Into the Sacred: An Embodied Journey to Machu Picchu
Saturday, October 7th – Monday, October 16th, 2028
Wendy Swanson & Kathleen McIntyre
Join us for an embodied journey into the Sacred Valley of Peru and onward to Machu Picchu, one of the great wonders of the world. Held by the Andes and shaped by centuries of devotion, ceremony, and relationship with Pachamama, this landscape invites us into a deeper relationship with the Earth, her people, and ourselves.
Woven throughout our time together will be somatic, Nature-based, and yogic practices, along with ceremony and opportunities to experience the culture of the Sacred Valley.
Together, these experiences create a rich tapestry through which we can soften, open, and expand our capacity to receive and experience ourselves as part of the sacred. At the center of our circle, we will hold reverence for the land, the traditions generously shared with us, and the unfolding of the great mystery.
If you feel called to come home to the sacred within, encounter the sacred held within the landscape, and deepen your relationship with the unseen and the whispers of your soul, we hope you will join us.
A bit about Willka T’ika, our home away from home
- Willka T’ika is a premier luxury wellness retreat and boutique hotel
- Renowned Seven Chakra Gardens – Inspiration for the 3-time gold award-winning book Chakra Gardens: Opening the Senses of the Soul.
- Vibrant, organic, vegetarian “farm-to-table” cuisine
- Two sun-filled garden studios
- Expansive dining and coffee lounge
- Takiwasi music shala, a circular meditation space with a fireplace and an array of Andean musical instruments—used for group meditations and ceremonies
- Yachaywasi library
- Nearby hikes beneath magnificent Andean peaks and awe-inspiring Sacred Valley scenery
- Conveniently located between the ancient cities and temples of Cusco and Machu Picchu
- 22 local Quechua staff—Incan descendants who still practice ancient traditions
Tentative Itinerary: Saturday, October 7th - Monday, October 16th, 2028
Please schedule flights to arrive in Cusco on Saturday, October 7, 2028, before 11 a.m.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
VERY IMPORTANT: Once registered with Wendy & Kathleen, you MUST fill out Willa T’ika’s form
Every Day at Willka T’ika: Sacred Chakra Gardens are available for you as a registered guest. Three gourmet vegetarian meals are served daily. Fresh herbal teas and organic coffee are available from 5:30-10:30 a.m.; teas all day, and coffee drinks will be available at the coffee bar for purchase from 10:30 a.m. forward.
Day 1. Saturday, October 7th
Arrive in Cusco & Head to Willka T’ika:
- Morning: We begin with a group transfer at 11:30 a.m. from the Cusco airport to Willka T’ika. Enjoy a scenic 75-minute drive through spectacular Andean mountain views to the Sacred Valley town of Urubamba.
- Afternoon: Welcome lunch at Willka T’ika. Introduction to the Willka T’ika family—the Quechua staff who will take care of your needs during your stay. Orientation with your guide, a guided tour of the retreat center, and the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens is offered.
- Evening: Dinner & Gentle Yoga/Meditation/ Nature Connection
Day 2, Sunday, October 8th
Fire Ceremony, Pakko (Shaman), Day of Honoring
- Morning: Breakfast followed by Yoga / Nature Connection
This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Relax and tour the Seven Chakra Gardens or take an optional guided walk through the nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood. - Afternoon: Lunch, followed by time with a special Q’ero healer (pakko). Participate in a coca leaf blessing and join the sacred Despacho ceremony.
Optional private coca leaf readings may be available for an additional fee.
Late Afternoon: Yoga / Nature Connection - Evening: After dinner, experience an authentic and transformative Andean fire ceremony with the pakko to honor Pachamama, yourself, and your loved ones and focus intentions for the journey ahead.
Day 3, Monday, October 9th
Pisac & School Visit
- Morning: Drive through the Sacred Valley to a Quechua mountain school supported by the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund (WTCF). Participate in an ayni (reciprocity) exchange with interactive activities for the children. Enjoy a picnic bag lunch.
- Afternoon: Explore the ruins of Pisac and hike through the site’s impressive Incan terraces. Visit Pisac’s colorful market for handcrafted goods and enjoy a café experience.
- Late Afternoon: Return to Willka T’ika for an afternoon yoga and nature connection.
Day 4. Tuesday, October 10th
Machu Picchu
- Morning: Early breakfast and transfer via tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the majestic terraces of Machu Picchu. Begin your guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu.
- Afternoon: Lunch on your own, as guided by your tour guide.
- Evening: Gather outside your hotel and join a celebratory dinner at one of Aguas
Calientes’ top restaurants.
Note: Pack a small carry-on bag for this overnight stay.
Day 5. Wednesday, October 11th
Machu Picchu (Day 2)
- Morning: Open day in Machu Picchu with entrance ticket included, with tour guide services. Option to climb Huayna Picchu Peak for a breathtaking view or explore more of Machu Picchu. Return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a local café treat.
- Afternoon: Return via train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Willka T’ika
- Dinner at Willka T’ika
Day 6. Thursday, October 12th
Ollantaytambo & Maras
- Morning: Visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytambo, including its renowned Sun Temple. Stroll through the charming town and market.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch, possibly followed by a guided tour of the Maras Salt Flats. Hike back to Willka T’ika, soaking in breathtaking valley views. Or transfer back to Willka T’ika for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
- Gentle Yoga / Nature Connection followed by dinner
Day 7. Friday October 13th
Integration
- Morning: Breakfast followed by Yoga / Nature Connection
A mindful day to integrate experiences, with group activities such as nature connection, gentle yoga, a possible guided morning hike to Urubamba, visiting a lively market, an alpaca factory, and the Seminario ceramics shop.
You were called to the Sacred Valley. This is your day to integrate the profound transformations and insights received from this journey. - Afternoon: Lunch at Willka T’ika followed by a group session of nature connection and yoga.
- Evening: Farewell dinner with a lively Andean Classical musical performance.
Day 8. Saturday, October 14th
Cusco
- Morning: Breakfast
Group transfer from Willka T’ika to Cusco. En route, visit the Moray Circles and the weaving village of Chinchero. Check into a lovely Cusco hotel. - Afternoon: Guided tour through the cobblestone streets of San Blas and historic Coricancha Temple.
- Evening dinner on your own with recommendations provided by the guide.
Day 9. Sunday, October 15th
Cusco
- Morning: Journey to the Tipón ritual fountains for a sacred Andean water ceremony to honor Yaku, the spirit of water.
On-site Nature Connection - Afternoon: Visit the Saksaywaman archaeological site with its awe-inspiring giant stones. Enjoy a picnic lunch or group activity before wrapping up with a guided tour.
- Evening: Join the group for a final dinner at a highly recommended Cusco restaurant catering to all dietary preferences.
Day 10. Monday, October 16th
Departure Day
- Morning: Breakfast at the Cusco Hotel, followed by check-out.
- Arrange your departing transfer to Cusco airport to connect to Lima and your outbound flight home. This will be done in conjunction with the onsite staff.
- Please allow at least 2½ hours before your Cusco flight.
- Arrive home feeling blessed with the pure energy of your transformational Andean journey of a lifetime.
Arrival/Departure
Our program begins with a complimentary group transfer from the Cusco airport to Willka T’ika on Day 1, offered at 11:30 a.m. It is followed by one complimentary group transfer from Willka T’ika to Cusco on Day 8 for two overnights in Cusco. Participants arriving at a different time on Day 1 may arrange a private transfer with Willka T’ika, payable in advance. Departing transfers to the Cusco Airport on Day 10 are arranged and paid for independently by guests with the Cusco Hotel.
Dining
Gourmet organic vegetarian meals and fresh teas are served daily, using high-protein Andean grains and legumes, as well as organic, freshly harvested vegetables and salads grown on-site. We welcome vegan, gluten-free, and special dietary requests. Willka T’ika proudly offers a 100% hormone-free and chemical-free gourmet vegetarian hotel kitchen in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Willka T’ika’s gardens are strictly organic. Filtered water is available 24/7 in the dining room, and bottled water is available for purchase.
Luxury Wellness Retreat Accommodations
Come Solo or With a Friend or Partner (All pricing is per person)
If you need a different payment plan, please contact wendy@wendyswanson.com)
After registration with Wendy & Kathleen, it is IMPERATIVE that you fill out Willa T’ika’s Registration Form
Single Luxury King Room
Double Luxury 2 Queen Bed Room (Or King Room if sharing a bed)
Pricing is per Person
Triple Room
A limited number of triple rooms are available. Please reach out for pricing. If you desire a triple, all three people must register at the same time
Payment Schedule
- $500 Non-Refundable Deposit (no exceptions)
- 50% Due on October 15, 2027 (non-refundable after October 15, 2027 )
- Balance is Due on April 15, 2028 (All payments are non-refundable after April 15, 2028)
What’s included?
9 Nights/ 10 Days of Beautiful Accommodations
3 locally sourced, healthy meals per day (except where noted: 1 Dinner and 2 Lunches Out)
All Programming
Program Transfers where noted on itinerary
What’s not included?
Travel costs: Airfare to Cusco
Separate airport transfers and hotel bookings outside of program
Tips, sundries, alcoholic and bottled beverages, laundry and individual spa services
Meals not noted in itinerary.
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
FAQ’s
Which airport should I fly into and out of?
Please arrange your international flight to and from Cusco Airport (CUZ). The retreat officially begins with a scenic group transfer from Cusco to Willka T’ika in the Sacred Valley on Saturday, October 7, 2028 at 11:30 am. To arrive in Cusco on the morning of October 7th, most guests will need to book their departing flight from home on October 6th. You may consider booking your international flight to Lima and then a local flight to Cusco.
What time should I book my return flight from Cusco?
Guests will depart from Cusco Airport (CUZ) on the final day of the retreat. You’ll be staying at the Novotel Hotel in Cusco for the last two nights, and you can arrange a private or shared transfer to the airport directly with the hotel a day or two before departure. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and there is a small fee. Please plan to leave the hotel 2.5 hours before your scheduled flight to allow time for check‑in and security.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
For citizens of Canada, the USA, Australia, and South Africa, no visa is required for tourist visits to Peru. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
Are meals included in the retreat cost?
All meals served are included in the retreat package except one dinner and two lunches. Enjoy vibrant, organic, vegetarian “farm-to-table” cuisine prepared with love and intention at Willka T’ika. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know in advance so we may communicate those to the retreat center.
What is the cancellation policy?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Willka T’ika, Wendy Swanson, and Kathleen McIntyre do not provide refunds for last-minute cancellations. There are no exceptions; therefore, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. A good option is Travel Insured International, which offers plans that cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage issues.
Why do I need to complete the waivers immediately?
Machu Picchu entry tickets are purchased well in advance due to high demand. These tickets are issued in each guest’s name and require the details collected on your registration form. Tickets are selling out fast, so later submissions may be placed on a separate circuit. Please submit your waivers as soon as possible to ensure your best chance of experiencing this excursion with the entire group.
What happens if I’m late submitting registration details?
We will continue to welcome new registrations and will do our best to secure tickets that match the group’s original entry time and circuit. If matching tickets are not available, your entry time or circuit may differ from the main group. In this case, an additional $150 USD per person may apply if a separate guide is required for your visit.
How can I stay healthy and safe during the retreat?
Upon arrival, allow time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude by staying hydrated and sipping herbal teas. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Practicing good hygiene, especially after touching animals or market goods, is important, and carrying hand sanitizer is highly recommended. For added support, some guests bring probiotics or grapefruit seed extract as a precaution. Altitude symptoms are generally mild, but if you experience discomfort, your guide can assist, and pharmacies in Cusco carry relief tablets if needed. Emergency clinics are available locally should medical care be necessary.
How do I need to dress?
The Sacred Valley has the most moderate weather in the Andes, with generally sunny, warm days and cool nights. Dressing in layers allows you to be comfortable during cold mornings and nights and hot middays. Andean weather is unpredictable: sunny, windy, and unexpected showers in one day. Dress is casual. You want to be comfortable for hiking, yoga, and meditation.
What are the Tipping Practices?
Tipping in Peru acknowledges good service. For a 9-night, 10-day program, bring $100 cash to be distributed to Willka T’ika’s staff. This tip does not include your guide tip. Guide Tip: It is Andean practice for participants to tip their personal professional guide separately and directly on the last evening of the program’s guided services, at their own discretion. Willka T’ika Essential Wellness is unable to make recommendations in this regard.
Learn More about Willka T’ika Here
Cancellation Policy
The $500 deposit secures your space in this once-in-a-lifetime retreat and is nonrefundable. There are no exceptions to the refund policy. Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, or illness.
If you are called to this special place, please do not delay, as space is limited. We HIGHLY SUGGEST that you obtain travel insurance, including trip cancellation (“cancel for any reason” coverage will give you the widest leeway for cancellation).