This retreat center is located in the Sacred Valley of Peru about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Cusco Airport. To reach the Samadhi Sacred Valley Retreat Center, you can fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.

Our check-in time for Samadi Retreat Center is 2 PM (PET).

The recommended time for landing in CUZ is between 10 AM - 12 PM (PET) so we can arrange group transportation from the airport. Depending on where you are traveling from you will likely need to take a red-eye to arrive in Cusco before 12 PM (PET).

Please note that your flights to and from Cusco airport (CUZ) are not included in the ticket price. However, as long as you arrive and depart according to the group-recommend times, all ground transportation from and to the airport, from Cusco to the retreat center, and for excursions will be covered.

For more information on the retreat center please see here.

Samadhi retreat center is located in Huayllabamba 08670, Peru. You can see the location here:

Although yoga philosophy and practices are weaved through out, this retreat is a holistic journey focused on wellness, cultural immersion, and the breathtaking environment of a unique part of the world. It's wonderful to have an established yoga practice, but this will also be a space to explore yoga even if you are new to it! (adjustments and modifications are always offered for all levels)

Throughout the week, you’ll engage in a variety of yoga practices, including Dynamic Hatha / Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and Restorative sessions, complemented by meditations and breath work.

Our itinerary includes enriching activities such as hiking, participating in a traditional Native Despacho Ceremony, exploring the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, and optionally, experiencing a Wachuma (San Pedro) Ceremony with a local family.

You'll also have ample opportunities to relax, enjoy free time, and connect with fellow participants, making this retreat a truly rejuvenating and memorable experience.

There is a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Please make sure to select the payment plan option instead of paying in full otherwise you will be charged the total amount.

Payment Plans: Yes, monthly payment plans are available from the time of ticket purchase. You can split your package up into increments of 2, 4, 6 or 8 payments.

You will receive a separate payment link/invoice for the remaining balance with your preferred payment plan.

From that point forward, payments will be automatically collected monthly, starting from the date of your deposit, until the final balance is due by May 27, 2025.

All remaining balances will be charged to the credit card on file on May 27, 2025.

Please note: If you select a payment plan with more installments than there are months remaining until the final due date, some payments may be scheduled closer together rather than on a monthly basis.

Automatic Billing: At the time of ticket purchase, only the initial $500 deposit will be charged if you check out with the payment plan option. Automatic billing DOES NOT begin until you pay and receive your first invoice one month after paying the deposit. The remaining month to month payments will be automatically billed to your card on file. Please ensure you have sufficient funds for upcoming payments, as all balances must be cleared by Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

In order to secure the retreat venue and programming, I am required to enter into binding contracts with 3rd parties that do not allow for refund or cancellation in any instance except for limited instances where “acts of god” render the entire event impossible.
For example, if due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening, Samadhi must close down, then we would be able to get a refund and refund all ticket holders. Otherwise, unfortunately, we must enforce a strict cancellation policy and there will be no refunds in any instance. You may transfer your ticket under certain conditions. Also, purchasing trip insurance to protect yourself is always a good idea.

The final payment is due two months before the start of the retreat, on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025. Please note the cancellation policy above.

All remaining balances must be fully paid at least 2 months in advance of retreat start.

As noted above, we have a strict cancellation policy with no refunds (including for any deposits) so please make sure you have sufficient funds ready to pay any remaining balances as they become due.

Weather is unpredictable and I can make no guarantees, but according to my research July and August falls towards the end of the dry season in the Sacred Valley. While you might experience occasional light showers, it's generally a drier time of year compared to the rainy season.

• Daytime Temperatures: Generally pleasant, ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C).

• Nighttime Temperatures: Cooler, ranging from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

• Rainfall: Mostly dry with occasional light showers possible.

• Sunlight: Plenty of sunshine with 10 to 12 hours of daylight.

Packing Tips: Bring layered clothing, a light rain jacket, sun protection, and comfortable footwear. Be mindful of the high altitude and stay hydrated.

Be prepared for relatively high elevations. Approximate elevations above sea-level for the places we will be visiting are: Samadhi about 9,000 feet, Cusco 11,150 feet and Machu Picchu 7,800 feet.

The retreat center has had years of experience welcoming groups from all over the world to the Sacred Valley and have informed us that guests do well in adjusting to the altitude if they just take it easy when they first arrive, stay very hydrated and limit alcohol consumption. The local antidote is sipping hot coca leaf tea or chewing the coca leaf. Other natural remedies may include ginkgo biloba and ginger to help prepare the body.

Plenty of electrolytes to rehydrate might also be helpful.

If you are concerned about potentially experiencing difficulties, coramina (glucose lozenge) and sorroche (altitude) tablets can be purchased over the counter. They contain aspirin, Tylenol and caffeine to bring fast release from a headache or nausea.

Please make sure to consider your personal health situation, do research, consult with your healthcare provider(s) as necessary, and be prepared to take care of yourself in this high-altitude environment.

All of our yoga classes will take place in the main room, which features expansive glass windows offering stunning views of the Sacred Valley. Additionally, there will be numerous opportunities to connect with nature throughout the property, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.

I can accommodate up to 19 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized retreat experience.

In addition to your usual travel essentials like clothes and toiletries, I recommend packing the following items for a comfortable and enjoyable retreat:

• Important Documents: Passport, travel insurance, and medical insurance cards.

• Yoga Gear: Yoga clothes and slip-on shoes for easy entry and exit from the yoga space.

• Clothing: Light sweaters or wraps for cooler evenings, layers for hiking, and warm pajamas for colder nights.

• Footwear: Good walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes.

• Health and Safety Items: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, any special medication (especially for altitude), and a flashlight.

• Convenience Items: Mobile charger, water bottle (filtered drinking water will be available at the retreat center), small daypack, camera (even disposables or polaroids are a fun way to make memories).

• Electrical Needs: Converter or transformer for 220V.

• Weather Gear: Light rain/wind jacket or poncho.

Yoga mats and props will be provided at the retreat center, so you can leave those at home if you prefer!

Our check-in time for Samadi Retreat Center is 2 PM (PET) on Sunday July 27, 2025.

The recommended time for landing at the CUZ airport is between 10 AM - 12 PM (PET) so we can arrange group transportation from the airport. Depending on where you are traveling from you will likely need to take a red-eye to arrive in Cusco before 12 PM (PET).

Check out is at 11 AM (PET) on Saturday August 2, 2025. We will arrange bus transportation to the CUZ Airport.

If you plan to stay in Peru longer, we may be able to arrange separate travel if you are heading to the Cusco area.

A note from Samadhi:

At Samadhi, we understand the importance of a healthy and balanced diet; therefore, we honor all existing types of diet, highlighting that our specialty is vegetarianism, as we harvest much of our food from our two organic gardens, following the process of circular feed.

While I'd love for you to be apart of all the planned classes and excursions that are included in your ticket price, I also understand the needs of taking care of you and that is highly encouraged throughout the retreat.

This retreat is a deeply immersive experience designed to help you reconnect with your yoga asana practice, reflect inwardly, and explore the vibrant lifestyle and culture of Peru.

To enhance your experience, I highly encourage you to take advantage of the scenery, the gardens, local hiking, journaling, participate in sitting meditations, engage with one another and limit phone usage.

Spa and healing treatments are available and can be scheduled at the retreat center (note that these are not included in the ticket price).

This retreat is all about nurturing yourself, so feel free to choose activities that best support your body, mind, and spirit and trust your inner teacher.

The Wachuma (San Pedro) Plant Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2024 the Wilkasara Medicine Family.

I have had the pleasure of sitting in ceremony with this family in 2018 and I am very excited to have them be apart of this retreat.

The Willkasara Medicine Family is a lineage of Medicine People from the Andes of Peru and Colombia, with over 45 years of experience in sharing transformative Plant Medicine Ceremonies. Rooted in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, they offer healing through sacred ceremonies, spiritual retreats, ceremonial music, and sound therapy. Their mission is to guide individuals back to their true essence, helping them heal from trauma, addictions, and personal barriers, while fostering spiritual growth. They emphasize respect for ancestral traditions, preserving the original forms of their ceremonies to maintain a deep connection with Mother Earth (Pachamama).

We will be departing the retreat center for an archaeological site approximately 40 minutes away. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 AM, and we will return around 8:00 PM. After the ceremony, fruits and teas will be provided for refreshment.

The cost for the ceremony is $450 per person, which is not included in the retreat price. If you plan to participate, payment is required by April 1, 2025, to secure your spot and allow me to pay the family in advance.

Before the retreat, we will hold a Zoom call with the family to answer any questions and provide further details.

Wachuma, also known as San Pedro, is a sacred cactus native to the Andes, revered for centuries by indigenous cultures for its powerful healing and spiritual properties. The active ingredient in Wachuma is mescaline, a natural psychedelic that facilitates profound mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences. Traditionally, Wachuma ceremonies are conducted by shamans or healers to help individuals connect with nature, heal emotional wounds, and gain insights into their personal and spiritual lives.

The effects of Wachuma typically include heightened perception, deep emotional introspection, and a sense of connection to the natural world and the universe. People often experience a feeling of expanded consciousness, where they may gain clarity on personal issues, feel a profound sense of peace, or connect with their inner self and the energies around them.

The effects come on gradually and can last for 8 to 12 hours, providing a gentle yet transformative experience. Wachuma is often described as a heart-opening medicine that helps individuals access their compassion, love, and deeper wisdom.

As an entheogenic plant medicine (specifically psilocybin) facilitator and someone with personal experience working within the medicine of Wachuma, I’d be happy to schedule a call with you to discuss what to expect and answer any questions you might have.

Additionally, as the retreat approaches, you'll have the chance to speak with the Willkasara medicine family directly and ask any further questions.

Please email me at connect@journeyofabirdie.com or schedule a time with me here to learn more. Please specify when booking that this is for the Wachuma Ceremony in Peru.

The cost for the ceremony is $450 per person, which is not included in the retreat price. If you plan to participate, payment is required by April 1, 2025, to secure your spot and allow me to pay the family in advance.

Please let me know upon booking if you are planning to participate in this ceremony. If you are unsure or have questions, feel free to contact me at connect@journeyofabirdie.com

This ceremony is completely optional and not included in your purchase.

You will have a full day to enjoy the the retreat center and opt into other external excursions solo or even with those who are choosing to opt out of the ceremony as well.

You can arrange travel to a local village / market visit in the surrounding area. There are opportunities for local hiking and massages at the retreat center.

Everyone’s situation is different and therefore it’s on you to research and confirm any visas or other travel documentation that might be required for you to enter Peru based on your nationality, where you’re coming from, etc.

Depending on your particular situation, you may need to apply for a visa, have COVID related documentation ready, have a valid passport (that doesn’t expire for 6 months after your scheduled departure), etc.

A valid passport that remains valid at least 6 months after your departure date allows Canadian, American, as well as most Latin American, and European citizens to stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter Peru.

Before you go to Peru, please make a copy of your passport, which you will need to carry with you at all times. You should leave your original passport in a safe space at the retreat center.

As far as I know, this retreat is on! Please purchase your flights when you feel comfortable doing so. I highly advise adding trip protection to your flight and purchasing travel insurance if for any reason you are unable to attend.

Please note there are always things outside of my reasonable control (natural disasters, boarders closing ect.) that might require me to change plans, but that’s what travel insurance is for and this is a risk that you would have with any travel.

Below contains very important guidance to consider when booking flights:

• Inbound: In order to take the ground transportation from Cusco Airport (CUZ) to Samadhi on arrival day, make sure your flight arrives no later than 12 pm (PET) on Sunday July 27th, 2025. I suggest finding an arrival time in the late morning time if possible. I will share more info on this with participants closer to the retreat start and once our transportation details are finalized on where to be picked up ect.

• Many international travelers book flights that land in Lima in the late evening/early morning and connect ASAP to a morning flight to Cusco. If you have a long layover, you can book a room at the Lima Airport (Wyndham Costa del Sol). If you want to spend time seeing Lima, we recommend doing so at the end of your trip.
  

• It is also recommended to book your flight to Lima seperate from booking your flight from Lima to Cusco. This is to ensure you have plenty of time to get through customs in Lima. This can take 3 hours.

• FOR THOSE ARRIVING THROUGH LIMA: You will go through customs when you arrive, and will need to present your passport. This can take up to 3 hours, so make sure you have enough time between your connecting flight to Cusco. All luggage must be collected in Lima. It will be rescanned as you leave customs. Walk 50m to National Terminal and recheck baggage for your flight to Cusco. Do not make the mistake of thinking your bags will be “checked through” to Cusco, regardless of what you have been told. If your luggage is delayed/lost, immediately locate a representative in the luggage area. Complete forms with the Samadhi address and telephone details, and keep the copy.

• Outbound: Check out from Samadhi Retreat Center is 11 AM (PET). From Samadhi, allow at least 4 hours before your Cusco flight. Please consider the almost 2 hour drive to Cusco Airport as well as moving through airport security.
  

• Ideal flights to schedule depart from Cusco after 4 pm (PET) to allow for plenty of time.
  

• I will arrange group bus transportation at the time of check out.

• Additional costs apply for an individual transfer for guests with earlier/later departures.Item description

Peruvians won’t accept any bills that are torn or very worn. Please bring only crisp, new bills for shopping or tipping. Some places accept US dollars but most places and people will prefer Peruvian Soles.

Credit cards generally can be used at tourist stores or hotels but not all shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

For Peruvian soles, we suggest you wait until you arrive in Lima or Cusco to exchange money at reputable exchange agencies or withdraw from an ATM.

You can withdraw cash at the ATM machine in the airport.

You may transfer your spot to another person up to 3-days before the retreat start date by emailing me at connect@journeyofabirdie.com

Due to the strict cancellation policy (outlined above), I am unable to offer refunds for personal cancellations.

In the unlikely event that I need to cancel or reschedule the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, such as "acts of God" or Covid-19-related shutdowns, we can only guarantee a refund for the retreat fee itself. Unfortunately, we will not be able to compensate for additional expenses like flights or other travel arrangements.

Given these possibilities, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance. We suggest opting for a policy that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage, along with medical protection. Please note that many insurance policies must be purchased within 14 days of your reservation, so it’s important to prioritize this. Some credit cards may also offer travel insurance benefits, which could be worth considering.

To help you find the right coverage for your needs, here’s a helpful site to compare different policies.

Of course! Please just let me know who you want to share a room with. You can email me at connect@journeyofabirdie.com

Of course! Please just let me know who you are sharing a room with. You can email me at connect@journeyofabirdie.com

The maximum amount of people that can fit into a bungalow is 3. Please note that the price for this is $2,900 per person.

Our visit to Machu Picchu will take a full day.

We’ll start early in the morning with breakfast before making our way to the village of Aguas Calientes, nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.

To reach Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a scenic 1.5-hour train ride from the town of Ollantaytambo, which is also about a 1.5 bus ride from the retreat center.

The bus ride from Aquas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes.

and trust me when I say ... IT'S ALL WORTH IT!

Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan citadel located in the Andes of Peru, was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti around 1450. It remained hidden from the world for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. The site is known for its remarkable stone construction, terraces, and complex water management systems, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. Perched high in the mountains, Machu Picchu is believed to have served as a royal estate or a spiritual retreat, rather than a large city.

Spiritual insights often focus on the sacred geography of Machu Picchu. Its location, high above the Urubamba River, is believed to have been chosen for its connection to the natural world and alignment with the surrounding sacred peaks, or "Apus," which the Inca revered as powerful deities. The design of the citadel also reflects the Inca's deep understanding of cosmology, with structures aligning to solstices and celestial events.

Visitors often describe a profound sense of connection with nature and a heightened spiritual awareness at Machu Picchu. It is seen as a place of transformation, where the energies of the Earth and sky meet, offering an opportunity for reflection, healing, and spiritual awakening. Many people visit Machu Picchu seeking a deeper connection with the universe, viewing the site as a portal to higher states of consciousness.

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