The Wellness and Yoga Experience to Machu Picchu

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The Wellness and Yoga Experience to Machu Picchu

“Cusco…guardian of the ancient Andean Kingdom and thousand-year-old temples that dot the inspiring landscape and function as stone clocks aligned with the stars…this is the context of a holistic journey to reconnect with your inner-self through a trip back in time to lost cities and energetic earth centers. Immerse yourself in this union with Mother Nature.” – Andres Adasme, MLP’s Head of Adventure and Exploration.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY 2019

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY 2020

ITINERARY

DAY 1 CUSCO—SETTING OUR INTENTIONS

Arrival in Cusco and transfer to El Retablo.
Lunch and early afternoon at leisure.
3:00pmIntroductory workshop at hotel: ‘The Pillars of Wellness’— an exploration of the Circle of Life to give us clarity in our intentions for the journey. (2 hours)
5:30pmRestorative Yoga. Moon salutations practice and meditation to restore our alignment after the long journey to Cusco. (1 hour). Location: Antigua Casona Hotel - rooftop room.
7:00pmWelcome dinner at Pachapapa.

Overnight: El Retablo – Cusco
Meals: D

DAY 2 CUSCO—MERGING INTENTIONS AND ENERGY

7:00amEarly morning Sun Salutations for an energetic start to the day. (Approximately 20 minutes)
7:30amBreakfast at El Retablo.
8:45amRound-trip hike to the Temple of the Moon for a K’intu initiation ceremony, followed by a gentle guided meditation. Focus: Establishing a merging of intentions and personal energy within the sacred land that surrounds us. (Approximately 4 hours)
1:30pmLunch in Cusco at Green’s Organic.
3:30pmSuperfood workshop at hotel: ‘Introduction to Andean Superfoods and the Magic of Peruvian Food Culture’ —followed by a visit to the San Pedro Market to learn about the top 10 Andean superfoods, their properties, and different ways to prepare them in order to activate their nutrients. (3 hours)
7:00pmTrip briefing at hotel.
7:30pmDinner at Mutu.

Overnight: El Retablo – Cusco
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

06:00amEveryday Essentials Yoga: Restoration practice focused on stretching wrists, shoulders, hips, and back to loosen up our bodies and minds. (1 hour)
07:00amBreakfast at hotel.
07:30amDepart for the Sacred Valley.
08:30amVisit to the Pisaq town market and botanical gardens.
11:00amVisit to Viacha—participate in traditional Andean farming practices alongside members of the local community.
12:00pmHike to the Pisaq archaeological site followed by a guided tour. (Approximately 2.5 hours)
02:30pmScenic drive to Lamay Lodge.
04:00pmPachamanca lunch at Lamay Lodge
06:00pmEvening restorative yoga practice. Focus: Re-centering ourselves by integrating the multiple energies received during our full-day journey. (2 hours)
07:30pmLight dinner and daily trip briefing.

Overnight: Lamay Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 INTO THE HEART OF LARES

07:00amEarly morning Ashtanga practice: energizing and dynamic. (1 hour)
08:00amBreakfast at lodge.
09:00amWellness workshop at the lodge: ‘Ayurveda for Life’ — Ayurveda is known as the life science that is complementary to yoga. During this workshop we will explore our doshas (body and mind constitutions) and examine modifications to lead us towards a more well-rounded lifestyle.
10:15amDepart for the Lares Valley.

Choice of afternoon activities:
Activity A:
12:15pmExcursion to meet the expert textile weavers of the Choquecancha community, including an introduction to Andean natural textile dyes and coca leaf reading. (Approximately 3.5 hours)
Activity B:
01:00pmHike from Cuncani to Huacahuasi Lodge. (Approximately 1 hour)

06:00pmWellness workshop at lodge: ‘Pranayama Breathing’—Pranayama technique workshop to guide our bodies and minds into a deep state of relaxation.
07:30pmDinner and daily trip briefing.

Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 THE ROAD TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

06:45amMysore Ashtanga Yoga Method: Build your own practice—Mysore offers the opportunity for a personalized posture sequence adapted to each individual student. (1 hour)
08:00amBreakfast at hotel.
08:45amScenic drive to Marcacocha.
10:15amPachamama ceremony at the Marcacocha archaeological site.
11:30amDepart for Pumamarka.
12:15pmVisit to the Pumamarka archaeological site and picnic lunch.
02:00pmHike from Pumamarka to Ollantaytambo. (Approximately 2 hour)
04:30pmArrival at Willka T’ika Lodge.
05:00pmPhilosophy Workshop: ‘‘The Heart of Yoga’—discussion about the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, including ethical principles like yamas and niyamas. (1 hour 30 minutes)
7:30pmDinner and daily trip briefing.

Overnight: Willka T’ika – Luxury Wellness Retreat & Yoga Center
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 MACHU PICCHU

07:00amMysore Ashtanga Yoga Method: Continuing our individual posture sequence exploration. (1 hour 15 minutes)
08:00amBreakfast at hotel.
09:30amVisit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
11:30amScenic train ride to Aguas Calientes; lunch on board. (Approximately 1.5 hours)
02:00pmGuided tour of Machu Picchu.
05:00pmCheck-in at hotel.
07:30pmDinner at hotel and daily trip briefing.

Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 CIRCLING BACK—ENERGY AND INTENTIONS

06:30amOptional early morning stroll through the lush orchid gardens and tea plantation at hotel. (1 hour)
07:00amBreakfast at hotel.
09:00amHike to the Mandor Nature Preserve followed by an energizing Sun Salutations variations practice. At the end of the session, we will revisit the Circle of Life to examine the attainment of our wellness experience intentions. (Approximately 2.5 hours)
01:00pmLunch at hotel.
02:55pmScenic train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. (Approximately 1.5 hours)
05:00pmPrivate transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco. (Approximately 2 hours)
08:00pmFarewell dinner.

Overnight El Retablo Hotel
Meals:B, L, D

DAY 8

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the Cusco airport.

2019

US$ 3,660

Departure Dates

September 16th
October 14th
November 11th
December 3rd

2020

US$ 3,800

Departure Dates

April 4th
July 25th
October 26th
December 12th

DOWNLOAD 2019 TERMS & CONDITIONS

2019 DETAILS:

●8D/7N round-trip itinerary starting in Cusco.
●Rate is per person based on shared accommodations.
●Single traveler accommodation request: subject to a 25% supplemental fee of the standard rate.
●Single traveler willing to share accommodations: subject to a 10% supplemental fee of the standard rate.
●A non-refundable deposit of US$ 500 per person is required to confirm a reservation.
●Remaining balance due sixty (60) days prior to arrival.

2019 SERVICES INCLUDE:

●Transportation services during the programmed itinerary.
●All lodging during the programmed itinerary.
●All meals except: breakfast and lunch on Day 1; lunch and dinner on Day 8.
●Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) during all program days. Tours of archaeological sites are led in English.
●Entrance fees and permits to points of interest and archeological sites.
●Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
●Filtered water, tea, coffee, juice, and soft drinks at all MLP lodges (alcohol, sports drinks, and bottled water not included).
●Gratuities for MLP staff at the lodges and in the field.* Gratuities for your guide are not included and are at your discretion. In general, we suggest $10-$20 USD/day (per person) for assistant guides.

*Note: Gratuities at MLP-affiliate hotels and premium camping installations are not included.

Some terms may have changed for 2020, please check the details below.

DOWNLOAD 2020 TERMS & CONDITIONS

11-Day Program 2019

September 9st
US$ 4,200

10-Day Program 2019

June 16th – June 25sh

US$ 4,500

LP Yoga and Wellness Leader:

We are pleased to introduce Sandra Gallegos, our new MLP Yoga and Wellness Leader. During the past 14 years, she has been both a devoted yoga practitioner and teacher, and three years ago opened her own studio dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga as well as ‘Integral Health’ coaching. Sandra also brings an in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Nutrition, having studied with notable experts in India and beyond. Her experience, dedication, and holistic approach to mind/body wellness will ensure the trip of a lifetime for our guests.

Profile:

Name: Sandra Gallegos

Age: 39

From: Lima, Peru

Mom to: Kailani, age 7

Professional background:

• Business Administration degree completed in Amsterdam, Holland
• 2004: Began practicing yoga
• 2005: Earned post-graduate degree in International Tourism, Australia
• 2013: Earned Ashtanga Yoga certification through AYP
• 2014: Studied Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda & Ayurvedic Nutrition at K. Pattabhi Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI), Mysore, India
• 2014: Studied Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Nutrition with Dr. Chitrah Lekha at Mysore Ayurveda Retreat, Mysore, India
• 2015: Opened Yoga studio DAYS Yoga and Health Coaching, Lima, Peru
• 2016: Completed the ‘Integrative Health Coaching’ course at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), New York, NY
• Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, and basic Indonesian

1. Pre-trip fitness tips:

In addition to daily yoga practices and cultural activities, this experience is comprised of moderate to challenging hikes at high altitudes and through varied terrain.

Recommendations:

/ Begin a cardio-intensive fitness regimen that includes vigorous walking and/or hiking three months before your trip.
/ Wear broken-in hiking shoes or boots. We also recommend having adequate ankle support as the terrain is varied.
/ Use hiking poles or walking sticks during the hikes for greater agility and ankle support.

2. Adjusting to high altitude:

Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500’/1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a decreased amount of oxygen. Symptoms can include lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration.

Recommendations:

/ If possible, arrive in Cusco at least one – two days before your MLP departure.
/ Drink a minimum of 64oz./2L of water each day.
/ Avoid eating heavy meals, especially during the first couple of days.
/ Avoid vigorous exercise during the first couple of pre-trip days.

3. Yoga Mats:

Yoga mats and other equipment will be available for use during the daily practices; however, feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

A CALL TO HONOR MOTHER EARTH

“Let us gather and join our strengths in collaboration and cooperation, remembering that together we multiply our prayers and that we belong to the great lineage of the Earth’s feminine sisterhood.”

Along with with the Intercultural Convergence of Medicine Women, MLP invites you to join us on this once-in-a-lifetime experience to unify the four life elements—water, earth, fire, and wind—in combination with our Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu.

Meet some of our leaders:

Sra. Maria Apaza:

Sra. Maria felt the calling of the Andean ‘Apus’, or gods, from the tender age of 4, which was solidified when she was struck by a bolt of lightning at 16—the true sign that she had been chosen for divinity. Since then, Sra. Maria has devoted herself to representing and sharing ‘Allin Kawsay’, Quechua for ‘well-being’ or ‘the good life’, through her powerful ceremonial chants (‘Q’ero Taki’).

Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann:

Ms. Miriam-Rose, a tribal ’grandmother’, is the leader of the Nauiyu Community from Daly River, Australia. The Nauiyu practice ‘Dadirri’, or profound listening, which Miriam-Rose describes as “something internal, it is a calm from deep listening and quiet conscience.”

Luzclara:

A Mapuche shaman from Chile, Luzclara practices ‘sound’ healing through song and chants, accompanied by rattles, bells, and and other musical instruments. Luzclara also developed the ‘Healing Circle’, a ceremonial sacred space in which we are able to connect with our inner shaman through the power generated from a group coming together in unified intention.

Cecilia Paniagua:

Cecilia, also known by the Quechua name ‘Wanqura Waqakuq’, is a sacred plant bearer and healer. She is also considered the guardian of the Chavin Temple in Chavin, Peru, and a grandmother of the Conchuco Quechua tradition—“The ancestors tell us: the beginning and foundation of light (QUN) was the one who made everything that exists, where everything happens, where everything comes from and where everything returns in the eternal dance of the infinite spiral.”

Sweet Medicine:

Sweet Medicine, is a sweet grandmother Guardian of Wisdom, with 45 years of experience in traditional ceremonies and native teachings. A Native American spiritual leader of the Chickasaw lineage, she is responsible for continuing the legacy of her people through being a bridge of deep connection with the sacred space and nurturing the soul as a guide through the rites of passage.

During the first six days of the journey, you will join in a celebration of the combined rituals, ceremonies, and music of twelve international ‘grandmothers’ of varied ‘medicine’ practices including healers, energy workers, bridge women, shamans, and guardians of birth, knowledge, seeds, peace, life, and more. Women artists and artisans from around the world will also be bringing their works to create a marketplace for barter and exchange.

Each participant is invited to bring water, earth, ashes, and songs from their birthplaces or current homes. At the end of the event, you will be given a portion of the unified elements to take home with you.

Once the gathering has concluded, you will continue on your journey by exploring the history, culture, and profound energy of the breathtaking Sacred Valley and Lares region on a fully-guided luxury lodge-to-lodge adventure to the hallowed ground of Machu Picchu.

Inti Raymi & Qoyllor’ Ity

Qoyllor’ Ity2

Qoyllor’ Ity (Quechua for ‘bright white snow’), is the annual Andean winter solstice celebration to honor of the stars and constellations in hopes of a prosperous harvest and New Year. The festival includes a procession to the Qoyllor’ Ity shrine under the full moon, comprised of Andean farmers and villagers, locals from Cusco, and multiple groups of musicians and dance troupes, like the well-known Paucartambo and Quispiscanchis, from the rural highlands. As the sun rises, revelers kneel to receive the first rays of the sun after this auspicious moon.

Inti Raymi

The entire region of Cusco comes together in June for Inti Raymi, the annual celebration to honor the Inca god of the sun, Inti. Through colorful processions and elaborate re-enactments of sacred Inca rituals, both city dwellers and Andean villagers join to give thanks to Inti as their primary source of life and abundance.