Experience the magic of Peru on an unforgettable 9-day/8-night journey with Cassie Paul's exclusive yoga and hiking retreat. Embark on a soul-nourishing adventure filled with rejuvenating yoga sessions, breathtaking hikes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.

Your adventure begins as you touch down in Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. From there, you'll catch a domestic flight to Cusco, the gateway to the mystical wonders of the Andes. Arriving early morning on the first day ensures you won't miss a moment of the adventure that awaits. The itinerary is thoughtfully curated to balance wellness and exploration. 

Enjoy private yoga sessions by Cassie Paul while in Cusco. Your yoga mats and serene spaces will be provided, allowing you to connect with your practice amidst Peru's stunning landscapes.

Between yoga sessions, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Explore ancient Incan ruins, vibrant markets, and charming villages, gaining insight into the country's fascinating heritage. A highlight of the retreat is a hands-on cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without trekking the legendary Inca Trail. Over four exhilarating days, you'll traverse rugged terrain, lush cloud forests, and awe-inspiring mountain passes, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Incan Empire. As you hike, experienced porters will ensure your comfort by carrying your belongings and setting up camp each night, allowing you to focus on the journey and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you.

In the spirit of health and wellness, the retreat encourages a break from alcohol consumption, allowing you to fully embrace the transformative power of the journey. Experience the benefits of going alcohol-free, including improved sleep, heightened energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity, as you trek the Inca Trail feeling revitalized and refreshed.

As the adventure draws to a close, bid farewell to Peru's majestic landscapes and vibrant culture, returning home with a heart full of memories and a renewed sense of well-being. Departing from Lima after 8 PM ensures you have ample time to reflect on your journey before returning to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Prepare for your adventure by packing light, with just one medium suitcase and one personal item, allowing you to move with ease throughout the trip. For those needing assistance with pre and post accommodations, Amy Walker is on hand to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Join Cassie Paul on this transformative journey to Peru, where yoga, hiking, and cultural immersion converge to create an experience unlike any other. Embark on a path of self-discovery, surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the Andes, and return home feeling renewed, inspired, and deeply connected to the essence of Peru.

Cassie's wellness journey began with her love for running (with a completion of 10 full marathons to date). In 2016, Cassie completed her Yoga Teacher Training in Vancouver, B.C. Her yogic path started as one that was rooted in asana and mainly focused on the physical body. Cassie soon realized that yoga is the inward journey to healing. Sober from alcohol and substances for four years herself, Cassie uses tools such as mindfulness, spirituality, affirmations, movement, and connection to live a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery. 

Cassie believes it is never too late to set a new vision for your life. Whether it's shifting the perspective that you aren't flexible enough for yoga or that a marathon is impossible, it all starts with putting down your past story.

Cassie is certified in Vinyasa, Yin, Mindfulness, and CRP. She is a Run Leader at Fit First in Burnaby, BC, an RRCA-certified Run Coach, and a Yoga and Fitness Instructor at Oxygen in Coquitlam, BC.

Helpful Information:

1. The best piece of advice I have for the Inca Trail is to walk stairs. The Inca trail is primarily stairs. Some people " train" by walking but you really should be training with stairs to get prepared. Make sure you bring a hydration pack,  your own personal snacks that you like, tissues or toilet paper and money on the trail for toilets, snacks and tipping. You will be responsible for your own tipping at the end of your time on the Inca Trail for your porters and guide and then at the end of the trip with your local guide in Cusco, Edith. Suggested tipping is $20-$25 daily for your guide and $10-$15 daily for the porters.

2. Bring layers! It gets colder at night and in the mornings than you may think.

3. Get to know the crew. Most of the porters on the trail are local farmers and other local residents. They can be a great source of information your guide won't share with you. Strike up a conversation and bring some pictures from home to share with the typically warm and inviting Peruvians who will be carrying the bulk of your gear and all of your shelter and food.

4.  Bring enough batteries for your headlamp and phone. There will be no charge opportunities unless you bring a solar panel. There is no cell phone reception but your guide will have a radio in case of emergency.

5. Ponchos, while seemingly goofy in appearance, are a good thing. If the rain doesn't let up for a day or two, pack covers can get soaked through, leading to a soaked pack. A poncho does better to keep the rain off you and your pack. Cheap ones are available locally. It will rain. Plan accordingly.

6.  Prepare your feet before you arrive. Buying a new pair of boots or trail shoes right before arriving in the country might seem like a good idea, but 6 miles into your hike is not a good time to discover the fit isn't perfect. Do your best to break in your footwear before departing.

7. Prepare your body before you arrive. You don't need to be in Ironman Triathlon shape before catching your flight to Peru, but it will help if you work your body before leaving. Cardiovascular work will help most while trekking. Get out and hike at an incline. Do stairs. Work your lungs and legs. Be kind to your knees while attempting hills if you have them nearby. Lots of swimming can also be good. I would highly recommend hiking steep inclines. The Inca trail has a lot of steps!

8. Keep going! The list of people older than you, more out of shape than you, and heavier than you who have completed the Inca Trail and arrived at Machu Picchu is long and storied. They all have one thing in common: mental toughness. The trek is a mental game, and you need a positive attitude more than you need the latest hiking gear.

Luggage & Porters on the Inca Trail

Your extra luggage will be left safely in Cusco at our hotel while you trek. Make sure your bags have tags so they are easy to locate. The trek includes porters responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also take the duffel bag you receive at your briefing the night before your tour. Each duffel bag can not exceed 7kg/14lbs and must include your sleeping bag and air mat. The porters are all provided a proper uniform, salary, and insurance.

Altitude on the Inca Trail

As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level, forcing your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitudes, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we spend two days in Cusco before beginning. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so you won't be bored if you have more time to acclimate.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please notify the guide, and we will help you get to a doctor.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca-tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, allowing your body to avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee since they will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

Remember, the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race too quickly to the top of the mountain. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication such as Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude, and continue to take it while you are at a high altitude. It would help if you remembered that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly, drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. 

First Aid on the Inca Trail

Our trekking guide has received first-aid training from a physician. The trekking company conducts mandatory training every February, and every single guide attends. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler's diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They will take good care of you. In case something unexpected happens, and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure out the safest and quickest way off the trail and to a clinic. You will never be left alone; you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until you are safe with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and reconnect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.

Environmental Impact

We will use biodegradable soap during the trek and transport all our garbage back to Cusco. The luggage porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups as well. We also use chemical, environmentally-friendly portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind. 

Tipping

Tipping is highly encouraged so please bring cash to pay at the end to your crew. Here is a recommendation for tipping on the Inca Trail:
Head guide: 30 USD
Assistant guide: 25 USD
Your trekking crew: 60 USD

Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December, so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, ensure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Also, be ready for four seasons. Trekking in the Andes involves various microclimates, and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always essential since they quickly adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

For the Inca trail, your main suitcase will be left in storage in your Cusco hotel. We will get your suitcase when we return from the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail tour guide will meet with us the day before the retreat to go over the trail details and provide you will a small duffle bag that you will fill with only the items you will need for the 4-day trail. You will be provided with a bag weighing up to 6kg that our porters will carry for you. This bag will be provided by the tour company and will include your clothing, toiletries and sleeping bag. We have also arranged the mattress pad, sleeping bag, tent, and hiking poles for your trek. 

Essentials:

· Passport

· Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)

· Good daypack (the smaller, the better)

· Water storage (water reservoirs like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters)

· Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

Daypack:

You will need a small daypack that you will use to carry daily essentials such as a jacket, camera, water, and sunscreen. Please bring waterproof jacket, poncho, and shoes. 

· Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.

· Sunhat

· Rain gear

· Fleece

· Camera

· Music (IPhone)

· Handsanitizer

· Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste

· Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

· Earplugs

Duffel Bag:

Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mat which weigh approx. 3.5 kg. 

· 2-3 wicking t-shirts

· 2-3 hiking pants

· 4 sets of undergarments

· 4 sets of hiking socks

· 1 fleece

· 1 warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night

· 1 rain jacket and pants

· 1 sun hat

· 1 wool hat

· Headlamp (essential)

· Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)

· Comfortable shoes for camp

· Walking boots

· Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

· Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger)

· Small bottle of soap (we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap)

· Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking)

· Large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean from dirty)

Toiletries

· Sunscreen

· Face moisturizer

· Bug spray

· Handsanitizer

· Wet wipes

· Toothbrush and paste

· Toiletpaper

· Personal medication

· First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).

Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 

In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 

Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.

Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Consider evacuation insurance even if it's not required. This is more than just travel insurance, which covers loss or cancellations in most cases. Evacuation insurance will pay for expensive medical or emergency evacuations. The cost of a helicopter in the middle of the night can set you back thousands of dollars without this insurance. You can also pay more for insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. Most travel insurance does not cover the cancellation of your trip if you decide not to travel due to COVID-19. It will cover you if you cannot enter the country due to COVID-related border closures or if you have COVID and cannot travel, but most other reasons are not accepted.