RETREAT OVERVIEW
Hosts: Francisco Morales-Bermudez and Salim Rollins
Dates: 2nd – 12th August 2024
Venue: Sacred Valley & Ausangate Mountain (Andes), Peru
Greetings all, Francisco Morales-Bermudez & Salim Rollins are delighted to invite you to the journey of a lifetime – a trekking journey through the Ausangate mountain range in the Peruvian Andes! Ausangate is one of the sacred mountains or Apus of the Inca people. The journey consists of a 5-day/4-night trek through Ausangate; 6 nights at Willka T’ika Wellness Retreat & Boutique Hotel in the Sacred Valley; a tour of Machu Picchu historic sanctuary; optional spa treatments & spiritual readings (including massage, herbal bath, and cocoa leaf reading); optional day trips in the Sacred Valley; yoga and Thai massage workshops.
OFFERINGS
- Hotel Housing & Boutique Camping (during trek)
- All Meals during the Trek & at the Hotel (except one lunch & one dinner)
- Guided Trek through the Ausangate Mountain (5 Days/4 Nights)
- Machu Picchu Entrance & Train Fees
- Yoga Classes
- Transportation within Peru
WHAT TO BRING
- Backpack that doesnt exceed 12KG or 27lbs
- Small day pack
- Trekking Shoes
- Comfortable sandals or shoes for the campsite
- Bathing suit for the hot springs
- Hiking and/or Sweatpants
- Thermal (long) underwear
- Down jacket
- Wool or cotton winter hat/beanie
- Gloves
- Thermal socks
- Yoga wear
- Sweater
- Sleeping bag & sleeping pad are included
THE TREKKING JOUNEY
The trekking portion of the journey will be facilitated by Experienced Munaycha, a boutique trekking outfitter with more than 20 years of experience leading groups through the Andes. All meals will be prepared by their phenomenal cooking staff. Meals can accommodate all dietary needs. Guest’s bags, tents and sleeping bags will be carried on horseback by our tour guides. Tents and sleeping bags will be prepared by the outfitter. Our goal is to make the trek as accessible and comfortable as possible and enable participants to enjoy the scenic experience of the surrounding glaciers; lagoons; indigenous animals including llamas and alpacas, and the Quechua people who have lived in the region for millenia.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
Day 1 - August 2nd
The Synergy team will pick up guests at the Cusco airport and take them to Willka T’ika Wellness Retreat & Boutique Hotel. Dinner will be served at Willka T’ika. Willka T’ika will be our home hotel for the journey. Guests may leave any items they don’t need during the trekking portion of the trip at Willka T’ika.
Day 2 - August 3rd
The second day of the journey is dedicated to rest, relaxation and acclimating to the Sacred Valley while enjoying the stunning Willka T’ika Wellness Retreat & Boutique Hotel. The day will start with morning yoga for those who want to practice, followed by breakfast.
Day 3 - August 4th
On the third day, we begin our trek through Ausangate Mountain. Following an early breakfast, our trekking outfitter will pick us up at Willka T’ika and drive us through the stunning Andes to the base of Ausangate mountain. From the foot of the mountain, we’ll begin our ascent, arriving at Upis hot springs where our guides will set up the campsite.
Day 4 - August 5th
On our second day of the trek, the group will ascend Ausangate to the glacial lagoons of Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha y Qomercocha. These multi-colored lagoons (red, turquoise and green) sit in the valley of Ausangate. Our guides will set up the campsite for the night at Ausangate Cocha.
Day 5 - August 6th
As we continue the trek on day three, our group will visit a picturesque mountain that’s similar to Rainbow Mountain (Vinikunka). We’ll then descend the valley to Uchuy Finaya y Pampacancha - a site where wild llamas & alpacas graze & roam free. Trekking Time: 3 hours
Day 6 - August 7th
We will spend the day at Q’ampa, surrounded by lagoons in the high Andes. This is an area where we may see Andean deer grazing and galloping. This may be a perfect day for a group yoga or movement class. No Trekking
Day 7 - August 8th
The final day of the trek is a descent to Pacchanta where we will soak in hot springs and enjoy our final moments with Ausangate. Our van will meet us at the base of the mountain and take us to Willka T’ika. Trekking Time: 2 hours
Day 8 - August 9th
Having experienced the majesty of the sacred Andes and being settled back in the Sacred Valley, the journey shifts its focus to an exploration of traditional and contemporary Peruvian art. Following a morning yoga practice, our group drives 45 minutes to Chincheros. The community of Chincheros is a collective of women who maintain traditional Incan weaving technology. At their workshop the women will show us their methods for spinning alpaca wool and making dyes from natural elements. They will also share stories of the significance of their weaving patterns. Following Chincheros, we’ll visit the workshop of world renowned ceramic artist, Pablo Seminario. Seminario uses ancient Incan ceramic technology to create innovative contemporary work. Both workshops have affordable products for sale and guests are encouraged to purchase items for themselves, friends and/or family.
Day 9 - August 10th
Machu PicChu! We will rise up early to take the Inca Rail train through the jungle to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu mountain. A tour guide will lead the group through the sacred site sharing insight into the function and social structure of Machu Picchu. After the tour we’ll have a delicious lunch in Aguas Calientes then head back to Willka T’ika to relax for a couple of hours before dinner.
Day 10 - August 11th
Day ten is dedicated to rest, relaxation and reflection. After morning yoga and breakfast, guests may choose to book a massage, an herbal bath and/or a coca leaf reading. Those who are feeling more active or want to do some shopping are welcome to take a moto taxi 10 minutes to the town of Urubamba where there are numerous boutique shops, restaurants and the Seminario workshop. Yes, the workshop has so many beautiful and affordable items that folks may need a second look! Breakfast and dinner are served at Willka T’ika. Lunch will be organized by guests - there’s a phenomenal hacienda style market next to the hotel with numerous restaurants (Asian; Peruvian; Italian; Bistro) or lunch can be pre-ordered at Willka T’ika.
Day 11 - August 12th
We will have breakfast together then take the group to the airport. For those whose flights are later in the day we will spend the day in the historic city of Cusco. A historic walking tour of Cusco is available for guests who fly out of Cusco at a later time.
GUIDED TREK PHOTOS
