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| LIMA - ICA - PARACAS - CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU 10 DAYS WITH IAM YOGA IN PERU
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| DESCRIPTION This adventure yoga journey will take you from ocean to mountain. Learn the best kept secrets about Pisco and wine elaboration process, sand board the giant dunes of the Huacachina desert, sail with Humboldt penguins and sealions and discover Paracas National Reserve. Then, discover the heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu! Everyday you'll have a mix of fun adventures and once in the Sacred Valley, yoga to realign mind, body and soul. Below you will find general details about your fun Peruvian escape. A more detailed plan of the yoga portion of the trip will be given to you once we've received sufficient interest to officially announce the trip. Enjoy finding out more about this adventure before actually being there, surrounded by the incredible beauty of Peru.
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| DAY 1: Arrival Day
Upon arrival to Lima's Airport, take a taxi or shared shuttle to your hotel in Miraflores, where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace. Depending on the time of arrival, we have plenty of suggestions for you so you can make the most of your first day in Lima. We will gather in the evening as a group once everyone has arrived with a community circle to introduce and welcome ourselves to one another. We will take some time to move our bodies and ground ourselves with a mindful meditation and intention setting for our time together.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Lima. You will find all suggested hotels in a list at the bottom of this page.
Included Meals: None
Important note: We have included every breakfast in this package and have kept lunches and dinners extra as food choices are quite varied and inexpensive in Peru. You can therefore choose what to eat, share or even skip a meal if you want! All meals will be held together as a group in wonderful restaurants along the way. Budget between 20-50US per day for food and alcoholic beverages.
Recommendation: We recommend trying to arrive in Lima between 10am and 4pm so you have some time to relax in the city today. Otherwise, consider arriving a day earlier. Airport taxis to your Miraflores hotel cost approximately 20US and can be booked directly at the arrivals gate (look for Green Taxi). Additionally, there is also an airport shuttle bus that costs $8 and leaves you downtown Miraflores (Airport Express Lima). Finally, if you arrive in a group and would prefer to be picked up by a private van we can coordinate this for you for an additional $50US.
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| DAY 2: The Pisco Vineyards & Sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis
This morning we have an early departure. After breakfast, we depart in our private transport and we'll drive for 300km along the Pan-American Highway. We’ll be heading to the valley of Ica, located 4 hours south of Lima and surrounded by the endless sand dunes of the Ica desert. Ica is well known for its warm and dry climate, which is perfect for growing vines, so, when approaching Ica, we’ll make a short stop for a guided tour through a historical vineyard where our famous Pisco liquor is made. During this visit, we will learn about and taste the various types of Pisco that exist.
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| After, we’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant (not included), where we can try some delicious Afro-Peruvian dishes and, at about 3pm, we leave for the natural lagoon of Huacachina, known as the Oasis of the Americas. From this beautiful “Arabian-like” landscape, we’ll venture into the desert dunes aboard powerful sand buggies. During the ride we’ll be stopping at selected dunes where we can practice sand boarding and test our skills in this fun sport. Around sunset, we will lead a mindful meditation session. After observing the sunset from the vastness of the desert we head to Paracas and relax in our charming hotel.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Paracas
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Pisco tour + buggy ride & sandboarding + yoga and meditation in the desert.
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| DAY 3: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve
Early risers are welcome to join a morning movement meditation. After breakfast, we’ll board the fully equipped speedboats departing from the Libertador Pier towards the Ballestas Islands, also known as the little Galapagos because of the great variety of marine wildlife that inhabit them. En route, our boat stops to observe "The Chandelier", an enigmatic figure that can only be seen from the sea. We’ll be circumnavigating the islands as we approach caves and other rock formations while we intent to spot the local wildlife which, amongst others, consist on Sealions, Humboldt Penguins and various other marine bird species.
Once we’re back again on dry land we’ll drive to the Paracas Reserve, one of Peru’s most important and protected natural area. First, we’ll visit the park’s visitor centre and then walk along a trail to try and see the Parihuanas (Andean flamingos). After, we drive through a dirt road to some cliff top lookouts where we can admire the immensity of the ocean and beautiful beaches. Here your teacher may again introduce some yoga & meditation in this incredible location. We have a delicious seafood lunch (not included and other food options will be available) in the tiny fishing village of "Lagunillas" and then we return to Lima.
Back at our hotel we will take some time to unwind. Together we will practice a slow vinyasa flow, finishing with deep restorative postures for a wonderful night's rest.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Lima
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands + Visit of the Paracas Reserve.
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| DAY 4: Cusco & The Sacred Valley of the Incas After an early breakfast we have a short drive to the airport to take our 55 minutes flight to the city of Cusco. If time permits (flights dependant) we may invite you to an early morning meditation before breakfast. On the flight, if possible we will try to get a seat on the left side of the aircraft as some of the best views of the Andes can be seen by this side of the plane. Upon arrival to Cusco airport we will be met by one of local staff who will welcome us and take us on our private transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Because of its lower elevation (2,870 meters or 9,415 feet above sea level) and its peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco as you adapt to the high altitude. The drive to our hotel is a scenic one as we drive past fields, mountains and cozy Andean villages. It will take us about 1.5 hours to drive from Cusco to our hotel in the Valley. The rest of the day is free to get settled in. We will enjoy a longer vinyasa yoga practice this evening surrounded by the lovely rural countryside of Peru during sunset.
The Sacred Valley is where we will concentrate most of your yoga sessions but yoga opportunities may also be available along the way as mentionned above.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast.
Flight: Not included. Will be added to your final payment and will be booked by RR Escape. Price range based on flght and ticket class selected. We will advise.
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| DAY 5: The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Awanacancha and Pisac
Early risers are welcome to join a morning movement meditation.This morning we'll set off on a tour to visit the Southern segment of the Sacred Valley. As we leave Cusco and on our way to Pisac, we'll stop at Awanacancha where you can meet native weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuna. After this stop, we continue to Pisac, one of the Sacred Valley's finest and most impressive Inca complex, the archaeological site of Pisac, with terraces built on its hills. To visit the site, you must walk along winding paths on a mountain cliff. Among the most important buildings are Pisaca, which is a curved wall; the Intihuatana, a solar clock among a group of temples and the military zone called "Q'Allaqasa".
We'll also spend some time at the actual village of Pisaq itself. This charming town is located just under the Inca complex. We'll have some time to explore the town before continuing to our lunch venue and reaching our hotel in the early afternoon.
We'll be spending the next few days in a charming hotel in the Sacred Valley countryside. We will have plenty of time to relax, explore the natural surroundings and also practice yoga and meditation both mornings and evenings here.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Optional dinner: Traditional Pachamanca dinner ($30US per person) - Highly recommended! This is a traditional meal prepared in an earth oven and includes the blessing from a local shaman. More information will be given to you closer to departure. - Highly recommended!
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| DAY 6: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras & Moray
This morning following a rejuvenating morning practice and hearty breakast, we'll set off on a tour to visit the Sacred Valley's most impressive sites. First, we'll reach Moray, one of the most unusual Inca sites consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression which seem to have been an agricultural experimental station used to adapt crops to different temperatures. Then we continue to Maras, an impressive salt-extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. During the dry season they fill the pans every 3 days with salty water that comes from a natural spring, once the water is evaporated, they collect the salt they have been selling at the markets of the region since before the Inca times. We should be returning to our hotel before lunchtime. The afternoon is free for yoga and relaxation. The afternoon is free fo another yoga session and time for relaxation.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided visit of Moray + Maras
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| DAY 7: Discover the Lost City of the Incas
Today is the big day! Early in the morning, we'll board our train heading to Machu Picchu Town. The train journey is a spectacle in itself as we'll be able to appreciate the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, always travelling beside the meandering Urubamba River. Upon arriving we’ll drop our bags at the hotel and have a little time to relax. Then at midday we’ll head up to Machu Picchu. We take a 20-minute bus up the steep zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain setting.
On arrival, we’ll decide if we would like to first hike up to the Inti Punku viewpoint (Sun Gate), a nice spot located about 1 hour away from the main site. Then, at around 3pm, it’s the ideal time to take our guided tour around the main areas of the citadel as most travelers should already be leaving at this point. We can tour the site until it closes and 5pm, at which time we’ll head down to the village.
The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy some time exploring the small town of Aguas Calientes and the many colourful markets. We'll also dine at a really fun restaurant that offers a Peruvian gastronomic experience. Evening meditation will be offered to wrap up our incredibly adventurous day.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided visit of Machu Picchu and all transfers.
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| DAY 8: Jungle Hike, Hot Springs and Scenic Journey to Cusco
This morning, after an early breakfast, we begin our 3-hour trek from Aguas Calientes to the closest stop on the railway accessible by car. This is a beautiful 7 miles hike which will take us along a flat path that crosses the cloudforest. If anyone is not comfortable walking this distance, you will have the option of taking the train from Aguas Calientes for about 35 minutes to the first available station of the railway. We will coordinate for all of us to meet there. We will spend a portion of our hikes today walking mindfully in meditation, giving ourselves the gift of being absolutely present with nature.
Upon arriving at our destination, our private transport will be waiting to take us to the Cocalmayo hotsprings, one of the most beautiful in Peru (about 35 minutes away). We can relax in the hotsprings for about an hour before continuing our journey to Cusco. The next segment is extremely beautiful. In this same transport, we ascend from the cloudforest across the Malaga Pass (4200 meters above sea level) and then descend again towards Ollantaytambo. This part of the journey takes between 3 and 4 hours.
Upon arriving to Ollantaytambo, if we still have spare time and energy, we can visit the archaeological site in the area. Or perhaps we will simply enjoy a short rest here before continuing our 45 minute journey to Cusco where we will spend the night. Evening meditation will be offered to reflect on our day.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast
Included Activities: Guided rainforest hike + hotsprings
Optional train ride: Approx. 35US per person.
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| DAY 9: Cusco At Leisure
Cusco is one of the most interesting cities in Peru and South America. Today we'll have the entire day to explore the streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage City at our own pace. You can visit Saqsayhuamán (often pronouced sexy woman), one the most impressive archeological sites in the country. Weather-dependent, we may offer a practice here on site, or otherwise later in the evening during sunset at our hotel or nearby. Only minutes away in the northern outskirts of Cusco, this site will leave you in awe of what could be accomplished architecturally in the Inca days. You can also visit the city's many markets, shops and churches. In the early morning or late afternoon, your yoga teacher may want to offer you one last yoga class before you go! We'll meet later for our last fun group dinner!
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast
Recommendation: Join us this afternoon for a visit of the famous Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán. Your entrance fee will be included but not your transport (which will be inexpensive as the site is located close to the city center).
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| DAY 10: Departure Day
Dependent on the departure hour of your flights, you may be available to join one last morning movement meditation. Today, we'll have some free time to maybe take a last walk around Cusco's shops and markets and then, at the coordinated time, you'll head to Cusco's airport by taxi to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Note that the airport transfer is not incldued. Cost of a taxi is approx. $7USD per taxi and can be shared with those flying out together
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YOUR ACCOMMODATION Below is a list of potential hotels that we will be using for the trip. The hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If unavailable, similar options will be suggested. Day 3 - Lima - Tierra Viva Valle Day 4- Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Day 5 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Day 6 - Sacred Valley - Tierra Viva Valle Day 10 - Departure Day
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| YOUR ESCAPE PACKAGE
INCLUDES
- Accommodation in comfortable hotels as mentioned in the program above.
- All breakfasts (We prefer to keep your lunches and dinners optional for more flexibility. Food in Peru is quite inexpensive. Budget about +/- $30 per day).
- All tours and entrance fees as mentioned in this program.
- All private transfers for the group including the train ride to and from Machu Picchu.
- Energizing yoga sessions in the Sacred Valley and other fun locations around Peru with your yoga teachers Elaine Clark and Elizabeth Vecchio of IAM YOGA! (Be ready to practice in natural settings and make sure to bring your yoga mat!
- English-speaking Peruvian guide and RR Escape host the whole way through as this is a fully hosted adventure retreat!
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International flights (we can advise)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure ($20USD in Lima + $7US in Cusco per taxi)
- Domestic flights. (Cost varies depending on the ticket purchased. We recommend you let us book these tickets for you or at least the flight from Lima to Cusco so that we can keep the group together. Price of tickets can vary from 100US to 350US return. We will charge a 25$ booking fee per ticket and will find you the best deal!)
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel Insurance
- Extras like water and tips
COST
See main invite. Includes taxes. Based on double occupancy. Add 395US for a single occupancy upgrade.
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| WHAT NEXT... Contact us for more information and to join our exciting Peruvian Yoga Adventure in South America. Spots are limited so join fast! Once you sign up, we'll send you a complete packing list and more information on how to prepare for this exciting Yoga Escape!
If you have a Q, we have an A.
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