The Sacred Valley Retreat
~accessing the sacred within~
June 18-25, 2022
A week to cherish for a lifetime
Join me for an eight day/seven night adventure to the mystical Andean mountains of Peru. Our experience begins on June 18, and concludes on June 25, 2022.
An eco-friendly sanctuary
Our home base is Willka Tika, Peru’s premier luxury wellness retreat venue and the original yoga center of the Sacred Valley — serene, sustainable and enchanting.
Options to fit all budgets
With a variety of options, there is something for everyone- from the budget-conscious traveler to those seeking pure luxury. Prices start as low as $2,795, all-inclusive.
What's Included:
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round trip transfer to/from Cusco airport to Cusco hotel
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One night's accommodation in a lovely hotel right in historic downtown Cusco
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private professional tour guide that will be with our group for the entire journey, starting in Cusco
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private transfer from your Cusco hotel to the Willka-T'ika retreat center in the Sacred Valley (about an hour's drive)
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Six nights' accomodation in a Willka-T'ika guest room with gorgeous mountain or garden views
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modern private bath
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private entry to the gardens
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gourmet organic vegetarian meals ​
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freshly harvested vegetables and salads grown on-site
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full use of multiple retreat center living spaces, with cozy fireplaces and sitting areas, adorned with local artwork​
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herbal teas and excellent Peruvian coffee
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complete access to world-renowned chakra gardens (accessible to retreat guests only- not open to the public)
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full use of fully equipped yoga spaces that look out onto the gardens
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nearby hikes under magnificent Andean peaks and awe-inspiring Sacred Valley scenery
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all group sessions including:​
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yoga​
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meditation
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optional mini-workshops
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multiple group excursions including:
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breath-taking hikes to ancient Incan sites including Macchu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq
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sharing in community with the high mountain village towns (normally prohibited to visitors)
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visits to authentic open-air artisanal and farmers' markets
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all transportation for excursions
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traditional Quechan fire ceremony with an authentic Qero healer/shaman​
Peru
A country rich in culture and spiritual heritage, Peru is considered a 'bucket-list' destination for many. The people of Peru are famous for their warmth and hospitality, so that the visitor doesn't feel like a tourist, but a friend.
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After landing at the international airport in Cusco, we will spend one day and night at a lovely hotel in the heart of the enchanting historic district, where we will rest after the flight, acclimate to the altitude, and prepare for our epic journey to the Sacred Valley. While in Cusco, we will meander through the cobblestone streets of the artistic and picturesque neighborhood of San Blas. After perusing the colorful local outdoor market, we'll find ourselves standing on some of the ancient Incan temple grounds, which are fully integrated into the modern city life that has been built up around them.
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From Cusco, we will board a private transport for an incredibly scenic hour's drive to the Sacred Valley, our home base for the remainder of the journey.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a region of sacred geography. It cuts a gentle curve through the Andes, between the two 20,000-foot peaks dominating the region. At 9,400 feet above sea level and just 13 degrees south of the equator, the air of the Sacred Valley is pure and its light crystalline.
The highest mountains are considered powerful deities, or apukuna. Another name for the Urubamba, which flows through the valley, is Willka Mayu, Sacred River.
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Nestled within the breathtaking Andes mountains, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to stay while visiting the numerous spectacular archeological sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq (to name just a few). Multiple Incan ruins are all within a convenient proximity to one another, dotting the perimeter of the valley.
Willka- T'ika,
An Ideal Setting
Following our one night stay in Cusco, our home base for the remainder of the trip (six nights) will be a highly-sought after retreat center called Willka-T'ika (which means Sacred Flower). Being a short distance from the many ancient Incan sites, including Machu Picchu, Willka T’ika is the perfect haven. The fully-inclusive program includes gourmet vegetarian cuisine prepared with love by Quechua staff, authentic Andean healing arts, access to the award-winning Chakra Gardens, and excursions to Machu Picchu and other Incan sites led by seasoned professional guides.
About Willka Tika
Located at the foot of glacier-topped Andean peaks in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Willka T’ika offers an experience of luxury and wellness in one of the earth’s most energetically charged, culturally rich settings.
Willka T’ika’s sustainable, relaxing guest rooms reflect the textures and colors of Pachamama (“Mother Earth” in the indigenous Quechua language). Spacious yoga studios, cozy meditation cottages, and outdoor and indoor ceremonial areas afford spaces for personal and group activities.
Willka T’ika’s magnificent healing gardens provide the opportunity to relax, restore, rejuvenate, and receive the powerful energy of the Andes. The world-renowned Seven Chakra Gardens cover the grounds with lush vibrant foliage and are connected to each other by enchanting winding stone paths. Each garden is designed to correspond to one of the seven chakras, or energy centers, of the human body.
Yoga Spaces & Meditation Gardens
~experience sacred spaces~
The loving intent that empowers the chakra gardens can be felt. That same purposeful energy also went into creating the yoga spaces, that are filled with sunlight and look out into the gardens. This palpable energy allows you access to the unseen forces that connect us all, making the sacred accessible in a transformative way.
Gourmet Organic Vegetarian Meals
Willka T’ika has the only 100% hormone-free and chemical-free gourmet vegetarian hotel kitchen in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Their gardens are strictly organic.
Nourish your body and spirit with freshly harvested vegetables and salads grown on-site. The Quecha staff creates an exotic yet comforting fusion of Andean flavors using high-protein Andean grains and legumes that leaves you feeling satisfied and delighted.
Vegan, gluten-free, and special dietary requests are welcomed here.
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Unique Andean Therapies
There is a rich array of healing therapies to choose from while at Willka- T'ika. In addition to the more traditional healing treatments such as massage, reflexology, and facials, professional local therapists offer some highly unique treatments that you will not find elsewhere.
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solar baths infused with Andean flowers and medicinal herbs
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Umpina Wasi (sweat lodge) and Hampi Yaku (medicinal plunge pool)
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Coca leaf readings with an authentic Qero shaman/healer
Accomodations
Guest rooms and group spaces are constructed of all-natural local materials, including stone and mud bricks from the Willka T’ika land.
Each room has its own private modern bathroom and entry to the gardens.The welcoming Quechua staff place fresh flowers in each room, and provide hot water bottles for your bed at night.
Single Occupancy
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Garden Single- $3,499
One double bed, ideal for the solo traveler. Conveniently located near reception. -
Luxury Single- $3,799
Offered with a king bed. Provides an abundance of space for the single traveler
All-inclusive Prices
Double Occupancy
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Garden Double- $2,890 per person
Two twin beds accommodate two friends or family members. Conveniently located near reception. -
Luxury Double- $3,099 per person
Offers 2 queen beds. A top pick for friends to share a spacious, tranquil room
A $750 deposit saves your spot/room preference.
Balance due by April 27, 2022.
Triple Occupancy
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Garden Triple- $2,795 per person
Three twin beds in a spacious room provides a comfortable retreat option. -
Luxury Triple- $3,025 per person
A combination of 3 beds allow families and friends to harmonize in Andean luxury
What's Not Included:
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airfare to and from Cusco International Airport
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optional add-on therapies
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alcoholic beverages
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tips and gratuities
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covid test (if required) for re-entry to USA
Important Information:
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CHECK YOUR PASSPORT. Before you are eligible to register, you must confirm that your passport remains valid for 6 months FOLLOWING the retreat's completion.
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Sign up early! This journey has a late sign up fee, so please don't wait until the last minute. There are lots of logistics in visiting these magnificent places that are arranged months in advance.
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There will be a considerable amount of hiking in the Andes Mountains. You must be in adequate physical condition.
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Wi-Fi is available in specific common areas at the retreat center. No televisions are in the guest rooms in order to maintain a healing retreat atmosphere.
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All retreat payments are non-refundable. If, for some reason (read 'Covid') the entire retreat must be cancelled, your payment will be transferred to a future rescheduled retreat.
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A $750 non-refundable deposit (bank transfer) saves your spot. Deposit may be paid via credit card by including an additional 5%.
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Balance due must be paid in full by April 27, 2022.
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A late sign-up fee of $150 will be applied to all sign-ups that occur less than 45 days prior to Retreat Start Date. This fee is also applied to any registrants whose passport details are expired, incomplete or incorrect less than 45 days prior to the
Retreat Start Date.
FAQ'S
Q- Can I pay with a credit card?
A- Yes. But you must add an additional 5% to the price in order to cover the fees.
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Q- Is wine or other adult beverages available at the retreat center?
A- Absolutely! Wine, beer, and an unique Andean cocktail made with pisco are all available for purchase.
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Q- What's the weather like there?
A- With the high mountain altitude, the days can be warm and sunny, and the nights quite chilly, so dressing in layers is recommended.
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Q- I have food allergies. Is that going to be a problem?
A- Not a problem at all. Just alert us and the chef will plan accordingly.
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Q- If I am a solo traveler, but want to do a double/triple occupancy room, how does that work?
A- Believe it or not, many many people come to yoga retreats in this exact same scenario. I will pair you with someone who I feel is a good match for you!
Q- Do I need to know a lot of yoga to go on a yoga retreat?
A- Not in the least. Though some yoga experience is helpful, you can be brand new to yoga and still be the 'right kind of person' to go on a yoga retreat.
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Q- How much yoga will we be doing?
A- The amount of yoga we do depends on the day. If we are doing a lot of hiking, then we do less yoga. If we are relaxing at the retreat center that day, more yoga will be offered.
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Q- Is it required that I attend all of the yoga sessions?
A- No. It is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED that you attend the group sessions, but attending the yoga sessions is purely optional.
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Q- If I have to cancel for some unexpected reason, will I lose all of my money?
A- Life happens. Though it is rare that people have to cancel, from time to time it happens. And since all payments are non-refundable, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel.
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How to Register
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Request a registration form via email.
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Complete and submit your form. NOTE: your registration form is not considered complete without your passport information!
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Make your $750 non-refundable deposit (instructions on how to complete a bank transfer will be emailed to you)
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Look for a confirmation email from Susan that your completed form and payment have been received.
A Note from Susan
For those of you that have been on retreats with me before, you know that I go to great lengths to find exceptional retreat venues, in order to provide the most potent setting that will allow for an incredible and transformative experience.
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When I started researching venues in the Sacred Valley, and came across Willka-T'ika, I had that deep knowing that this place is IT. They have been doing these magical journeys for decades, and are renowned for their expertise and authenticity.
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People come here from all over the world to feel the magic. Now it's our turn!
