Peru Retreat for Sensitive Souls
A gentle journey through the Sacred Valley, with Machu Picchu, meaningful cultural experiences, and the space to absorb the beauty and awe
May 1–9, 2027 · Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru Retreat for Sensitive Souls
A gentle journey through the Sacred Valley, with Machu Picchu, meaningful cultural experiences, and the space to absorb the beauty and awe
May 1-9, 2027
Sacred Valley, Peru
An 9-day / 8-night journey into the cultural traditions & archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley.
Save 10% when you book before October 31st.
An Experience That Will Stay With You
Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but there’s so much more to the Sacred Valley, from dramatic mountain landscapes and ancient Inca sites to living cultural traditions.
The people who bring this retreat to life, from our guides and drivers to our retreat host and chef, are all native to Peru.
With our trusted guides, you’ll visit incredible Inca sites and learn about Andean food, farming, and weaving through hands-on experiences.
You’ll stay at a locally-owned retreat center beside a crystal-clear mountain stream, with daily yoga, homemade Peruvian meals, and time to relax in the gardens.
We approach this retreat with humility and care, guided by the reciprocity that is central to everyday life for many people here. If you want to travel in relationship with a place and its people, not as a consumer of it, this retreat is for you.
What You’ll Experience:
Yoga in the Andes: Start each day with a practice that grounds you in your body and connects you to the land.
Machu Picchu: Experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a guided day trip to this extraordinary Inca citadel.
Farm + Feast: Learn about Andean farming and foods at the farm of one of our guides. Then share a traditional pachamanca lunch of foods cooked in the earth.
Ancient Inca Sites: Visit centuries-old terraced salt pans and other breath-taking archaeological sites.
From Fiber to Cloth: Learn the process of Andean weaving from alpaca wool and natural dyes to the finished textile.
Room to Roam: Hike to a nearby waterfall, soak in the jacuzzi, or venture out to other special places in your free time.
Join us on a 9-day / 8-night journey into the cultural traditions and archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley.
Save 10% when you book before October 31st.
An Experience That Will Stay With You
Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but there’s so much more to the Sacred Valley, from dramatic mountain landscapes and ancient Inca sites to living cultural traditions.
The people who bring this retreat to life, from our guides and drivers to our retreat host and chef, are all native to Peru.
With our trusted guides, you’ll visit incredible Inca sites and learn about Andean food, farming, and weaving through hands-on experiences.
You’ll stay at a locally-owned retreat center beside a crystal-clear mountain stream, with daily yoga, homemade Peruvian meals, and time to relax in the gardens.
We approach this retreat with humility and care, guided by the reciprocity that is central to everyday life for many people here. If you want to travel in relationship with a place and its people, not as a consumer of it, this retreat is for you.
What You’ll Experience:
Yoga in the Andes: Start each day with a practice that grounds you in your body and connects you to the land.
Machu Picchu: Experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a guided day trip to this extraordinary Inca citadel.
Farm + Feast: Learn about Andean farming and foods at the farm of one of our guides. Then share a traditional pachamanca lunch of foods cooked in the earth.
Ancient Inca Sites: Visit centuries-old terraced salt pans and other breath-taking archaeological sites.
From Fiber to Cloth: Learn the process of Andean weaving from alpaca wool and natural dyes to the finished textile.
Room to Roam: Hike to a nearby waterfall, soak in the jacuzzi, or venture out to other special places in your free time.
At a Glance
Location
Arín, Calca (1 hr, 40 min from Cusco)
Accommodation
Private or shared rooms, all ensuite
Trip Length
8 nights / 9 days
(Sat-Sun)
Activity Level
Mild to Moderate
(see FAQs)
Group Size
8-12 participants
Retreat Cost
Before 10/31: $2340-$3015 p.p. (then $2600-$3350)
At a Glance
Location
Arín, Calca in Peru’s Sacred Valley
(1 hr, 40 min from CUZ)
Accommodations
Private or shared rooms, all ensuite
Trip Length
8 nights / 9 days
Sat-Sun
Activity Level
Mild to Moderate
(see FAQs)
Group Size
8-12 participants
Cost
Before 10/31: $2340-$3015 p.p.
(then $2600-$3350)
The Land + Space
A Sanctuary in the Sacred Valley
Tucked into the peaceful village of Arín, you’ll stay at an intimate retreat center surrounded by the dramatic Andes mountains.
Nine ensuite rooms across 5 houses, offer a range of options from private casitas to shared accommodations.
The Peruvian owner, Noemí lives onsite and offers a warm, personal approach to hospitality.
Arín is about 1 hr, 45 min from Cusco. More info about arrival in the FAQs.
Special Amenities & Spaces to Explore
The grounds, which will be private for our group, offer:
- La Maloka for yoga and gathering
- Jacuzzi that fits up to 12-people
- Japanese soaking tub
- Sauna with eucalyptus
- Fire circle under a glass dome
- Gardens & mountain stream with many areas to relax
When you feel like venturing out, it’s a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. A couple of cafés are within easy reach.
Savoring the Flavors of Peruvian Gastronomy
The resident chef will prepare a variety of dishes at the retreat, and you’ll have opportunities to sample regional foods during our excursions.
We’ll share a traditional pachamanca feast at our guide’s farm. This ancient tradition involves cooking meat, potatoes, corn, and other vegetables underground using heated stones.
Dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice. Meals will include vegetarian options, as well as chicken and fish.
Retreat Itinerary
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Day 1 · Arrive to the Sacred Valley
12:00 pm · Shared shuttle from CUZ
2:00 pm · Check in and relax
4:00 pm · Yoga to ground & unwind
5:00 pm · Opening circle
6:45 pm · Welcome dinner
Arrive in the Sacred Valley, settle into your room, and rest after your travels. Later, you’ll be welcome to gather for a gentle yoga practice before we officially welcome one another and share our first meal together. Please arrive in time for our opening circle at 5:00pm.
*See Getting to the Retreat in the FAQs for more info about flights & transportation.
Day 2: Farm Tour + Pachamanca
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
10:00 am · Farm tour & pachamanca (10a-3p)
3:00 pm · Free time
5:00 pm · Sunset yoga & reflection
6:45 pm · Dinner
Wake up in the embrace of the Andes with sunrise yoga. After a fresh breakfast, we’ll drive (35 min) to meet one of our guides, Valentin, at his childhood home and farm to learn about the region’s native plants and farming practices. Then, we’ll enjoy a traditional pachamanca, an incredible feast of local foods cooked in the earth. When we return, you’ll have time to relax. A restorative yoga class will be offered before dinner.
Day 3 - Free Time + Weaving with Lucia
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
9:00 am · Free time (option to hike to waterfall)
1:00 pm · Lunch onsite
3:00 pm · Weaving with Lucia (onsite, 2 hours)
5:30 pm · Sunset yoga
6:45 pm · Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy unstructured time as you wish. Rest in the garden or hike to the nearby waterfall. Lunch will be provided onsite. Later in the afternoon, a local weaver, Lucia, will come to the retreat center to show how they spin alpaca wool, make natural dyes from plants, and create the vibrant textiles you see all over the valley.
Day 4: Pisac Ruins + Market
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
10 am – 4pm · Pisac
5:30 pm · Sunset yoga
6:45 pm · Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the archaeological site of Pisac. We’ll begin with a guided explanation of these remarkable terraced Inca ruins perched high in the mountains. Then, you’ll have the option to hike downhill for approximately 1.5-2 hours along a section of an original Inca trail. The route is full of fascinating surprises, including a tunnel built by the Incas and one of the largest Inca cemeteries. If you prefer not to hike, you can ride down to town and spend time exploring Pisac’s colorful handicraft market, cafés, and charming streets. If time permits, we’ll wrap up the day with yoga before dinner.
Day 5: Ancient Terraces + Salt Pans
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
10 am-4pm · Moray + Maras
6:45 pm · Dinner
Today, we’ll visit two of the region’s most remarkable sites. At Moray, we’ll learn about the impressive circular Inca terraces, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. Then, we’ll continue to the salt terraces of Maras, a striking mosaic of salt pools cascading down the mountainside. Here, families have harvested salt using traditional methods for generations, making this a living part of Andean heritage. We’ll return to the retreat later in the afternoon with time to rest (no yoga) before dinner).
Day 6: Free Time
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
9am-5pm · Free time (lunch on your own)
5:00 pm · Sunset yoga & reflection
6:45 pm · Dinner
After yoga and breakfast, the day is yours to relax before we embark on our journey to Machu Picchu tomorrow. Relax in the gardens, head to the waterfall, or we can help you arrange an excursion. You may choose to have lunch at one of several cafes within walking distance.
Day 7: Machu Picchu
7:30 am · Van to Ollantaytambo (packed breakfast)
9 am · Train to Aguas Calientes
11 am · Lunch in Aguas Calientes
1 pm· Bus to Machu Picchu
2-5 pm · Machu Picchu
5-5:30 pm · Bus to Aguas Calientes
6:15 pm: Train to Ollantaytambo (dinner on the train)
8-9pm · Van to Retreat
Today we start early to make the journey to Machu Picchu. We’ll travel by scenic train along the Urubamba River before spending the afternoon at Machu Picchu with a guided tour and time to continue at your own pace. It’s a full day, with an early departure and evening return to the retreat center, but we’ve planned the day to balance this iconic experience with time to enjoy some of the other special places in the Sacred Valley. See What to Expect at Machu Picchu in the FAQs below for details about the elevation, terrain, and timing.
Day 8: Free Time
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
9am – 5pm · Free time (sound bath, jacuzzi, sauna, massage)
4:00 pm · Sunset yoga & reflection
5:00 pm · Closing circle
6:45 pm · Dinner
The day is yours to spend as you wish. Get a massage or soak in the jacuzzi. For those who book the optional sound bath, this will likely be held before lunch or in the late afternoon. We’ll have yoga and closing circle in the late afternoon, followed by our final dinner together.
Day 9: Return to Cusco
7:00 am · Sunrise yoga
8:30 am · Breakfast
11:00 am · Check-out / shuttle to Cusco (2 hrs)
We’ll come together for one last yoga session. After breakfast, a shared shuttle will take you to Cusco (city and airport). You’ll arrive in Cusco around 1:00. We recommend spending this final night in Cusco to visit the city and returning home the following day. If you choose to fly out this day, plan for your flight to depart after 4:00pm to be safe.
What’s Included
- Airport transfers — shared shuttle to/from Cusco
- 8 nights lodging — in the Sacred Valley
- 3 meals per day — except for 2–3 lunches
- Daily yoga classes — 1–2 sessions per day
- Machu Picchu full day with expert guides
- Farm tour & pachamanca traditional feast
- Hands-on weaving demonstration
- Pisac Ruins & Town — guided day trip
- Moray Ruins & Maras Salt Flats — guided day trip
- All guide services for included excursions
- All entrance tickets for included excursions
- All ground transport for included excursions
- Reflection circles — 2–4 facilitated sessions
- Meet & Greet pre-retreat via Zoom
- Private group chat for travelers to connect
- Trip planning packet with checklists
- Sauna & jacuzzi — one complimentary session
Not Included:
- Flights to and from CUZ Airport
- 2-3 lunches on excursion days
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips for staff & guides (~$80-120 total)
- Additional activities, massages, etc.
*See the “Getting to the Venue“ in the FAQs below for information about flights and airport transfers.
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Optional Add-On: Sound Bath
$35 per person for a group session
Available as an add-on during registration
My friend, Gonzalo, creates a beautiful and intentional sound bath, and I’d love for you to experience a session with him in Peru.
If there’s enough interest, he’ll lead a group session (about 90 min) at the retreat on our last full day.
Gonzalo Basavilbaso is a musician and luthier originally from Argentina. He has spent over 15 years making instruments, researching sound, and offering therapeutic sound baths. Through carefully selected sounds and instruments, he creates immersive experiences that invite you to rest your mind and enter a state of deep relaxation.
Optional Add-On - Tipón & Pikillacta Ruins
You may indicate your interest during registration. Once we know how many people are interested, we will confirm the rate (maybe $50-70/person).
Make the most of your return journey back to Cusco with this optional guided visit to two remarkable archaeological sites.
You’ll visit Tipón, an impressive example of Inca engineering, including terraces and water channels that demonstrate the ingenuity of the people who built them. At Pikillacta, walk among the remains of a much older Wari city, offering a glimpse into a civilization that flourished before the rise of the Inca.
- When: Check-out day, on the way to Cusco
- Time: Leave the retreat at 10am, arrive to Cusco around 4pm
- Inclusions: Expert guide, lunch, transport & entrance tickets
- Cost: Depends on number of people
If you prefer to go directly to Cusco, you can instead take the complimentary group van straight to Cusco.
This retreat is for you if:
- You’re introverted, highly sensitive, or neurodivergent, and want to travel with a group where you can be yourself.
- You understand that Machu Picchu may have crowds, but trust this once-in-a-lifetime experience is worth it.
- You’d rather spend meaningful time in a few places than pack in an exhausting schedule.
- You want to connect with others but want space to do your own thing without social pressure.
- You want your spending to go directly to local communities, who decide how to share their knowledge and traditions.
This retreat far exceeded my expectations. Each day was filled with rich moments and engaging activities.
Melissa’s planning and clear communication around the trip’s itinerary/expectations were on point. The pace of each day was perfectly balanced, allowing us to be fully immersed in every moment without feeling rushed.
Her genuine care for each individual in the group was evident throughout the trip. Everyone, including Melissa, made you feel like family. I can’t recommend Melissa enough and will be looking into future trips with her.
– Jen N.
Retreat Accommodations
Save 10% when you book before October 31st.
The retreat offers 9 ensuite rooms across (2) private one-bedroom houses, (2) two-bedroom houses, and (1) three-bedroom house. All rooms have private bathrooms with hair dryers, soap, and shampoo.
Rooms reserved first come, first served.
Prices are per person in USD.
(Hover on the images to scroll for photos.)
The retreat offers 9 ensuite rooms across (2) private one-bedroom houses, (2) two-bedroom houses, and (1) three-bedroom house. All rooms have private bathrooms with hair dryers, soap, and shampoo.
Rooms reserved first come, first served.
Prices are per person in USD.
(Hover on the images to scroll for photos.)
Private Casita (2 available)
1 Bedroom | King Bed | Ensuite Bath w/ Shower & Tub | Private Kitchen & Living Room | Coffee Maker & Tea Kettle
Single Regular: $3,350 p.p.
10% Off (Before Oct 31): $3,015 p.p.
Double Regular: $2,850 p.p.
10% Off (Before Oct 31): $2,565 p.p.
Save 10% with code EARLY10OFF when you book by October 31. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
King Room (4 available)
1 King Bedroom in 2- or 3-Bdrm House | Ensuite Bath | Shared Kitchen & Living Room | Coffee Maker & Tea Kettle (in Kitchen)
Single Regular: $3,100 p.p.
10% Off (Before Oct 31): $2,790 p.p.
Double Regular: $2,600 p.p.
10% Off (Before Oct 31): $2,340 p.p.
Save 10% with code EARLY10OFF when you book by October 31. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
Double Room (4 available)
1 King & 1 Double in 2-Bdrm House | Ensuite Bath | Shared Kitchen & Living Room | Coffee Maker & Tea Kettle (in Kitchen)
Double Regular: $2,600 p.p.
10% Off (Before Oct 31): $2,340 p.p.
Save 10% with code EARLY10OFF when you book by October 31. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
Join us in the Sacred Valley for a heartfelt experience of a lifetime.
May 1-9, 2027
Passport Requirement
A copy of your passport must be submitted no later than December 15, 2026 in order to purchase your Machu Picchu train and entrance tickets.
Please review our Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, pay your deposit through WeTravel and contact us to arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Join us in the Sacred Valley for a heartfelt experience of a lifetime.
May 1-9, 2027
Passport Requirement
A copy of your passport must be submitted by December 15, 2026 in order to purchase Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets.
Please review our Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, please pay your deposit through WeTravel and we’ll arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Melissa was organized, accommodating and a beautiful person to connect with. She made the retreat exceptional. It was great to be surrounded with like-minded people, as we all felt we could easily open up and genuinely be ourselves.
The thing I appreciate most is Melissa’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. I have mobility issues and I never felt like I couldn’t do something, especially the yoga classes. I have been practicing yoga on and off for about 18 years and I have NEVER had a yoga teacher as invested in making yoga this accessible as Melissa.
Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.
FAQs
Cancellation Policy
Read the full terms in our Yoga Retreat Agreement.
Payment Schedule
- $550.00 non-refundable deposit is due at registration.
- 50% of the balance is due 120 days before the retreat.
- The final balance is due 60 days before the retreat.
Payment plans are available – Email info@melissanoelrenzi.com
Cancellations
A clear cancellation policy ensures a fair relationship and protects both parties. If your retreat is scheduled to operate, but you have chosen not to attend the retreat for any reason, you must notify us in writing and the following policy will apply:
- Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
- 60–119 days before: Payments made are non-refundable but may be applied as a credit toward another retreat within 12 months, minus non-refundable deposit.
- 59 days or less: Payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Protect your trip investment with travel Insurance (see below).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required
A policy is required to help protect your trip investment and provide coverage for unexpected medical or travel-related expenses. Each participant should obtain a policy that includes trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical coverage.
You may purchase insurance from any provider. We recommend InsureMyTrip to compare policies, which allows you to compare policies and offers support if you need to file a claim. (We may receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.)
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
We recommend Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for maximum flexibility. CFAR is an upgrade to a standard policy that offers the highest level of protection if your plans change. Unlike standard trip cancellation insurance, which only reimburses you for specific covered reasons, CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all and receive a partial refund.
How It Works:
- It is purchased as an add-on to a standard policy (if using InsureMyTrip, there’s a filter in the left side bar).
- It must be purchased within 10–21 days (varies) of your first trip payment, which is the deposit in this case.
- It reimburses 50–75% of non-refundable costs (varies by policy).
- You must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before departure.
To qualify for CFAR coverage, you must insure your deposit within the required timeframe. You do NOT need to insure your entire trip upfront. To keep your initial premium low, insure your deposit, and adjust your the amount as you make additional purchases.
Passport & Visa
Peru requires a current passport that will be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your travel dates. Peru does not require a special visa to enter for U.S. travelers. Please check the visa requirements for your home country.
You must provide us with a copy of your passport by December 15th. This information is required to purchase Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets.
If you need to apply for or renew your passport, do so right away. If you have concerns about the arrival of your passport, email info@melissanoelrenzi.com to discuss.
Dietary Needs & Restrictions
The resident chef is Peruvian and will prepare a variety of regional dishes, along with some international meals.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a varied buffet each morning.
- Dinner: Meals will include vegetarian options, with chicken or fish available for those who eat them.
- Lunch: Lunch arrangements will vary. Some will be included at the retreat center or during excursions. Others will be on your own at your expense. There are several cafes within walking distance of the retreat.
Please be sure to note any food allergies or dietary restrictions on your registration form so we can plan accordingly.
Alcohol
To help create a supportive container for the group, we ask that guests refrain from consuming alcohol at the retreat center. Whether you choose to consume alcohol while out on your own is up to you. We simply ask that consumption be kept to a minimum so as not to impact the group when we’re together.
Who Attends These Retreats
Guests often travel alone. Some may travel with a friend or partner.
Traits: Participants may identify as introverted, highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or a combination of these. Some simply appreciate the slower pace and flexibility to participate in ways that suit their intentions, energy, and social preferences.
- Introversion can mean preferring smaller groups, more solitude, or time to recharge after social interaction.
- High sensitivity involves deeper processing of sensory and emotions and being more affected by your environment.
- Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for ways of thinking, processing, communicating, or experiencing the world that differ from what’s considered typical. This can ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences.
Packing List
A full packing list, as well as a Trip Planning Packet with details you need to plan will be provided.
Getting to the Retreat
Flights
You will fly into Cusco (CUZ) at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Flights from most major U.S. cities involve 12–16 hours of total travel time and two stops on average.
If you have extra time and would like to break up the journey, you may choose to fly to Lima (LIM) and stay overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel. The hotel is located immediately outside the airport terminal, making it a convenient option for an overnight stay. You can then take a domestic flight from Lima to Cusco the following morning. Be sure to double-check your flight dates and times when booking separate flights. For the Lima-to-Cusco portion of your journey, LATAM is a more established airline.
From Cusco
The retreat is located 1.5 to 2 hours from the airport. Included in your package is one (1) shared shuttle from CUZ Airport to the retreat.
This shuttle will depart from CUZ Airport on May 1st at 12:00pm.
If you arrive much earlier or later than this time, we will help arrange a private taxi. A taxi costs about $50-60 USD (one-way) and this cost is your responsibility.
If you decide to stay in Cusco before the retreat, please ask your hotel to arrange a taxi (the cost will be cheaper).
Returning to Cusco
We will provide one (1) shared shuttle back to Cusco.
This shuttle will depart from the retreat on May 9th at 11:00am
The van will stop at the airport and one location in the city (TBD). Arrival in Cusco is expected around 1:00pm Be sure to leave a generous buffer. If you plan to fly out the same day, be sure your flight leaves after 3:30/4:00pm (CUZ is a small airport).
Check-In & Check-Out
Altitude Considerations
Every traveler reacts differently to elevation change. If you have any medical conditions, we strongly recommend discussing the effects of altitude with your physician before traveling.
High altitude can make normal activities more challenging. Travelers may experience fatigue, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath during the first few days. This can be minimized by drinking liquids including coca tea, avoiding alcohol, and not overexerting yourself. Your doctor may prescribe altitude medication to take before arriving as a precaution. Over-the-counter altitude medication is available in local pharmacies.
We recommend traveling to the Sacred Valley upon landing at the airport and saving your visit in Cusco for the end after you’ve adjusted to the altitude.
- Cusco – 11,154 feet.
- Sacred Valley – 9,420 feet.
- Machu Picchu – 7,972 feet.
What to Expect at Machu Picchu
Elevation: Machu Picchu sits at about 7,972 feet, lower than much of the Sacred Valley. For many, the lower elevation makes walking feel a little easier, though everyone responds to altitude differently.
Terrain: Expect uneven stone pathways, stairs, and some uphill walking, particularly during the first 10–20 minutes of the visit.
Crowds: Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in the world, so there will be other tourists. That said, my previous groups have felt that the experience was worth it. There are plenty of other experiences you’ll have on this retreat away from the crowds.
How long will we be there? Our visit will be approximately three hours. Machu Picchu currently uses one-way circuits, so once you leave the site, you cannot re-enter. With restrooms outside the entrance, this limits the amount of time you’ll want to be in there.
What Will the Day Look Like?
We’ll visit Machu Picchu as a full-day excursion, leaving early in the morning and returning to the retreat center that evening.
- 7:30am: Drive one hour to Ollantaytambo.
- Mid-morning: Board the train in Ollantaytambo for a scenic 90-minute ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
- Late morning: Enjoy an unhurried lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Early afternoon: Take the bus up to Machu Picchu. We’ll begin with a guided tour and then have time to explore.
- Early evening: Head back to the Sacred Valley. We’ll have a take-out dinner to eat on the train.
- 9pm: Arrive back to the retreat center.
Why a Day Trip?
I know this is a long day for those of us who are introverted, highly sensitive, or easily overwhelmed by a full day of travel and activity. My previous Peru retreats included an overnight near Machu Picchu. There were things I appreciated about that approach, but there are a few factors that can also make that stressful.
For this retreat, though, I’ve chosen a day trip for a few reasons:
- Afternoon visits tend to be less crowded than the busiest morning hours.
- We can make room for another Sacred Valley excursion while still preserving plenty of downtime.
- There are fewer logistics. You won’t need to pack an overnight bag, check into a hotel, or manage another change of location.
- It keeps the overall retreat cost down by avoiding the expense of an additional overnight stay.
It’s a long day, but you will have a full free day on either side of this day trip to relax. Plus, you’ll be with people who will understand ear plugs and eye mask on the train ride home!
Hotel Recommendations in Cusco
Hotel recommendations will be provided in your Trip Planning Packet, which registered guests will receive.
Cusco is a beautiful city and well worth a day or two to visit. Because of its high elevation of 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), we recommend visiting Cusco after the retreat to acclimate in the Sacred Valley.
Weather & Climate
May marks the beginning of the dry season in the Sacred Valley with occasional brief showers still possible. Expect cool mornings and evenings, warmer days, and strong sun at altitude.
Highs: 68–75°F (20–24°C)
Lows: 40–45°F (4–7°C)
More detailed packing information will be included in your Trip Planning Packet.
Physical Activity & Accessibility
Excursions: The group activities we’ve planned are designed to be mild and as accessible as possible, with options for more physical activity if you wish.
Towns often have cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks. Archaeological sites usually have a few steps to navigate. These visits are not rushed and are manageable for people with moderate mobility levels.
Retreat: Most rooms are located on the second floor. The stairs have railings. Double rooms (with two beds) are on the first floor.
The land is mostly flat. There may be a few steps to access some parts of the garden and uneven areas of grass.
Yoga: My classes prioritize accessibility and choice. Expect slow-paced movement with time to explore options and what feels right for your body. No experience with yoga is necessary.
If you’d like to talk through whether this retreat is a good fit for your needs, I’m always happy to connect!
Still have questions?
Book a free phone chat or email Melissa at info@melissanoelrenzi.com.
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