Sacred Ground: Yoga & Cultural Immersion in the Peruvian Andes
with Claire Zurbrugg and Jacque Sweet
All-Inclusive Yoga Retreat in The Sacred Valley of Peru
Sacred Valley, Peru
June 27 -July 4, 2026
8-Days / 7-Nights
Starting at $1695
Join Claire and Jacque for a week of practice, presence, and cultural connection in the Andes Mountains of Peru. We will gather and stay at Willka T’ika Retreat Center, which sits in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most energetically charged places on Earth — making it the perfect spot to unplug and restore your mind, body, and soul. Daily yoga programming is balanced with ample free time to rest, explore the land, and connect with the region’s deep spiritual heritage — including an optional full-day guided journey to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We invite you to explore Peru’s rich culture and flavors while you immerse in guided yoga and mindfulness practices with our special BYC community and the quiet beauty of the Andes.
What’s Included
8 days / 7 nights accommodation at Willka T’ika Retreat Center
Daily yoga programming led by Claire and Jacque (except on Machu Picchu excursion day)
Organic, vegetarian meals for breakfast & dinner daily ( + three lunches) featuring Andean flavors with local grains, herbs, vegetables harvested from Willka T’ika’s onsite gardens (three lunches will be self-provided / in-town to encourage support of local restaurants)
Ground transfer between Cusco Airport and the retreat center (only if traveling during our preferred, designated arrival/departure windows)
60-min Pre-retreat Group Orientation Call via zoom to review trip details and for Q & A session
24-28 CEUs available for yoga teachers to put toward BYC’s 300-Hr Advanced Yoga Studies Program or Yoga Alliance Cont. Ed.
**YOGA TEACHERS: Please read for requirement details.**
-
Yoga + Mindfulness Classes appropriate for all levels will be led by Claire and Jacque twice daily.* Morning sessions will include meditation, mantra (yogic chanting), and energizing asana. Evening sessions will have a slower and more calming pace, integrating breathwork and nervous system practices. Classes are set in spaces that naturally support grounding and invite quiet reflection — from light-filled studios encircled by the chakra gardens to peaceful outdoor nooks shaded by the resident 1,000-year-old Lucuma tree.
*Except on Machu Picchu excursion day and arrival/departure days (only once per day).
-
DAY 1:
1:30 p.m. — Arrival / Check-in
4:30 p.m. — Yoga practice
6:30 p.m. — Dinner (3-course family-style)
DAY 2-3 / 5-7:
5:30 a.m. — Complimentary organic coffee and herbal teas offered in dining area (teas available until dinner time. Coffee & other beverages can be purchased at the coffee bar after 10:30 a.m.)
7:00 a.m. — Energizing asana and meditation practice
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. — Buffet Breakfast
[ Free Time ] —Explore, rest, or book a spa treatment
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. — Family-style lunch or tour the local cuisine/restaurants
[ Free time ]
5:00 p.m. — Evening yoga practice and pranayama
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Dinner
DAY 4:(Machu Picchu Excursion)
5:30 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. — Buffet breakfast + complimentary coffee/tea
6:30 a.m. — Leave for Ollantaytambo train station
7:00 p.m. — Arrive back to retreat center
7:30 p.m. — Dinner
[ no yoga on this day ]
DAY 8:
5:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. — Complimentary organic coffee and herbal teas in dining area
7:00 a.m. — Yoga Practice
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. — Buffet Breakfast
10:00 a.m. — Check-Out / Group transport to Cusco Airport
*Note: Daily schedule is an example and subject to change throughout the week.
About the Property
Based within the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Willka T’ika is a peaceful and purposefully designed retreat center where cultural authenticity meets the natural beauty of the Andes. The property is thoughtfully tended by local Quechua staff and home to the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens — a series of symbolically shaped and uniquely charged spaces containing exotic flora, native medicinal plants, and sculptures that resonate with each one of the body’s energy centers. Woven throughout the organically cultivated grounds are two light-filled yoga shalas, an Andean spa, traditional sweat lodge, crystal light therapy rooms, secluded solar flower baths, and a gourmet vegetarian kitchen.
Located just outside the town of Urubamba, on the road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Willka T’ika’s close proximity to Inkan ceremonial sites, indigenous villages, and iconic natural landmarks offers abundant opportunities for hiking, tasting local flavors, and shopping traditional handicrafts. You can also align with the Sacred Valley’s energies without even leaving the grounds — wander the immersive gardens, book a treatment at the spa, or explore Andean traditions more deeply through a range of authentic ceremonial offerings available to small groups.
On-Site Activities | Optional Add-ons
-
Individual spa and healing services may be scheduled by appointment upon arrival at Willka T’ika. Offerings include:
Floral Solar Baths — outdoor night-time soak in stone tubs that have been heated by sun during the day, then infused with flowers, medicinal herbs, and Maras salt
Andean Massage — choice of full-body, aromatherapy, hot stone, and shiatsu bodywork styles
Facial — rejuvenating treatment using natural products infused with the ancient energy of fruit from the lucuma tree & other healing plants from the retreat’s on-site gardens
Crystal Light Therapy — a revitalizing but gentle half hour treatment that combines color, light, quartz crystals, and music to clear and realign the body’s chakras
-
Pending Availability — 10 guest minimum is required to book.
Participate in a traditional Despacho Fire Ceremony led by a visiting Q’ero healer — a transformative Andean ritual to honor Pachamama, yourself, and your loved ones. Held on-site after dinner, we’ll gather together in community to transmit prayers of gratitude and intention through symbolic offerings and fire. Advanced booking required.
2-Hrs | $45 per person (includes translator cost)
-
Experience healing arts unlike anywhere else with Willka T’ika’s unique menu of offerings and ceremonies for small to large groups. Please note that these offerings are only available to a minimum group size and must be pre-reserved in advance of arrival.
Sweat Lodge + Plunge Pool— a complete detoxification experience, starting in the homemade sweat lodge (Umpina Wasi) with a perspiration and inner cleansing session, followed by a cool down in the medicinal plunge pool (Hampi Yaku) infused with the sacred plant essence of your choice. (4 person min.)
Cacao Ceremony — ritual to help open the heart and connect with your higher self. This chocolate beverage made from the sacred cacao plant is prepared with love and served in a musical, meditative ceremony by a shamanic facilitator. (4 person min.)
Sound Healing — With a variety of beautiful instruments from around the world, our talented musician will help guests balance mental and physical equilibrium and reach a place of internal harmony
-
Book a mountain bike adventure above the Salt Mines or a horse-back riding tour along the Vilcanota River. There is also zip lining, paddle boarding, and ATV tours to be had. And don’t forget about the Incan ruins of Moray, Ollantaytambo and P’isaq or the weaving demonstrations in Chinchero.
Andean Art Workshop — Create your own unique piece of Andean art with Willka T’ika’s resident Quechua artist, Mario
Experience
Day Excursion to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel perched high in Peru’s Andes Mountains above the Urubamba River Valley. Known for its precise stonework, sacred design, and sweeping mountain views, it’s both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders — long regarded as a place of pilgrimage and profound spiritual significance. This optional excursion will include round-trip train travel through the Sacred Valley, entry to the ancient citadel, and a guided tour of its storied ruins.*
For those who wish to visit Machu Picchu, we've reserved a day in the retreat schedule, June 30, to make space for a group visit!
-
Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, Machu Picchu is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views.
Leave at 6:30 a.m. from Willka T’ika after an early buffet breakfast for the 30-minute drive to Ollantaytambo train station. The 2-hr scenic train ride will wind through the Sacred Valley bringing us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where we’ll transfer to a bus to take us inside the archaeological park. After a comprehensive tour of the ruins and free time to explore the citadel, we’ll return to the retreat center, getting back by 7:00 p.m. in time for a late dinner.
Includes:
Professionally guided tour of the citadel
Round-trip ground transport to/from Willka T'ika/Ollantaytambo train station
(1) Round-trip ticket on Peru Rail Scenic Train + bus ticket for Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu
(1) Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Park
Bottled water + snack
Excludes: tips for guide & drivers
Cost:
Pricing is USD per adult and subject to group size/total number of participants
20 or more Adults: $475 per person
10-19 Adults: $495 per person
5-9 Adults: $545 per person
Please note: BYC does not add any markup to this excursion or others; pricing is set directly by the tour providers.
*Requires 3–4 months advance booking and carries an additional cost that is subject to a minimum group size. No yoga will be offered that day to allow for the full experience.
Other Local Tours & Excursions
-
Maras Salt Mines (Salineras) — easy to moderate hiking trails (30 min drive or 6-mile out-and-back hike from retreat center) or 3-hr guided tour for $50/person
Perolniyoc Waterfall — 5.5-mile out-and-back moderate/difficult trail from Soqma Village & Trailhead (30 min drive from retreat center) or 5-hr guided tour w/ box lunch for $75/person (4 person min.)
Las Chullpas de Urubamba Ruins — 2.5-mile out-and-back moderate trail (20 min drive or 3-mile hike from retreat center) or 2-hr guided tour for $30/person
-
Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of Seven Colors is a magnificent visual wonder. The mountain owes its unique visage to its varied mineral composition which include sandstone, quartzose, claystone, phyllites, and clays from the Upper Tertiary period, among others. This extremely high-altitude setting is perfect for photography and adventure.
Arrangements can be made for this excursion as an add on day trip
-
The high-altitude hike to Humantay Lake is well worth the effort. Humantay is considered the most breathtaking and sacred lake in the region. The crystal-clear turquoise waters rival the beauty of the mountain vistas surrounding the lake. Humantay is the source of drinking water and irrigation for the area, so locals cherish and protect the lake’s purity for themselves and generations to come.
Arrangements can be made for this hike as an add on day trip
-
The P’isaq ruins are one of the most well-preserved archeological sites in Peru. Thought to be an Incan neighborhood and fortress, pottery remnants suggest that the area was inhabited even before the Inca Empire. Hiking trails wind through the ruins while overlooking impressive Incan terraces. Option between both short or longer hiking trails, or wander through the main square of P’isaq to visit the famous, colorful market filled with woven goods, jewelry, artwork, and hand-painted beadwork. Enjoy a café in the market square where you can observe traditionally dressed campesinos.
Investment
Suites are nestled in charming spaces throughout the gardens with views of the spectacular Andes Mountains and Willka T’ika’s breathtaking flowers and trees. Each room is named for the Andean medicinal plant growing just outside its door and reflects a warm, regionally-inspired aesthetic — blending indigenous artwork, natural local materials, and sustainable design principles rooted in Feng Shui. Choose between private (single occupancy) or shared (double or triple occupancy) accommodations. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and direct garden access and feature additional homey touches including fresh-cut blossoms from the gardens and cozy hot-water bottles warm your bed at night.
Shared Suites
Single Twin Bed in Triple Occupancy Room
for friends or solo travelers who want to be paired
$1,695 —
Shared Queen Bed in Double Occupancy Room
intended for couples
$1,795 —
Private Suite
(1) Full Bed in Single Occupancy Room
$2,695 —
*This retreat will be 'family friendly' as the property is like a small village with lots of space, so you might see little ones at meal times or playing on the grounds (including Jacque’s 5-yr-old and Claire’s 6-yr & 2-yr-old, along with their respective partners). If you are interested in your children / partner joining this retreat please email claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com for information on family group rates!
** Regular pricing above prices are per person and do not include flights, gratuities for retreat staff, spa services, or add-on activities. Before making a deposit, please read through our payment terms and cancellation policy here.
Retreat Details
-
Airports: Fly into Cusco International Airport
Check in — 1:30 p.m.
Check out — 10:00 a.m.Airport Shuttles: There is plenty to do close to the retreat center and you will have everything you need for an incredible experience. Shuttle service from the airport to the retreat center is included in the trip price if you fly in/out at recommended times. If you fly out of the recommended times we will help arrange a private car one way for $65 USD / 1-2 people.
-
The following expenses are not included in the total retreat cost:
Flights
Gratuities for food + lodging
Add on activities/excursions
(3) off-site lunches at local restaurants
-
Prices are per person + add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Bellingham Yoga Collective)
Payment plans available!
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit; to be paid in person or online HERE. Once you place your deposit we will email you to confirm your preferred room choice.
Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat.
-
Please be sure you will be able to attend before you submit your deposit. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is due in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $500 non-refundable deposit.
Trip insurance can protect your retreat investment if you need to cancel for covered circumstances. Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time and heart go into planning retreats for you!
-
The Peru Yoga and Cultural Adventure Retreat can count as the required subtle body training in the 300 hour. There will be more opportubities to take subtle body focused modules at later dates if this experience is not accessible for you. Guided sessions throughout the week will focus on Prana, Shushumna and Prana Shakti and there will be opportunities to immerse in Peruvian Ceremonies led by the local Shaman and guides that will add CEU hours when appropriate. Required for completion of CE hours will be a practice teaching task to practice/integrate the techniques learned as well as a final paper - these assignments will be completed in the weeks after the retreat. Participants can obtain 24-28 CEU.
Learn more about BYC’s 300-Hr Advanced Studies Yoga Program HERE
Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $500 non-refundable deposit. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time, liability, studio resources and heart go into planning retreats for you!
About Claire and Jacque
Claire Zurbrugg is the Founder of Bellingham Yoga Collective and Co-Founder of Lynden Yoga Collective. Her intent with the spaces she stewards is to offer a heart-full sanctuary where we can gather in community to be in relationship with source wisdom, accessed from inside each one of us. Claire is in a life long love affair with yoga, her mission is to make the practices, traditions and teachings relevant, transformative and sustainable.
Jacque Sweet is a yoga instructor, a mentor, and a director and educator in yoga immersion and teacher training programs at BYC. Her teachings stem from her extensive study with Karen Sprute-Francovich in the Anusara Yoga Methodology. Anusara is a Hatha style of yoga with strong emphasis on alignment starting in the foundation of a pose, a deep connection with our breath and upholding quality of heart while integratively moving.
Questions?
Please email Claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com for more information about payment plans and all general retreat inquiries.