Peru’s Sacred Valley

A Transformational New Year’s Retreat

with Alana & Dave Pratt of True Nature Holistic Retreats

at Willka T'ika Wellness Center

Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027

The Heart of Your Retreat

Experience your feet on the earth in a place whose atmosphere is charged with vital energy from above and below, a place abundant with wonders that have emerged from the ingenuity of ancient cultures deeply-connected to nature. Meditate with your new friends at sites like Saccsaywaman and Ollyantaytambo, where the Inca and earlier peoples arranged stones weighing hundreds of tons at high elevations, jig-sawing them together with such precision that modern people still debate how it was even possible - and learn about these places from expert local guides. Your trip includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, one of many treasures of the Peruvian people.


Taste presence and bountiful, vibrant meals that are fresh from the garden right at our home for the retreat, Willka T'ika, where accommodations and design are a natural art. Immerse yourself in classes with down-to-earth teachers, Dave and Alana Pratt, who have guided hundreds of people on retreats focused on connecting with the essential self and taking that into life. You'll interact with a Q'ero shaman (more properly called a pakko) who will lead the group in a despacho and coca leaf blessings. There is so much you will experience, and all of it is aimed at nurturing you so you can return to life more prepared to live meaningfully and with fulfillment.

250

Excursions

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Maras Salt Mines, which spreads down into a gorgeous valley and makes for one of the most unique hikes on Earth. Take in scenery as we ride the train to Aguas Calientes and then up to Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world! Explore the rich history of weaving in Chinchero, Pisac ruins and market, Ollyantaytambo town and archaeological site, picturesque Urabamba, Cusco and more. Dave’s blog post about Ollyantaytambo…



250

Lodging

Willka T’ika’s sustainable guest rooms are made from natural earth materials and adorned with local artwork. All rooms are named for the Andean medicinal plant that grows at each room’s doorstep. Each fengshui designed space has its own private modern bathroom and entry to the gardens. The welcoming Quechua staff place fresh flowers in each room, and provide hot water bottles for your bed at night. Read more about accommodations.


250

Meals

Delicious sustenance! Gourmet organic vegetarian meals are served daily, using high-protein Andean grains and legumes, as well as organic, freshly-harvested vegetables and salads grown on-site. Vegan, gluten free, and special dietary needs are welcome. More about meals...






250

Classes

Daily classes with Dave and Alana include gentle to moderate Yoga, Self-Breema exercises, Meditation and Chanting. You’ll learn enlivening and quieting practices that support vitality and can become an integral part of your regular self-care. The Pratts have helped hundreds of people benefit from what they teach and present each class in ways that are both practical and transformational.

Read more about the Pratts here.

250

Ceremony

Experience a sacred Despacho ceremony with a Q’ero pakko visiting from high in the Andes, with coca leaf blessings and a transformative fire ceremony to honor Pachamama, yourself and your loved ones. Participants can also schedule a meeting with Layka, a Master Andean healer, who will read the coca leaves and share about their health relationships, family and career. This intensely personal reading helps guide you on your journey of transformation into the NEW YEAR. Based on availability.



250

Ayni

Ayni is a Quechua word emphasizing the action of reciprocity and is embedded in the everyday lives and cosmology of the Andean people. In this vein, and since 1994, The Willka T’ika Children’s fund has supported the education of thousands of Quechua children. Your participation in this retreat and commerce in the Sacred Valley continues this blessing of Ayni. As you honor and learn about the culture here and simply purchase items like woven blankets and sweaters, you support the local people and economy. Learn more about the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund here.

MAGIC.

"We are grateful that we will be ringing in the New Year at a world-renowned center for this year's retreat in Peru - and it is a center with a heart. We can't wait to see you there!  Willka T'ika is an exquisite eco-friendly sanctuary located between the world heritage site of Machu Picchu and the Incan capital of Cusco. Founded on the Andean principle of ayni, or reciprocity, the place is a work of art that connects people with the earth, with the caring Quechua staff and connects each of us to what is most important. We fell in love with the Sacred Valley the first time we set foot on the land, and each retreat there brings profound gratitude and renewed energy for bringing this magic back to daily life. We invite you to experience deep nourishment of heart, body and mind in the Sacred Valley of Peru."


~ Dave and Alana Pratt

Co-Founders of True Nature Holistic Retreats (at right on the train to Machu Picchu, 2024)

Alana Pratt began practicing yoga in1997, and the practice has been a part of her life ever since.  She has been teaching yoga since 2010 and finds great joy in doing so. At the heart of her teaching is her wish to give careful attention to the needs of each individual student. Alana has been blessed to have the great fortune of studying with such sincerely dedicated and devoted teachers as Linda Spackman, Sonia Nelson, Deborah Kuryan, Tias and Surya Little, Matthew Sanford, and the list continues on. In 2000, she began practicing meditation under the guidance of Char Brighton in State College, Pennsylvania. Her meditation continued to blossom and grow at The OMEGA Institute under the guidance of Ji Hyang Padma. She was introduced to Vedic chanting in 2010 and has continued her practice within the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V. Desicakachar.. Alana has been both teaching Introduction to Yoga courses at The College of Wooster (Wooster, Ohio) and co-leading True Nature Retreats with her husband David Pratt since 2011. Read more about her here.


Dave Pratt has been practicing the meditative arts for most of his life. His down-to-earth classes are playful, enlivening and include simple guidance to help you build a sustainable home practice. Dave is grateful to be a Certified Instructor of Breema: The Art of Being Present, and will teach regular Self-Breema classes during this retreat to help participants drop the past and future and be enlivened in the present moment. Dave's classes can include personal anecdotes, humor, teaching stories or sacred poetry. In addition to Breema, Dave's background includes several decades of experience as a bodyworker and massage therapist, and extensive practice in the Zen tradition. He and Alana are the co-founders of True Nature Holistic Retreats, which has blessed them with the opportunity to connect with people from all faiths and walks of life. Read more about him here.

Pricing

Choose your accommodation and take the first step into an unforgettably-transformative New Year


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Garden Room Single Room  - Sacred Valley of Peru with Dave and Alana Pratt, Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027

Garden Room Single Room - Sacred Valley of Peru with Dave and Alana Pratt, Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027

$4,500.00

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Garden Room Shared Lodging - Sacred Valley of Peru with Dave and Alana Pratt: Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027 Copy

Garden Room Shared Lodging - Sacred Valley of Peru with Dave and Alana Pratt: Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027 Copy

$3,600.00

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Deposit: Sacred Valley of Peru at Willka T'ika Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027

Deposit: Sacred Valley of Peru at Willka T'ika Dec. 29, 2026 - Jan. 5, 2027

$750.00

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FAQS

What's Included/Not Included

What's included: 7 nights of accommodation, most of your vitalizing farm-to-table vegetarian meals, access to the renowned Seven Chakra Gardens and the Yachaywasi library - both onsite, private airport transfers to and from Cusco Airport, train ticket and entrance fee to Machu Picchu, abundant cultural excursions including Maras Salt Mines, Chinchero weaving, Ollyantaytambo, Saccsaywaman and more with professional local Quechua guides who are experts in Andean history, culture and cosmology, private drivers, entrance fees for historica/archaeologicall sites, meditation/yoga & Self-Breema classes with Alana and Dave, donation to local Quecha school, extensive pre-trip assistance, and all taxes.

What's not included: lunches and dinners in Aguas Calientes and Cusco, international airfare, travel Insurance, and gratuities (Suggested tips.

When should I pay my deposit?

We strongly recommend placing a deposit to secure your space on this trip as soon as possible. There are multiple reservations which require significant advanced booking and financial commitments. These are made for you (space permitting) as soon as you place your deposit. These reservations include but are not limited to: multiple hotel bookings, train tickets, bus transportation, entry permits and more. We will do everything we can to confirm all necessary reservations and permits however, we cannot guarantee these arrangements without advanced booking. For questions please email us.

What is the itinerary for this retreat?

The full trip itinerary is here.

What are the accommodations like?

Our retreat center is a natural and truly magical setting that was born out of the love this place and people. It is perfect for going deeply within and connecting with yourself and the greater universe. Each space has been intentionally created and crafted to be in harmony with nature, and therefore to support balance for you. These lovely accommodations will be our comfortable home base where we restore and then go out to explore the wonders of the valley. Many publications around the world have given stellar reviews of Willka T’ika over its 30 year history as a destination retreat center unlike any other.

How many participants will be on this retreat?

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 10-20 attendees is a general average.

What if I'm traveling alone?

Many retreat participants travel alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate, a single supplement will apply.

Do I need a visa for travel to Peru?

American citizen visitors to Peru don't need a visa if they are traveling as a tourist with a valid U.S. passport. You will be issued a tourist card upon entry, which is valid for up to 90 days. If you are traveling from another country of origin, we suggest checking to see if your travels to Peru require any other documentation.

What airport do I fly into?

Flying from the US: You will book your international ticket in and out of Cusco International Airport (Code: CUZ).

Traveling to Peru requires a connection in Lima (airport code: LIM), which has a very streamlined, new and modern airport that is easy to navigate. The flight from Lima to Cusco is 1 hour. Depending on the airline, this may require that you book tickets separately. We suggest that you consider booking a flight into Cusco with LATAM or TACA that arrives prior to 11 a.m. Earlier flights are subject to fewer weather-related delays than flights arriving later in the day. 

Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to stay overnight in Lima before catching your connection to Cusco. If this is the case, there is a Wyndham hotel attached to the Lima airport where you can rest on your stopover. To book please contact Wyndham directly.

Contact us with any questions you may have..

Are airport transfers included in the price of my trip?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the price of your trip.

Note if you arrive early and decide to stay at an alternate location other than our group hotel, you will be responsible for coordinating and paying for your own transportation directly with the hotel where you will be staying. If you plan to arrive early (which we recommend if possible) and would like to stay at Willka T'ika, please contact WT directly via their website.

What is it like adjusting to altitude?

The altitude of the Andean highlands often requires some adjustment. When you arrive in Cusco you will be at approximately 11,000 feet before making your way (via a pre-arranged transport) to Willka T'ika, which is at a lower elevation of about 9000 feet. This makes the acclimatization process much easier. Since it is normal for it to take some time to adjust, we have created the itinerary accordingly with rest days factored in. 

Altitude affects each person differently. How you will feel is difficult to predict unless you have been to altitude before. You may feel no discomfort at all or only slight lightheadedness. Common symptoms of altitude sensitivity include shortness of breath and difficulty with breathing; headaches; nausea; sleeplessness; and loss of appetite. 

The most important thing you can do upon reaching altitude is to drink plenty of fluids: water, fruit juices, and herbal teas and not to eat heavy meals. Being sure to hydrate well in the days leading up to travel is also helpful. It is good to stay away from caffeinated beverages or alcohol. Most hotels are pleased to serve you with a refreshing cup of coca tea ("mate de coca"). This natural Andean remedy is a marvelous tonic for altitude. Please consult with your physician about any questions or concerns you have about adjusting to high altitude and bringing medication to offset the effects of altitude sickness.

Are meals included?

All meals are included during the retreat in the Sacred Valley at our retreat center, Willka T'ika. Please Note: Lunches at Machu Picchu and in Ollyantaytambo are the only meals not included, and there are multiple healthy and delicious options to explore at both locations.

Do I need travel insurance?

At True Nature Holistic Retreats, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment. Unexpected events—such as personal emergencies, political or environmental factors, health issues, or weather-related disruptions—can arise and may prevent or interrupt your travel plans. Note that because we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy, you will be responsible for 100% of any costs associated with the cancellation or interruption of your retreat should you choose not to purchase travel insurance. 

While we do not provide recommendations for specific policies, we suggest exploring options through the reputable travel insurance aggregator, InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth. They can help you find a provider and policy that best suits your needs. For maximum coverage, we advise purchasing travel insurance within 7–10 days of placing your initial deposit.


If you wish to cancel your participation in this program, you must advise True Nature Holistic Retreats and must also follow all notes in our Cancellation Policy.

What is your cancellation policy?


PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY:

A $750 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. The final balance payment is due by October 30th, 2026. If you cancel before the final balance deadline we will refund any payments you have made, minus the non-refundable deposit. If you register for the trip after October 30th, the full payment amount is due upon registration. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable after October 30th. True Nature Holistic Retreats must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Are there services I can add to my retreat?

For an added fee, healing treatments can be added to your experience at Willka T’ika. These include unique offerings like solar-heated floral baths under the stars, Andean spa and massage, Shiatsu, Crystal Light Therapy and more…


Dave & Alana with 2025

Retreat group in Cusco.