RETREAT OVERVIEW
Discover the magic of Peru’s Sacred Valley with Mountain Yoga Sandy and the Synergy team. 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 their 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 Picchu
- Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
- Maras Salt Flats
- A presentation on traditional Inca/Quechua weaving techniques by the Chincheros Womens Workshop
- The Urubamba Farmers Market and an exploration of Inca agriculture and medicine
- Semanario Ceramics Center
- Peruvian cuisine
- Yoga & Workshops
- Interactive Thai Bodywork Workshop
- Partner Stretching Workshop
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Transfers to/from the airport
- All entry fees to the Inca sites
- All meals (3 meals a day, *except lunch at Machu Picchu, which is paid by guests)
- All yoga & movement workshops
- All logistics and travel expenses from arrival to departure in Cusco
What's not Included
- Plane tickets
- Lunch at Machu Picchu
- Alcoholic beverages (Casona Yucay has a bar that’s operational during working hours)
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 the Urubamba Farmer’s Market and market tour
- Walk to Seminario Ceramics Center and guided tour of the center
- Lunch at Tierra Restaurant, across from Seminario Ceramics Center
- Bus ride back to Casona Yucay
- Yoga
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
After breakfast, we will travel 10 minutes to the Urubamba Farmers Market, which offers a variety of delicacies, including superfoods such as maca, unique indigenous fruits and vegetables, chocolate, and local coffee, among others. Our time at the market is an essential part of understanding Inca/Quechua culture. Agriculture is a fundamental pillar of Andean culture, expressed through its reverence for the divine feminine energy of Pachamama. Following our visit to the market, we will walk fifteen minutes to the Seminario Ceramics Center. Co-founder and internationally renowned artist Pablo Seminario has a permanent exhibition at the Chicago Art Museum. Additionally, his work is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. . Pablo and his wife, Marilú have played a pivotal role in preserving and revitalizing Inca ceramic art and technology.
- Depart for Rainbow Mountain/Vinicunca.
- Breakfast at a restaurant en route to Rainbow Mountain.
- Hike Rainbow Mountain/Vinicunca.
- Depart Rainbow Mountain.
- Lunch at Café Colca Vinicunca.
- Bus ride to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is a majestic experience for those visiting the Andes. Surrounded by glacial peaks, the mountain’s indescribable beauty displays multiple colors. Since this will be the highest altitude of the retreat, some guests will be able to make the hike on foot, while others will be able to ascend the mountain on horseback to the summit (17,000 feet). The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours round trip and the distance to the summit is 2.5 miles.
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Lunch at Casona Yucay
- Afternoon Yoga
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
The day after our Rainbow Mountain hike is dedicated to rest and relaxation. It will be a free day to enjoy massages, the jacuzzi, and/or visit the towns of Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Drive to the Maras Salt Mines and tour the mines
- Drive to Don Angel Restaurant and lunch
- Drive to Chinchero – presentation of traditional Inca weaving technology and visit the Chinchero workshop
- Return by bus from Chinchero to Casona Yucay
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
On the 6th day, we explore the Maras Salt Mines and the Chinchero Artisans Weaving Workshop. The famous Maras Salt Mines date back to pre-Incan times and are still in operation today. This ancient technology uses natural saltwater springs, which are channeled into terraced ponds, known as “cochas” in Quechua, stabilized by retaining walls. Visitors will learn about the history, science, and communal organization of the mines. They will also be able to purchase some of the most healing and delicious salts in the world directly from the guardians of Maras. After lunch, we will head to the Inca/Quechua weavers’ workshop in the village of Chinchero. Here, the artisans 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 their 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.
- 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
- Lunch at Casona Yucay
- Reflection & Integration Workshop
- Dinner at Casona Yucay
- Bonfire and Closing Circle with Live Music
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast at Casona Yucay
- Travel to Cusco Airport after breakfast
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 nice airport hotel. Here is the link:
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/lima-peru/wyndham-costa-del-sol-lima-airport/overview
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 Francisco 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
- Long underwear
- At least one heavy sweater but remember, Peru has some of the best and coziest sweaters in the world made from alpaca wool!
- 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 an 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.
If a participant needs to cancel prior to April 25th, 2026, we will hold the full deposit towards a future event. After April 25th, 2026 50% of the deposit will be held for a future event hosted by Mountain Yoga Sandy or Synergy.
PERU PHOTOS
