Peru HSP & Introvert Retreat
Experience the magnificent wonders of Machu Picchu and Peru's Sacred ValleyPeru HSP & Introvert Retreat
Experience the magnificent wonders of Machu Picchu and Peru’s Sacred Valley
Join us on a 9-day / 8-night retreat into the cultural traditions and archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley.
Experience one of the 7 Wonders of the World, as well as lesser-known gems of the Sacred Valley on a retreat that balances heartfelt connection with plenty of alone time to soak up your surroundings.
At a retreat center tucked into the heart of the Sacred Valley, we’ll greet the morning with enlivening yoga amidst the Andes Mountains, savor authentic flavors of Peru’s gastronomy, and enjoy peaceful hiking just outside our retreat.
Our days will offer a blend of cultural excursions and free time to explore or relax. We’ll enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at our guide’s farm, learn about vibrant weaving traditions, and visit the Pisac ruins where you’ll also have the option to hike a quiet section of the original Inca Trail.
Later in the week, we’ll travel by train to the town closest to Machu Picchu to spend the night so that we can awaken before sunrise to watch the fog unveil this magnificent wonder.
Along the way, we’ll be supporting education and food programs for Peruvian children, as both the retreat center and our guides work closely with their communities.
At a Glance
Facilitator: Melissa Renzi (w/ guides Flor & Valentin)
Highlights: Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
Venue: Mid-range eco retreat w/ modern comforts/amenities
Rooms: Single or shared occupancy, private baths available
Food: Peruvian & international vegetarian (small fee for chicken/fish)
Activity Level: Moderate (read more below)
Weather: Mostly dry, some rain – daytime 60s °F, night 50s °F
Group Size: 12-14 participants
Our retreats are LGBTQ+ Affirming.
The Land & Space
Cusco (elev. 11,152 ft) is the former capital of the Inca empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. It is also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Its surrounding region, including the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, is rich with archaeological sites. You will fly into Cusco (CUZ), but we recommend visiting Cusco at the end of your stay after you’ve adapted to the elevation.
The Sacred Valley (9,420 ft) is a fertile valley stretching approximately 60 km east to west from the towns of Pisac to Ollantaytambo along the Urubamba River. Along with Cusco and Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. We will be staying just between Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu (elev. 7,972 ft) is an ancient Inca citadel high in the Andes mountains. It was built in the 15th century and abandoned in the 16th century when the Spaniards arrived. The ruins were first discovered by a local farmer named Melchor Arteaga. Hiram Bingham was the American who later revealed the site to the world in 1911. During our trip to Machu Picchu, you will have the option to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the mountain you see behind the ruins.
Munay Sonqo is a wellness retreat center nestled in an oasis of native plants and fruit trees and held by the strength of the surrounding mountains of Peru’s Sacred Valley. The center is built upon principles of ecological awareness and regenerative practices with its elaborate permaculture farms, waste water recycling, composting systems, and current transition to renewable solar energies. Proceeds from Munay Sonqo support its non-profit organization, Sach’a Munay, which works closely with local schools and communities to provide food and educational programs. Munay Sonqo Retreat Center is located in a remote part of the Sacred Valley about 1 hour, 30 minutes from Cusco.
Accommodations: Guest rooms are distributed among 4 houses on the property with each room being a reflection of the Peruvian culture of the Sacred Valley. The largest is Casa Blanca, which hosts the dining area and living room with a fireplace. Casa Blanca has 6 rooms, most of which have their own bathroom. Casa Piscina has 3 rooms that share 2 bathrooms and a living area. Casa Misky features 2 newly constructed, private suites each with their own bathroom, kitchen, loft, and patio. The former massage house also has 2 small rooms (each with a twin bed) that share a bathroom. These rooms offer a lower-cost single occupancy alternative. See more here.
Food: Peruvian and international meals are prepared with locally-grown ingredients, many of which come from Munay Sonqo’s organic farm. Meals will be vegetarian. Chicken and fish can be provided for a small fee. Munay Sonqo can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dietary needs. Other restrictions such as celiac, keto, etc. may have an additional cost of $25 per day per person to cover the cost of an extra chef. Reach out to discuss.
Facilities: El Santuario is a secluded space that enjoys all of the amenities offered on the main campus, but has the advantage of being private to the group. It has a maloca/temple, lush gardens, temazcal (sweat lodge), cold plunge pool, and fire pit all under the stars. Munay Sonqo also has a cafe just a short walk up to the main campus, along with a new spa, offering a dry sauna, steam, plunge pool, jacuzzi, and more.
This retreat far exceeded my expectations. Melissa’s planning and communication were on point. The pace of each day was perfectly balanced, allowing us to be immersed in every moment without feeling rushed. I appreciated the opportunity to be present in the Sacred Valley and its cultural traditions, thanks to Melissa’s thoughtful arrangements.
Her genuine care for each individual in the group was evident. Everyone made you feel like family. I can’t recommend Melissa enough and will absolutely be looking into future trips with her.
Meet Your Guides
Melissa Renzi (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker and Yoga Teacher who has been organizing and leading global retreats since 2016. Melissa is passionate about curating meaningful travel that truly connects guests to the land and people of each place we visit. She believes that as highly sensitive introverts, we can experience and enjoy the world as it is when we have supportive structures that move at a slower pace and group agreements that to tend to the needs of everyone. Having led 6 retreats to Peru, Melissa has repeatedly refined this retreat with her partners to offer a heartfelt experience that honors your needs.
Flor Bocangel Zuñiga was born in the jungle of Peru and moved to Cusco as a child. She studied tourism and gastronomy and has worked as a tour guide for nine years. Flor is passionate about ice climbing and hiking, as she enjoys seeing the world from the top of the mountains and being in nature puts her in touch with the religion of her ancestors. Flor enjoys learning languages and taught herself English. Flor loves connecting with people and introducing her culture, traditions, and knowledge from her ancestors with the world. In the spirit of caring for nature, she spends her free time repurposing recyclable materials in creative ways with her daughter.
Valentin Baca Baños is a native Quechua speaker who grew up on a farm in the Sacred Valley with his seven siblings. He began working as a porter on the Inca Trail at age 16 and then worked as a chef on the trail while studying at University of San Antonio in Cusco to become a certified guide. Valentin has been guiding tours for the last decade. Five years ago, he founded his company Valentin’s Pachamama Journeys. Valentin loves sharing cultural wisdom, the history of the Incas, and stories from his youth that led to his commitment to education in his community. We’ll visit his farm to learn about local foods, agricultural practices, and share a traditional pachamanca lunch.
What’s Included
- 8 nights accommodation in the Sacred Valley
- 3 healthy meals per day, most days
- Round-trip group van transfer CUZ – Munay Sonqo – CUZ
- Machu Picchu (incl: hotel, breakfast, van transfers, train & bus tickets, entrance ticket, guide services)
- Ollantaytambo Ruins (entrance ticket, transport, guide)
- Pisac Ruins (entrance ticket, transport, guide)
- Visit to Valentin’s farm (pachamanca feast, transport, guide)
- Hands-on weaving demonstration with local weaver, Lucia
- 10-day tourist ticket (entry to over a dozen sites)
- Gentle yoga (1-2 classes per day, most days)
- Reflection circles (facilitated, 3-4 days)
- Meet & Greet via Zoom to meet other travelers
- WhatsApp group to connect before the retreat
- Personalized support for your arrival
- Unlimited tea, coffee, and filtered water
Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Cusco International (CUZ)
- 1 Lunch & 1 Dinner while at Machu Picchu
- Travel insurance – strongly recommended
- Gratuity ($70-90) USD total for staff & guides)
- Additional activities, massages, souvenirs, etc.
Accommodations
Double
Occupancy
King or (2) Twin Beds
w/ shared bathroom
Casa Piscina (most likely)
See description here
Casa Piscina has 3 rooms (2nd floor), 2 shared bathrooms (1 up, 1 down), a kitchen, and lounge. A maximum of 4-5 guests will be placed in this house.
Deluxe Double
Occupancy
King or (2) Twin Beds
w/ private bathroom
Casa Misky Bungalow
See description here
Casa Misky 1 & 2 offer private baths, kitchens & lofts. They offer extra privacy, as structures that share only one wall. May be reserved by a couple or 2 friends.
Single
Occupancy
King or Queen Bed
w/ shared bathroom
Casa Blanca (most likely)
See description here
Casa Blanca has 6 rooms, 5 bathrooms, along with a living room, dining area, and fireplace. Private bathrooms may become available but are not guaranteed.
Experience majestic Machu Picchu—with people who get you!
Returning in April 2026
Payment & Cancellation Policy
**The payment schedule and cancellation policy for this trip differ from our other international retreats. The rest of the Yoga International Retreat Agreement, which you’ll sign electronically at registration, is the same.
**If you are unable to meet the following payment schedule, contact us to discuss options for an alternate payment plan.
Payments
This retreat requires us to make advanced purchases on your behalf for hotels, trains, buses, and entrance tickets for Machu Picchu. Thus, we require the following:
- A $400.00 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit at time of registration.
- Forty (40) percent balance paid 120 days before retreat (November 28, 2024).
- Remaining balance must be paid 60 days before retreat (January 27, 2025).
Trip Cancelled by Participant
If you decide to cancel your retreat for any reason, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.
– All deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
– More than 120 days before retreat start date, receive a refund of your retreat payment, excluding your deposit.
– 60-119 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 25 percent of the cost, excluding the deposit. Ex: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, and you’ve paid in full, $1500 may be applied toward a future retreat.
– 31-59 days before retreat start date, 50 percent of your payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 50 percent of the cost, excluding the deposit. Ex: If your retreat cost is $2500 with a $500 deposit, $1000 may be applied toward a future retreat.
– If you cancel 30 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment.
We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to lack of proper travel documents. We strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you must cancel for any reason.
Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.
We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the itinerary or postpone the retreat where deemed advisable for the safety and well-being of participants. If it is necessary to postpone the retreat due to conditions that may be hazardous such as pandemics, weather, political, or any other reason we deem necessary, we reserve the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments, less any payment processing fees and non-refundable, including but not limited to in-country airline, train, bus, entrance tickets, or permits purchased by us on your behalf for the previous booking, will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates.
We reserve the right to cancel any retreat prior to departure in the event that there are too few people booked in which case you will be given a full refund of your full payment, including your deposit. We strongly encourages and recommends that you purchase your flight after your retreat is confirmed, which will be at least 120 days prior to retreat start date.
You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses or damage, either direct or consequential, or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation, including but not limited to visa and passport fees and expenses, flights, flight cancellation and reservation fees, and vaccination costs). We strongly encourage and recommend that you purchase travel insurance within two (2) weeks of registering your trip.
Passport & Visa
Peru requires a current passport that will be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your travel dates. Peru does not require a special visa to enter for U.S. travelers. Please check the visa requirements for your home country.
You must provide us with a copy of your passport no later than November 30, 2024 in order to purchase Machu Picchu tickets (entrance, train, bus, etc).
Getting There & Away
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. We don’t recommend a specific company or policy, but we’ve partnered with InsureMyTrip (affiliate link) as the best option to compare plans. They have thousands of travel insurance plans, as well as a recommendation engine to help travelers find the right plan. They will also provide support before, during, and after your trip if you should need anything, including help with a claim.
We recommend “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, which will cover your trip in the event you are unable or choose not to attend for any reason. CFAR insurance typically reimburses 50 or 75 percent of your trip cost and requires the following conditions:
- Purchase the policy within 14-21 days of first trip payment.
- Insure all prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure.
- Cancel more than 48-72 hours prior to your departure date.
Note that you will need to check the “Cancel for Any Reason” box to see policies. Read the policy terms. If you miss the window for CFAR coverage, you can still buy other policies.
Altitude & Activity Level
Every traveler is different with respect to how their bodies react to elevation change. Cusco has the highest altitude at 11,154 feet. Urubamba Valley is 9,420 feet and Machu Picchu is about 7,972 feet. We recommend traveling to the Sacred Valley upon arriving in Cusco and saving your visit in Cusco for the end after you’ve adjusted to the altitude.
Travelers may experience fatigue, sleeplessness, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath during the first several days. This can be minimized by drinking liquids including coca tea, avoiding alcohol, and not overexerting yourself the first day. Your doctor may prescribe altitude medication to take before you arrive as a precaution. Over-the-counter altitude medication is available in Cusco. If you have any medical conditions, we strongly recommend that you discuss the effects of altitude with your physician before traveling.
It’s important to note that the effects of the altitude can make normal activities much more challenging. Machu Picchu can be challenging for some, as it has many stairs and is steep in some parts. We can take it slow to accommodate various physical conditions. The group activities we’ve planned are designed to be mild with options to add more moderate or challenging hikes.