DAY 1 Arrival: Cusco to the Sacred Valley - Welcome and Orientation

Welcome to Peru! A great land of mountains, magical vistas, and home to Machu Picchu and the wisdom and wonders of the ancient Incas.

Arrive in the Cusco airport followed by private transfer to the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas. Check in at the Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca, where we will be welcomed by Will Monroe Whittle, who will be hosting our retreat for the next nine days. Time to relax and adjust to the change in altitude while we marvel at the splendor of this beautiful valley. As we take in the Sacred Valley, our home for the next few days, we prepare our bodies and open our minds to the transformative, energizing experiences to follow. 

Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca, Sacred Valley

DAY 2 Sacred Valley of the Incas: Ollantaytambo

Our day begins with a dynamic, interactive presentation/discussion led by Will on the Inca worldview, its relevance to us, and the symbolism of the three levels of existence represented by the puma, snake, and condor. We then make our way to one of the best-preserved Incan villages in Peru, Ollantaytambo, the Sanctuary of the Wind, renowned for its ancient, archeologically significant  fortress/temple. Here we'll explore the incredible story of the Incas as we climb the terrace stairs to the main altar area of the temple and learn about the Mystery of Tunupa. Tunupa, or Wiracocha, is a legendary deity seen as the creator of all things in the Inca culture. We will discover the huge rock formation with his bearded face on the mountains and explore his significance to the Incas. We'll also enjoy opportunities to explore the village with its original Incan waterways, interact with colorfully dressed locals, and perhaps partake in some home-brewed chicha (Andean corn beer)

Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca, Sacred Valley

DAY 3 Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac

Today, after a moving and insightful morning presentation and discussion, we drive into the hills to the picturesque village of Pisac to admire the ancient Inca city remains, including the ancient solar observatory and Temple of the Condor. Here, we explore our connection to the Condor, symbol of the Upper World, and the energy of our own Higher Selves. We will then hike together from the top of the hills down to the city, enjoying the scenic beauty of our surroundings and explore the famous Andean Marketplace held in Pisac's town square. After lunch, we will further explore the area’s treasures and align ourselves for tomorrow's ascent of Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca, Sacred Valley

DAY 4 Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas

After an early breakfast, we'll board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Our train will travel alongside the wild Urubamba River deep into the mountain valleys of the high jungle, surrounded by the snow-covered "Apus" to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the small village at the base of Machu Picchu. Here we will be greeted by representatives from the 5-star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, who will escort us to the hotel. Next, we'll take the spectacular 20-minute bus ride up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. “The Lost City of the Incas” is an inspiring and beautiful sacred site, an architectural wonder, and a great testament to Incan Civilization. Once used as an astronomical observatory, Machu Picchu now attracts visitors from around the world to connect with the sacred energies of this special place. It is a perfect place for us to focus our intent and grow our awareness. We will also be able to enjoy some time for private reflection and exploration with the powerful energies around us before returning to Machu Picchu Pueblo. 

Overnight: Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 5 Machu PicchU: Ascent of Huayna Picchu

This morning we return to Machu Picchu for another inspiring day. Get ready to spend the day exploring the magic of this special place and being fully present in each moment of wonder. Today Will leads a morning  hike up the towering peak of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak), for those able and interested in gaining the perspective of the condor. From the top of the mountain peak we'll look out upon the vast valley floor and embrace the energy emanating from the majestic "Apus" that surround Machu Picchu.  For those who would prefer a less strenuous magical experience, hikes can also be taken to other parts of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The afternoon is free for further exploration of Machu Picchu on your own. Or return to Machu Picchu Pueblo to explore the village, visit the local marketplace or enjoy the surroundings of the hotel.

Overnight: Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo

DAY 6 Machu Picchu to Cusco: Descent to moray

Today we have the morning free to revel in our experience of Machu Picchu, to relax, to go for a hike, or to do some shopping for local handicrafts.  We’ll then take the train back to the Sacred Valley en route to Cusco. On our way, we’ll make a special trip to visit the interesting and enigmatic Inca site of Moray, 600 meters above Urubamba. This ancient site contains unusual Inca ruins, large concentric terraces, and a sunken amphitheater. The circular terraces are thought by some to have been used for agriculture and created as a type of open greenhouse consisting of tropical microclimates. As Moray was also considered the womb of Mother Earth, it was thought to be the best place to initiate healers. Here we will explore the mystery of this site together, in both its physical and symbolic forms, before transferring on to the historic city of Cusco, where we check in to the Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique housed in the heart of the old town.

Overnight: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique, Cusco

DAY 7 Cusco: A Melding of Cultures

After a sumptuous breakfast in Tambo del Arriero Boutique Hotel we will set out on a grand tour of Cusco, the former capital of the once-vast Inca Empire. The city’s Spanish Colonial architecture both overlays and is interlaced with the earlier Incan architecture, making the streets themselves a wonder to behold. Ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone streets add to the historic richness of the ancient Incan capital. We will walk Cusco’s impressive Plaza de Armas, tour its cathedral, and make our way to the Qoricancha, the Inca temple of the sun. Viewed by the Incas as the center point of their universe, the Qoricancha was the most revered of all Incan temples, and its walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. Here we'll wander the courtyard which once housed the legendary Golden Disc of the sun, and gain new insights into the Inca worldview and into ourselves. Afternoon free for visiting museums and exploring the city.    

Overnight: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique, Cusco

DAY 8 Cusco: Sacsayhuaman and Beyond - The Final Ascent

On our final full day in Cusco, we set out to visit the ruins above the city that were considered an essential part of the ancient capital. We start with one of the most impressive of them all, Sacsayhuaman. This is where Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is held during the Summer Solstice. Some of the stones used to build the site weigh over 70 tons yet are fitted so precisely–without the use of mortar–that one cannot slide even the thinnest object between them. Some believe that the site forms the head of a puma or jaguar and that the huge triangulated walls form its teeth, or symbolize lightning.  Here we will reconnect with the "Sacred Trilogy of the Puma, Serpent, and Condor".  As we explore the temple of Sacsayhuamán, known to some as the womb of Pachamama, we will discuss the process of rebirth, and how we might continue to expand on our newfound levels of growing awareness, embrace the Inca tenets of Love, Service, and Wisdom, and go on to live more inspired, purposeful lives. After visiting other sacred sites around the mountain, we return to the city of Cusco and immerse ourselves in the smiles and laughter of the local people. We may also have some free time to visit the colonial cathedrals, archaeology or art museums, or explore the traditional Andean marketplace before celebrating our final night together.

Overnight: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique, Cusco

DAY 9 Return From the Journey: New Perspectives

This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, we transfer to the Cusco airport to catch our flights back home, feeling alive and energized with newfound wisdom and insights and a keen understanding that our adventure is just the beginning...

Sonesta hotel Posadas del inca – Valle Sagrado

Located in the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca is a remodeled 18th-century monastery that retains its original colonial charm. It has ‘plazas’, cobblestone streets, and views of the majestic mountains and Inca platforms. Unwind in the comfortable café plaza, where traditional architecture meets modern comforts after exploring nearby attractions. Enjoy its beautiful colonial chapel, beautiful gardens, INKAFE Restaurant, La Dispensa Trattoria, La Placita del Café Coffee Shop & Ice Cream parlor, Grab & Go Deli, La Pergola Doña Isabel Restaurant, and bar with live music.

Jaya Machu Picchu boutique hotel

This luxurious hotel with mountain and river views offers rooms with jacuzzi and hydromassage, buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rooms are carefully designed and decorated. They have a private bathroom equipped with modern showers, fresh towels and amenities, a desk working area, flat screen television, and air conditioning and heating equipment (on request). Buffet breakfast is enjoyed in a dining room with spectacular panoramic views. Their friendly and helpful staff is available 24 hours a day to assist you with any need, from tourist information to room service. Various types of massages are also available.  

Tambo del arriero hotel boutique, Cusco

This charming colonial boutique hotel is located in the historical center of town, just blocks from the main square of Cusco. It offers spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are decorated with a warm mix of wood and authentic touches that create a cozy atmosphere. They are equipped with LCD TV, an iPod Docking Station, heating and a work desk. Some rooms feature a jacuzzi and a private garden.