Explore Ancient Traditions in Peru
Yoga • Photography • Golf
September 19th - 28th, 2014
Peru, which is located on the western coast of South America, boasts an ancient culture, a rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From snow covered peaks and glaciers high above to exotic lagoons down below, Peru is home to the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu. No doubt, Peru is magical, and a rare wonder of nature. As if this is not enough, its extremely warm-hearted people are as unique as the land they inhabit, and they routinely welcome visitors to get in touch with the soul of their country. Natural and archaeological beauty, and timeless traditions, make Peru an ideal wellness sanctuary for this unique retreat.
This program will teach you the ancient traditions of yoga through daily workshops. You’ll visit historic Incan sites, and explore cities and temples. You’ll also have the unique experience of performing sun salutations overlooking the Sacred Valley or at The Gateway to the Sun in Machu Picchu, allowing your spirit to slowly awaken your body, mind and soul, and reconnect you with the simple joy of life.
Peru is a rare jewel that you’ll want to capture on film. Electrifying Peruvian backdrops combined with colonial Spanish and historical Incan Empire influences make unique and compelling photographs. If you enjoy the luxuries of a guided tour but don't like being on a tight schedule, then this journey is right for you! Nonetheless, discover Machu Picchu, built in approximately 1450 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site while learning and applying photography techniques to capture the mesmerizing scenery.
For those who enjoy golf, experience one of the oldest courses in South America, the 18-hole Country Club Golf Course in Lima. Did the Scottish really invent golf or could the oldest known golf course be part of a great Incan ruin in Machu Picchu, undiscovered until 1911? It's still considered a mystery. We've combined three of the most popular interests, yoga, photography and golf, for the price of one!
Yoga is an ancient discipline that originated in India with the goal of obtaining a state of permanent peace and is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Hatha yoga emerged as a prominent tradition of yoga in the turn of the millennia and is distinct from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, marking the development of asanas into the full body postures now in popular usage and, along with its many modern variations, is the style that many people associate with the word yoga today. Hindu monks, beginning with Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to the West in the late 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1980s that yoga became popular as a system of physical exercise across the Western world. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, male or female, come embrace this ancient tradition in one of the most mystical places of the world, Machu Picchu, Peru.
As a group, we will welcome each new day during your yoga retreat with a specially designed morning yoga session. Imagine performing sun salutations overlooking the Sacred Valley or at the Gateway to the Sun in Machu Picchu. The Incas worshipped the sun god.
Throughout the retreat, we'll learn more about the ancient traditions of yoga and those of the Incan Empire with its ancient cities and temples. In the sacred space we create for ourselves, the spirit will slowly awaken and reconnect with the simple joys of life.
There will be plenty of time to discover yourself and those ancient traditions, take in spectacular views, meet new friends, and enjoy the many sites and unique experiences which are available. We have allowed time for relaxation, spa treatments, optional hiking, witnessing ancient Andean ceremonies and visiting a local community.
You will return home feeling truly refreshed, recharged and inspired. These locales are the ideal setting for your retreat and offer a beautiful backdrop, a range of wellness treatments, organic cuisine and plenty of opportunities to relax.
What's included
Allow us to inspire you with:
- Upon your arrival in Lima, you will have the opportunity to tour the cathedrals while being surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture; explore the catacombs, take a walk on the beachside boardwalk, cross Lima’s Bridge of Sighs in the bohemian district, shop or sit at cafés while watching surfers in the ocean.
- Time to take in the sites of Lima, Cusco and Aguas Caliente and explore their natural beauty, shops and local markets where proceeds from the sale of quality original jewelry, artwork, local crafts and woolen alpaca goods support the local community.
- A visit to Cusco, the hub of the ancient Incan Empire and culture. Stroll through San Blas and discover a narrow pedestrian street near Plaza de Armas, famous for its Inca walls where huge stones are precisely carved to fit together without mud or concrete. Admire the engineering abilities of the early Incas while learning photography techniques which will marvel all.
- Some time in Urubamba, where we’ll make our way to one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns of South America. On our way, we can see the ‘salineras’ or salt mines of the area from a distance. For hundreds of years these pools, constructed by the Inca’s, have provided salt to the surrounding communities. Nearby, try a traditional beverage made from fermented maize.
- The natural beauty of Aguas Caliente where you can capture photos of wildlife, a cloudforest and a waterfall. Revitalize yourself in the hot springs or enjoy shopping in the markets.
- Accommodations set under the magical and peaceful Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. Embrace exquisite beauty.
- Organic, vegetarian meals and healthy alternatives prepared in Andean and/or international style.
- Daily yoga at sunrise and sunset in the Sacred Valley as well as other beautiful sun filled locations.
- Hiking beneath magnificent Andean peaks in the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley scenery.
- Vibrant and colorful Quechua people in their mountain villages; a photographers dream. Learn and apply the fundamentals of photography with a professional who will help you navigate the art regardless of your level of expertise. Create a gallery of photos throughout your adventure to display upon your return.
- The discovery of Incan healers lifework and ancient Incan ceremonies.
- The heartfelt practice of Ayni (Andean reciprocity with Mother Earth) with a visit to a mountain community and interaction with the locals and school children. Amaze yourself with breathtaking photos of the community and the locals.
- An energy cleansing ritual in a domed wet lodge made of eucalyptus branches and stones and heated by an open fire. You can enjoy the Andean sauna and select from a variety of different massages (additional charge).
- Learn about Andean musical instruments and drums, which are often used for meditation or ceremonies.
- Learn how to use and create your own Chakra gardens at home.
- While sipping on Peru’s national drink, Pisco Sour, sit by a cozy fireplace and lose yourself in a good book or look back on the photos you will be sharing with your family and friends when you get home.
- Peru is a golfer's paradise in that the weather is always perfect with very little rain and no wind. Combine your pleasure of golf while you discover some of the world's best cultural treasures.
- Air conditioned accommodations and/or ceiling fans
- Rooms with double, queen or king sized beds can be booked individually, as couples or for friends to share.
Pricing - 10 day retreat
Occupancy | Super Early Bird (Book before Dec 31st, 2013) |
Early Bird (Book before Mar 1st, 2014) |
Regular Rate (Deadline Aug 15th, 2014) |
Double | $3,395.00 | $3,650.00 | $3,750.00 |
Triple | $3,140.00 | $3,395.00 | $3,495.00 |
**Retreat pricing is for the entire length of program and includes all activities and accommodations. Pricing is per person without international airfare. Fees are in Canadian Dollars. Payment methods include VISA, Mastercard, American Express, certified cheque, money order, bank draft, or direct deposit. Details subject to change and to be confirmed in complete itinerary to follow.
We recommend confirming your attendance as soon as possible as space is EXTREMELY limited!! Book before December 31st, 2013 and get $355 off or before March 1st, 2014 for $100 off at an early bird rate! Check our website for ways to help fund your retreat. We look forward to helping you explore your inner self by learning about ancient traditions with the breathtaking backdrop of Machu Picchu. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions at all, and we look forward to seeing you in Peru in 2014!
Referral Discount
Share your experience with your partner and/or friend! Refer a friend and receive an additional $75.00 off per person!
Group Discounts
You may have a special reason to go away with family/friends or you may want to enjoy this experience with colleagues, customers or your students. Whatever your reason, don't hesitate to ask about our Group Discounts where you'll enjoy the benefits and possibly go for free!! Don't wait for others to call…be the first!!
To submit payment, please call 905.272.8687 and have your credit card on hand.
We accept Visa and Mastercard.
You can also pay via Paypal here: