Peruvian Yoga Retreat and Cultural Journey:
November 20 - 28, 2010
This Andean cultural journey combined with a yoga retreat sets the stage for a profound cultural and personal experience. Based out of the Pisac Inn in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the woven itinerary, accommodations, and meals celebrate the Andean perspective. Your participation directly supports sustainable efforts to preserve traditional Andean culture.
Admire sacred archeological sites, colorful markets, breathtaking scenery, and delve into the rich culture of the Quechua Indians, the Inca descendants, in a very personal relationship with the land, the people, and their customs. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to Cusco, capital of the vast Inca State, known as the navel of the ancestral world, and, of course, a day of marveling at Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world! One event that makes the trip truly unique is a visit to the traditional highland community of Amaru, where we will participate in their communal workday, share a meal, enjoy weaving demonstrations, music and dancing – a cultural exchange that deepens the appreciation of Quechua history and social life.
The daily yoga practice can range from an invigorating Ashtanga Vinyasa sequence, to a restorative Iyengar-inspired session, depending on the other activities of the day, and the needs of the group.
We invite you to deepen your yoga practice in the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas and experience this rare opportunity for authentic social interaction, personal comfort and cultural participation.
Peruvian Yoga Retreat and Cultural Journey Tentative Itinerary:
Saturday 11/20/10 – Arrival at Cusco airport, scenic drive to Pisac Inn, lunch, rest, acclimate, and explore cobblestone streets and plaza of Pisac. Late afternoon yoga followed by dinner and evening reception at Pisac Inn.
Sunday 11/21/10 – Breakfast, hike or drive to Pisac ruins, pic-nic lunch, exploration of archeological site, yoga on site. Afternoon free for shopping at Pisac Sunday market. Dinner at Pisac Inn.
Monday 11/22/10 – Morning yoga and breakfast. Leisurely drive to visit the ancient baths of Tambomachay, the temple of Kenko and the astronomic calendar of Sacsayhuaman. Lunch out in Cusco*. Visit the Plaza de Armas and pre-Columbian Inca temple Koricancha. Return to Pisac. Dinner at Pisac Inn. A very authentic traditional music and dance presentation with Winay Taki Ayllu: a celebration honoring the ritual Inca agrarian calendar.
Tuesday 11/23/10 - Breakfast, scenic drive into the high Andes and walk to the traditional community of Amaru. Participate in a communal workday. Traditional lunch, music, dancing, and spinning and weaving demonstration. Wonderful opportunity to purchase textiles directly from the weavers. Return to Pisac for restorative yoga session and dinner.
Wednesday 11/24/10 – Morning and afternoon yoga sessions. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Pisac Inn. Free day to either tour the Kusi Kawsay Elementary School in Pisac, or return to Cusco on your own*. Other optional activities available*: Massage, sweat lodge ceremony, traditional Andean coca offering ceremony.
Thursday 11/25/10 – Early morning train ride to Aguas Calientes. Thanksgiving day to explore the extensive ceremonial site of Machu Picchu. Pic-nic and yoga in site. Dinner out* and overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Friday 11/26/10 – Breakfast, train ride to Ollantaytambo. Explore the impressive archeological site and quaint town of Ollantaytambo. Lunch out*. Return to Pisac for afternoon yoga and dinner at Pisac Inn.
Saturday 11/27/10 – Morning and afternoon yoga sessions. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Pisac Inn. Free day to either tour the Kusi Kawsay Elementary School in Pisac, or return to Cusco on your own*. Other optional activities available*: Massage, sweat lodge ceremony, traditional Andean coca offering ceremony. Farewell diner followed by live traditional music and dancing celebration.
Sunday 11/28/10 – Early morning yoga session, breakfast, and return to Cusco for departing flight.
*Not included in tour price.
Price:
The cost of $1850. includes accommodation, delicious home cooked, healthy meals (vegetarian available), transportation upon arrival in Cusco, guidance through and entrance fees to historical sites, and all yoga classes. Not included in this price is: airfare, airport taxes, travel insurance, gratuities, meals eaten out, and other personal expenses.
Price is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is an additional $325. For families traveling together, there is a discount for children under 12 and for family members not participating in the yoga classes.
To register for this Peruvian cultural journey and yoga retreat a $600 deposit is required before September 20, 2010. Please contact Sonya for registration:
VisitPisac Inn for more information about accommodation, and Peru Cultural Journeys for more information about your hosts, Fielding Wood-Vizcarra and Roman Vizcarra.
Admire sacred archeological sites, colorful markets, breathtaking scenery, and delve into the rich culture of the Quechua Indians, the Inca descendants, in a very personal relationship with the land, the people, and their customs. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to Cusco, capital of the vast Inca State, known as the navel of the ancestral world, and, of course, a day of marveling at Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world! 
One event that makes the trip truly unique is a visit to the traditional highland community of Amaru, where we will participate in their communal workday, share a meal, enjoy weaving demonstrations, music and dancing – a cultural exchange that deepens the appreciation of Quechua history and social life.