This women-only retreat takes you on a fascinating cultural journey through Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site
The fully supported eight-day retreat departs Cusco and ventures deep into the Sacred Valley, where you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks and historic Andean villages. During your five nights here, we'll balance your time on day excursions with mindful hours at Las Qolqas, where you can practice yoga in the geodesic dome.
Each day, you'll explore the mystery of ancient sites that may spark your curiosity about the Inca and their lost technologies that made possible the construction of a citadel like Machu Picchu. You'll run and hike on well-worn paths leading to such marvels as The Maras, hundreds of small salt pools carved into a mountainside from which Incas extracted salt, and The Moray, an ancient-yet-sophisticated agricultural site involving terraced growing fields, each with its own microclimate.
On your daily run/hikes around the Sacred Valley, you'll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their rich cultural heritage, as you visit ancient Inca ruins, traditional markets and meet local artisans. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Andean people, and gain insights into their traditional farming practices, culinary traditions and spiritual beliefs.
Feel the thrill of running along ancient Incan paths, surrounded by lush valleys and towering peaks. Participate in a mindful weaving ceremony and spiritual ritual called Haywarikuy, meet Marquesa, a wonderful woman healer from the Q'eros community, who will help you connect with the power and spirituality of this sacred land and learn about the Inca's reverence for Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess.
Join us on this unforgettable journey to Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, where you'll experience the perfect blend of physical activity, cultural enrichment, and wellness.
"Amazing retreat, local guide was incredible, consistent, knowledgeable and energetic. The Itinerary was thoughtful, meaningful and just what I needed!"
--Joyce B.
"The entire experience was life-changing. The retreat leader and guide made the perfect leadership team, providing a feeling of safety, adventure, fun learning and growth. This was the best group travel experience I have every had!"
--Anne T.
This retreat is level III. This means it's for you if:
Note: The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 25 and 30 miles between 7,000 to 13,100 feet above sea level. The itinerary does include rest days with no running (or the option to run on your own). Due to the altitude, runners may find that they will need to adjust their pace so we have built in plenty of time to run/hike this itinerary. The precise route and trails run may change due to trail closures, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
Mindful Running is this retreat's defining experience. Your dedicated Retreat Leader will lead you through experiences on and off the trail that are designed to help you discover how to run with more ease and flow. And if you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. Connect more deeply with nature, yourself and other women through this powerful practice that provides you with skills and insights to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running.
This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
The runs have been designed by our Peruvian travel partner who is a trail runner and knows the trails here like the back of his hand! Knowing that our group is coming from lower elevations, our guides will set a comfortable pace and we will hike sections as needed. While all the routes we run will be on well-established roads an trails, be aware that there will be some steep ascents and descents, rocky, uneven terrain and some exposure to heights.
In mid-April, the weather in Peru is typically mild and pleasant. The region is situated in the Andes Mountains, and the climate is generally temperate with relatively low humidity. During this time of year, daytime temperatures average around 68°F (20°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 39°F (4°C). It's important to note that the weather in the Sacred Valley can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, so come prepared for a variety of conditions.
It's recommended to bring layers of clothing, including a warm jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Overall, mid-April is one of the best times to visit Peru, with comfortable temperatures and generally dry weather.
Antigua Casona San Blas is a boutique hotel in the heart of Cusco. Rooms are outfitted with hand-made furniture sourced from local woods, and high-quality allergen free linens. Enjoy refined amenities and cozy turn-down service, complete with hot water bottles and sleepy-time tea. In-room heating and soundproofing ensure a good night’s rest.
Indulge in the private spa, which offers holistic wellness experiences complete with a steam bath, jacuzzi soak, salt rubs from a local quarry, Spanish-style shower, and therapeutic massage. Rest in the hyperbaric chamber and find equilibrium with the altitude of Cusco, or let yourself go with a hot stone or Andean herbal massage.
Drop in to a vinyasa or hatha yoga class in the Exhala Yoga Studio. Beautiful Amazonian hardwood floors and twisting vines provide a peaceful space for you to connect inward amidst the rush of travel and the high energy of Cusco.
Rio Sagrado, a 5-star Belmond Hotel enjoys a privileged location overlooking the Urubamba River in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With 10 deluxe terrace rooms and eleven junior suites with riverfront terraces. The accommodation is spread out over the grounds and are decorated with warm hues and natural materials of rock and wood. Dining is sophisticated at the El Huerto Restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine, El Bar del Huerto over looks the Urubamba River and is the perfect place to savor a cocktail on the outside terrace shaded by capuli trees, El Jardin uses the best locally sourced ingredients and is the ideal spot to have a light lunch by the river.
Las Qolqas Eco Lodge is located two kilometers to the east of Ollantaytambo on the road to the villages of Willoq and Patacancha. It is far enough to be surrounded by peace and quiet on Peru's Sacred Valley. While staying here, you'll enjoy yoga classes in the Geodesic dome, situated at the foot of the Apu Pututuyuc, an 800-meter cliff where many condors nest. It is surrounded by fruit trees and aromatic herbs used in their infusions. It’s private setting lends itself for relaxing and peaceful experiences. Our Andean Spa is lodged between the mountain peaks of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. The Andean Spa offers a serene space to disconnect and charge your soul. Located on the banks of the Patacancha River, enjoy a daily massage or other healing body treatment that will let your energy will flow, taking you on a mystical transformation.
Maybe you’re craving an extra night to explore, or maybe your departure flight doesn’t take off until the day after the retreat ends; either way, extending your time in Cusco City grants you the opportunity to relax, learn, and absorb even more Peruvian culture and history.
After breakfast on the final day of the retreat, meet a local guide at the hotel and make your way to San Pedro market and learn more about the local food culture. Continue to Sacsayhuaman archeological site, which translated literally means “decorated head of the Puma”. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 15th century and is believed to have been built by over 70,000 workers over a period of 50 years. After the visit, hike back to Cusco City for lunch at a charming local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue exploring the sites of Cusco, including the Inca Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral. Dinner tonight is on your own and at your leisure. Perhaps your local tour guide has some recommendations!
The following morning, flights can depart at any time throughout the day. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as part of your extension package. A local guide and vehicle will be available for transportation. Check out of the hotel is at 11:00am. If you have a later flight, luggage can be stored at the hotel until you depart for the airport.
Cusco, Peru 
Arrive in Cusco this morning, where you will be met by a local guide and Retreat Leader at the Cusco Airport. Drive to the Sacred Valley to reach the Pisac archeological site, with its magnificent terraces and Inca buildings.
After breakfast, join your guide and retreat leader and drive to the heights of the Chinchero Plateau, where you will start a scenic run/hike which takes in Moray, an important Inca agricultural site and the salt works of Maras. Views from above the site are spectacular and the trail continues across fields and wide-open steppes, eventually winding down to a village.
After breakfast, you will meet Marquesa, a wonderful woman healer from the Q’eros community. Spending time with the Q’eros community is a magical experience and many of their ancient traditions are still part of daily life. Marquesa will introduce the world of Andean textiles on a hands-on weaving workshop that dives into the spiritual meaning behind the traditional textiles. 
In the heights of the Sacred Valley there are humble and hospitable people who maintain traditions that have survived for thousands of years. They live in community and in an intimate relationship with mother nature therefore knowing how to read the signs of nature.
This morning will take you towards the area of Ollantaytambo for a beautiful run by a glacier, passing through a native forest of Queñas and Unca trees, ending up in Pumamarca archeological site. This run is meant to be a nourishing one, since all senses will be awake and open to receive the natural beauty revealing in the present moment. During the day you may find the time to visit Ollantaytambo, a still living Inca village set below ancient ruins.
Early in the morning you’ll depart from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the train towards Aguas Calientes. 
Flights can depart at any time throughout the day. A local guide and vehicle will be available for airport transportation. Check out of the hotel is at 11:00am. If you have a later flight, luggage can be stored at the hotel until you depart for the airport. 
