PERU
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
with Jo Kirsch & Barb Lowes
July 24 – 31, 2027
Reservations now open!
$200 off to the first 6 enrollees
Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, this retreat with Jo and Barb is a invitation to connect—through nature, movement, and ancient wisdom. Certain places on Earth carry an unmistakable energy, and the Sacred Valley is one of them.
Wake up each morning in an oasis of nature surrounded by the majesty of the Andes mountains. There are twelve revered mountains known as “Apus” — Mountain Spirits who are said to intercede on behalf of people in protection and guidance.
At the base of majestic mountain views, you are steps away from a beautiful waterfall and surrounded by gardens of flowers and native herbs.
Morning classes will prepare you for the days’ activities and adventures including native cleansing and healing ceremonies, explorations of the Moray ruins, and a full day trip to Machu Picchu. Afternoon and evening yoga sessions will assist in the integration of your experiences. Optional extras like massage, enjoying the on-site sauna, jacuzzi and salt cave, horse riding or a 1/2 day hike to Apu Pitusiray are also possible.
Housing, meals and group excursions are all included. Meals are prepared with ingredients from the gardens and local organic farms and care is taken in every detail from the group dining room, outdoor spaces and yoga rooms.
We have 11 available rooms – please reserve early!
Your retreat includes 7 nights accommodations at our private retreat center in the heart of the Sacred Valley, group pick up and drop off from Cusco Airport on the first and last day of the retreat, all yoga classes with your teachers, all meals (vegetarian and vegan), plus a Mother Earth Offering ceremony, guided hikes, a day trip to Maras, Moray & Chinchineros and a full day on a guided spiritual journey to Machu Picchu.
MOTHER EARTH OFFERING
The offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama) is part of the system of reciprocity between the spiritual world and the material world. The offerings to Mother Earth have their origin in the relationship between the millenary culture of the Q´eros and our Pachamama. The offering is a symbolic way in which humankind returns and appreciates the fruits that she gives us.
MARAS, MORAY & CHINCHEROS
In our private transport and with a spiritual guide, we begin this day by visiting the first WAQ’A (energy point), the salt ponds of Maras, where we will witness the gathering of the salt and learn about its many uses. In Moray, the second WAQ’A, feel the energy of the sacred seeds and witness the famous Inca crop circles. Next, visit the WAQ’A of Chincheros to explore the iconography and symbols of the ancestors still used today in the beautiful blankets and fabrics made in this community. We’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch together which will include the many varieties of potatoes grown in this community.
DAY TRIP TO MACHU PICCHU
A magical full day visiting the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel located in the highlands of the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Vilcabamba River valley. It was built in the fifteenth century, and is famous for its sophisticated dry stone walls that combine huge blocks without the use of a mortar. These fascinating buildings are related to the astronomical alignments and its panoramic views. The exact use it had remains a mystery. Includes transportation to and from the station, train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes, bus ticket up and down to the archaeological site, guide and lunch.
Also available during your week – an on-site spa complex with sauna, jacuzzi and salt cave, massage treatments, coca leaf readings, temazcal ceremonies and off site horseback riding.
Travel, Additional Information & FAQ’s
Please book your travel to Cusco, Peru for arrival on the start and end dates of your retreat unless you are adding extra time in Lima or Cusco on your own.
We will arrange pick ups from Cusco airport and whisk you away to our center in the Sacred Valley. Our center is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley less than 75 minutes from the Cusco.
If you are planning extra time in Peru, we suggest some time in Lima on the front end and Cusco on the back end. This is simply because Cusco is at the highest elevation (11,150 ft) so starting there may be challenging if you are not used to higher elevations. Our center sits at more comfortable altitude of 7800 ft.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Peru. If you are coming from a country other then the US, please ensure that you comply with your countries and Peru’s reauirement for entry.
What to pack:
- Valid Passport (ensure that it does not expire within 6 months of your travel)
- Comfortable walking shoes. We recommend a good hiking pair of shoes as well as all purpose footwear like sandals, running shoes, etc.
- Comfortable clothing and layers that can easily be added and removed – you can experience hot and cold in the same day. Lightweight pants, a thermal under layer (just in case!) long sleeved shirts, shorts, yoga clothes and a good water proof / windproof jacket. Gloves and a hat are also good to have.
- Water Bottle with good capacity 32oz+ to stay hydrated)
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or greater. The sun is strong at higher altitudes
- Daypack to carry water, camera and such
- Adapters for electronics
Your Teacher
Jo Kirsch has been practicing yoga for over 35 years and teaching for more than 25. A yoga therapist and seasoned yoga teacher, she has led yoga retreats for the past 20 years, guiding groups to inspiring destinations including Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah, Spain, Costa Rica, and Italy. Jo loves combining adventure with mindful living, beginning and ending each day with a nourishing yoga practice.
Her initial yoga teacher training was in Ashtanga Yoga with Beryl Bender Birch. Since then, Jo has pursued extensive continuing education and holds certifications in Adaptive Yoga, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury, Yin Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Yoga Therapy.
Jo’s contagious enthusiasm and positive energy shine through in her classes. She is a strong, grounded, determined, caring, funny and fun-loving person.Jo has a gift for discerning the groups needs and desires and meets them gracefully on and off the yoga mat. Her classes feature seamless sequencing, balancing effort and grace throughout. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner the morning and afternoon classes will meet you where you are.
There’s something magical about bookending each day of the Retreat practicing mindfulness and yoga. Your mind, heart, body and spirit will be primed to absorb the extraordinary gifts the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offer.
Barb Lowes
Barb Lowes has been practicing yoga her entire adult life. She is a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher E-RYT500, YACEP, specializing in Power Yoga, Slow Flow, Restorative, Yin, and Chair Yoga. She is also a practicing Reiki Master and a Certified Brain Longevity Specialist by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention. Barb uses her own passion to teach others the empowering yoga strategies found in ancient wisdom teachings. These studies are proven to improve health, relieve tension and anxiety, improve mood, boost concentration, and keep the brain young.
Barb finds Yoga a glorious way to navigate the journey and a constant companion through all of life’s ups and downs. Originally from New York City, Barb now lives in Manchester, VT. She is a wife, a mother and grandmother. Besides yoga, Barb loves to hike with her dog Finn, bike, ski, play pickleball, tennis, golf, and travel.
Accommodations
$200 off to the first 6 registered!
*just place your deposit and we will apply the discount to your balance.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
A $695 deposit will secure your space and we’re happy to try to match you with a roommate as needed.
Double Room: $3695 per person
Triple Room: $3295 per person
Single Room: $4295
Double 2-story Deluxe Apartment
Queen bed upstairs and a twin bed can be added downstairs (or 2 twins upstairs). Bath upstairs has a bathtub and downstairs there is a bathroom with small shower stall. Small living space, kitchen area and private balcony.
Deluxe Apartment #1: RESERVED
Deluxe Apartment #2: RESERVED
Double Room: $3995 per person – SOLD OUT
*please inquire for triple pricing for 3 friends.
* To reserve, you can choose to pay in full OR place a $695 deposit. If you place a deposit, your balance can be scheduled to run in payments through March 2027
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodations
- Group pick up and drop off from Cusco Airport on the first and last day of the retreat
- Yoga Classes with your teachers
- All meals (vegetarian)
- Mother Earth offering ceremony
- Sound Healing Session
- A full guided day to Machu Picchu
- Day trip to Maras & Moray
NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel to Cusco, Peru
- Optional activities and services (ex. massage, horse riding)
- Gratuities you might like to offer drivers, guides and center staff
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended – see Travel Guard Link)
A $695 deposit will secure your space and we would be happy to try to match you with great roommates.
Refunds and Cancellations: Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before March 15, 2027. No refunds after March 15, 2027. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy. Participants will be required to sign an application and liability waiver to participate on this trip.
If you place a deposit, the balance due will be set to charge in equal installments starting the month after deposit through March 2027, unless other arrangements are made
We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like TRAVEL GUARD and TRAWICK INTERNATIONAL offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), coverages for expenses incurred due to to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical. Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.
We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Trawick International and Travel Guard are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.




















