Why Go on a Yoga Retreat in Peru?
June 8, 2023
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Also known as the Kingdom of the Sun, Peru is quite an amazing destination to visit and a perfect place to combine yoga with cultural travel.
Here you can find the ruins of one of the greatest civilizations in history: The Inca Empire. Some of their traditions remain visible in Peruvian people today as many still have a direct link with their Inca ancestors.
Moreover, the country offers a diverse landscape that contains the world’s highest sand dune, the highest navigable lake and the deepest canyon, the rare views of colored mountains, the mysterious Nazca Lines and one of the New Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
All these marvels, combined with good vibes, numerous sacred places and friendly people, make a yoga retreat in Peru a truly memorable experience that any yogi would greatly enjoy.
Read on and learn more about why Peru should be on your bucket list for a yoga vacation!
Why go on a yoga retreat in Peru?
Famous for the remaining ancient ruins of the Inca Empire and for having one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, Peru is also the third-largest country in South America. So, you might want to arrive a few days earlier or stay a couple of days longer as there are many exciting activities you can do. From hiking Vinicunca (the rainbow mountain) to exploring the Amazon or visiting the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, there are plenty of exciting options.
There are three official languages in Peru: Spanish, Quechua and Amaya. So, if you’d like to mingle with the locals, learning at least some Spanish words would do good for you. That said, rest assured that you’ll be perfectly fine speaking English in all touristic areas.
Machu Picchu is one of the Inca towns that survived the Spanish conquest, as it’s believed that they never found it. Here, you can strike your best poses on top of the hill and feel a great connection with Mother Nature, while the gentle breeze brushes softly against your face and the warm sun illuminates the beautiful landscape of the Andes Mountains.
READ MORE: 20 Affordable yoga retreats for any budget all around the world
Other popular adventures you can try are hiking to the top of “The Cerro Blanco” sand dune and sliding your way back down; or visiting the Cotahuasi Canyon, which is almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
You might also want to navigate one of Peru’s top-rated attractions: Lake Titicaca. It is the largest lake in South America, famous for its artificial islands and, according to Inca beliefs, for being the birthplace of the sun.
In case you enjoy solving mysteries, you can go down to the Nazca Desert and try to unravel the enigmatic drawings made in the soil between 500 BC and AD 500. Although you can probably get a better view from the sky.
Another good reason to visit Peru is to try its tasty Creole cuisine. Two of its main dishes are ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice) and roasted guinea pig. Peruvian meals are unique and delicious, but they can also be spicy.
Lastly, don’t forget to have a look at the lovely Peruvian handicrafts, and perhaps buy some hand-made textiles, musical instruments, wood carvings, canvas paintings, or jewelry.
Best places for a yoga retreat in Peru
There are 25 regions in Peru and each of them has its own charm. However, when it comes to yoga retreats, most of them are held in three main areas: the Sacred Valley region in the southeastern, the Cusco region and northern Peru.
In the Sacred Valley, you can find the town of Urubamba, famous for its farming and weaving communities that preserve some of its ancestral traditions. The place also offers a mystic atmosphere, which is perfect for engaging in any type of spiritual practice, including yoga.
One of the most popular tourist areas in Peru is the Cusco Region, renowned for the city of Cusco, which is full of historic places as it used to be the center of the Incan Empire. Here you can find ancient temples and citadels, including Machu Picchu.
Two of the top places for yoga are in Northern Peru. One of them is Ñuro, well known for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfing destination. The other is San Martín, a land of wellness, waterfalls and amazing lakes.
READ MORE: Top yoga retreats for beginners
Top yoga holidays in Peru
As you can see, Peru is a big country with plenty of things to do and many options for a yoga vacation. To help you narrow them down, here are some of the most popular retreats in the Kingdom of the Sun.
Inca Shamanism, Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Cusco
- Location: Calca, Cusco
- Duration: 6 Days
- One meal per day included
On this yoga retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Andean cosmovision by immersing yourself in incredible Andean ceremonies and workshops.
The program includes visits to some sacred sites in the area with private transportation, as well as yoga and meditation sessions. One vegetarian or vegan meal per day is included, as well as water and snacks.
Body Cleansing & Yoga Retreat in Tarapoto
- Location: Tarapoto
- Duration: 9 Days
- Airport transfer included
Rest and reset to cleanse and nourish your body and mind. Surrounded by abundant natural life, you’ll take the load off your organs that detoxify your body – liver, kidneys, and bowel.
This program includes 4 yoga classes in a gorgeous space, meditation sessions, a guided nature walk, swimming in a natural freshwater lagoon, a nutrition coach session, vegan meals, and a lot of free time to relax and unwind.
Vegetarian Cooking and Yoga Holiday in San Martin
- Location: Tarapoto, San Martin
- Duration: 5 Days
- All meals included
If you consider yourself a food lover and a health enthusiast, here’s a yoga retreat where you can get some great ideas for your vegetarian dishes at home.
During this holiday, you’ll have 4 culinary workshops, 4 yoga and meditation classes, one guided nature hike to a protected forest trail, one sunset equine-imity stroll, one visit to a local market and plenty of free time for you to enjoy the nature around the center.
Ayahuasca, Meditation, Yoga Retreat in the Amazon Rainforest
- Location: Iquitos
- Duration: 7 Days
- All meals included
Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Iquitos is a unique destination that offers an unparalleled experience. Known as the gateway to the Amazon, Iquitos offers a captivating blend of nature, spirituality, and indigenous culture.
On this yoga & spirituality retreat, immerse yourself in ancient shamanic practices and connect with the healing powers of Ayahuasca.
During your stay, you’ll also be able to elevate your, meditation and yoga practices amidst the lush rainforest, and experience great personal growth and spiritual awakening.
READ MORE: What to Expect on a Yoga & Surf Retreat
Relaxing Meditation and Yoga Holiday in Cusco
- Location: Limatambo, Cusco
- Duration: 5 Days
- All meals included
Nestled in the warm Limatambo Valley near Cusco in the Peruvian Andes, this yoga and meditation holiday offers the perfect setting to relax and recharge.
During this vacation, you can enjoy a combination of yoga, nature, meditation and healthy food. The program also includes sightseeing and nature walks, a visit to the village of Mollepa and an excursion to Tarawasi and Killarumiyoq.
*Cover image credit: Andean Spirit Lodge
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