valley is nestled into the Andean mountains, with infinite skies, green terraces, fuzzy alpacas, vibrational land, and colorful culture.

We'll be stepping into the living landscape of mountain spirits ('Apus') and Mother Earth ('Pachamama'), becoming participants in something much greater. Pachamama is central to the culture and often depicted as a spiral that represents the continuous bidirectional flow of cosmic energy. And, all aspects of Peruvian life are guided by 'ayni,' the principle of reciprocity between humans and nature.

Our home-base is Munay Sonqo Retreat & Yoga Center with authentic Andean accommodations and breathtaking views. 'Munay Sonqo' means 'loving heart' in the local indigenous language of Quechua. Accordingly, it has a mission to foster warmth and renewal for guests, while rooted in social and environmental responsibility. Across the property are eucalyptus trees, beautiful gardens, a luxurious spa facility, yoga shala, meditation platforms, and a small waterfall within walking distance.

Over this 6-night retreat you will:

+ Explore local culture and sites! We'll visit the Maras Salt Flats (believed to be a blessing from the Sun), the ancient Incan terraces of Moray, and the vibrant Pisac market.

+ Experience ancient traditions including a cacao ceremony, a heart-opening ritual with cacao and meditation; and a 'despacho,' the traditional Andean way to offer gratitude to Mother Earth and seek her blessings.

+ Connect with Pachamama and natural beauty on a guided hike. We'll take a lesser known trail in the Rainbow Mountains (i.e. no crowds, more accessible).

+ Rest and restore at the spa with panoramic views of the Andean mountains. It includes a sauna, jacuzzi, infrared cabin, steam room and plunge pool.

+ Fortify the body and clear the mind during vinyasa classes taught by Sandy & Caitlyn, in a shala with nearly 360-degree windows.

+ Gather in community: we take this journey together :)

+ Be nourished by wholesome food: vegetarian, locally-sourced, organic buffet style meals. Much of the food comes from an NGO partner farm.

This is an opportunity not to simply check the box of having an amazing trip, but also to be changed and expanded by an experience in ways that last long beyond the retreat itself.

Enjoy browsing the photo gallery at the bottom of the page. Be sure to read the FAQs/Notes below.

“Pachamama santa tierra”

(Mother Earth, sacred ground, we honor you)
- prayer of the Andean peoples

Let Peru share its good vibrations and open new perspective. Will you join us?

With love ♡, 
Sandy & Caitlyn

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY:

Please understand that these payment policies are necessary in order for us to offer the experiences that we do, which require much time, detailed planning, and advance payments to our various contractors. The $500 registration deposit serves to reserve your place on this trip and is non-refundable if you cancel for any reason, without exception. The deposit secures your place on the trip and allows us to make necessary advance payments for accommodations and transportation. The second payment is due January 19th, 2027, and the remaining balance is due by March 19th, 2027. You're welcome to log-in to WeTravel to make additional payments at anytime. If you need to cancel before mid-night on March 19th, 2027 then any payments made towards the balance (excluding the deposit) can be refunded, the deposit remains non-refundable. After March 19th, 2027 full payment for the trip is due and is non-refundable for any reason (including illness, etc). 

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON ALTITUDE:

The retreat center is at 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) elevation, a height at which some people may experience altitude sickness. It is not uncommon for visitors to the Sacred Valley to experience mild symptoms like a headache, fatigue, and/or nausea for a few days until the body adapts. Do your research and/or consult with a physician. Being well-informed and well-prepared are key to safer, more enjoyable travel. Rest and good hydration are the best measures to prevent and treat altitude sickness. We will be mindful to limit the intensity of activities at the beginning of the trip. You could consider arriving a few days early to allow more time to acclimate - just take into account that Cusco is over 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), which is even higher than our destination in the Sacred Valley.

AVOID THE CREDIT CARD FEE AT CHECK-OUT:

When you make a payment you'll see several options to pay: by checking account (ACH bank transfer), credit/debit card, or Apple/Google Pay. If you pay by bank account there is no fee; however, if you pay with a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay there IS a service fee (set by those individual companies, it has nothing to do with us) and those fees are non-refundable.

CLIMATE: 

Average highs in the Sacred Valley are 70-75 °F. Expect chilly evenings as overnight temps can drop into the 30-40s. We are lucky to be going in June: it is start of the dry season, so rain is very unlikely, but we still get the benefit of the lush and vibrant landscape from the just-finished rainy season.

LOCATION/TRANSPORT:

There's only a 1-hour time difference between EST (Boston) and MDT (PET), which minimizes jet lag (yay!). Our destination in the Sacred Valley is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Cusco (CUZ). A group shuttle bus to and from the airport is included, specific times TBA. If you need transportation outside of the specified pick-up and drop-off time, then you are responsible for making your own arrangements. We can put you in touch with the retreat center to book accommodation if you'd like to arrive there a few days early, or stay a few extra days.

WHAT WILL THE DAILY SCHEDULE BE LIKE?

The schedule will vary each day, but here's a rough idea:

* 7:30am - Vinyasa yoga

* 9am - Breakfast

* Free time

* 1:00pm - Lunch

* Afternoon - Group excursion/activity (i.e. hike, local sites, or an on-site experience)

* 5:30pm - Evening yoga class

* 7:00pm - Dinner

ABOUT ACCOMODATION:

The retreat center has are several "campuses" and our group will have exclusivity at one campus, with our own private dining area and yoga shala. Each room have its own private en suite bathroom (with hairdryer). If you are coming with a buddy/buddies that you want to room with be sure let me know when you register, otherwise you'll get to make a new lifelong friend! If the room you'd like is not available, please use the waitlist option because time and time again I see that such things have a magical way of working out. 

FOOD: 

In alignment with yogic values, all food will be vegetarian. These few days on retreat are a chance to 'try on' yogic culture & values - to explore personal growth, removed from our habitual patterns of daily life. If you have special dietary needs be sure to let us know on the registration page. This retreat center is able to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free (if you have other dietary needs, let’s communicate).

ABOUT THE YOGA CLASSES:

I suggest being familiar with my & Caitlyn's public classes to have a sense of the style/level (we both teach strong vinyasa). Classes will be intermediate-level vinyasa, oriented towards yoga students who have developed comfort with the practice.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

It is your responsibility to understand our cancellation policy before making a reservation. Unexpected things happen, so consider purchasing travel insurance. You can check www.worldnomads.com , www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com to compare options. We do not have any financial relationship with any travel insurance entities; make a selection based on your needs and discretion.

FLIGHTS:

Do NOT book your flight until you receive an email from us explicitly confirming to do so.

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR ME?

We love community and connection and the diversity of human experiences! However, we are not mental health providers, thus this retreat is not equipped to provide mental health care. Please be thoughtful about whether being in a group retreat setting is right thing for you at this time in your life. We need to be able to trust that group dynamics will be safe and pleasurable for the whole group.

DRUG & SAFETY POLICY:

Regardless of local laws, there is strictly no use of recreational drugs during this retreat. These few days are intentionally shaped around clear, unobscured minds. Excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, or any disrespectful/risky behavior will not be tolerated. This is a matter of safety and supports a peaceful environment for the group and host community. If we become aware of recreational drug use or any unsafe, disrespectful or disruptive behavior, you will be asked to leave the retreat immediately at your personal expense.

IS THERE WIFI?

There is Wifi only in the main restaurant and reception area, but otherwise expect variable phone connection.

ENTRY TO PERU:

For US citizens, Peru requires a US passport that is valid for the 6 months from the entry date, and it must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring that you meet entry requirements.

ABOUT RETREATS WITH SANDY: If you've been on a retreat with me, you know I search high and low for really special places. As an experienced yoga teacher and traveller (mostly off the beaten path and within spiritual communities), I love to create unique yoga experiences to share with others. "Barefoot luxury" tends to be my vibe, where nature, beauty and comfort meet. I don’t use third-party retreat planning services, which means you don't pay any extra costs and you get a one-of-a-kind trip. And, I believe that travel, community, sacred places and time spent with Mama Earth all reinforce the wisdom within ourselves so we can live in the world in a good way.

  
CONSCIOUS TRAVEL: As yogis, we aim to live mindfully, compassionately, and with an understanding of our interconnectedness to all that's around us. When planning yoga retreats/trainings, I try to uphold a light footprint by considering sustainability and responsibility at all levels of a retreat including accommodation, food (vegetarian), the surrounding community, the wisdom-teachings I offer, the land, and the local economy. It's mutually beneficial when we as guests approach a host community with respect.

Over 20+ years Sandy has experienced a variety of yoga traditions that have uniquely shaped her course as a student and teacher. She is an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), certified meditation teacher, and holds a 500-hr academic certificate from the Yogic Studies school. In addition to teaching vinyasa classes, Sandy also teaches yoga philosophy and is on the staff of several yoga teacher trainings. 

Bhakti, sometimes referred to as the yoga of love & devotion, has become the heart of her personal practice and perspective. Sandy returns to India annually to deepen her commitment to yogic life and to learn from those living the path. With gratitude to Eastern traditions and her teachers, Sandy shares these teachings with precision, warmth and devotion. She sees yoga as an opportunity to illuminate and nurture the elements of insight, compassion and awareness - to ultimately act in the world with more integrity and more love. 

Website: www.sandyklemmer.com 

IG: @sandyklemmeryoga

Caitlyn upholds the way that opening the body - finding spaciousness and ease in the tissues - sets the stage for the journey inward. Through dedication, sweat and effort we can find ease and quiet in the mind, and centering in the heart. Yoga is an opportunity to deepen the most important relationship we have in this lifetime, the one with ourselves.

Caitlyn discovered yoga in 2005 and completed the YogaWorks 200 hr training program in 2009. In addition to teaching public classes in the Boston area and online, Caitlyn has been leading yoga teacher trainings since 2013. As a student pursuing advanced yoga, study is always at the forefront for Caitlyn. Additional training includes ashtanga vinyasa with Maty Ezraty, anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff and Jason Ray Brown, and prenatal Yoga Training with Bec Conant.

Website: www.caitlynyoga.com

Instagram: @caitlynyoga