Sacred Valley Retreat for Introverts & Sensitive Souls

Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

MR
Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
  • Email address verified
91 reviews
Mar 23 - 30, 2018
Group size: 8 - 12
Sacred Valley Retreat for Introverts & Sensitive Souls
Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
  • Email address verified
91 reviews

Mar 23 - 30, 2018
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

Awaken to the magical beauty of the Andes Mountains on a peaceful yoga adventure specifically for 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.


Featuring Special Guest Facilitator: Michaela Chung, Founder of Introvert Spring


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


All of this is with introverts and highly sensitive people in mind (see below).


Retreat guests make lifelong connections and change the way they see the world and themselves. Traveling with us is a life-changing experience.

What defines an introvert retreat?

We allow plenty of alone time to recharge. Traveling with a group can feel overwhelming if you always have to be with other people. We structure our schedules so that you have substantial alone time to do anything your inner heart desires.


We offer self-guided activities. While we offer group activities and shared meals, we offer self-guided options as well. If you want to go on a solo excursion or meditate alone, you got it. No questions asked. Group activities are optional and we set the tone from the start to ensure that everyone can be themselves.


We minimize the small talk. Well, we don't ban small talk, but you will 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, in order 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 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 in a way that honors the introvert in all of us. 


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.

Accommodation

We will stay at Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley Retreat Center, located at the base of sacred mountains Pitisuray and Sawasiray in Arin valley right underneath a beautiful waterfall nestled in the sacred valley of the Incas. Here you will see the native cultures (Quechua speaking) working the land as they have for centuries, with love and simplicity. We are a family that likes to practice yoga and live in harmony with nature, welcoming every type of visitor. Yoga Mandala has been designed to have the least possible impact on the surrounding ecosystem, maintaining a virtual non-polluting operation. The center is eco-friendly, made from local materials, and spacious—providing you with personal privacy and solitude ideal for your own spiritual growth. 


Both double and single occupancy (limited spots) are available for the retreat. You do not need to sign up with a friend for double occupancy. We will pair you up with a compatible roommate. 


Each room is cozy and equipped with single, double and triple beds that are covered with comfortable feather duvets. Each room has private bathroom with hot water all day. 

Food

Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley serves three delicious meals per day with locally-grown, mostly organic ingredients.  Meals are generally vegetarian, but animal protein can be accommodated upon request. Dietary restrictions can be met. 


Your meals while at Machu Picchu (1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch) are not included in the trip cost. A boxed lunch will be provided for our 1-day Sacred Valley excursion. 

Location

Yoga Mandala is located just an hour away from Cusco, Peru. A private return shuttle will be provided between Cusco and Yoga Mandala. 


Note that the retreat center is remote and the nearest town, Pisac, is roughly 30 minutes away and a $20 taxi ride. We've included 3 days of group excursions to offer you time to relax at the center or time to visit other sites on your own. There is a nearby waterfall you can hike to in your free time. 

Cancellation Policy

All deposits are non-refundable.

50 percent of trip cost is due by November 30, 2017. 

Remaining balance must be paid 60 days before trip start date.

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 your payment may be applied to another retreat. You will forfeit 25 percent of the price of your retreat.

-15 – 59 days before retreat start date, 30 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat. You will forfeit 70 percent of the price of your retreat.

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

Packing List

Coming soon! 

Important!

Please note that Semana Santa (holy week) is March 25-31, 2018. While March is a less busy season overall and Semana Santa will not affect our retreat time, it will be busy in Cusco. Please book your hotel reservations in advance and recharge your introvert batteries to prepare for a fun and colorful, but stimulating experience. 

FAQs

Where do I fly into?

Plan your travel so that your flight arrives in Cusco, Peru by morning or early afternoon of the day your trip begins. We will depart in a private group shuttle from Cusco on Day 1 at approximately 3:00/4:00pm. The precise time will be determined once all travelers' flight itineraries are received.


Please plan your return flights 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 can be cheaper to book two separate flights with one from your departure city to Lima and another from Lima to Cusco. 


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.


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 some fatigue, sleeplessness and shortness of breath with exertion during the first 24 hours. This can be minimized by drinking lots of liquids including coca tea, avoiding alcohol, and not overexerting yourself the first day. 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?

Tierra Viva San Blas is recommended by both the retreat center and our local guide. Their prices are a bit higher, but they include a full breakfast and airport transfer. This is will be our departure point on March 23rd at 3pm. You might also check TripAdvisor or Airbnb for additional options. 


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?

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. 

What’s included

  • 7 Nights Accommodation
    at Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley
  • 3 Healthy Meals Per Day
    Vegetarian - specify dietary needs
  • 2-Day Machu Picchu Trip
    Transport, train, hotel, entrance to Machu Picchu/Huayna Picchu, guide, visit Ollantaytambo ruins, "boleto turistico" (covers cost of other sacred sites)
  • 1-Day Sacred Valley Tour
    Transport, guide, and entrance to Chinchero Weaving, Maras Salt Mines, Moray Agricultural Site, Inca Temples
  • Private Transfer
    To/from Cusco to Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley
  • Meditation & Yoga
    Guided hatha vinyasa yoga and guided meditation (most days)
  • Discussion Circles
    Evening discussions on meaningful topics (when schedule permits)
  • Despacho Ceremony
    Shamanic ritual to create balance and harmony with the natural world

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    to/from Cusco
  • Travel insurance
    highly recommended
  • Meals at Machu Picchu
    1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
  • Tips
    $20-$30 total for all staff
  • Additional services
    massage, excursions, souvenirs, etc.

Available Packages

Double Occupancy-payment plan available

Share with a friend or we will pair you up with someone!

$1,699
Deposit:$400
Single Occupancy-payment plan available

Private room with queen bed. Limited rooms with private bathrooms available. Please inquire if this is important to you. 

$2,099
Deposit:$400


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Yoga Mandala for Opening Circle

All guests will need to arrive in Cusco by 3:00 p.m. A private shuttle will transport us to Yoga Mandala Sacred Valley Retreat Center in the Urubamba Valley. We will arrive at about 4:30 for a welcome snack and then have time to settle in before our opening circle at 6:00. 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 7:30.

Your Organizer


MR
Melissa Renzi / MNR Retreats, LLC
91 reviews
Melissa Renzi (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker & Yoga Teacher who has been organizing retreats since 2016. She believes that highly sensitive introverts can travel and experience the world as it is without overwhelm when we have supportive structures that move at a slower pace and group agreements that remove social pressures. At the forefront of Melissa's vision is creating space for sensitive people to feel seen while uncovering their strengths as agents of healing for themselves and communities.

Reviews

Fabulous experience! The facilitators were wonderful and put together an amazing program, with just the right ratio of activities to downtime. The setting was beautiful, with terrific food (and I'm not a vegetarian) and nice accommodations in an absolutely beautiful setting. The creative activities were fun, the yoga was challenging, and the conversations and new friendships are priceless! I'll cherish this experience forever!
By Jennifer B for Portugal Retreat for HSPs and Introverts on Oct 11, 2024
I am very grateful to Melissa and Steph. The Retreat was everything I could have hoped for. Meaningful connections were made in a beautiful, natural environment which was perfect for relaxation and retrospection.
By Mandi S for Portugal Retreat for HSPs and Introverts on Oct 08, 2024
Our Portugal retreat was the trip of a lifetime! Melissa thoughtfully scheduled our week to balance between rejuvenation and experience of the local culture. The retreat centre selected was gorgeous, the food, delicious, and the staff, professional. Highly recommended. Will travel with Melissa again :)
By Jessica S for Portugal Retreat for HSPs and Introverts on Oct 07, 2024
Fantastic trip! Excellently executed, well-balanced between activities and rest time. No pressure to show up at all activities. Beautiful setting! Excellent food!! A-MAZING group of women attending. Steph and Melissa were talented, caring trip leaders. Thank you!!
By Nikki H for Portugal Retreat for HSPs and Introverts on Oct 07, 2024
Melissa and Steph led a fabulous retreat—masterfully planned and executed. It’s crystal clear that Melissa knows and respects her intended audience. There was plenty of room for social engagement with zero pressure to do so if you weren’t feeling it. The descriptions of what to expect were spot on—educational and fun activities with time to process and enjoy. Best of all, I just know that good people attract good people—“kindhearted and resilient” as a fellow participant put it. Melissa’s work to build community one retreat at a time is making the world a better place. I’m filled with gratitude for her efforts.
By Juliet Y for Portugal Retreat for HSPs and Introverts on Oct 06, 2024
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