Join us for an enriching 7-night, 8-day wellness retreat at Willka T'ika, the premier luxury retreat center nestled in the Sacred Valley of Peru, between the Incan capital of Cusco and the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. This exquisite sanctuary, located in one of the most energetically charged places on earth, is designed for deep rejuvenation and reflection.
Willka T’ika was founded in 1995 as a sustainable, culturally responsible wellness retreat. You can relax and enjoy your stay, knowing that you are:
Supporting the local community
Respecting our natural environment
Joining experienced, trusted tour guides
Enjoying nutritious, farm-to-table organic food
Experiencing authentic healing ceremonies
During the retreat, you'll immerse yourself in daily yoga classes and workshops led by the Free Spirited Wanderer team, designed to help you cultivate a deeper, more loving connection with yourself, others, and the world around you. These sessions will focus on expanding self-awareness, enhancing presence, and fostering compassion. Complementing these sessions are once-in-a-lifetime experiences hosted by Willka T'ika. Including traditional ceremonies, unique healing arts, private tours of local cultural sites, ancient Incan ruins (hello Machu Picchu, #bucklistitem), spectacular hikes, famous markets, and more.
Together, our expertise promises an unforgettable week of empowering yoga on and off the mat, authentic Andean adventures, and transformative healing.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Carole
Hi, I'm Carole
E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher,
I have been practicing Yoga since 2012. First, it was a way to complement a life of running and soccer but it was also a means of learning to slow down, become more present, and discover more joy in the moment. As my interest in yoga grew, I found a strong desire to learn the traditional parts of this beautiful practice and eventually be able to share them, as a teacher, with others.
I completed my first 200-hour Hatha / Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Pokhara, Nepal in 2014 and my 300-hour Hatha / Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala, India in 2018, both with Rishikul Yogshala.
I have completed two 200-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings (Rishikul Yogshala; Nepal 2014 & Y2 Yoga; Charlotte, NC 2022), one 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training (Rishikul Yogshala; India, 2018), two trainings with Para Yoga (Marma & Four Desires), a year-long Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship with AYS and countless immersions and workshops, all to deepen my skills as a student and teacher.
Within my classes, my goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to show up as their truest, most authentic selves. My classes are structured in a traditional manner; following the 8-limbs and my love for Ashtanga. I teach breath, alignment, discipline, and strength & grace in order to help one be fully immersed in their practice. I provide a well-rounded class that will help one improve their strength, flexibility, self-awareness, and overall connection of mind, body, and soul. You will leave feeling rejuvenated, energized, and empowered. I encourage everyone to try yoga so they can discover their innate potential, personal power, and higher purpose, as well as a deeper understanding of their True Self.
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Do I need a passport?
Yes!
Do I need travel insurance?
For additional protection due to any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance at the time of booking the retreat.
Where do I fly into?
Cusco, Peru (CUZ). No matter where you come from you will have a layover in Lima (LIM) and from there you will take a short (60min) flight to Cusco. **If you have a long layover, you can book a room at the Lima Airport (Wyndham Costa del Sol).
What is the altitude in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, and how can I best prepare?
Cusco: 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level
Sacred Valley: 2,865 meters (9400) above sea level
Machu Picchu: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level
TO BEST PREPARE, TRY THESE TIPS:
Acclimatize: Give your body time to adjust to the altitude by taking it easy and spending a few days in the area before starting activities.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Eat well: Eat a balanced diet with lots of carbohydrates, like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Avoid heavy meals that can be hard to digest.
Take breaks: If you feel breathless, stop and take some deep breaths.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: These can make altitude sickness symptoms worse.
Try coca tea: This traditional remedy is made from the coca leaf, which was used by the Incas to treat various illnesses.
Take chlorophyll drops: These increase the amount of red blood cells, which helps the body absorb oxygen.
Consider medication: A doctor may recommend medication like acetazolamide or ibuprofen to help prevent altitude sickness.
Listen to your body: Recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and take action.
How do I get to our hotel in Cusco on April 26 and to the accommodation on April 27?
Complimentary airport pickup will be arranged for you based on your arrival time in Cusco on April 26 and they will bring you to our Cusco hotel.
On April 27th, we will travel as a group to the accommodation with a complimentary shuttle.
**If you arrive earlier than April 26 you are responsible for your own transportation and meeting us the hotel in Cusco. Exact hotel will be announced soon.
What time is check out on May 3 and how do I get back to Cusco?
Check out is at 10:00 AM and we will leave as a group to Cusco. *Transportation cost included.
What will the weather be like?
The Sacred Valley has the most moderate weather in the Andes which means generally sunny warm days, and cool nights. Unless you’re planning a serious trek, there is no bad time to come to the Sacred Valley. And since weather can change dramatically at high altitude, it is always wise to have a hat, rain/wind jacket and a few layers. March through May: The Andean fall months are sunny and the mountains and fields are beautifully green.
What will I be eating at the retreat?
The accommodation prepares farm-to-table vegetarian meals, sourced from our own organic gardens. Within your retreat breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included. With advance notice, we happily cater to vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. There are fresh herbal teas and organic coffee available as well as beer and wine. Breakfast is served buffet style with a range of fresh fruits, breads, jams, cereals, and eggs. Dinner is a set 3 course meal, including a delicious soup, home-grown salad, vegetarian main course, and dessert. If you’re still hungry after all that, please ask for seconds!
Will my food allergies and restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! When you register for this retreat we will collect any food allergies or restrictions and pass them along to the retreat.
What is nearby the retreat?
The retreat is located 3 kilometers from the local town of Urubamba. You can walk there in 45-60 minutes or take a mototaxi for 3-4 Soles ($1). We don’t recommend walking along the main road but rather via a scenic dirt trail that avoids the local traffic. Be prepared to encounter a few barking dogs on your walk! We can give you a map of Urubamba that shows you how to get to the Plaza de Armas, the local market, Seminario’s ceramic studio, Mon Repos Alpaca Outlet and a variety of restaurants and café. If you want to walk further, we can also give you a map to hike to the Maras Salts Mines (3 hours roundtrip.) If you have a good sense of direction, you can also feel free to wander through our local neighborhood of Rumichaka and with a little perseverance and 30-60 minutes of climbing you, might find our own local Incan Ruins, known as “Las Chullpas.”
How many times a day will we be practicing yoga?
Twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. **There will be no yoga offered on our Machu Picchu tour day.
Will there be yoga equipment at the retreat that I can use?
Yes, they have mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets.
Do most people come solo or with a friend?
It is always a combination of both! If you are nervous to come solo, know that there will be other woman traveling solo and it's a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and make new friends!