RETREAT OVERVIEW
Discover the magic of Peru’s Sacred Valley with Mountain Yoga Sandy and the Synergy team. This family-friendly exploration of Peru’s Sacred Valley combines excursions focused on adventure, the arts, relaxation/self-care and of course sumptuous Peruvian meals.
Our journey begins in the Andean city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. From Cusco we travel to Hotel La Casona de Yucay, surrounded by the splendor of the Andes. During our stay at Casona Yucay, guests will enjoy nutritious meals at the hotel’s stunning Restorante Tikka as well as its wonderful amenities including a swimming pool; a jacuzzi; and therapeutic massages.
With 17 years of experience curating retreats in the region, the leadership team has organized an exceptional itinerary that balances spectacular adventures with relaxation and treatments at our boutique hotel. All the while we’ll absorb the high energetic frequencies of the Sacred Valley!
OFFERINGS
- Machu Pichu
- Visit and bathe in Perolniyoc Waterfall
- The Salt Mines of Maras
- Presentation on traditional Inca/Quechua weaving techniques by the Chincheros Women's Workshop
- The Urubamba Farmers Market and an exploration of Incan agriculture and medicine
- Kayak excursion at Huaypo Lagoon
- Ceramics workshop at the internationally renowned Semenario Ceramics
- Yoga Classes
- Thai Bodywork Workshop
What's Included
- Accommodation at Hotel La Casona de Yucay
- Transfers to/from the Cusco airport
- All entrance fees to Inca sites
- Kayaking Equipment
- Ceramic Arts Workshop Material
- All meals (3 meals a day, *except lunch at Machu Picchu, which is paid by guests)
- All yoga classes and movement workshops.
- All logistics and travel expenses (within Cusco and the Sacred Valley)
What's not Included
- Plane tickets
- Alcoholic beverages (Casona Yucay has a bar that’s operational during working hours)
- Lunch at Machu Pichu
RETREAT SCHEDULE
Guests will be picked up at the Cusco Airport by our staff, coordinated by our transportation manager, Wilbert Palomino. From the airport, our group will head to Hotel Casona Yucay in the Sacred Valley, approximately 90 minutes from Cusco.
- Opening Circle
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
- Guests may book a massage or cocoa leaf reading or enjoy the jacuzzi
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Lunch at Casona Yucay
- Partner Yoga and Thai Massage workshop led by Francisco
Partner Yoga is a practice in which participants work in pairs supporting each other in a series of movements designed to open the body and create connections. Thai Massage is a traditional therapy that combines acupressure, stretching, and kneading movements. The practice dates back to the time of Buddha (approximately 500 BC).
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Bus ride to Seminario Ceramics Center
- Seminario Ceramics Workshop
- Walk to Urubamba Farmer’s Market
- Walk to Tierra Restaurant
- Bus ride back to Casona Yucay
- Yoga
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
After breakfast, we visit the Seminario Ceramics Center, founded by internationally acclaimed artist Pablo Seminario, whose work is featured at the Chicago Art Museum and Smithsonian. Alongside his wife Marilú, he has preserved and revitalized Inca ceramic traditions. In this two-hour hands-on workshop, participants learn pre-Columbian painting techniques and create their own designs on raw ceramic plates.
We then walk to the Urubamba Farmers Market, a vibrant open market showcasing indigenous fruits, superfoods, chocolate, and coffee. Here, agriculture’s deep ties to Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess, come alive. The outing concludes with lunch at Tierra restaurant, which offers exquisite Peruvian cuisine.
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Take vans to the summit of Perolniyoc Waterfall
- Hike down the trail to the waterfall
- Lunch at restaurant within Perolniyoc park
- Bus back to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
Perolniyoc Waterfall is one of the Sacred Valley’s hidden gems. Cascading 100 meters, the falls are surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. We’ll take vans towards the waterfall and descend the trail on foot, stopping for a refreshing bath beneath the waterfall en route. The site also includes Inca ruins of Raqaypata, offering a fascinating glimpse of history alongside nature’s beauty. The descent down the mountain is approximately one hour. This excursion weaves together nature, archaeology, and culture—an unforgettable way to connect more deeply with the spirit of the Andes.
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Travel to Huaypo Lagoon
- Kayak at Huaypo Lagoon
- Gourmet Lunch at Huaypo Lagoon
- Travel from Huaypo to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
Prepare to be WOWed by an amazing kayaking excursion followed by a phenomenal five course meal on the stunning Huaypo lagoon! Our outfitter has professional quality kayaking gear and some of the best chefs in the region. Local wine and pisco sours will be served as we wind down under canvas tents by the breathtaking lagoon and enjoy a well earned meal.
The crystal blue Huaypo Lagoon is an amazing landscape and has several folkloric stories connected to Inca culture. According to legend, the sun god asked Manco Capac for his twin children to accompany him at sunset. When they went to look for them, they discovered that the son had become the Huaypo lagoon and the daughter turned into the Piuray lagoon. Huaypo is the manifestation of the son of the Inca.
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Drive to Chinchero – presentation of traditional Inca weaving technology and visit the Chinchero workshop
- We’ll stop at the Salt Mines of Maras en route to Chinchero.
- Drive to Don Angel Restaurant and lunch
- Return by bus from Chinchero to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
On the 6th day, we visit the Chinchero Artisan’s Weaving Workshop. The weavers will give us a presentation about their traditional dyeing techniques and the ancient stories that inspire their designs. These images pay homage to the natural elements and the universal balance between feminine and masculine energies. Chinchero is known for its preservation of Inca culture despite attempts by the Spanish to “civilize” and reform its traditions. Residents of Chinchero have passed down ancestral Inca textile knowledge from generation to generation. This includes the use of traditional looms, herbs and plants for dyeing, and designs that reflect cultural values of the Inca.
Don Angel is one of our favorite restaurants in the valley. The buffet boasts a broad range of Peruvian staples in addition to international dishes like sushi, pasta, and a lovely salad bar.
- Bus from Casona Yucay to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (guests pay for lunch)
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
At Synergy, we love the aphorism, “the journey is the destination”. Our ride to Machu Picchu through the lush jungle, aboard the Vistadome train, reflects these words. The picturesque journey, with panoramic views, includes live Andean music and a traditional folk dance performance. During our guided tour of the sacred site, we will delve into the significance of Machu Picchu within Inca society and discover the fascinating methods used in its construction. This day will be an unforgettable experience in the Lost City of the Incas.
- Morning Yoga Class
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Optional community volunteer activity
- Lunch at Casona Yucay
- Breathwork and Yoga Nidra workshop
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
- Bonfire and Closing Circle with Live Music
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Travel to Cusco Airport after breakfast
- Optional walking tour of Cusco City & market
July 27 – 29: River Rafting Excursion through Apurimac Canyon
The Apurimac Canyon is considered one of the deepest in Peru and one of the best places for rafting trips in the world. The Black Canyon section is characterized by its numerous white-sand beaches, long stretches of calm, crystal-clear water, and fun Class III and IV rapids. We’ll have the chance to see condors, deer, river otters, foxes, and various types of birds.
This trip is ideal for those with little river experience who are willing to experience an adventure in contact with nature, without too much difficulty but with the necessary dose of action and adrenaline. Children ages 12 and up are welcome. The excursion will be facilitated by Experiencia Munaycha – an outdoor outfitter that Synergy has collaborated with over the years and has more than 30 years experience leading excursions in the Sacred Valley.
July 27: Walking Tour of Cusco City
Explore Cusco on foot, wandering cobblestone streets lined with Inca walls and colonial architecture. Visit lively plazas, colorful markets, and sacred temples while uncovering stories of the Inca Empire and Spanish conquest. A guided walk brings Cusco’s history vividly alive. Guests should book their flights to leave Cusco no earlier than 4pm if they’re participating in this excursion.
Planning for the retreat
We suggest buying your flight from your home city to Cusco. There will be a layover at the Lima Airport. Hopefully your layover is not too long; but if it’s overnight, Lima has a lovely airport hotel.
Once you connect to your domestic flight from Lima to Cusco, we will be at the Cusco Airport to pick you up.
If you’d like to arrive a couple of days early and spend time in Lima, the coastal capital of Perú, please let us know and we will arrange transportation for you and can connect you with our favorite spots in the city.
Travel insurance can be purchased by guests who feel more comfortable having coverage in case of any unforeseen travel challenges.
Temperatures in Cusco typically fluctuate daily. Evening time is chilly and daytime is usually sunny and warm. Layering is the key. Here’s what we recommend you bring:
- A light down vest or jacket
- Long undershirts & underwear (for Rainbow Mountain)
- At least one heavy sweater but remember, Peru has some of the best and coziest sweaters in the world made from alpaca wool!
- Hiking boots for the Perolniyoc Waterfall hike
- A daypack for all of the day trips
- A rain shell just in case
- A water bottle
- An empty duffle bag to carry all of your beautiful garments and artwork back home!
Gratuities are not included in the price of your retreat. Gratuities for the staff that will be taking care of you all week is recommended $10 per day per person & will be collected on the last evening of the retreat. Gratuities for shuttle drivers & guides that will be taking you to and from all of your amazing destinations is recommended at $2-5 per transfer. Please give gratuities directly to the drivers and guides following their service.
There is at ATM conveniently located 10 minutes from our host hotel. We advise you that you travel with $200 – $300 USD, which can be exchanged in Urubamba where we’ll be staying. Advise your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be traveling prior to leaving your home country to avoid restrictions. Some shopping can be done with a credit card and some will require cash (Peruvian Soles), including tips. We will visit an ATM and/or cash exchange store at least twice during the retreat.
PERU PHOTOS
