Spiritual Awakening in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

 A truly remarkable, once in a lifetime experience.

My first ever retreat which went beyond my expectations. 

When I first heard about this, I had doubts as to whether I would be physically able enough to meet the challenges required but received encouragement and support from all the amazing women in my group. 

Our spiritual guide and yoga teacher; Erika Guerra Todd, a truly wonderful guide, gave us an enriching  and thought provoking experiences with healing techniques included in her sessions. Our Shamanic dance sessions which was carried out blindfolded, sent us into a trance like state. Quite the experience and unlike any other yoga I’ve known.

Our tour guide, Silverio was very knowledgeable and supportive with a great sense of humour throughout.

Our trip was packed with adventurous excursions and stunning views of various regions in Peru. We were also taken to  many cultural sites. Of course our train trip to Machu Piccu  and the stunning views was the highlight of the trip.

Willka Tikka, the resort where we stayed had the most spectacular gardens, offering beautiful rooms and even of a spirit kind!, including massages and also an outdoor solar bath filled with fragrant flowers and herbs. Truly pleasurable observing the starlit sky whilst being fully immersed.

The food included was beautifully prepared,offering three course delicious vegetarian meals.

I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone ready for an adventure and a trip of a lifetime.

Finally, many thanks to Erika for arranging this amazing retreat.. 

  A Spiritual Retreat that was truly inspirational on so many levels.

The excursions to sacred places , soul connections, sisterhood, soul work, and spiritual experiences that were rewarding. A beautiful gift that was most certainly embraced. 

We had several exciting events.

Three of us (Elysa Ferrara, Ellen Alvarez and myself) climbed Wayna Picchu Mountain with the help of our amazing guide, Silverio. We got to the top in 2 hours, looking down on Machu Picchu. We did most of the climbing in the rain. We wouldn’t have had it any other way. We had such an incredible experience. We came back down and went through Machu Picchu. I was determined to accomplish this hike. The most important thing I’ve been working on, it’s to feel limitless. I couldn’t have done this without my soul sisters

The classes with Erika were a new experience. The yoga for healing and your body just flows while doing breath-work as well. It’s a beautiful connection. We did some chanting, singing before meditation and inner-self exercises with one another. We also did a shamanic dance where you go into a deep trance. This was truly a powerful and amazing retreat.

We met Benito, a Native Shaman who gave us a personalized Coca leaves reading. He also did a Pachamama Ceremony and went around the circle of fire and blessed us.

Samer, a Shaman who practices plant medicine and sound therapy, performed a Cacao Ceremony with sound bath and other musical instruments; a beautiful experience. 

Then there were five of us who embraced a magical sweat-lodge with our ancestors. Afterwards, we got into the beautiful dunking pool full of flowers. 

It was all such a phenomenal feeling and experience. I embarked upon a new journey like never before. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for something new or on their personal spiritual path. Each day was filled with activities that never disappointed. Peru is a beautiful country with amazing people.

I can’t thank Erika enough; for all that she has done for us. You are the most beautiful inspirational woman, incredible teacher, friend, Guru, guiding us on our journey.

This was a trip that was filled with adventures and memories of a lifetime.

Erika and I met at a woman’s networking group where she was promoting her spiritual healing retreat.  When I heard Erika was from Peru, I thought how fantastic it was to have the trip planned by a native Peruvian.  When I saw the price, I realized it was a financial bargain.

I have been wanting to learn Spanish and thought that planning a trip to Peru would be a great motivator for me  (And I was right.)
Although not required I studied Spanish for six-months before the trip. My Spanish teacher was Peruvian too.

I travelled alone and with the group.  I stayed in my own room and flew by myself.  Although I did have some flights with others from the group, I sat by myself on the flights.  I had the best of both worlds.  I loved Peru!  I hope to return.  The country is beautiful.  The food is fantastic and very inexpensive.  I am a vegetarian.  I had no problems accommodating my vegetarian diet.
Through my Rotary Club I was able to visit the Cusco Rotary Club.  Their President is the grandson of Martin Chambi, the most famous photographer in all of Peru. 

We had the option to visit the school that our host supports.  Please, don’t make the mistake of opting out of this event.  In addition to making a monetary contribution I was able to hand deliver Spanish books to the students.  A wonderful day trip!!

I was kind of skeptical of visiting Machu Picchu.  I wasn’t sure that it was going to live up to all the hype.  Well, let me tell you it does!!  I felt like I was in a city in the clouds.  When our guide spoke of what we would call Incan ruins, he called them Incan evidence!!  Now doesn’t Incan evidence sound so much better than Incan ruins?  The Peruvian attitude is amazing!

While I was there unbeknownst to me, I was suffering from a stomach issue.  Our Shaman told me that I had a stomach issue that I needed to address.  A month after my return I found myself in the Emergency Room and had surgery to correct the stomach issue.  I still don’t quite know to what to make of that.

I loved the entire trip.  If you are interested in the next retreat, I encourage you to just say yes!.

Erika is a fantastic leader and will do whatever she can to make your trip worthwhile.