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| LIMA - THE SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
10 days - 9 nights
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TRIP DESCRIPTION
Peru is a land of contrasts. Contrast of geography in which we can find 84 of the 104 life zones existing on the planet. Contrast of people, traditions and culture as a result of the waves of migration that have occurred throughout its history. Contrast of colours, sounds and landscapes from the vast desert coast to the greatness of the Pacific Ocean and giant sand dunes to the Andean highlands with its snowy peaks, glaciers and lagoons and down to the Amazon Rainforest which is rich in wildlife, plants and numerous endangered species. Almost like a continent in miniature, Peru will astound you.
As the journey unfolds, you will delve deep into the heart of the Inca Empire, the lush Sacred Valley, Cusco and not to forget, the magnificent Machu Picchu! All the while travelling through Peru with other fun like-minded souls, eating amazing delicious foods, practicing yoga surrounded by inspiring settings and undoubtedly living a few unexpected adventures along the way.
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Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon arrival to Lima's Airport, make your way by taxi or shared shuttle to your hotel in the Miraflores district where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace. Depending on the time of your arrival, we have plenty of suggestions so you can make the most of your first day in Lima. You can also meet with the rest of the group later for our fun welcome dinner.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Miraflores, Lima
Included Meal: Dinner.
Important note about your meals: We have included all breakfasts and dinners in this package (except dinner on Day 8) and have kept lunches extra as food choices are quite varied and inexpensive in Peru. You can therefore choose what to eat for lunch, share or even skip a meal if you want! All meals will be held together as a group in wonderful restaurants along the way. Note that alcoholic beverages and desserts are extra. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants. Meals are non-refundable and based on a specific menus and choices. Vegetarian and vegan options will be plenty. Plus we do cater to allergies. More details will be given to you closer to the date of travel.
Recommendations: 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 or two 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 drops 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 based on the the total number in your group.
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Day 2: Flight to Cusco & The Sacred Valley of the Incas
After an early breakfast we have a short drive to the airport to take our one-hour flight to the city of Cusco. Some of the best views of the Andes can be seen from the plane. Upon arrival to Cusco airport we will embark 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 few days as you adapt to the high altitude of this region.
Enjoy a scenic 90 minute drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley as we move through small Andean villages towards our beautiful lodge for the next 5 nights. We are heading to Mandala Yoga Retreat, a stunning property nestled within the Sacred Valley with majestic mountain views.
Today we give you time to adjust to your new surroundings, unpack and enjoy your first opening circle with Bridget. Over the next few days, Bridget will be guiding you on daily meditation and yoga sessions to realign mind, body and soul. You will be blown away by the beauty of the landscape and setting.
The Sacred Valley is where we will concentrate most of your yoga sessions. Everything that you will need for your yoga sessions with Bridget is available at the lodge but do feel free to bring your own mat or accessories.
Tonight, join us for our first lovely group dinner at the lodge and time to rest and take in the beauty of your new surroundings.
Suggested Accommodation: Mandala Yoga Retreat in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activity: Your first official yoga practice in the Sacred Valley with Bridget
Flight: Extra and will be added to your final payment. Price is based on flight and ticket class selected. We will advise.
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Day 3: Home sweet home away from home
Today we want you to completely surrender to your new surroundings. We want you to disconnect from your every day life and let yourself be taken by the beauty of your home away from home. Bridget will start the morning with a grounding meditation followed by a rejuvenating yoga practice. You’ve travelled far to get here so let’s get comfortable and relax today.
We invite you to join us for all meals at the lodge today. Depending on the energy of the group, Bridget will likely offer an afternoon session and we may also have an optional group activity available during the day for those that are interested. Perhaps a Mother Earth offering, sound healing or other ceremony.
Again, we want you to decompress today. Do hardly anything other than just being present.
Suggested Accommodation: Yoga Mandala Retreat in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Yoga & meditation sessions with Bridget. Optional tours extra today ($).
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Day 4: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Maras & Moray
This morning, after another lovely yoga session with Bridget and breakfast, we'll set off on a tour of the Southern segment of the Sacred Valley to 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. Hike around these impressive crops and photograph the stunning views of the Andean landscape in the backdrop.
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For those interested in walking, we will hike from Moray to the small town of Maras crossing through beautiful countryside surrounded by impressive views of the Andes. Maras is 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. After a fun explanation and some time to visit the site, you can enjoy the many little shops selling salt and other local products like maca, quinoa, crafts and more. We should be returning to our hotel around 4 or 5pm today in time for a relaxing yoga session before dinner with Bridget.
Suggested Accommodation: Yoga Mandala Retreat in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Guided tour of Moray & Maras + Yoga with Bridget
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Day 5: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac Village
After another wonderful yoga session with Bridget and a lovely breakfast, our guide will first introduce you to the archaeological site of Pisac, one of the Sacred Valley's finest and most impressive Inca complex 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 Pisac itself. This charming town is located just under the Inca complex and features lovely cobblestone streets lined with colourful markets and restaurants. We'll have some time to explore the town and enjoy our lunch before reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. The drive to Pisac is a scenic one as we drive by fields, mountains and cozy Andean villages. We will be back in time for sunset yoga with Bridget in the late afternoon surrounded by the beauty of the rural countryside of Peru.
On tonight's menu is a traditional Pachamanca dinner where we'll have the pleasure of having our food blessed by a Paco, otherwise known as an Andean Shaman. The Andean meal involves a mixture of spiced meats and vegetables buried amidst hot stones and cooked over the course of several hours in honour of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
Suggested Accommodation: Yoga Mandala Retreat in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and Pachamanca dinner.
Included Activities: Guided visit of Pisac archeological site + yoga with Bridget
Traditional Pachamanca dinner: Vegetarians and vegans will have plenty options if not eating from the earth oven. More information will be given to you on arrival as this meal must be booked in advance for the group.
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Day 6: The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Yucay & Ollantaytambo
This morning we'll set off yet again in the Southern segment of the Sacred Valley. As we leave our hotel and on our way to Ollantaytambo, we'll stop at the Yucay Live Museum where you can meet native weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. Here we will learn all about Andean traditions and culture.
After this stop, we continue to the enchanting Inca site of Ollantaytambo, a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings. After a guided tour of the site with our guide, enjoy the many shops, markets and lovely restaurants for lunch.
Return to the lodge early this afternoon for some rest and enjoy another rejuvenating yoga session with Bridget in our beautiful yoga room or dome overlooking the mountains.
Suggested Accommodation: Yoga Mandala Retreat in the Sacred Valley
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner
Included Activities: Guided visit of the Yucay Museum & Ollantaytambo + Yoga with Bridget
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Day 7: Discover the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Today is the big day! Early in the morning, we'll board the 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 on the actual Inca Trail. Then, at around 2.30pm, it’s the ideal time to take our guided tour around the main areas of the citadel as most travellers should already be leaving at this point. We can tour the site until it closes around 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 one of our favourite restaurants in the whole country, a really fun place that offers a Peruvian gastronomic experience.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner at one of our fav restaurants.
Included Activities: Guided visit of Machu Picchu. No yoga today but Bridget may lead a meditation at the site!
Included Transportation: Train to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
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Day 8: Scenic Train Journey to Cusco
This morning, depending on the time we depart by train, you may have some time to explore more of the town and markets. We then return by train to Ollantaytambo where we can enjoy a fun yoga session in a lovely yoga studio located just above one of our favourite vegan restaurants, Alma Amor. After grabbing a quick lunch, we will then return to our comfy bus for a short journey by road to Cusco.
Once in Cusco, you will have some free time to settle into your space and enjoy exploring the many shops and courtyards of this beautiful UNESCO heritage city.
This evening, meet us for a lovely dinner or stay back to rest and order in. We'll be introducing you to one of our favourite restaurants surrounding the town square and main Cathedral. In fact, the main square is considered one of the most beautiful in the world! Enjoy the mountains dotted with city lights, cobblestone streets and the crisp breeze of Cusco tonight.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast only today.
Included Activities: Possible yoga session in Ollantaytambo today with Bridget.
Included Transportation: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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Day 9: Wander the Cobblestone Streets of Cusco
Start your morning with a lovely yoga or meditation session with Bridget on the rooftop patio overlooking the city. Cusco is one of the most interesting places in all of Peru and South America. This morning join us on an optional visit to the most impressive Inca site in all of the country: Sacsayhuamán (often pronounced sexy woman). See the immense stones used to construct the base of many of their most cherished monuments and buildings. These same stones were then used by the Spaniards that came in the early 16th century to build what is now known as Cusco. Enjoy the rest of your day to explore the streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage City at your own pace.
This evening we meet for our last group dinner in one of our favourite restaurants in the City.
Suggested Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Cusco
Included Meal: Breakfast and dinner.
Included Activity: Visit of Sacsayhuamán with your RR Escape host. The entrance into the site is included but the transportation to get to the site is extra (expect under 10US per taxi return to share)
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Day 10: Departure Day
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 to board your flight to Lima and international connecting flights to your next destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Note that the airport transfer is not included. 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 all of the hotels that are included in your pacakge. The hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking so the sooner everyone confirms their spot in the group, the sooner we will be able to lockdown our top choices! If unavailable, similar options will be suggested.
Day 10 - Departure Day
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YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation in lovely above standard hotels as mentioned in the program above.
- All delicious breakfasts including unlimited fresh juices, Peruvian coffee and tea.
- All yummy dinners except on Day 8.
- All tours and entrance fees as mentioned above including your fun visit to MACHU PICCHU.
- All private land transfers for the group including the trains to and from Machu Picchu town.
- Energizing meditations and yoga sessions in the Sacred Valley with Bridget.
- English-speaking Peruvian guide and your RR Escape host accompanying you the whole way.
EXTRAS
- International flights (we can advise).
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure (max. 30US).
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco. From 100US to 350US return.
- All lunches for added flexibility.
- Dinner on Day 8 in Cusco for added flexibility.
- Any alcoholic beverages with meals, specialty coffees, desserts or any extras not included with meals.
- Extras like travel insurance, water and tips while on tour.
COST
See main invite for cost. Includes taxes. Based on double or multiple occupancy. Single occupancy upgrade may be available upon request and baed on availability.
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WHAT'S NEXT...
Contact us for more information on how to join us in Peru! Spots are limited to only a few so join now as spaces will fill up 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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