Trek to Ancient Inca Site & Wachuma Plant Medicine Retreat

About this retreat

Highlights

• Trek to the ancient Huchuy Qosqo ruins
• Stay with a local Andean family
• Experience authentic Andean ceremonies
• Connect with a traditional Andean shaman
• Participate in a Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony
• Experience Andean spirituality and ancestral traditions
• Make an offering to Pachamama

Full programme

1. Day 1Arrival, Blessing Ceremony, and Huchuy Qosqo Trek

   We will pick you up in Cusco and drive to the starting point of the trek. We begin with a blessing ceremony to ask for permission from the spirits of the land and set positive intentions for your journey. Afterward, embark on the trek to Huchuy Qosqo, exploring ancient ruins and the beauty of the Andes. Enjoy the lush forest and stunning Andean mountains as we hike, with a box lunch to be enjoyed amidst nature. Throughout the journey, both the shaman and local guide will be with you to share their knowledge, guiding you through the spiritual aspects of the land. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the shaman’s Andean lifestyle and spirituality. Spend the night at a local homestay, immersing yourself in the Andean way of life, enjoying a local dinner, and resting in simple, clean rooms.

2. Day 2Exploration of Huchuy Qosqo & Retreat Center Relaxation

   After breakfast at the local homestay, we continue exploring the sacred site of Huchuy Qosqo with your local guide, learning about its rich history and spiritual significance. We’ll have plenty of time to connect with the energetic essence of the site. Afterward, we’ll embark on a downhill hike to Lamay, where our transport will pick us up and bring us to our retreat center near Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s transformative Wachuma ceremony. A light dinner in line with the ceremony’s diet will be served before you rest for the night.

3. Day 3Wachuma Ceremony & Gratitude Ceremony

   Today begins in silence and fasting, as no breakfast is served in preparation for the Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony. Before the ceremony begins, your Maestro will explain the purpose of the medicine, the traditions behind this ancestral practice, and what you may experience throughout the day. This helps you approach the ceremony with clarity, intention, and respect. Throughout the experience, the Maestro and your guide will remain by your side, creating a safe and supportive space. During the ceremony, the Maestro will play traditional Andean music and offer guidance as needed. The effects of Wachuma tend to unfold in gentle waves, sometimes feeling stronger and more introspective, and at other times softer and more subtle. You will be encouraged to relax, connect with nature, and focus on the insights, emotions, and visions that may arise. Following the ceremony, we will gather for a traditional offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama), expressing gratitude for the wisdom and experiences received. We will then conclude with a heartfelt gratitude ceremony, creating space to reflect on the journey and honor the transformations that have taken place. By this time, you may still feel some gentle effects of the medicine, although they are usually much softer. The remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to rest, relaxation, and integration. In the evening, we will enjoy a light dinner together before a peaceful night's rest.

4. Day 4Goodbye

   Today after the breakfast you will return to Cusco.

Accommodation

Local homestay experience: On the first night, you’ll stay close to Huchuy Qosqo with a local Andean family. Your private, simple yet comfortable room offers an intimate way to connect with local culture, traditions, and everyday life in the Andes. Sacred Valley retreat center: On nights two and three, you’ll stay at a peaceful retreat center nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With dedicated spaces for meditation and beautiful natural surroundings, it’s an ideal place to rest, reflect, and connect with the energy of the valley. You’ll have your own private room and access to Wi-Fi when needed, while still having plenty of space to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.

Food

Fresh, nourishing meals are provided throughout the retreat, with adjustments according to the day’s activities and ceremonies. On Day 1, you’ll enjoy a box lunch during the hike, followed by dinner at a local homestay. Day 2 starts with breakfast at the homestay, followed by a vegetarian lunch after the hike and a light vegetarian dinner at the retreat center, as you’ll begin following the diet for the San Pedro ceremony. On Day 3, you’ll fast for the San Pedro Wachuma ceremony. Afterward, we provide fresh fruits and light snacks, followed by dinner at the retreat center. On the final day, enjoy breakfast before we take you back to Cusco. We can accommodate different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll be happy to prepare accordingly.

Location

Av. Pucará, Yanahuara, Urubamba, Peru

This is not a traditional retreat where you stay in one place throughout the experience. Your journey takes you from the mountains and local communities to the peaceful surroundings of the Sacred Valley. The first part of the retreat includes a hike through the Andean landscape, with an overnight stay at a local homestay near Huchuy Qosqo, surrounded by nature and the remains of this ancient Inca site. It offers a simple and authentic connection with the local community and landscape. For the final two nights, you’ll stay at the retreat center in Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley, where you can slow down and focus on the San Pedro (Wachuma) ceremonies and your time of reflection.

We make your arrival easy. On the first day of the retreat, we’ll pick you up directly from your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Cusco. Simply make sure you are staying at a hotel or accommodation in Cusco before the retreat begins, and we’ll take care of the rest.

About the retreat leader

Ruty Salas

I was born in the small village of Pomacanchi, in southern Cusco, and grew up surrounded by Andean traditions and culture. As a professional travel guide, sharing my heritage and helping travelers discover the authentic side of Peru has become my passion.

Cancellation & policies

This is a private retreat, so the price per person varies depending on the size of your group. Contact us for an exact quote based on the number of participants. If the client cancels a confirmed booking for personal reasons, the following cancellation fees apply. Once payment is received, we begin booking services, some of which may be non-refundable. More than 60 days before departure: 25% of the total amount retained. 60 to 15 days before departure: 50% retained. 15 to 4 days before departure: 75% retained. 3 days or less before departure: 100% retained. Bank charges and any non-refundable costs already paid for trains, flights, entrance tickets are additional and will be deducted from any applicable refund. If one or more participants cancel, the price may be recalculated based on the new group size. The remaining participants may accept or decline the new price. If declined, the cancellation policy above applies. No refund will be provided for unused services, early departure, missed transportation, delayed or cancelled flights, or failure to arrive on time for the scheduled start of the program. We recommend arriving at least 2 days before the tour begins. Inca Trail permits, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-transferable once purchased and cannot be reassigned to another person.

Minimum age 20

Packages & dates

Meet the team

Laura Stasius

Spiritual Retreat Advisor

I have lived in Peru for many years and have fallen in love with its culture, landscapes, and people. Through my connection with the Q’eros Healers, I discovered a different perspective on Andean culture and life. Today, I want to share that experience with others by creating meaningful journeys in Peru that go beyond traditional tourism and leave a lasting impression.

Maestra Martha

Female Q'eros Shaman

My name is Martha Apaza Quispe, and I am a **Pampa Misayoq Paqo** from Chua Chua, a community in the Q’eros Nation. For more than 12 years, I have practiced traditional Andean ceremonies, including coca leaf readings, offerings to Pachamama, energy cleansings, blessings, and guided meditations.