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Andean Peru: From Earth Ovens to Qigong
Join ancient cacao ceremonies and wild swim in Ollantaytambo
EAT FROM THE EARTH OVEN IN THE LAST INHABITED INCA VILLAGE
Transform your body and mind on this 8-day journey of Andean spirituality. Walk the Sacred Valley of the Incas through small villages of Quechua-speaking communities with the surviving remains of great Inca family estates. Understand traditional Peruvian cuisine and dine on nourishing, local cuisine, such as Pachamanca, baked in an earth oven. Restore your mind, body and soul with Qigong, yoga, sound bath and meditation sessions. Experience ancient rituals, including a cacao ceremony and Haywarikuy, giving thanks to Mother Earth. Participate in an Andean weaving workshop with a master weaver from the Q’eros community.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Wellness Practices
Unwind with meditation and mindfulness workshops; listen to a talk from an expert in Andean spirituality, be led in yoga, Qigong and sound bath sessions, and enjoy a mindful walk in Ollantaytambo with opportunities for forest bathing, journaling and wild swimming.
Ancient Rituals
Participate in a simple Andean ritual with coca leaves to honour the sacred valley, connect to Andean spirituality with a Haywarikuy ritual followed by an Andean weaving workshop with a master weaver and healer from the Q’eros community, and experience a traditional cacao ceremony.
Archaeological Sites
Visit one of the New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, including an overnight stay at the only hotel located at its entrance, Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel. Explore the Pisac, Pumamarca and Sacsayhuamán archaeological sites, walk along ancient paths to visit the charming Yucay village, and visit Ollantaytambo, the last inhabited Inca village.
Andean Gastronomy
Explore the connection between mindfulness and healthy eating on an outdoor picnic, enjoy Pachamanca, cooked in an earth oven in Ollantaytambo, and join a mindful cooking and eating class using Peruvian superfoods. Explore fresh, local produce at San Pedro market in Cusco, and indulge in a gourmet dinner aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
THE JOURNEY
8-day journey through the Andean mountains.
DAY 1
Arrive at Cusco airport and enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Pisac.
Participate in a simple Andean ritual with coca leaves, honouring the Sacred Valley and its ancient guardians.
Explore the Pisac archaeological park, where you can admire some of the most important ruins in the Cusco region.
Arrive at your hotel, Explora Valle Sagrado, and join a movement and meditation session which incorporates both yoga and Qigong, focusing on setting intentions for your journey.
Dinner at the hotel, tasting their à la carte menu curated by acclaimed chef, Virgilio Martinez
Stay overnight in a standard room at Explora Valle Sagrado, the first of four nights.
DAY 2
Begin your day with a guided mindful movement and meditation session.
After breakfast, experience a transformative Andean weaving workshop led by a master weaver and healer from the Q’eros community, the last living descendants of the Incas.
The workshop begins with Haywariuy, a ritual connecting you to Andean spirituality and focusing on gratitude to the spiritual weaver guardian.
You are then guided through crafting a Kuychi watana, a rainbow bracelet symbolising protection.
During lunch, listen to a talk with an expert in Andean spirituality where you will learn about the healing powers of plants.
Walk along ancient cobbled paths and Inca terraces to Yucay village, a beautiful settlement where you will watch the sunset.
Return to Explora Valle Sagrado.
DAY 3
Greet the day with an early Qigong session focused on the five elements of Chinese medicine, the Andean saminchakuy and mindfulness-compassion based meditation
Embark on a a mindfulness walk in Ollantaytambo to explore Pumamarca, a small archaeological complex built
Hike through native forests where activities will include forest bathing or a plunge in the crystal-clear waters of a creek.
Dine on Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish baked with hot stones in an earth oven. Lunch is served in a stone and adobe house in Ollantaytambo, the last inhabited Inca village.
Experience a guided movement and sound healing session back at the hotel, including a sound bath with indigenous Peruvian instruments.
DAY 4
A slow paced morning, perhaps visiting the spa or enjoying a swim in the hotel’s pool, nestled within its bathhouse.
Late morning, enjoy a mindful cooking and eating class using Andean Peruvian superfoods.
Choose to book a massage or enjoy the sauna and jacuzzi in the spa.
Participate in a sunset yoga session, designed to stretch and release tension, culminating in a calming savasana.
DAY 5
Begin the day by watching the sunrise over the Sacred Valley, before departing the hotel to embark on your journey to Machu Picchu.
Board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, and disembark in the jungle, where you’ll begin your hike on the Inca Trail with an expert guide.
Cross the Vilcanota River, visit Chachabamba, then continue to Wiñay Wayna.
Following a light lunch, continue along the trail towards the Sun Gate, before exploring Machu Picchu during the quiet of the afternoon
Check in to your hotel for the night: Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, in a Standard Patio Room – the only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
DAY 6
Meet your guide for your second visit to Machu Picchu, where you will hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, the highest peak in the area.
Dine at the hotel’s restaurant for lunch.
Enjoy a cocktail in the hotel bar before travelling to Aguas Calientes.
Embark on a luxurious journey aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Poroy, including enjoying a gourmet dinner.
A private transfer will take you to your next hotel where a Junior Suite awaits at Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel.
DAY 7
After breakfast, a restorative yoga and Qigong session helps acclimatistion to the higher altitude.
Explore San Pedro Market, with its fresh produce and natural medicines, offering an insight into local traditions.
Meet your driver to head to Sacsayhuamán archaeological site where you will explore the ruins.
Trek back to Cusco’s historic downtown to wander the cobbled streets and blue doors of San Blas.
At a historic house, participate in a traditional cacao ceremony, offering an opportunity to reflect on your Peruvian adventure.
Gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay overnight in a Junior Suite at Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel.
DAY 8
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel.
A driver will transfer you to Cusco airport for a domestic flight to Lima. There will be assistance at Lima airport to connect to your international flight home.
THE STAYS
THE JOURNEY
Price from £11,440 per person, for 7 nights, based on 2 people travelling
INCLUSIONS
4 nights at Explora Valle Sagrado
1 night at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
2 nights at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
Wellness guide throughout the journey, excluding during the hike to Machu Picchu.
Local guide throughout the journey, excluding days 2 and 4 when you will be with your wellness guide.
Snacks, water and soft drinks in vehicles, when driving between locations.
All experiences described in the itinerary, including guides, transport, meals, events, entrance tickets, and train tickets.
Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Machu Picchu to Poroy train station.
Food and drink where mentioned in the itinerary.
EXCLUSIONS
International and domestic flights.
Visa fees.
Excess baggage charges.
Additional nights during the trip due to flight changes.
Food and drink where not mentioned in the itinerary.
Gratuity for main guides.
Any additional transport services.
Any spa services.
Extra expenses due to itinerary changes or similar due to force majeure or any other circumstances out of our control.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Suitable all year-round. In February many venues have their seasonal closures.
TRAVEL DESIGNER'S NOTES
Designed for anyone wishing to explore Peru’s ancient archaeological sites – Machu Picchu and beyond – while discovering local culture, traditional gastronomy and spiritual ceremonies. This journey allows you to visit sacred places where you will meet the last living descendants of the Incas, learning the symbolism and importance of their rituals. Our travel designers have created a wellness experience guided by local experts that will give you a deep insight into Andean Peruvian culture.
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