Restorative Wellness in the Sacred Valley - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous Ychsma settlement, which was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese—influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore. 

Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants. 

Suggested activities include: 

• Explore the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating Spanish architecture. Start with a scenic tour of the colonial downtown, which emanates from the main square. Stroll over to the 16th-century Cathedral, which took 80 years to construct and was built in the grandiose style of the Spanish Empire. 

• Visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains, in 1535. This is the only house from that era that still belongs to the same family. 

• Stroll around the Pueblo Libre district to the privately owned Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts a vast pre-Colonial collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of erotic art.

• In the evening, head to the eclectic "Love Park" in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, where you can admire a huge kissing statue and beautiful mosaic walls.  The park is built on the cliffs of Chorrillos and is a perfect place to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Pacific. 

• Enjoy a nightcap at an open-air cafe or restaurant in the diverse Miraflores neighborhood.

Day 2: Yoga, Flight to Cusco & Check in to Bungalow

Begin the morning by meeting your yoga instructor at your boutique hotel in Miraflores and walking the short distance to the Malecon for a private outdoor yoga session. Take this time to breathe in the fresh morning air and enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific coast. After the relaxing yoga session, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Lima airport for your transfer to Cusco. 

Arrive in Cusco and meet your local host who will accompany you to your home for the next few days. You will be staying at a beautifully-crafted and luxurious bungalow, located at the heart of the Andean mountains. This bungalow and the several others that make up the lodge represent the chakra energy in the body. Spend the next few days in this intentional space connecting with nature, art, the local culture, and your inner mind. Enjoy the restorative hospitality of the lodge as you explore the area and get in tune with your energy. The lodge offers a variety of healthy and nutritious meals, from daily green juices to delicious vegetarian and vegan options.

Day 3: Sound Healing in the Valley & Pottery Class

Start your day with a clearing sound healing session. Music and sound healing has been used for years around the world as therapy to improve emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. After your session, take some time to reflect and relax before lunch. 

After enjoying a vegan or vegetarian meal prepared by a world-famous chef, head to your pottery session to let your creativity flow. Connect with your body and spirit as your work the clay with your hands. Afterward, relax during the free time before dinner. End your night with a restorative night meditation before bed—a perfect way to end your intentional wellness care.

Day 4: Explore the Sacred Valley, Yoga & Bonfire

Start your morning by fueling up with a nutritional green juice, then head out to explore the Sacred Valley. Choose to spend the day exploring the natural beauty on foot, or on horseback. As the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, this valley is full of impressive ruins, breathtaking vistas, and sacred plants. Reconnect with yourself while enjoying the mountain scenery around you. Breathe in the clear mountain air and feel your body awaken and re-energize. 

In the afternoon, restore your energy with a flow yoga session at the base of the mountains. Let your mind and body feel the spiritual connection to the land. 

In the evening, head outside for a bonfire under the clear night sky. Enjoy a restful night's sleep after your day of connection and awareness.

Day 5: Llama Sanctuary & Train to Aguas Calientes

Get an early start today before heading to the Sacred Valley to discover local culture and history. Start at the Llama sanctuary to meet and greet some of the adorable local camelid residents, then head to Pisac. Visit the local ruins and explore ancient Inca architecture before stopping by the famed Pisac textile market, where you can shop for colorful and exquisite local textiles. 

Continue to Ollantaytambo to visit Sacsayhuaman—one of the Inca's most important religious sites—before boarding the local train to Aguas Calientes. 

Located at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes serves as a rest town for many travelers visiting the famed site. Check in to your hotel then head out to explore the small town. Walk along the stream, enjoy a relaxing dinner, and rejuvenate in the hot springs before enjoying a restorative night's sleep.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Excursion, Relaxing Evening in Cusco

Get an early start to beat the crowds and get the best views of the ancient ruins. From Aguas Calientes, it's an easy 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins. 

This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7,970 ft (2,430 m) and is a masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. 

Built as a seasonal residence for the Inca family, Machu Picchu was rarely home to more than 800 people, and during the royals' absence, a mere 100 servants would remain at the site to maintain the grounds. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction due to the Spanish conquest and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. 

Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed into its original structure, giving visitors a sense for the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel.

*Additional hikes to Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain to get a birds eye's view of the citadel are available upon request.

After the tour, take the train to Cusco and enjoy a soothing and relaxing massage after your long and adventurous day. 

Day 7: Departing Cusco

Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your homeward-bound flight. ¡Buen viaje!