Wisdom
of the elements

women retreat

In the heart of the
Peruvian Andes

with a pilgrimage to
Lake Titicaca

27 Oct - 6 Nov 2025

Peru & Bolivia
Group size: 6 (limited spaces)

Join us for a transformational 11 day women’s retreat in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley and a pilgrimage to the mythical Lake Titicaca and the sacred island of the Moon.

Illustration credit: @seedsofspells

The Sacred Valley as well as Lake Titicaca and the island of the Moon, hold immense energy and are places of spiritual resonance.

On the island of the moon we will visit an ancient temple dedicated to women and afterwards we will hold a water ceremony – offering the waters that we have brought from our home lands or places we have travelled from, together with our prayers and anything on our hearts.

Through time spent in conscious relationship with the land, and practices that include all of our senses, we will go on a journey of exploration, connecting to the wisdom of the five elements and revitalising our bond with the living Earth.

Part one of the retreat

Sacred Valley, Peru

For the first seven days, our base will be El Santuario, a retreat center nestled in a green, lush valley called Charan, situated nearly 3,000 meters above sea level and located just over an hour from Cusco.

We will be surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, including Apu Pitusiray and Sawasiray, two of the most sacred mountains to the Quechua people. A section of the original Inca trail passes through this valley, winding along the river and leading up to the high Andean community of Cancha Cancha. Most activities will take place outdoors amidst the magnificent landscape of the Sacred Valley.

WHAT TO EXPECT
during our time in the Sacred Valley, Peru

  • Morning yoga

  • Nature-focused mind and bodyfulness practices to awaken our senses


  • Nature connection & Earth-honouring rituals


  • Shamanic journeying through dance


  • Art making (mandala drawing)


  • Excursion to a sacred high mountain lagoon 


  • Traditional Andean Haywarikuy ceremony led by a Q’ero priest

  • Ancestral earth-based wisdom and teachings


  • Sharing circles, Cacao, bonfires, stargazing 


  • Nutritious & delicious vegetarian meals


  • Accommodation in comfortable modern bungalows


Haywarikuy ceremony

While in the Sacred Valley we will have a Haywarikuy ceremony, a traditional ancestral Andean ceremony led by Maestro Victor, a Q’ero priest and shaman (Paco) of the high Andes.

The ceremony will be held by a sacred mountain lagoon at a high altitude. Maestro Victor will share ancestral earth-based wisdom and teachings, and offer personalised Coca reading to each retreat participant. A Coca leaf reading is the ancient art of divination used by Andean Shamans.

What is a Haywarikuy ceremony?
(also called Despacho)

It’s a sacred tradition of the Q’ero, a Quechua-speaking indigenous people of south-central Peru. A Haywarikuy ceremony is done to express gratitude and give thanks to the Earth and the web of life, to restore harmony and balance or when there is a specific request of the spiritual world. The ceremony can also be done to manifest what we would like to happen in our lives or the lives of our loved ones.

Part two of the retreat

Pilgrimage to lake Titicaca & the island of the Moon, Bolivia

For the second part of the retreat, we will embark on a pilgrimage to Lake Titicaca, the highest sweetwater lake on our planet. There, we will visit the sacred and mystical Island of the Moon and hold a water ceremony.

Set at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters and measuring approximately 190 km by 80 km, Lake Titicaca is said to be the place where the Inca civilisation originated from. Our journey to Lake Titicaca will take us through breathtaking valleys, mountain ranges, and high mountain passes until we reach a plateau at an elevation of about 4,000 meters above sea level. Once on this high plateau—often described as the "rooftop of the Earth"—we will drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca, enjoying scenic views of its vast waters. From there, we will cross the border from Peru into Bolivia.

Our base will be Las Olas, a charming hotel in the town of Copacabana, Bolivia, featuring colourful and characterful cob houses with stunning views of the lake.

On the Island of the Moon

On the Island of the Moon, we will hold a water ceremony on the day of the full moon in Taurus. Our visit will begin at the ancient temple dedicated to women, after which we will gather by the lakeshore to share prayers, offerings, and the waters each of us has brought from our homelands or places we have traveled from. We will connect deeply with the living consciousness of water and the essence of the feminine life force.

The Island of the Moon is a place of spiritual resonance and has been considered a sacred place for women since Inka times—and likely far earlier. Women have probably gathered here since time immemorial. Many perceive the island to be an activation point, a vortex that ignites the memory held within the water of our bodies.

Illustration credit: @seedsofspells

Water is a sacred element that sustains all life. Our bodies are primarily composed of water. Understanding water is understanding ourselves, our existence.

Embarking on a sacred pilgrimage

Sometimes we are called to make a pilgrimage to sacred places that have held certain frequencies for millions of years, regardless of circumstances.

There is something special that happens when we embark on a sacred pilgrimage. It is a profound and transformative experience that connects us back with our innermost selves. Like a prayer in motion, with every step we are transformed and renewed on a deep level.

Every encounter an opportunity for growth and every challenge a lesson. Often the most sacred encounters happen in unexpected moments along the way—in quiet whispers of nature, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a sudden insight that feels like grace. Ultimately, a sacred pilgrimage is an act of devotion, to a higher power and to oneself.

Inka Sun Gate

While our journey will take us to the Island of the Moon, there will also be plenty of opportunities to connect with the sun. On our first day in Copacabana, there is the option to visit the Inka Sun Gate atop a nearby hill called Horca del Inka. This ancient site features a monolith perfectly aligned with the solstices.

Working with the elements of nature

Through nature connection, mind and bodyfulness practices, yoga, shamanic dance journeys, art making, ritual, and time spent in conscious relationship with the land, we will explore and attune to the wisdom of the elements of nature.

The elements give us life, they live within us and connect us to all life on the planet. By cultivating a deeper, more intentional relationship with them, we can tap into their wisdom, discover how their unique qualities live within us, and learn to call upon them to support us.

Connecting to the foundational elements of life revitalises our bond to the living Earth and Cosmos.

Illustration credit: @meraylah

  • Revitalise our bond to the living Earth, through practices that include all our senses, and time spent in conscious relationship with the land.

  • Attune to the wisdom of the elements, tap into their unique qualities, and discover how they live within us.

  • Foster a space of shared wisdom, soulful creative expression, experiential learning and inspiration.

  • Respectfully learn from the indigenous wisdom and the earth-honouring practices of the Quechua people of the high Andes.

  • Grow in self-awareness, generate new creative resources.

  • Remember our inherent wholeness and place in the great circle of life.

IN TOGETHERNESS WE WILL

  • Practice the language of animacy. Develop our intuitive abilities.

  • Rewild, root and ground in the wisdom of our earth bodies.

  • Have evening bonfires under the starry sky and the Cruz Andina.

  • Share song, laughter and heart-centred community connection.

  • Cultivate our relationship to the living consciousness of water.

  • Deepen our connection to the wisdom of the sacred feminine.

Who is the retreat for

If you are someone that wishes to slow down and reconnect deeper to self and the living Earth, if you are interested in ancestral Earth-based wisdom traditions, are called to sacred sites and ancient civilisations, if you feel a stirring in your soul calling you to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to the highest sweetwater body on the planet, then this retreat is for you.

Accommodation

El Santuario, Sacred Valley

During our time in the Sacred Valley, our base will be El Santuario, a retreat center with newly built, comfortable, and modern casitas (bungalows), each shared by two retreat participants.

At Lake Titicaca our base will be Las Olas, a charming hotel in the town of Copacabana, Bolivia, featuring colourful and characterful cob houses with stunning views of the lake. Each cob house is shared by two retreat participants.

Las Olas, Copacabana

Food

During our stay in the Sacred Valley, we will enjoy wholesome vegetarian meals lovingly prepared by our local Quechua chef, Julian Apaza Cruz, using fresh, local produce to nourish us from the inside out. At Lake Titicaca, we will dine in a local restaurant, with the option to enjoy fresh fish from the lake.

Filtered drinking water, tea, and fruit will be available throughout the retreat.

Julian is a sought after chef in the Cusco region, specialising in organic, vegetarian, healthy cooking as well as traditional Peruvian cuisine with local Andean produce.

Meet your facilitators
on this journey

Iris Colantoni

Liv Milani

Your facilitators on this journey are Iris and Liv. They both speak Spanish and have been coming to Peru for 10 years, spending extended periods learning about Andean and Amazonian cultures—their cosmology, traditional healing practices, and ancestral wisdom traditions.

Over the years, Iris and Liv have woven deep and beautiful connections in Peru, both to people and land. They learnt from traditional indigenous healers, and took part in numerous ceremonies and traditional plant medicine dietas. Since 2021, Iris has made Peru her permanent home. As their love for these ancient lands and their warm-hearted people grew deeper, they felt called to offer others the opportunity to experience these magical places.

Iris and Liv will hold a safe, welcoming, and supportive space, while offering gentle guidance.

If you are someone that wishes to slow down and reconnect deeper to self and the living Earth, if you feel a stirring in your soul calling you to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to the highest sweetwater body on the planet, then this retreat is for you.

Details & Pricing

11 Day - 10 Night retreat

Retreat dates
27 Oct - 6 Nov 2025

Start and finish location
Cusco, Peru

Travelling
1,110 Km

PART ONE: 7 days
Sacred Valley, Peru

PART TWO: 4 days
Pilgrimage to Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Price includes: all activities, guided excursions, ceremonies, catering, accommodation, private transportation (Private transportation from Cusco Airport to retreat location in the Sacred Valley and back. Private transportation to Lake Titicaca and back. Private boat journey to the island of the Moon).

This intimate retreat is limited to 6 participants.

You will go away with experiences and skills that will greatly enrich your life in all ways.

Early bird: 2,970 USD

Regular: 3,300 USD


Early Bird price is available until April 27th 2025

Join us on this special journey

Wisdom of the Elements

27 Oct – 6 Nov 2025
Peru & Bolivia

In these times of increased isolation and digitalisation, where life seems to have migrated mostly to online spaces, this in-person retreat offers the deep nourishment of human connection.

Frequently asked questions

  • Before committing to this journey, please note that we will be traveling to the Andean Altiplano, at an altitude of about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). It is important that you are in good health to participate. Although we won’t be doing any long hikes, adjusting to the high altitude may take some time.

    Additionally, every retreat participant is required to have travel insurance to embark on this journey.

  • We recommend arriving a few days earlier, if possible, to adjust to the altitude. When you arrive in Cusco, it’s a good idea to take it easy during the first few days of your trip and allow your body to acclimate.

    The first days you could experience fatigue, shortness of breath and your skin might feel dry, this will improve as your body adjusts to the new climate. 

    If you know you are particularly sensitive to high altitude, it might be a good idea to spend your first days in the Sacred Valley, which is located at a lower altitude than Cusco.

    Coca tea (mate de coca) can greatly support your body in coping with the high altitude. It is widely available throughout Cusco. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or warm beverages, and ensure you get enough rest. 

  • A small jar with water from your local waterway, or spring. If it’s not possible to find one near you, bring some tap water from your home.

    An offering to put on the altar, like a stone, shell, crystal, seed, feather, flower, incense, tobacco, herb, etc.(an offering that can go back to nature).

  • Please note that securing the correct travel documents is your responsibility.

    Peru: Most EU nationals, including those from Schengen countries, and U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Immigration may request proof of onward or return travel. Tourist stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.

    Bolivia: EU nationals can enter Bolivia without a visa and stay up to 90 days per calendar year. U.S. citizens must obtain a tourist visa, which is available on arrival at airports or land borders.

    We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with your local embassy or consulate before traveling.

  • The retreat officially begins on Monday, 27th October 2025. Participants will be picked up at Cusco Airport (CUZ) at 11:00 AM.

    The retreat concludes on Thursday, 6th November 2025. On this day, participants will be transported back to Cusco, where the journey began, with an approximate arrival time of 5:00 PM.

    Drop-off options in Cusco include: Cusco Airport (CUZ) for those catching flights. Cusco city center for those continuing their journey.

  • The retreat will take place at the very beginning of the rainy season (Spring in the Andes), so we may experience some rainy days. This could mean slight adjustments to the program, with some outdoor activities moving indoors. Typically, rain showers are brief and followed by blue skies—and if we are lucky rainbows!

  • Clothing: Warm layers, layers for changing weather, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes (hiking shoes recommended), warm pullover, cardigan or poncho, hat, scarf and gloves for colder evenings. Lighter cloths like t-shirts and long sleeve shirts, dress (afternoons can get very warm and sunny). Swimsuit in case you feel inspired to have a dip in a river, lake or swimming pool.

    Essentials: Sunscreen (high factor 50 sunscreen is recommended due to strong UV exposure at high altitudes), sunglasses, yoga mat, natural bug spray, reusable water bottle, personal medications, flashlight or headlamp, a small daypack, personal first aid kit. Small umbrella or raincoat. 

    Optional: Journal or notebook for reflections, to draw or paint. Camera, or other personal items for documentation. Earplugs if you are a light sleeper (you will share the casita with another participant) . Rich skin moisturiser (skin gets very dry at high altitudes). Sleeping bag in case you know you tend to be cold at night (Blankets are provided but a thin sleeping bag can be nice if you prefer your own bedding and extra warmth). Laundry soap if you wish to wash your laundry by hand. Flip-flops. Extra battery/power bank. A musical instrument if you enjoy playing music.

  • For any questions and information you might need please contact Liv: liv@livingearth.art