Join us for a transformative retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where yoga, adventure, and cultural immersion come together to create a deeply nourishing experience.

This retreat is designed to intertwine the practice and teachings of yoga with explorations of Peru's ancient traditions and history.

You will have the opportunity to travel mindfully, being conscious of your impact on the local communities, the land, and the environment.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Yoga and Mindfulness: Practice yoga within an intimate, supportive group, finding stillness and spaciousness within both your inner self and your surroundings.

Adventure and Nourishment: Embark on thrilling adventures without feeling overwhelmed. You'll return home refreshed and rejuvenated, not needing another week off to recover.

Cultural Immersion: Experience Peru firsthand, deepening your understanding and connection through direct encounters, creating lasting memories from our shared adventures and meals.

Sustainability Focus: Our journey is designed to be sustainable, with a conscious effort to minimize our environmental footprint and interact thoughtfully with local communities.

Physical and Mental Well-being: This retreat is a perfect blend of physical activity and mental relaxation, allowing you to unwind while being immersed in a rich cultural setting.

Deep Connections: Forge authentic connections with fellow participants in a small group setting, leaving the retreat feeling nourished and bonded.

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to slow down and nourish yourself is more important than ever. This retreat offers an opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions, deepen your connection to nature, and gain new perspectives through cultural exploration.

Join us in Peru to experience a retreat that balances adventure with stillness, sustainability with exploration, and physical activity with mindful rest.

Explore and experience the culture, traditions, and landscapes within the Sacred Valley of Peru. 

This enchanting region in Peru's Andean highlands, known for its fertile farmland and rich history, once formed the heart of the Inca Empire.

The Sacred Valley offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient heritage, making it an ideal setting for a transformative retreat.

HIGHLIGHTS of the SACRED VALLEY:

Historical Significance: The Sacred Valley is home to the ancient city of Machu Picchu and many other archaeological sites, providing a glimpse into the ingenuity and spirituality of the Inca civilization.

The original Inca trail runs just outside El Verde (our retreat location), continuing along the river up to the high Andean community of Cancha Cancha.

Stunning Scenery: Enjoy the picturesque vistas of terraced hills, lush valleys, and the serene Urubamba River.

The valley's natural beauty creates a serene and inspiring environment for reflection and exploration.

Cultural Richness: Engage with the vibrant culture of the Andean communities.

Participate in traditional ceremonies, interact with local artisans, and immerse yourself in the region's customs and traditions.

Spiritual Atmosphere: Known for its spiritual energy, the Sacred Valley offers a profound sense of peace and clarity, enhancing your yoga and mindfulness practices.

Weather and Climate: The Sacred Valley enjoys spectacular weather with sunny, crisp days and cooler evenings.

Temperatures average in the low 70s during the day and drop to the 40s and low 50s at night.

High Altitude Experience: Our retreat location, El Verde, is situated at approximately 9,500 feet (2,950 meters) above sea level. The high altitude results in strong sunlight during the day. We will provide tips on how to prepare for the elevation and offer coca tea leaves, a traditional remedy for altitude sickness, to help you acclimate.

The Sacred Valley of Peru is more than just a travel destination; it is a place of profound beauty, history, and spiritual significance.

This unique location will enhance your retreat experience, offering both adventure and tranquility, and leaving you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.

El Verde is a boutique group retreat space located in the small pueblo of Huaran, just over an hour from Cusco.

Nestled between Rio Charan and the sacred mountain of Pitusiray, El Verde is centrally situated within the Sacred Valley, offering an ideal setting for both relaxation and adventure.

WHAT MAKES EL VERDE SPECIAL:

Idyllic Setting: Surrounded by 360° panoramic mountain views, El Verde is a tranquil resting place in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

The property’s abundant gardens provide serene nooks for relaxation between yoga sessions and explorations.

Sustainability: At El Verde, sustainability and comfort go hand in hand.

The retreat center is designed using natural materials such as adobe walls, local stone, mud, natural paint dyes, and eucalyptus wood.

Rainwater collection and solar thermal tubes are used to heat the water, reflecting our commitment to being gentle on the land.

Community and Conservation: El Verde donates 1% of all revenue to Valle Sagrado Verde's reforestation efforts, supporting the planting of native trees and empowering local communities through education and wildfire prevention.

Conscious Design: Every aspect of El Verde is thoughtfully designed to enhance your connection with nature.

The property is set back from the main road, offering a secluded feel while still being conveniently located near ruins, pueblos, and other attractions within the Sacred Valley.

Local Activities: Enjoy hiking paths throughout the village, including a trail to the nearby waterfall of Arin (one of our group adventures!). The rushing river alongside the property adds to the serene atmosphere, making El Verde a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Experience the charm of El Verde, where sustainable practices, natural beauty, and cultural richness combine to create a sanctuary for renewal and growth.

Reconnect with nature and yourself in this thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly retreat center.

El Verde offers an intimate and serene retreat experience with only four rooms, accommodating up to eight guests. This intentional design ensures ample space for peace and relaxation while fostering a sense of intimacy and connection among our retreat group. 

Each room at El Verde features stunning views, high-quality linens, comfortable beds, beautiful decor, and a private bath with hot water—solar heated with an electric backup for cloudy days. This careful attention to comfort makes El Verde your home away from home, providing a perfect setting to retreat, relax, and reconnect.

The common area, surrounded on three sides by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers an ever-changing panoramic view that will leave you in awe of the Sacred Valley's splendor.

The botanical wonderland of gardens envelops the entire property, providing a vibrant backdrop for your stay and a chance to spot the world's largest hummingbird.

Experience the tranquility and beauty of El Verde, where comfort and natural elegance come together to create an unforgettable retreat environment.

Connect more deeply with yourself through mindful yoga practices tailored to support your retreat experience

Alix’s yoga sessions provide a harmonious balance of activity and rest, thoughtfully integrated with the flow of each day. Reflecting the themes of our ceremonies, activities and adventures, each class weaves physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual aspects into a deeper experiential practice.

This unique approach allows you to embody the experiences of the retreat, using them to inspire and deepen your practice.

Rather than focusing on power yoga, Alix’s teaching focuses on unlearning habitual posture patterns and opening up to new ways of observing your mind and thoughts, emphasizing the value of slowing down. Experience gentle and slow yoga practices designed to enhance mindfulness, release tension, increase awareness, and improve mobility.

The yoga practices include both active and restorative sessions, as well as yoga nidra for deep rest. Meditation practices will encompass both seated and walking meditations, offering a comprehensive approach to mindfulness. 

 Participants are encouraged to listen to their needs, whether that means joining the practice or choosing to rest and rejuvenate in other ways.

The daily schedule aligns with the natural rhythms of the day, beginning at sunrise with tea, fruit, and a snack, followed by morning meditation and yoga, then breakfast. Midday includes lunch and, depending on our adventure schedule, an afternoon yoga session before dinner at sunset.

The yoga studio at El Verde is bright and airy with garden views, and all necessary mats and props are provided.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Peru with a variety of adventures and activities.

The retreat offers a balanced flow, combining yoga and meditation with ample downtime to relax, hike, or nap.

Designed for exploration, this retreat will engage all of your senses to experience the richness of the Sacred Valley.

INCLUDED ADVENTURES:

- Participate in a Despacho Ceremony and receive personalized coca readings.

- Enjoy a waterfall hike along the ancient Inca water canal.

- Embark on a full-day trip to the iconic Machu Picchu.

- Savor the flavors with a Peruvian craft chocolate tasting.

- Indulge in an optional massage or spa session.

- Visit and have lunch with a traditional Peruvian weaving family.

- Delight in a Gastro Tour featuring exquisite Peruvian cuisine.

Explore the detailed itinerary below to learn more about each day's extraordinary opportunities to connect deeply with the beauty and culture of Peru.

Peru has become one of the top food destinations in the world, and the diversity and abundance of what's available in the Sacred Valley is mind-blowing!

El Verde believes a nourishing meal and a delicious feast can be one and the same. El Verde serves food that is locally and organically grown whenever possible. From a sustainability standpoint, they do not serve red meat or pork but can offer poultry and fish upon request.

Meals are prepared using locally-sourced ingredients, combining traditional Peruvian dishes with a special twist. El Verde features organically grown vegetables and herbs from the garden and neighboring farms, Andean grains, and locally made fresh breads and eggs.

The breakfast spreads are hearty and generous, while lunches are fuller than dinners to allow for proper digestion. Expect to enjoy something featuring Peru’s incredible cacao and chocolate, whether in smoothies, desserts, or bite-size treats!

Upon booking, we will work with you to create a meal plan that accommodates your dietary restrictions and preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options. El Verde is happy to meet any dietary requirements or requests. 

Access to hot water, tea, and filtered water is available 24/7. Beer, wine, spirits, and the best craft chocolate in the Valley are available upon request.

Payments for the retreat can be made by credit card or bank transfer. You have the option to pay in full or use our monthly payment plan.

You can manage your payment method anytime in your WeTravel account.

Important Notes:

- For reservations made after any payment plan installment date, past installment amounts are due at the time of reservation.

- Depending on your payment method (bank account or credit/debit card), processing fees may apply. Avoid fees by using your bank account information.

- You can pay in full at any time.

For payment assistance, please email your Retreat Coordinator, Meghan Bursiek, at retreats@alixnorthup.com. We are here to help in any way we can!

Cancellation Policy:

- Cancel prior to Friday, December 6, 2024: Full refund minus $550 nonrefundable deposit

- Cancel after December 6, 2024, and before Friday, February 7, 2025: 50% refund minus $550 nonrefundable deposit

- Cancel after Friday, February 7, 2025: No refund

Cancellations due to COVID follow the general refund policy. Injuries and illnesses do not exempt you from the cancellation policies. If you can find someone to take your place, registration can be transferred. Contact Meghan immediately at retreats@alixnorthup.com for assistance.

We highly encourage the purchase of travel insurance.

To best coordinate the lodging logistics, we are using a pre-registration process.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Lodging Option:

• Shared Room: We match your roommate
• Shared Room: You have a roommate
• Double Occupancy: Shared bed
• Single Occupancy: Private bed

2. Note Your Preferences:

• If you are sharing a room and know who your roommate will be, or have specific roommate preferences, please include this information in the “Note to Organizer” section during pre-registration.

3. Finalize Your Registration:

• Starting Monday, July 8th, we will begin contacting everyone to finalize their registration.
• Once you receive your invitation email, you will have 48 hours to complete your registration. After this period, your invitation link will no longer be valid.

Please be aware that due to the limited capacity and high interest, we might not be able to match everyone with their preferred lodging option.

Once you pre-register, we will be in touch to ensure you are aware of your registration options and to assist with any questions.

If you have ANY questions, email your Retreat Coordinator, Meghan, and she will gladly provide support: retreats@alixnorthup.com

After our airport transportation picks you up from Cusco Airport [CUZ], it is about an 90 minutes drive to El Verde – your home away from home.

We suggest arriving to Cusco Airport in the morning at the very latest, or if possible, the day before.

Once checked into your room, we will gather for a brief orientation with our El Verde host, Jyl.

Following our orientation, we will circle for our opening practice and then have an early dinner.

Participate in a Despacho Ceremony and receive personalized coca readings.

Despacho ceremonies are held for various occasions such as births, deaths, healing, restoring harmony, expressing gratitude, or making specific requests to the spiritual world. They can also be done to manifest intentions for ourselves or our loved ones. These ceremonies connect participants to their inner power, love, and wisdom.

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

7:30am Morning Practice

9am Breakfast

Free Time

1pm Lunch

2pm Despacho Ceremony & individual coca readings

6pm Dinner

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

Enjoy a 5-mile waterfall hike loop along the ancient Inca water canal

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

7:30am Morning Practice

9am Breakfast

10:30am Waterfall & canal hike w/ packed lunch

4:30pm Afternoon Practice

6pm Dinner

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

Our big adventure day to Machu Picchu!

4:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

5am Departure to Machu Picchu via trusted drivers & train travel

Lunch included

Optional self-pay snacks & beverages in Aquas Calientes

Late evening Dinner upon arrival to El Verde

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

Savor the flavors with a Peruvian craft chocolate.

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

7:30am Morning Practice

9am Breakfast

Free Time

1pm Lunch

2pm Chocolate tasting

4:30pm Afternoon Practice

6pm Dinner

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

The weaving cooperative we will visit was established over fifteen years ago to preserve traditional Andean weaving techniques passed down through generations.

This visit offers a unique opportunity to meet the weavers, enjoy a simple meal with their family, and learn about their traditions and way of life.

By supporting their craft, you ensure that 100% of the profit goes directly to the artisan who created the item you purchase.

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

7:30am Morning Practice

9am Departure for Weaving Family visit & lunch

Self-pay Dinner & optional market shopping in Pisac

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

Explore diverse cuisine through traditional dishes, local ingredients, & unique flavors

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

7:30am Morning Practice

9am Breakfast

10:30am Departure for Gastro Tour & lunch

6pm Dinner

7pm Closing Circle & Practice

(Please note: Our daily schedule is subject to change)

Our final day at El Verde, but perhaps the day you continue your adventures in Peru?

6:30am Tea w/ Fruit & Snacks

8am Breakfast

11am Check-out

If you are flying out from Cusco on our final day, we suggest booking your departure flight for the late-afternoon or evening.