wellness retreat in peru’s sacred valley
with Sati chmelar and christina prieto
July 13 – 20, 2024
Sold Out! Join The Waitlist
Join Shannon “Sati” Chmelar and Christina Prieto at the Beautiful Willka T’ika Retreat Center for Sacred Wellness Practices and Cultural Immersion Experiences
Retreat At A Glance
- 8 days / 7 nights
- 2 days / 1 night in Cusco
- 1 day at Machu Picchu
- 5 days / 6 nights at Willka T’ika
- First class buses and tourist train
- Guided vinyasa flow yoga, breath work, meditation, reflective writing, and community acupuncture
- Use of Chakra Gardens, multi purpose studios, fire pit and ceremony areas
- Organic gourmet vegetarian meals daily when at Willka T’ika
- Guided tour of the Seven Chakra Gardens
- Authentic Andean despacho offering and fire ceremony with Q’ero Pakko healer
- Visit to an Andean Mountain School
- Hiking the P’isaq ruins, ceremony, and shopping in the famous market
- Visit to Urubamba’s authentic market, Seminario Pottery Studio, and alpaca factory
Wilka T’ika Will Be Your Retreat Home
Andean Spirituality
Chakra Gardens
Yoga and Meditation
Willka T’ika
Willka T’ika offers special environments to tune into the pure Sacred Valley energies and meditate or relax in the renowned Chakra Gardens. Each day there is ample time to tap into authentic Andean spirituality. Our Willka T’ika guide will help aid us in experiencing the traditional and cultural wonders of Peru and its people. Willka T’ika is a retreat conceived, built, and maintained on sustainable principles where you will savor gourmet organic vegetarian meals fresh from the gardens and fully relax in your garden accommodation. Take a visual video tour of the gardens and see for yourself.
Our yoga, writing, communal acupuncture, and meditation classes will take place in beautiful, spacious, and sun-filled studios. Additional healing treatments include solar-heated floral baths under the stars, Andean spa massage, and crystal light therapy.
Willka T’ika is Peru’s premier luxury wellness retreat, boutique hotel, and original yoga center of the Sacred Valley — serene, sustainable and enchanting
- Renowned Seven Chakra Gardens—inspiration of the 3-time gold award-winning book Chakra Gardens, Opening the Senses of the Soul.
- Vibrant, organic, vegetarian “farm to table” meals lovingly prepared by Willka T’ika chefs.
- Two sun-filled garden studios for yoga, movement and large group gatherings.
- The round Takiwasi music shala with a fireplace and an array of Andean musical instruments — used for group meditations and ceremonies.
- The Yachaywasi library has a cozy fireplace and a great selection of English books.
- Nearby hikes beneath magnificent Andean peaks in awe-inspiring Sacred Valley scenery.
- Conveniently located between the ancient cities and temples of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Staffed by 20 local Quechua farmers, Incan descendants who still practice ancient traditions
- Passionate local guides who are experts in Andean culture, history and cosmology.
- Unique opportunity to participate in authentic, ancient Incan ceremonies with Qero healers
- With the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund (WTCF) , visit an isolated mountain community to experience first-hand the practice of ayni, Andean reciprocity, by supporting Quechua students.
- The gift store offers rare quality jewelry, textiles, and exclusive Willka T’ika products (such as essential oils made from our gardens). Sales support the mission of the WTCF.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Program begins with one transfer from the Cusco airport to your lovely hotel conveniently situated off the historic Plaza de Armas. Plan to arrive into Cusco by 11a.m. to acclimate to the altitude.
3:00 pm: Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a brief group orientation meeting. Late afternoon walk through the cobblestone streets of San Blas, where your guide will point out fascinating Incan stonework en route to the Korikancha Temple, the holiest site during Incan times.
6:30 pm: Willka T’ika invites you to a delicious Peruvian dinner.
Day 2: Cusco & Sacred Valley
SUNDAY, JULY 14
AM: Visit the Inkan site of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco. Continue on to the ritual fountains at Tampumachay. Participate in a ceremony to honor Yaku, the spirit of water, to open the body’s chakras. A traditional coca-leaf ceremony 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. Willka T’ika Quechua staff will welcome you to the retreat center. We will have our first formal welcome circle in the studio space with some gentle yoga and other group activities. During your free time, enjoy the optional Andean spa services. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 3: Fire Ceremony & Willka T’ika Immersion
MONDAY, JULY 15
AM: Wake up in beautiful Willka T’ika for a morning class of vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breathwork. This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Relax in the splendors of nature and enjoy a tour of the Seven Chakra Gardens. Optional private coca-leaf reading with an authentic Qero healer visiting from the high Andes. Optional guided walk through nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood where the Quechua campesinos farmers live.
PM: After lunch, we will set intentions and nourish self-reflection with an afternoon class that includes philosophical readings, reflective writing, group work, and community acupuncture. After class, there is time for spa treatments, coca-leaf readings, rest, and garden walks. After dinner, enjoy a full group Andean offering and a transformative fire ceremony with our Qero healer. The ceremony serves as a wonderful preparation of mind, body, and spirit for your pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 4: School Visit & P’isaq Day
TUESDAY, JULY 16
AM: 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 communities where few tourists are privileged to visit. In a reciprocal “ayni” exchange, the group offers an activity the children can enjoy. The 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 bag lunch.
PM: Continue to the spectacular ruins of P’isaq, overlooking impressive Incan terraces. Hike to the Temple of the Sun and walk in a silent 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 in the afternoon for a restorative session. Class will include gentle vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breathwork before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 5: Machu Picchu
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
AM: Early breakfast. Tourist train to Aguas Calientes. Tea/coffee and snack served on train. A bus takes you to the sunlit terraces of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a fabulous guided tour of the ancient “City of Light.” Experience a journey through the masculine energy temples of political and spiritual power, followed by a deep reconnection of feminine earth energies.
PM: In the afternoon hike to Inti Punku, the original Incan Gateway to the Sun, or to the Incan bridge. Late afternoon train back to Ollantaytampu where you will transfer to Willka T’ika in time for a late dinner. No classes will be held today due to a full day excursion. (Breakfast and Dinner only)
Day 6: Ollantaytampu
& Maras
THURSDAY, JULY 18
AM: Visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytampu and its famous Sun Temple. Lunch on your own in the quaint picturesque town.
PM: Recover from from your hiking excursions by resting or meditating in the Chakra Gardens of your choice and allow yourself time to receive the ancestral crown chakra energies beneath the 1000-year-old lucuma tree. 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. Due to the intense hiking schedule, there will no classes. However, studios and gardens are open for yoga and meditation self-practice. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 7: Urubamba & Closing Session
FRIDAY, JULY 19
AM: A special day of mindful integration at Willka T’ika. Open our final full day of retreat with vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breathwork. A guided morning hike to the town of Urubamba through farming neighborhoods, visit a typical, lively Peruvian market, and the famous Seminario ceramics shop.
PM: Following lunch, we will have our closing class session followed by an open period for packing, final spa treatments, and time in the gardens.
6:30 pm: Farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 8: Departure Day
SATURDAY, JULY 20
10:00 a.m. Check-Out Time.
Group bus transfer at check-out takes the group to the Cusco airport to connect to Lima, and flight home. From Willka T’ika, allow 3 ½ hours before your Cusco flight. Ideal flights to schedule depart from Cusco between 2 pm-5 p.m. Additional costs apply for an individual transfer for guests with earlier/later departures. Arrive home feeling blessed with the pure spiritual energy of your transformational Andean journey-of-a-lifetime. (Breakfast included)
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
A final schedule will be provided closer to the retreat
Mornings:
- 6:00 AM coffee/tea is available. Free time to walk in the gardens, write, meditate, etc.
- Morning class: vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breathwork*
- 8:30 AM Breakfast
- Possible excursion
Afternoons:
- Possible excursion
- 1:00 PM Lunch
- Rest/treatments/afternoon class
Evening:
- 6:30/7:00 PM Dinner
- Rest/treatments/evening class/ceremony
* Classes will adjust according to the excursion schedule. We will have 1-2 classes most days at Willka T’ika. No classes will occur on our meeting day in Cusco, excursion days to Machu Picchu and Ollantaytampu, or on the departure day. Please note that the times on the schedule may change slightly daily depending on the excursion or ceremony periods. The final hour-by-hour itinerary will be provided closer to retreat start.
DINING
Farm-To-Table Vegetarian Meals
Gourmet organic vegetarian meals and teas are served daily using high-protein Andean grains and legumes, as well as organic, freshly harvested vegetables and salads grown on-site. Vegan, gluten-free, and special dietary requests can be made at time of reservation. Willka T’ika has the only 100% hormone-free and chemical-free gourmet vegetarian hotel kitchen in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The gardens are strictly organic. Filtered water available 24/7 in dining room, and bottled water available for purchase.
SPA TREATMENTS
Restore Yourself at Willka T’ika
Experience healing arts, unlike anywhere else, during your free time. Schedule solar-heated floral baths under the stars, Andean massage, facials made with ingredients from the healing gardens, crystal light therapy, and more. Click HERE for the menu of options.
Andean Spirituality
Chakra Gardens
Yoga and Meditation
CLASSES
Classes will explore the theory and practice of healing via releasing energetic, emotional, and psychological “blocks” through the lens of multiple traditions
YOGA
The yoga āsana taught in this retreat will be moderate to gentle forms of vinyāsa and restorative yoga. Appropriate modifications will be given and students should inform the teachers of any medical conditions in advance. Prior experience with yoga posture practice is recommended for this retreat.
THEORY
Our philosophical studies will explore conceptualizations of healing via contemporary psychotherapy, ancient Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and South American traditions
ACUPUNCTURE
Christina will be offering a community acupuncture session during our retreat. She has selected a protocol of acu-points that is geared for relaxation, grounding, and overall wellbeing. This treatment plan is appropriate and safe for everyone who chooses to participate.
BREATHWORK AND MEDITATION
All meditation and breathwork practices will be suitable for beginners and be used to aid in calming the nervous system, enhancing focus, and cultivating loving-kindness.
FACILITATORS
Christina Prieto, AP, RYT
Acupuncturist, Adventurer, Joy Maker
I have been a licensed acupuncturist for 18 years and a registered yoga teacher for 15 years. I wove my passion for natural medicine and sacred movement together with a fierce case of wanderlust, and began facilitating wellness and adventure retreats overseas in 2015. After hosting 3 groups in Cuba, and 14 groups in Costa Rica, I am so excited to collaborate with Sati to offer this retreat in Peru…one of the most magical places I’ve ever been!
Shannon “Sati” Chmelar
Philosopher, Somatic Guide, Dharma Nerd
I am an educator focusing in yoga studies, Buddhism, and Indian philosophy. I am also near completing my MS in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Rochester. For over 20 years, I’ve helped my clients and students holistically nurture their psychological, emotional, physical, and relational levels of wellbeing. After leading 16 retreats in the US and Asia, I’m excited to birth this new experience in Peru.
LOGISTICS
NOT INCLUDED
Trip cost does not include:
* Airfare
* Separate airport transfers and hotel bookings.
* Tips, incidentals, alcoholic and bottled beverages, laundry and spa services.
* Tips, incidentals, alcoholic and bottled beverages, laundry and spa services.
* Some meals as noted on itinerary.
MEDICINE
Your packing list has a good summary of medicine recommendations. We strongly recommend you bring medicine for diarrhea and altitude sickness. In addition, please review the CDC recommendations for Peru vaccine information and travel health notices
deposits
A transferrable but nonrefundable (from 3/1/24) $750 per person deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due no later than 75 days before the event, with a completed online registration liability waiver. If needed, payment extensions may be available for those who meet pre-approval. Contact retreat leaders for more information.
ARRIVAL&
DEPARTURE
Program services begin with a group transfer from the Cusco airport on Day One and end with the group transfer from Willka T’ika to the Cusco airport on Day Eight. Participants arriving at a different time may arrange a private transfer with Willka T’ika or take a taxi.
TRAVEL health INSURANCE
Travel health insurance is required. Your health insurance should include medical evacuation. Once it has been purchased, please provide us with the company, policy number, and contact information in case of an emergency. If you wish, you can also scan in your id card and email it us. We have had good experiences with World Nomads insurance and Allianz.
health
To attend this event you must answer a few health questions on the registration form. Due to the altitude and hiking intensity, meeting basic health requirements is necessary to keep you and the rest of the group safe. If you are have specific concerns or questions please contact the facilitators.
yoga supplies
The Willka T’ika yoga studios are fully equipped with mats, blocks, straps, and heavy wool & cotton folded blankets for bolsters and pillows. You do not need to bring yoga equipment unless you wish to have your own with you.
packing
Please read this document in detail HERE for full details on what to pack and important information for traveling in Peru and staying at Willka T’ika. We will be visiting Peru during the winter months so layers are recommended. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended.
BOOKING
Registration steps
Step 1: Choose your room option
Step 2: Fill out the registration form
Step 3: Submit $750 deposit
Step 4: Check your email for an automated confirmation and fill out Willka T’ika’s liability waiver linked in the email.
A welcome packet is emailed out closer to retreat time.
Questions? Check out the FAQ at the bottom of this page or email sati@satiyogini.com or christinaprieto@icloud.com
important
Please do not purchase your airline ticket until you receive a message that our retreat is confirmed with enough registered participants. In the event we do not have enough registrations, the retreat will be canceled and your deposit will be refunded, minus merchant fees. After confirmation, please send Christina and Sati your flight itinerary as soon as you have your reservation selected so that we can confirm your Cusco arrival is timely.
Garden Rooms
The Garden rooms have access to the gardens, with beautiful views of flowers, trees and mountains. All rooms have portable heating and modern private bathrooms with walk-in shower and an excellent hot water supply. Our sustainable guest rooms reflect the textures and colors of the Andes. The cozy garden rooms, recently renovated, are purposely tucked away in charming areas throughout the gardens. Each guest room is uniquely designed and decorated and is named for the Andean medicinal plant that grows at its doorstep. Fresh flowers welcome all guests and cozy hot-water bottles warm beds at night. Rates are per person.
| Garden Single (One Double Bed) | $3,850 pp |
| Garden Couple (One Queen Bed) | $3,199 pp |
| Garden Double (Two Twin Beds) | $3,199 pp |
| Garden Triple (Three Twin Beds) | $2,950 pp |
A transferrable but nonrefundable $750 per person deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due no later than 75 days before the event. If needed, payment extensions may be available for those who meet pre-approval. Contact the retreat leaders for more information. Deposits are non-refundable from 3/1/2024
Luxury Rooms
The Luxury rooms have access to the gardens, with beautiful views of flowers, trees and mountains. All rooms have portable heating and modern private bathrooms with an excellent hot water supply. Our sustainable guest rooms reflect the textures and colors of the Andes. Made from natural earth materials and adorned with local artwork, the spacious luxury rooms incorporate Feng Shui design principles and take advantage of mountain and garden views. Fresh flowers welcome all guests and cozy hot-water bottles warm beds at night. Rates are per person.
| Luxury Couple (One King Bed) | $3,999 pp Sold Out! |
| Luxury Double (Two Queen Beds) | $3,399 pp |
| Luxury Triple (Three Twin or Double Beds) | $3,150 pp |
A transferrable but nonrefundable $750 per person deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due no later than 75 days before the event. If needed, payment extensions may be available for those who meet pre-approval. Contact the retreat leaders for more information. Deposits are non-refundable from 3/1/2024
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink the water?
Drink only boiled, bottled, or filtered water. At Willka T’ika, we offer drinking water filtered with the internationally recognized “Sawyer filter” 24/7 in the Dining Area. Willka T’ika also sells large bottles of water along with other beverages. Plastic water bottles are not recycled in Peru. Help save countless water bottles from littering Peru’s countryside by bringing and using your own water bottle to refill with filtered water, preferably the type that are most hygienic—wide-mouthed and stainless
What kind of meals will be served at the retreat center?
Willka T’ika has the only 100% hormone-free and chemical-free gourmet vegetarian hotel kitchen in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Our gardens are strictly organic.
Start the day with a cup of freshly harvested herbal tea or fresh roasted Quillabamba coffee, grown on our staff’s family farms.
Breakfast is buffet style and includes breads from a local oven, omelets, homemade muesli using kiwicha and other Andean grains, and sliced fruits and avocados from the subtropical Machu Picchu area.
Dinner includes a hearty soup, freshly harvested salad, and gourmet vegetarian entrees with steamed vegetables. Most meals include quinoa and kiwicha, the grain that gave Incan warriors strength, or tarwi, an Andean legume containing more protein than red meat.
Lunch will vary, but we are sure you won’t be disappointed.
What if I get altitude sickness?
Few tourists get altitude sickness. Your body will acclimate if you rest, drink water and specific herbal teas for a few hours. If you are having difficulties, please speak to your guide. In common pharmacies, coramina (glucose lozenge) and sorroche (altitude) tablets can be purchased over the counter. They contain aspirin, tylenol and caffeine to bring fast release from a headache or nausea. Doctors prescribe electrolytes to rehydrate guests. For emergency situations, hotels & Willka T’ika carry oxygen tanks. There are clinics with basic treatment in Urubamba and Cusco. Diamox is designed for high-mountain trekking. Not all people need or respond well to this popular sulfa-based prescription drug.
Do I need to change money? How much do I bring?
Not all tourist shops and restaurants accept credit cards. For Peruvian soles, we suggest you wait until you arrive in Cusco or Urubamba to exchange money in reputable exchange agencies or withdraw from an ATM.
Peruvians won’t accept any bills that are torn or very worn. Please bring only crisp, new bills for shopping or tipping. US dollars are accepted at Willka T’ika but most places and people will prefer Peruvian Soles. Credit cards can be used at Willka T’ika or at tourist stores or hotels. You can withdraw cash at the ATM machine in the airport or upon arrival in Urubamba. Just ask the taxi to stop at the “BCP” bank.
Is there wifi?
Willka has a have a separate WiFi area for those who have to work. Willka T’ika was voted “Best Digital Detox Retreat” in 2022 partly because we keep the gadgets confined to one area.
What are the social and ethical expectations for this event?
Retreat participants are required to honor the rules set forth by Willka T’ika. Participants are expected to exhibit respect toward the locals and their cultural traditions. This retreat includes several Andean spiritual ceremonies which require multicultural sensitivity and reverence. Willka T’ika ensures a wellness-focused environment which means visitors must respect communal spaces, digital usage restrictions, and vegetarian meals.
What if I want to opt out of yoga or another activity?
This is your adventure. You are not required to participate in activities that you are not comfortable doing. Skipping yoga classes, taking free time, declining offsite excursions, or booking your own alternative activities on your own is acceptable. Keep in mind that refunds/credits will not be given for missed activities/meals/etc., and any costs incurred during free time is your responsibility.
I’m a carnivore, how will I survive with only vegetarian meals?
All meals at Willka T’ika are strictly vegetarian, with vegetables and herbs sourced from our organic gardens. Fresh fruits, avocados, farm cheeses and yogurts come from the Sacred Valley. Upon reservation, please mention any dietary specifications (i.e. gluten-free, vegan, allergies, etc.) and identify yourself to your guide and a Willka T’ika Guest Service staff member. • Please note: We offer organic, protein-rich Andean superfoods such as tarwi, quinoa, amaranth, and complement with local beans and eggs. However, if you have dietary needs beyond vegan and gluten free, please bring your own supplements, powders and pastes. Peru has few health stores that carry special dietary products, pastes and flours easily found overseas. • Bring snacks for walks to Incan sites. Picnic lunches may also be ordered for $10/person
Can I do laundry?
Willka T’ika has a laundry service that usually turns around in 24 hours. Unfortunately, they do not have a laundry machine that guests can use. Please put any dirty laundry in the designated bag in the room and complete the itemized list. For immediate attention, drop the bag off at the office on your way out.
Do I need a converter for the outlets?
Peru uses 220 volts which means you should not bring hair dryers, shavers, or other appliances from the US. Laptops and phones generally have built in converters and can be charged without a problem.
What is the best way to communicate with my loved ones back home?
Most cell phone carriers have a roaming plan that you can pre-order for around $10/day. We recommend having a Whatsapp Account since most of Peru lives and breathes via Whatsapp. This will be the best way if not only way to communicate with your guide, taxi driver, restaurant or yoga teacher.
Is this retreat right for me?
If you’re not sure if this type of travel is right for you, email or Christina at christinaprieto@icloud.com or Sati at sati@satiyogini.com and we’d be happy to have a conversation about any concerns you may have.
Still have Questions?
Contact sati@satiyogini.com
