Yoga & Andean Culture Retreat in Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

Day one is a group transfer from Cusco airport to a hotel in the historic centre, with a 3pm orientation and an evening walk through San Blas to the Korikancha Temple before a welcome dinner. Day two takes in the Inkan site of Saksaywaman above Cusco, a K'intu blessing, a picnic lunch and the drive to Willka T'ika in the Sacred Valley. From there the week settles into a rhythm of morning yoga, guided excursions and evening meals at the retreat.

What separates this from a standard Machu Picchu tour is the access. The group visits a Quechua mountain school supported by the Willka T'ika Children's Fund, which has worked with high mountain communities since 1995, and takes part in an ayni exchange there. A Q'ero pakko healer visiting from the high Andes leads a coca leaf blessing, a Despacho ceremony and a fire ceremony. The Seven Chakra Gardens at Willka T'ika are toured with a guide, and guests can book Andean spa treatments, solar-heated floral baths under the stars and crystal light therapy.

Carleen teaches the daily yoga classes. The schedule includes an invigorating morning practice on the fire ceremony day, a late afternoon session after P'isaq, a group yoga and journaling session on day six, and restorative yoga on the final full day. On departure morning there is an option for early yoga, meditation or a closing circle before breakfast.

Machu Picchu day starts with an early breakfast and the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, with tea, coffee and a snack served on board. A bus climbs to the site, where a guide leads a tour of the terraces and temples. In the afternoon there is a hike to Inti Punku, the original Incan Gateway to the Sun, or to the Incan bridge, before the train back to Ollantaytambo and the transfer to Willka T'ika for a late light dinner.

The rest of the week covers the ruins and Sun Temple at Ollantaytambo, the Maras Salt Flats as an optional hike, and a guided morning walk to Urubamba through farming neighbourhoods, with stops at a Peruvian market, an alpaca factory and the Seminario ceramics shop. The P'isaq day ends in the town's market square, which is known for woven goods, jewellery, wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork.

Willka T'ika sits between Machu Picchu and Cusco, in one of the most energetically charged places in the Sacred Valley. The property is described as Peru's premier luxury wellness retreat and boutique hotel and the original yoga centre of the Sacred Valley. Yoga takes place in spacious, sun-filled studios, and the Quechua staff help guests schedule spa services and use of the yoga, meditation and ceremonial spaces.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation (1 night in Cusco, 6 nights at Willka T'ika) - Daily yoga classes taught by Carleen - Private local guides - All transfers, trains and bus tickets - Group shuttle to and from Cusco Airport - Organic gourmet vegetarian meals daily when at Willka T'ika - Guided tour around the Seven Chakra Gardens - Authentic Andean offering and fire ceremony with a 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 store

What's not included

- Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Tips - Spa treatments - Travel insurance - Flights to Cusco - Private transfers (if your flights do not line up with the group transfer times) - Meals not included in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages