THURSDAY APRIL 27

Transfer from the Cusco airport to your lovely hotel conveniently situated off the historic Plaza de Armas. Plan to arrive into Cusco by 11a.m. to rest and acclimate to the 11,200 altitude.

3:00 pm:  Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Group orientation in the hotel and a guided walk through the cobblestone streets of San Blas. Your professional guide will point out fascinating Incan stonework en route. Explore the Korikancha Temple, the holiest site during Incan times. Dine on own in evening by the main square.

Later in the evening: Initiation & Welcome Circle 

FRIDAY APRIL 28

Early morning: a Sacral Chakra ritual

Depart for the Incan ritual fountains at Tipon. “Where there is water, there is life.” Participate in an ancient Andean ceremony to honor Yaku, the spirit of water. At this picturesque site, you have the opportunity to touch the holy water to open the body’s energy centers and activate and enhance your individual creative and healing forces. Return to Cusco and have lunch at a restaurant of your choice.

After lunch, depart with your guide to the awesome giant stones of Saksaywaman overlooking the city of Cusco where you may choose to participate in a brief meditation, or hike around the vast Incan site. 

PM: Meet in hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. Willka T’ika invites the group to dine at wonderful local restaurant which caters to various dietary preferences.

SATURDAY APRIL 29

AM: Depart for the Willka T’ika in the Sacred Valley. En route, explore the mysterious Moray Circles set amidst beautiful mountain scenery. A short distance away, discover the ancient Maras salt farms and choose to hike a zig-zag trail down into the Sacred Valley where your driver will meet the group to continue on to Willka T’ika.

PM: Welcome lunch at 1 p.m. at Willka T’ika. Introduction to the Willka T’ika family—the Quechua staff who will take care of you during your stay. After an orientation with your guide, you will have a guided tour of Willka T’ika and the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens. Options for individual spa treatments.

SUNDAY APRIL 30

This day is dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth, and you are encouraged to relax or meditate in the splendors of the Chakra Gardens. Sign up for an optional 15-minute private coca leaf reading with a pakko, a Qero healer, visiting from the high Andes. Optional guided walk through the nearby Rumichaka farming neighborhood where Quechua campesinos live. More challenging hikes along scenic routes into the valley are also possible.

Enjoy an organic vegetarian lunch at 1 p.m. 

In the afternoon, you can schedule optional Andean spa treatments or a private coca leaf readings (additional cost). Optional ceramic art project at a nearby ceramics studio. 

After dinner, our pakko invites you to an authentic and transformative Andean fire ceremony to honor Pachamama, yourself and your loved ones. The ceremony will remind us to focus our intention for this journey and serves as a wonderful preparation of mind, body and spirit for the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. 

MONDAY MAY 1

A day of Ayni, or reciprocity and focusing on the Heart Chakra. 

AM: Drive through the Sacred Valley to a Quechua mountain school supported by the non-profit Willka T’ika Children’s Fund. Since 1995, Willka T’ika has supported isolated mountain communities where few tourists visit. In an ayni exchange, the group will offer an interactive activity for the Quechua children. The warmth and heart-warming joy of the children and their openness in bringing guests into their daily lives are moments not easily forgotten. 

Enjoy a box lunch with a stunning view.

PM: Continue with your guide to the spectacular ruins of P’isaq. Overlooking impressive Incan terraces, you are invited to hike to the Temple of the Sun. Meditate or walk in silent reflection. Return to the main square of P’isaq by bus (or hike!) and visit the famous, colorful market filled with woven goods, jewelry, wall hangings and hand-painted beadwork. Enjoy a café in the market square where you can observe colorfully dressed campesinos. P’isaq is a photographer’s dream. Return to Willka T’ika with time for a late afternoon group session before dinner. 

TUESDAY MAY 2

AM: Early breakfast before taking a tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the majestic terraces of Machu Picchu. Enjoy an enlightening tour of the ancient “City of Light” with your guide. 

PM: Continue to explore Machu Picchu ruins, and hike to the Sun Gate or to the Incan Bridge, taking photographs along the way as you enjoy the magnificent views. 

6:30 p.m. Meet outside your hotel. Willka T’ika invites you to a fabulous celebratory three-course dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

In the morning, you are free to explore Machu Picchu with entrance ticket included, with option to climb Machu Picchu Peak or Huayna Picchu Peak, depending on availability.  Return to the ruins for another glance at the Incan splendor. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes with time for a cool beverage or snack at a local café.

Afternoon train back to Ollantaytampu, transfer to Willka T’ika in time for a late dinner. 

THURSDAY MAY 4

In the morning, we visit the ceremonial site of Ollantaytampu and its famous Sun Temple. Enjoy walking the cobblestoned streets of this quaint picturesque town. Picnic lunch en route back to Willka T’ika. 

In the afternoon we experience a group session.  Afterwards, meditate in the Chakra Garden of your choice and allow yourself time to receive the ancestral energies beneath the 1000-year-old lucuma tree. You'll have time to treat yourself to an Andean Spa experience. For the more active, choose from a variety of hikes and activities through the valley and up the mountains to the nearby Incan chullpas.

FRIDAY MAY 5

We start the day with a beautiful ritual to open the Crown Chakra and reconnect to Universal, Divine Love.  Afterwards, take time in the Chakra Gardens to journal your experience and integrate your journey.  This is special day of mindful integration at Willka T’ika. 

You may choose a guided morning hike to the town of Urubamba through farming neighborhoods, visit a typical, lively Peruvian market and the famous Seminario ceramics shop. Hike or take a mototaxi back to Willka T’ika for $1.

1:00 pm: Lunch

After lunch, there will be a group integration circle, then you will be free to enjoy spa services and prepare for your return trip.

6:30 pm: Farewell Celebration Dinner with Andean musicians.

SATURDAY MAY 6

7 a.m. Morning Yoga and Closing Circle

10:00 a.m. Check-Out Time. 

A group bus transfer at check-out takes the group to the Cusco airport to connect to Lima, and outbound flight home. Arrive home feeling blessed with the pure spiritual energy of your transformational Andean journey-of-a-lifetime.