August 30th to September 6th, 2025
Hosted at the Beautiful Willka T’ika Retreat Center for Sacred Wellness Practices and Cultural Immersion, Including a Visit to Machu Picchu.
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 scenic train
- Guided vinyasa flow yoga, breath work, meditation, 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
- Sound Healing with Cacao Ceremony
- Hiking the P’isaq ruins, Maras Salt Mine, and shopping opportunities at famous markets
- Machu Picchu full day trip
- Visit to Urubamba’s authentic local market, Seminario Pottery Studio, and alpaca clothing and jewelry factory
- And other special surprises….
Wilka T’ika Will Be Your Retreat Home
Andean Spirituality
Chakra Gardens
Yoga and Meditation
More About The Retreat Center
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 unique accommodation. Take a visual video tour of the gardens and see for yourself.
Our yoga practice, communal acupuncture, and meditation classes will take place in beautiful, spacious, and sun-filled studios. Additional healing treatments offered at the spa include solar-heated outdoor floral baths under the night sky, Andean massage, facials, reflexology, hot stone, 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 the on-site gardens). Sales support the mission of the WTCF.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Willka-T’ika
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Program begins with at 11:30am with a transfer from the Cusco airport to our retreat center in the Sacred Valley, Willka T’ika. This is about a 75 minute scenic drive from 11,152 ft elevation in Cusco down to 9,400 ft which will allow for a smooth acclamation to the altitude. Please for flights to arrive by 11am, otherwise we can arrange for separate a private transfer.
After checking into your room, lunch will be served, followed by a tour of the grounds. Then during free time unwind, relax, unpack, and explore the sacred grounds where you will be for the next week.
We will have our first formal welcome circle in the studio space with some gentle yoga and other group activities.
In the evening we will gather for a delicious Peruvian dinner.
(Lunch and dinner included)
Day 2: Chakra Gardens & Fire Ceremony
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
Wake up in beautiful Willka T’ika for a morning class of vinyasa yoga. This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Take 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. Guided walk through nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood where the Quechua campesinos farmers live.
After lunch, we gather for our community acupuncture session followed by free time for spa treatments, coca-leaf readings, rest, and garden walks. After dinner, we will participate in an 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 3: School Visit & P’isaq Day
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Drive through the Sacred Valley higher up in elevation 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.
We continue on 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 grounding yoga session. Class will include gentle vinyasa yoga, meditation, and breathwork before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 4: Magical Day at Machu Picchu
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Prepare for a long day, but one that you will never forget! After an early breakfast we board the scenic 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” and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Experience for yourself the spiritual ancient wisdom woven through the ruins and reconnect to the elements of feminine earth energies through Pachamama.
Lunch and free time in Aguas Calientes, an incredibly charming town, and then board the late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo 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 included)
Day 5: Ollantaytambo
& Maras Salt Mine
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Option to sleep in and have a late morning yoga session with Christina, or visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytambo and its famous Sun Temple. Free time to explore, shop, and have lunch on your own in the quaint picturesque town.
Back to Willka T’ika for free time to restore from from your hiking excursion. Allow yourself time to receive the ancestral crown chakra energies beneath the 1000-year-old lucuma tree.
For the more active, join in on the Maras Salt mine hike through the valley and up the mountains. You will have the opportunity to taste the medicinal salt and purchase some to bring home with you. Studios and gardens are open for yoga and meditation self-practice for those who choose to rest and restore.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6: Urubamba & Cacao Ceremony
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
A special day of mindful integration at Willka T’ika and 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.
Following lunch, there will be free time for packing, final spa treatments, and time in the gardens. We will have a farewell dinner together & a very special closing cacao ceremony with sound healing to seal our energy and time in the Sacred Valley.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 7: Explore Cusco
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
After optional yoga class and breakfast, we will check out of Willka T’ika and transfer to our Cusco Hotel centrally situated off the historic Plaza de Armas.
Walk through the cobblestone streets of San Blas where our guide will point out fascinating Incan stonework en route to the Korikancha Temple, the holiest site during Incan times.
After a picnic lunch, we will visit the Incan site of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco, and 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.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 8: Departure Day
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Enjoy our final breakfast together at the centrally-located Cusco hotel & check out by 10am. Arrange your 30 minute airport transfer directly with the hotel. Ideally flights should depart from Cusco between 2pm – 5pm so that you have ample time for your international flight.
Arrive home feeling blessed with the pure spiritual energy of your transformational Andean journey-of-a-lifetime.
(Breakfast included)
MEALS
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 if you let us know ahead of time in your registration form. 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.
See FAQ for more information about the meals.
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.
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, but not required. All classes are optional.
CEREMONIES
We will be working with local Andean healers and shamans and all ceremonies are suitable for anyone who chooses to participate in a cultural immersion and exchange. There will not be any medicinal or psychoactive substances involved with these ceremonies.
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 very basic and suitable for beginners. The techniques will be used to aid in calming the nervous system, enhancing focus, and cultivating loving-kindness and present moment awareness.
FACILITATOR
Christina Prieto, AP, RYT
Acupuncturist, Adventurer, Joy Maker
I have been a licensed acupuncturist for 19 years and a registered yoga teacher for 16 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, 14 groups in Costa Rica, and last year my first retreat to Peru, I am so excited to offer this second retreat in Peru AGAIN…one of the most magical places I’ve ever been!
LOGISTICS
NOT INCLUDED
* Airfare
* Separate airport transfers and hotel bookings.
* Some tips, incidentals, adult and bottled beverages, laundry and spa services.
* Any activities or costs incurred during your free time.
* Some meals as noted on itinerary.
MEDICINE
Your packing list has a good summary of medicine recommendations. We strongly recommend you bring medicine for traveler’s diarrhea and altitude sickness in addition to your regular prescriptions. In addition, please review the CDC recommendations for Peru vaccine information and travel health notices.
deposits & Balances
A $750pp deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due no later than 75 days before the event (June 15th, 2025). If needed, payment extensions may be available for those who meet pre-approval. Deposits are refundable before April 1st, 2025. Contact Christina if you have any questions.
ARRIVAL&
DEPARTURE
Program services begin with a group transfer from the Cusco airport to our retreat center on Day 1 at 11:30am and ends in the Cusco hotel at 10am on Day 8. For participants arriving/departing at a different time, I can help arrange a private transfer with Willka T’ika.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is highly recommended, but not required. Once it has been purchased, please provide the information 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 to Christina. Please note that the retreat has a no-refund policy, and I won’t be able to assist with recovering any lost funds due to travel delays, natural disasters, personal emergencies, or any other reasons.
health
Because the retreat involves activities that can be physically demanding for some, it’s important to be in good physical health to fully enjoy and participate in the majority of the offerings of the retreat, as well as, to keep you and the rest of the group safe. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the physical demands of the retreat, feel free to ask!
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. Because we will be at different altitudes and climates, 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 via Zelle to christinaprieto@icloud.com. (Deposit is fully refundable before April 1st, 2025.)
You will receive an email confirmation with next steps after the form and deposit are completed. A welcome packet with additional information is emailed out closer to retreat time.
Questions? Check out the FAQ at the bottom of this page or email christinaprieto@icloud.com
important
Please do not purchase your airline ticket until you receive a message that our retreat is confirmed with the minimum of 10 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 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) | $4,283 pp |
| Garden Couple DOUBLE (One Queen Bed) | $3,421 pp |
| Garden DOUBLE (Two Twin Beds) | $3,421 pp |
| Garden TRIPLE (Three Twin Beds) | $3,221 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 plans may be available for those who request them in advance. Contact Christina for more information. Deposits are non-refundable after April 1st, 2025. Travel insurance is recommended in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Register HereTo Save Your Spot
Luxury Rooms
The Luxury rooms are more spaciaous than the standard garden rooms. They also 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 showers and 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 SINGLE (One King Bed) | $4,495 pp |
| Luxury Couple DOUBLE (One King Bed) | $3,633 pp |
| Luxury DOUBLE (Two Queen Beds) | $3,633 pp |
| Luxury TRIPLE (Three Twin or Double Beds) | $3,433 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 plans may be available for those who meet pre-approval. Contact Christina for more information. Deposits are non-refundable for any reason after April 1st, 2025. Travel insurance is recommended in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
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 is the weather like in August/September?
The dates of our retreat were chosen with the intention having the best possible weather. We will be there during the dry season and because Cusco and the Sacred Valley are at altitude, the temperatures can be quite cool. Especially in the highlands, expect cool days and cold nights, requiring layers of clothing.
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. Local pharmacies have remedies that can be purchased over the counter. For emergency situations, hotels & Willka T’ika carry oxygen tanks. There are clinics with basic treatment in Urubamba and Cusco as well. Ask your doctor for a prescription for Diamox if you anticipate having a reaction to the altitude changes.
Do I need to change money? How much do I bring?
Many do, but not all tourist shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Peruvians won’t accept any bills that are torn, worn, or wrinkled. Please bring only crisp, new bills for shopping or tipping. US dollars are widely accepted at Willka T’ika and in smaller towns. You can choose to exchange dollars to soles at the Cusco airport.
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 registration, 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 and snacks because markets where specialty healthfoods are more readily available will not be accessible during our retreat.
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 companies have a roaming plan that you can pre-order or will automatically connect upon arrival. Charges will apply so please check with your carrier. We recommend having a Whatsapp Account since most of Peru operates via Whatsapp. This will be the best way, if not the only way, to communicate.
Is this retreat right for me? What about physical fitness?
Because the retreat involves activities that can be physically demanding, it’s important to be in good physical health to fully enjoy and participate in the majority of the offerings of the retreat. If you have any questions about the physical demands of the retreat, feel free to ask!
People with heart conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, lung conditions such as COPD and pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell anemia, or pregnancy should consult their doctor before signing up for this retreat.
If you’re not sure if this type of travel is right for you, email me at christinaprieto@icloud.com or text 407-234-6454. I would be happy to have a conversation about any concerns or questions you may have.
Still have Questions?
Contact christinaprieto@icloud.com or text 407-234-6454
