We set out from Cusco before sunrise, venturing through the majestic Andes by  bus. Our journey includes a brief exploration of the quaint colonial village of Paucartambo before reaching Ajanaco, the official gateway to the Manu Biosphere Reserve at around 3,400meters altitude. 

Today’s adventure entails descending nearly two kilometers down the breathtaking Eastern Andean slope, where we pause several times to stretch and marvel at the changing flora and fauna.

Entering the rich cloud forest, we embark on our first extended walk, encountering an abundance of clorful bird species, such as the Paradise Tanager, Unbrella Bird and Golden-headed Quetzal. This mystical forest is also home to elusive mammals, such as the Grey Deer and the Andean Spectacled Bear.

Our walk culminates at the lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, where male birds showcase splendid displays of color, song and dance to woo the ladies.

In the serenity of the cloud forest, green foliage blends with the very essence fo the air, creating the right atmosphere for a meditative walk. Amidst the awakening forest life, we may encounter foraging monkeys, colorful birds and delicate butterflies along the winding road.

Back  at our Yoga Lodge, we immerse ourselves in the rejuvenating practices of Kundalini Yoga, Pranayama and Chakra Activation. In the afternoon, we have time for personal reflection before our late afternoon session of Vinyasa Yoga and Pranayama. As dusk descends, we receive a guided meditation, integrating the soothing sounds of the forest.

At night, we gather for our Group Circle,shaing experiences and laying the groundwork for new friendships.

At the first light of dawn, we embark on another meditative walk, attuning ourselves to the rhythm of the cloud forest. This is followed by our balancing Vinyasa Yoga and Pranayama session. Then we delve further into the intricacies of Charkra Activation, deepening our connection to the subtle energies within.

In the early afternoon, after a last Group Circle with the people who return to Cusco today (3-day Retreat), our journey continues by bus to the lush expanse of the lowland rainforest. Along the way, we see scenic villages and explore a coca plantation, steeped in rich cultural and historical significance.

Arriving at the little port of Atalaya, at an elevation of 650 meters, we board a long canoe with outboard motor, to travel two-and-a-half-hour down the beautiful Alto Madre de Dios River.

We arrive at Pantiacolla Lodge, that is nestled at the base of the intriguing Pantiacolla Mountain Range. The forest around this lodge is very special, as this is the exact area where the Andean and Amazonian ecosystems meet. It has birds, insects and vegetation of both zones, plus a remarkable 9 monkey species, among them the Howler Monkeys, Saddle-backed Tamarins and the rare Monk Saki Monkey.

After a nice chill out in your hammock, we will do our Vinyasa Yoga practice, Pranayama plus a Nature Meditation session. In the evening we take our first night walk, looking for insects, lizards, frogs, and the only nocturnal monkey, the «Douroucouli».

Returning at the lodge, we end the day with an introduction to the practice of Focusing and afterwards we have our Group Circle to share experiences.

As the jungle stirs with the first light, we set out to explore the trails of Pantiacolla Lodge, attuning our senses to the pulse of nature. Amidst the Howler Monkey’s morning chorus, we seek to connect with the divers creatures that call this place home.

Pantiacolla Lodge boasts a wealth of birdlife, from the surprising Masked-crimson Tanager to the elusive Crested Quetzal, each a marvel to behold. Alongside, we may encounter mammals, like peccaries and deer, and, with luck, catch a glimpse of the magnificent Morpho butterfly.

Today we have an active Kundalini Yoga session, Meditation and Chakra Activation, intertwined with nature exploration. In the evening we visit the Ranacocha pond, hoping to find the beautiful tree- and poison arrow frogs that live here. We end the day with Focusing, our Group Circle and a guided mediation. 

By daybreak, we embark on a 40-minute boat journey, to reach the relaxing Hot Springs of Shintuya. Here, amidst natural splendor, we immerse ourselves in its therapeutic waters.

The serene ambiance of the hot springs also offers an ideal setting for meditation, allowing us to connect deeply with ourselves and nature, enriching ourselves with the energy of this vibrant place. Afterwards, we have our last Group Circle with the people who return to Cusco today (5-day Retreat).

Back at Pantiacolla Lodge, we take up our Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, and Chakra Activation practices. After lunch, there is some time for yourself and later a Focusing session. In the late afternoon we start a beach walk that continues into the night. We have our Group Circle on the beach as well.

Before daylight we get back on the river to visit the parrot clay lick of Shintuya. Here amidst the lush greenery, nature puts on a dazzling display, as vibrant hues and cacophonous calls fill the air. 

Usually at least seven species of parrot come to the scene, including the striking Blue-headed and Yellow-crowned Parrots, the charming White-eyed Parakeet, and the small Blue-headed and Chestnut-fronted macaws.

Returning to our Yoga Lodge, we dedicate this morning to craft our personal routines, with the help of our yoga guide, to take home.

In the afternoon, we continue with a dynamic blend of Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga, enhanced by the practice of Pranayama, Chakra Activation and immersive Nature Meditation. As twilight descends, we delve into the tranquil depths of Nidra Yoga, followed by our Group Circle, where shared experiences intertwine and collective wisdom can blossom.

At the first light of dawn, we start with a serene meditative walk, allowing nature to embrace us for our good-bye. Soon after breakfast, we navigate upriver to Atalaya, where our bus waits to take us back to Cusco through the Andes.

En route, we pause to explore a botanical garden, where nature’s ingenuity is on full display in the form of exquisite orchids and hummingbirds. Each delicate bloom and each shining bird shows the boundless creativity of the natural world.

For lunch we are back at the cloud forest lodge for a nourishing meal. Afterwards, we do some gentle stretching and restorative Yin Yoga. Then our Closing Circle, reflecting on the transformative experiences of our retreat and the deep connections forged along the way.

The final stretch of our voyage to Cusco, takes us back to 3,400 meters above sea level. From the comfort of our bus, we bear witness to the dramatic changes in landscape. As we traverse the Andean peaks, we can also journey inwards, reconnecting with our inner selves and carrying the essence of our retreat with us to wherever we go.