What do I need to know about flights?

 

Length and Cost: You will fly into Cusco (CUZ) at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. You should be prepared that flights from most major U.S. cities can entail 12-16 hours (2 stops) of travel on average and may cost $600-800 USD. 

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When to Arrive/Depart: Plan your travel so that your flight arrives in Cusco by 12 pm on Day 1. We will depart from Cusco after a local group lunch to accommodate any flight delays. You may choose to depart at any time on Day 8. We have arranged private airport transportation for your arrival and departure. 

If your travel falls outside of group transfers (except for flight delays on day 1), you will be responsible for your transportation costs.

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Flight Tips: Wait until about 2-4 months before your trip to book your flight for best pricing. September is one of the cheapest months to fly to Peru.

Google Flights and kayak.com offer search features to allow for flexible travel dates.

 

For domestic carriers in Peru, we recommend trying to book with Avianca or LATAM. 

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Your Reservation: Please email Carrie with your flight itinerary as soon as you book so that we may plan accordingly.

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Can I arrange my flights to arrive into Cusco before Day 1, or extend my stay in Cusco after Day 8 of the retreat? 

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Yes! We would love to have you extend your journey while in Peru, and can suggest accommodations and sites of interest to fit your needs. Please note that you still must be at the Cusco Airport no later than 12 pm on Day 1 if you choose to arrive before the retreat begins. If you decide to extend your stay after the retreat is complete, and are not flying out of Cusco on Day 8, then you must find alternate transportation to your next location. Please email us your proposed travel extension plans and dates, and we will be able to assist with any questions you may have.

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Who is this retreat geared for?

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This trip is for any one 18 years of age and older who would like to dive deeper into their yoga practice, while hiking and exploring the beauty of the Sacred Valley, Peru. Couples, friends, and solo travelers are all more than welcome to attend. All levels of yoga backgrounds are encouraged to join us - from the newbie yogi eager to begin their mindful practice, to the advanced yogi wishing to enhance their practice.  

 
 

What is the maximum number of participants allowed on the retreat?

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In order to keep this retreat as personable as possible to each individual yogi who is called to join us, we have capped the number of participants to the first 12 who sign up. If we have reached capacity, and you would still like to join us, we can place you on a waiting list in case of any cancellations.

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How will the altitude affect me? 

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Every traveler is different with respect to how their bodies respond to elevation change. Out of the places we will visit, Cusco has the highest altitude at 11,154 feet. The Sacred Valley ranges from 6,720 ft to 9,800 feet and Machu Picchu is about 7,972 feet. Travelers may experience fatigue, sleeplessness, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath during the first several days. This can be minimized by drinking lots of liquids, including coca tea, avoiding alcohol, and not overexerting yourself the first day. Your doctor may prescribe you an altitude sickness pill to take before you arrive as a precaution. If you have any medical conditions, it is recommended that you discuss the effects of altitude with your physician before traveling. 

 

What is the climate like?

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From mid-April through until the end of September is considered the dry season in Machu Picchu and surrounding areas. Days are bright and sunny with daily average temperatures of 18 °C (64 °F), after sunset temperatures drop down to around 10 – 12 °C (50 – 54 °F) and evenings are cooler.  Note that in higher elevations, such as other villages we will be traveling to, the temperatures may be lower. Layers are a must in the valley. 

 

What is the level of difficulty for planned excursions?

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It's important to note that the effects of the altitude can make normal activities much more challenging.  Machu Picchu, especially Wayna Picchu, can be challenging for some, as it has many stairs and is steep in some parts. That said, we can take it slow to accommodate various levels of fitness. Tours such as the ruins at Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray also require moderate walking, however the terrain has less elevation gain and loss. 

 

Can you meet my dietary needs? 

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Yes, please inform us of your dietary preferences and restrictions so that we can plan accordingly.

 

Do I need a passport or visa?

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Peru does require a current passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your travel dates. Peru does not require a special visa to enter. 

 

Do I need travel insurance? 

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We strongly recommend and encourage the purchase of travel insurance. 

 

Do I need vaccinations?

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No vaccinations are required to enter Peru. However, we strongly recommend and encourage you to consult with your doctor or visit your local travel clinic to ensure you are up to date with all relevant vaccines. 

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Do I need to have a lot of yoga experience to go?

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No! All you need is the willingness to learn, and a smile to go with it. Carrie is known for modifying the yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes so that all levels of yogis feel comfortable participating.