Peru Hiking and Yoga Adventure

Peru

hiking & yoga

MACHU PICCHU

with The Dragon’s Path Kathy Dragon & Ellin Todd The great Inca civilization remains a mystery to modern science despite extensive and magnificent ruins punctuating the cities, mountains and valleys in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley. Join us as we step into the heart of Pachamama's Peru, the sacred valley of mother earth to the Inca.

A perfect setting to nurture the sacred within yourself. From the Inca Capital of Cusco, we travel to our intimate and modern retreat center, Willka T'ika. In this place surrounded by Andean splendor we awaken our bodies with yoga and explore the fertile Urubamba Valley by foot, the center of Inca civilization.

Following traditional Inca footpaths, we view Machu Picchu from the resplendent Gateway to the Sun . Our expert guide leads us through Machu Picchu s magnificent structures. And there is so much more....read on.

8 nights/9 days in Peru

2010 TBA!

Hiking & Yoga Adventure

with Ellin Todd & Kathy Dragon, The Dragon’s Path 303-931-0785 http://thedragonspath.com

Depart US: Overnight flight US to Lima, connecting on to Cusco.

DAY 1: Cusco: Capital of the Inca Empire

and they named the place Cusco, meaning “navel of the earth.”

Overnight in Cusco Yoga Option: evening restorative and settling session, journal guidance.

Our journey begins with an early DAY 2: morning arrival and transfer to our hotel Cusco Ruins Walk in Cusco. After settling in, we’ll take an afternoon guided walking tour of Cusco, We begin today with a short transfer including visits to: Qoricancha (the to Tambomachay (Temple of the Temple of the Sun) displaying the best Water, 12,000 ft). From here, we Inca stonework to be seen in Cusco, the gradually descend on local paths Cathedral, and the Colonial and Inca back towards Cusco, visiting historic museums. We receive an introduction to ruins including Puka Pukara (the Red Incan history that will assist us in Fortress) and Kusilluchayoq (the understanding the many ruins we will Temple of the Moon). The views visit on this trip. The ancient Inca capital from these ruins are beautiful, and of Cusco (11,000 ft.) was founded provide many photo opportunities. around 1100 A.D. and today is a colorful We complete our walk in the colonial city. There is much to see as we beautiful archeological park of allow ourselves time to acclimate.

Saqsayhuamán (11,300 ft) enjoying According to the central Inca creation views of the Vilcabamba range myth, the sun sent his son, Manco Capac throughout the day. and the moon her daughter, Mama Occlo, to spread culture throughout the Afternoon transfer into the lush dark and barbaric lands. When they Urubamba Valley, situated at 9,900 reached the site of present day Cusco, ft, known as the sacred Vilcamayo to Manco threw his spear into the ground the Incas. It is easy to understand the where it sank in the lush, fertile soil. reverence for this beautiful, verdant This was the sign they were looking for, valley and we enjoy a relaxing

evening here at our home for most of this week.

Walking Options: up to 7.5 miles, approximately 6 hours depending on group energy level.

Acclimatization day.

Yoga Options: possibly outdoors at the ruin Saqsayhuamรกn. Later, gentle restorative, oxygenating and grounding upon arrival in Sacred Valley. Journaling.

Overnight: Sacred Valley DAY 3 : Pisac Ruins - Village Market After breakfast we transfer through the village of Pisac and begin our walk on the mountain top ruins of Pisac, one of the finest in the Cusco region. The complex of ruins features fine examples of Inca architecture, defense, religion, agriculture, roads and residential construction. We wind our way through Inca ruins (11,000 ft) down towards the Urubamba Valley floor and the village of Pisac (10,000 ft) where a traditional Andean market awaits us.

Products from the surrounding communities are displayed in full color: an assortment of weavings, fruits, vegetables, spices, livestock, jewelry and clothing. It is a cultural experience to wander through the market and watch the bartering going on as it has for hundreds of years.

We return to our hacienda in the late afternoon with time to relax before dinner.

Yoga Options: early morning, full afternoon. Journaling Walking Options:~ 3.8 miles, 3.3 hours.

Overnight in Sacred Valley

DAY 4: Moray, Maras and the Salinas (Salt Terraces) Today is sure to be one of the most fascinating walks you will ever encounter. We begin by touring the famous circular agricultural terraces of Moray (11,800 ft).

Hundreds of years ago the ancient people created this experimental agricultural laboratory in order to develop different strains of crops.

This area was chosen due to the fact that the climates of many different ecological zones were found on this one site.

We walk along ancient farming paths to the village of Maras and continue on to the Salinas or Salt Terraces where salt has been collected since pre-Hispanic times.

The snow-capped Andes provide the backdrop for our walk to this unique site still used for salt in the highlands. Upon reaching the Urubamba River we continue past the indigenous cliff village of Pichinjoto (9,800 ft) and on to the historic city of Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo is a traditional little town at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins and terraces, with a street plan that is basically as the Incas designed it so many years ago. We have time to explore before returning to our Andean Retreat Center for the evening.

Yoga Options: Morning Moray (outdoor), full afternoon.

Walking Options: up to 12 miles, 8 hours. Shorter options.

Overnight in Sacred Valley DAY 5 : Village of Cancha Cancha Today there is a choice of a full day of yoga, a full day of walking.

The walk begins with a transfer to

the trailhead at Huaran (11,000 ft) and a gradual uphill walk to the traditional mountain village of Cancha Cancha (13,000 ft), situated at the base of a glacier. We walk alongside a glacial stream where llamas graze, and enjoy the cool morning shade as the sun rises over the Andean peaks on both sides of our path.

The ruins of Wiñayhuayna (“forever young”) offer views of newly uncovered agricultural terraces. The site is named after an orchid with red, violet or yellow flowers that was once abundant in this area, and is still growing. The plant blooms year-round, which is why it earned the Quechua name “forever young.”

Midday, we enter the mountain community of Cancha Cancha and enjoy a picnic with local families.

In the afternoon, we visit the small village school. Throughout the day, we enjoy spectacular views of the Andes as we gain elevation. This day is one of the most challenging and rewarding.

Retuning along inca stairs we enjoy our birds-eye view of magnificent Machu Picchu (7,000 ft.) before descending into the valley to our lovely hotel.

Hiking Detail: This a full day hike, approximately 8 miles, 8 hours walking.

Yoga Options: All day asana with focus on the Chakras - the energetic centers of the body.

Chakra Garden tour, Meditation, Journaling and/or solo day.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley DAY 6: Inca Trail Walk from Machu Picchu We make a morning transfer to Ollantaytambo where we board our comfortable train, which takes us along the Urubamba River towards Machu Picchu. We depart the train in Aguas Calientes, board a bus to Machu Picchu entrance, and those who choose begin a walk along an original Inca Trail towards Intipunku, the Gate of the Sun, and the principle entrance to Machu Picchu for the Incas.

Onward exploration takes us to the Inca experimental agricultural site of Wiñayhuayna (8,000 ft).

Yoga Option: based upon transportation schedule/weather.

Walking Options: up to ~ 8 miles, 6.5 hours.

Overnight Machu Picchu Town DAY 7: Machu Picchu Those interested in a morning hike will climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu for sunrise before we begin our day with a guided tour of the ruins. Our guide and friend, Edwin Duenas, considers this his “office” and offers us insight into the culture and history of the Inca Civilization. This spectacular site offers a combination of Inca buildings, magnificent views, exotic vegetation and unforgettable mountains, all of which make this place a unique treasure.. Within the site we visit and learn about the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Drawbridge, Three-Windowed Temple, Royal Tomb and many others with time to admire the majesty of the Urubamba Valley and the spectacular snowcapped Andes. Afternoon train back to Wilka Tika Evening Closing Ceremony Yoga Options: At Machu Picchu.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

DAY 8: Cusco Morning final yoga session, massage, walk... your time choice.

Transfer to Cusco for afternoon market visits and final dinner in Cusco.

Day 9: Departure to US After breakfast, departure to airport for flights back to Lima and US. It is best to book flights late morning or very early afternoon. Connection flights from Lima to US generally depart late evening. Passengers must be at the airport one and half hours before the flight.

Note On Difficulty: This trip is rated moderate in terms of walking due to the altitude of the walks (some above 11,000 ft) as well as the varied terrain. Daily walking options offer medium to long yet rewarding and diverse days with walks on ancient Inca Stone paths as well as local village dirt paths used today. Walking sticks and appropriate physical training are suggested for this trip.

Yoga options will be tailored to meet the needs of the group with plenty of challenging options, and carefully guided adaptations so that all participants will benefit.

Flight Details: You will need to purchase a roundtrip international ticket to Lima, Peru as well as an internal (domestic ticket) roundtrip from Lima to Cusco. In general we recommend taking an overnight flight from the U.S. and connecting directly early morning on a flight to Cusco (plan 2 hour connection time due to need to pick up luggage). This avoids the tiring transfers and overnights in Lima. On the return from Cusco to Lima most airline schedules have departures from Cusco mid-day and depart Lima to US late evening so you will have time to visit Mira Flores, museums, etc. on your final day before returning to the U.S. if interested. We suggest you do not book the latest flight from Cusco to Lima as flights may be canceled do to afternoon winds.

Please coordinate your flight times with Kathy and The Dragon's Path. Peru is currently a very popular travel destination and we advise that early international and domestic flight bookings are essential. LAN Airlines has convenient international direct flights to Lima, with connections on their subsidiary LAN Peru to Cusco. Multiple US carriers fly into Lima. TACA Airlines has international service to Lima with daily connections to Cusco.

Additional detailed tour available following registration information, including suggested packing, reading and contact lists will be made available as the retreat gets close

Pachamama’s Peru, a yoga and hiking adventure. (Pachamama is a Quechua word meaning mother Earth). Experience the sacred in your self, and the sacred in the Earth. You will be profoundly influenced by the land, the ancient structures and the traditional culture.

Kathy Dragon and Ellin Todd invite you on a journey to the ancient land of Peru. Kathy Dragon, owner of "The Dragon's Path" has been designing and leading small group active tours around the world for more than two decades. She has returned to Peru since 1993 spending numerous weeks exploring the sacred valley with her friend and local guide Edwin Duenas (Kathy is Godmother of Edwin and his wife Fanny's two children, Javier and Lucia). The Dragon's Path will arrange this unique adventure and Kathy joins Ellin in escorting and facilitating the program. Edwin and Kathy will guide the daily hikes, walks and logistics. Ellin will integrate yoga into the experience.

Yoga Curriculum: Optional (Included) About Ellin Todd, RYT and Yoga in Peru.

“I am an Anusara-Inspired Yoga Teacher, a certified teacher for The Chopra Center 7 Spiritual Laws of Yoga and a Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher.

Anusara Yoga is a Hatha Yoga system that unifies a philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. It is the foundation

of all yoga I teach. I have been studying hatha yoga, yogic philosophy and practices for 30 years. My classes are based on Universal themes and include skilled guidance for integrating body, mind, soul, spirit, and environment.

- What you will gain?

•a comprehensive understanding of proper alignment of shoulders and hips [the 4 gates of the body] •an introduction to the chakra system [the 7 energy centers of the body] Format Morning practices include meditation and pranayama exercises followed by an active, flowing asana practice.

Afternoon practices are slower featuring restorative postures, seated poses, hip openers and guided meditations.

All sessions will be created to meet the needs of this unique group.

Day 5 provides an option for you to deepen your hatha yoga practice and your knowledge of the energetic body with an immersion into the Chakras.

Meditation in the beautiful gardens of Willka T’ika, created to reflect and support the Chakras, and time journaling.

The yoga experience will be integrated into hikes, and day trips to support a complete experience of this powerful environment.

If you have any questions regarding the yoga portion of this trip please email ellintodd@mac.com.

Our Base in Peru: (note that in addition to the retreat center we spend two nights in Cusco and one night in Machu Picchu.)

Our base for 5 nights is Willka T’'ika Guesthouse, set in breathtaking gardens in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, designed as a modern yoga retreat center. At the start of each day, rays of the morning sun stream into the magnificent yoga studios. Built from earth materials, they have hardwood floors, great heating and wonderful lighting. The surrounding gardens are filled with Andean medicinal plants, brilliant flowers and organically grown vegetables, all featured in our gourmet, strictly vegetarian meals. Menus include delicious and nutritious protein-filled Andean cereals and legumes.

Seven sacred gardens for healing and meditation, indoor meditation rooms, solar-heated floral medicinal baths, healing massage rooms and a crystal bed healing room are all available to guests.

This journey is a spiritual and cultural adventure for mind, body and soul.

Each day at the retreat center you will have options for focused yoga sessions, full or partial day hikes/ walk visiting different ancient Inan site in the Sacred Valley, remote mountain villages and encounter traditional life.

You will travel with a guide passionate about his country, who will spark your excitement as you come into contact with the traditions and history of each

ancient site and introduce you to local customs and culture.

We invite you to step out of yourself and enter the mystical world of Peru, the cradle of a unique culture and its spiritual traditions.

The trip includes five nights at Willka T’ika, two nights in fascinating Cusco City, two days at Machu Picchu, local peruvian guide, education of authentic Andean history and cultural traditions, transport, hotel accommodation, entrance tickets and tourist train to Machu Picchu. Most meals at Willka T’ika, Cusco and Machu Picchu are included.

Our Active Retreat to Machu Picchu provides the opportunity to connect on a deeper level to the indigenous culture and authentic spirituality of the Quechua people. You will be inspired by: •Willka T’ika Garden Retreat Centre: A place of serenity, peace and exquisite beauty.

•Magnificent Andean peaks and Sacred Valley scenery.

•Mysterious ancient cities and temples including Machu Picchu.

•Vibrant and colorful Quechua people in their mountain villages.

At Willka T’ika Garden Retreat Centre you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of Nature surrounded by an abundance of Andean flowers and medicinal

herbs, the perfect setting for yoga practitioners and outdoor enthusiasts. A wonderful Quechua staff prepares vegetarian meals and caters to the special health diets and requirements of our guests. All meals at Willka T'ika are vegetarian, with large amounts of organic food grown in the sacred energy of our gardens.

While at Willka T'ika there will be time to schedule a private massage/healing session in our healing rooms, a crystal bed treatment, or a soak in our hot outdoor Andean baths filled with minerals from Pachamama and medicinal herbs and flowers from the gardens. Enjoy some of the wonderful offerings at Willka T’ika. Make sure that you set time aside to explore the seven healing gardens filled with medicinal herbs and flowers and unique Andean birds.

In addition, the following optional services may be arranged once you arrive at Willka T'ika for additional cost: Spa in the Andes: Enjoy an Andean full body massage with aromatherapy oils for ~ $60 per hour.

At night under the stars treat yourself to a solar bath filled with aromatic medicinal flowers from our gardens and mineral salts for purification for ~ $20 per bath.

A half-hour treatment on our crystal bed imported from the miracle healer John of God in Brazil is ~$30 for a half-hour

healing session, a wonderful offering to balance body and spirit.

Willka T’ika facilities: • Two magnificent sunlit yoga studios look out to the mountains and flower-filled gardens. The well-equipped studios are built from natural earth materials, with heating and hardwood flooring.

•The Takiwasi music room has a supply of Andean musical instruments for your pleasure.

Our Yachaywasi library with its cozy fireplace has a great selection of books on all subjects. Guests are encouraged to tune into nature or simply enjoy the peace and flowers in the gardens.

•River rafting on the nearby Urubamba River. The cost of this four-hour outing is ~$50 per person and includes lunch.

You will be picked up and returned by the rafting company. Professional outfitters also offer mountain bike riding.

•Horse riding. Nearby stables offer guided rides on local trails. The cost is ~ $25 per hour.

PLEASE NOTE: The providers of the above services need to be paid in cash in US dollars (untorn bills) or Peruvian soles. Peru is a cash country.

Providers cannot accept credit cards.

Details: Trip Length: 8 nights/9 days in Peru Date: TBA Land Price: $2950 per person based on double occupancy, some single and/or triples are available with slight price adaption.

Price inclusive of Expert Local Guide, Yoga Instruction, private bus/driver for walks. All train, bus, national park, ruins, museum tickets. Additional local experiences including local cooking class, visits to co-operatives and markets plus regional activities available based on the season.

Activities: Daily walking and hiking, yoga options adjusted based on group abilities and interest.

Daily Yoga takes place while at Willka Tika Resort and at some sacred sites where permitted.

Minimum Number of Guests: 8 Flights Required (not included): Denver-Lima-Cusco Round Trip.

CONTACT: KATHY DRAGON The Dragon’s Path 2105 Mapleton Ave Boulder, CO 80304 303-415-9974 /mob. 303-931-0785 http://thedragonspath.com