Pathways to Nature Connectedness Wellness Journey with Milena
Your TourHero
Milena left her home-country, Poland, in her early 20s to study and work abroad. She first encountered Japanese culture when she went on a one-year internship in Japan during her studies in England. That year changed her life. After graduating with a Master’s degree in chemistry, she relocated to Japan with the purpose of embarking on doctoral training, which allowed her to work as a lecturer in numerous Japanese universities. During her 10-year stay there, she explored the cultural and natural corners of Japan. Spending hours in the forests of Kyoto has prompted the healing journey she is still on.
Through research, she discovered that there appears to be a growing disconnection between humans and their natural environments. Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing, forest therapy), as part of Nature Connectedness Pathways, has proven to be a tool to distress the body and mind and is associated with a broad range of measures linked to psychological and physiological well-being.
She is one of the co-founders of The Mindful Tourist, in addition to being a creative director. She developed Shinrin-Yoku Guide and Instructor training programs, has trained 60 Shinrin Yoku Guides worldwide, and facilitated a gross of Shinrin Yoku and Nature Connectedness sessions.
Milena recently obtained her MSc in Psychology and is a freshly certified Yoga instructor. She collaborates with Derby University on research relating to the role nature plays in emotional regulation and well-being.
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Nov 7 – 12, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 +
Travel interest
Forest bathing, nature connection, nature immersion, mindfulness, slowing down & relaxation, nature therapy
Your Local Guide
Pure! Peru is part of the Pure! Travel Group, a leading DMC specializing in tailor-made services and operating in six South American countries. Each office, including Pure! Peru, has a knowledgeable and highly motivated team ready to provide top-class service, local insight, and exceptional communication. For Peru travel, go through Pure! Peru.
Step back in time to Peru's Sacred Valley — heart of the ancient Inca Empire, home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most scenic locations on the planet. Join Milena for a Pathways to Nature Connectedness Wellness Journey and enjoy some rest, relaxation, and a chance to connect with nature through the healing effect of the forest. The retreat features yoga nidra sessions in nature, daily forest bathing sessions, and nature connectedness activities, in addition to optional tours to some of the Sacred Valley's most serene sites. This getaway is perfect for travelers wanting to see some of Peru's beautiful landscapes and walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Prepare yourself to unwind, explore, immerse yourself in fascinating ancient culture, and reconnect to the nature around you and yourself.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Your TourHero
Milena left her home-country, Poland, in her early 20s to study and work abroad. She first encountered Japanese culture when she went on a one-year internship in Japan during her studies in England. That year changed her life. After graduating with a Master’s degree in chemistry, she relocated to Japan with the purpose of embarking on doctoral training, which allowed her to work as a lecturer in numerous Japanese universities. During her 10-year stay there, she explored the cultural and natural corners of Japan. Spending hours in the forests of Kyoto has prompted the healing journey she is still on.
Through research, she discovered that there appears to be a growing disconnection between humans and their natural environments. Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing, forest therapy), as part of Nature Connectedness Pathways, has proven to be a tool to distress the body and mind and is associated with a broad range of measures linked to psychological and physiological well-being.
She is one of the co-founders of The Mindful Tourist, in addition to being a creative director. She developed Shinrin-Yoku Guide and Instructor training programs, has trained 60 Shinrin Yoku Guides worldwide, and facilitated a gross of Shinrin Yoku and Nature Connectedness sessions.
Milena recently obtained her MSc in Psychology and is a freshly certified Yoga instructor. She collaborates with Derby University on research relating to the role nature plays in emotional regulation and well-being.
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Nov 7 – 12, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Van
Step back in time to Peru's Sacred Valley — heart of the ancient Inca Empire, home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most scenic locations on the planet. Join Milena for a Pathways to Nature Connectedness Wellness Journey and enjoy some rest, relaxation, and a chance to connect with nature through the healing effect of the forest. The retreat features yoga nidra sessions in nature, daily forest bathing sessions, and nature connectedness activities, in addition to optional tours to some of the Sacred Valley's most serene sites. This getaway is perfect for travelers wanting to see some of Peru's beautiful landscapes and walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Prepare yourself to unwind, explore, immerse yourself in fascinating ancient culture, and reconnect to the nature around you and yourself.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Cusco and Sacred Valley
- Arrive at Cusco Airport
- Transfer to Sacred Valley
- Check-in at Willka T’ika Essential Wellness Retreat (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch
- Free afternoon
- Retreat orientation
- Community dinner
- Day 2 · Sacred Valley
- Morning meditation in nature
- Breakfast
- Free morning
- Pathways to Nature Connectedness - Orientation
- Lunch
- Pathway I - Senses
- Community dinner
- Day 3 · Sacred Valley
- Morning yoga in nature
- Breakfast
- Free morning
- Pathway II - Emotions
- Lunch
- Free afternoon
- Yoga Nidra in nature
- Community dinner
- Day 4 · Sacred Valley
- Pathway III - Empathy
- Breakfast
- Pathway IV - Beauty (Urubamba River with lunch)
- Free afternoon
- Community dinner
- Day 5 · Sacred Valley
- Pathway V - Meaning
- Breakfast
- Free morning
- Lunch
- Free afternoon
- Pathway VI - Movements in Nature
- Community dinner
- Day 6 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Allianchu, and welcome to Peru! It's time to relax in the Sacred Valley
Your retreat to Peru begins here! Fly into the bustling city of Cusco and we'll meet you at the airport, taking you towards Urubamba, the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas — once home to the ancient Incan people and their fascinating culture. Your hotel in the Sacred Valley will be your base as you relax in the Peruvian serenity, hike your way around some of Peru's most magical destinations, and become closer to nature through your meditations. Once you've checked in, you can enjoy a lunch featuring some local delicacies, and then the afternoon is yours to explore, unwind, or just get settled into your new home for the week. Join with your final travelers at night for orientation and a communal dinner, and reflect on the amazing surroundings, traditions, and journey to come.
Day 2
Begin your journey into the Pathways to Nature Connectedness sessions with an orientation and a look at the senses
We’ll start the day with a morning meditation session in a tranquil forest location, immersing you in nature to practice your breathing and help you focus on your place in the natural world. After breakfast, and some free time to relax, you'll be introduced to Milena’s Pathways to Nature Connectedness series. During orientation, Milena will provide you with an overview of her journey and teach you how to heal through nature. The Pathway I session will focus on the five senses, helping you tune your body into the rhythm of the world’s heartbeat. This experience will help you cultivate an emotional bond with the landscape all around you. When the sun sets, you'll rejoin your group for another community dinner — the perfect way to close out a day of rest, relaxation, healing, and mindfulness.
Day 3
Learn how to connect your emotions to the natural world and stretch it out in the magnificent landscape of the Sacred Valley with an evening Yoga Nidra session
Wake up to peace and tranquility all around with a morning yoga session and get ready for a brand new day. After breakfast and some free time, we’ll dig deeper into Milena’s knowledge with our second Pathway session, today’s lesson focusing on emotions. We’ll soon realize that nature can bring us right back into ourselves. It’s a grounding force that can heal and nurture. After reconnecting our hearts and soul’s to Mother Nature’s, we’ll end the day with an outdoor Yoga Nidra session — a guided meditation with light stretching that will allow you to tap into a state of relaxed consciousness between wakefulness and sleep.
Day 4
Explore the concepts of empathy and beauty within nature during two Pathway sessions with Milena
Another day of serenity awaits you in the Sacred Valley. We’ll rise before the sun and participate in our third Pathway session, this time, with a focus on empathy. Milena will help us express empathy and gratitude towards nature and ourselves, grounding these expressions in our breathing, mindfulness, and foot steps. After breaking for breakfast, we’ll head to the Urubamba River to complete our fourth Pathway session about beauty. Milena will help us appreciate the beauty of the Sacred Valley and the beauty we can find in all natural places. From the life cycles of plants and animals to the colorful flowers in a field and clouds floating in the sky, nature holds a wealth of beauty to see, touch, taste, smell, and feel. After a picnic lunch in this magnificent location, we’ll head back to the resort for free time and a community dinner.
Day 5
Close out the Pathway sessions with lessons on meaning and movements in nature before our final dinner together
It’s our final day in this sacred landscape, and we’ll kick it off with our fifth Pathway session. Milena will have us focus on the concept of meaning — discussing what nature means to us and what we mean to nature. From here, we’ll enjoy breakfast and lunch at the retreat with ample free time to relax and explore the area. We suggest booking an optional activity if the mood strikes. Take a pottery class, embark on a guided hike to the Perolynoc Waterfall, or go back in time at the Las Chullpas Ruins. (See add-ons below.)
We’ll reconvene in the early evening for our sixth and final Pathway session. This lesson will tell us about the movements of nature, including everything from the seasonal cycles to the wind and rain. Just like nature, we also grow and change. Milena will help us tap into these movements, which will reveal more about our own moods and seasons. When the sun sets, we’ll come together for one final meal where we can reflect on all that we’ve learned and start saying our goodbyes. Grab a glass and toast to a life-changing week in Peru!
Day 6
Pack away your hiking boots and say goodbye to Peru — for now!
You've reached the end of the trail, and we hope you've had a soothing time in Peru, getting closer to nature and reconnecting with yourself. After breakfast, it's time to check out and meet your transfer back to the airport. Say chau to the Sacred Valley for now, and we're looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Accommodation
Willka T’ika Essential Wellness Retreat (or similar according to availability)
Willka T’ika is an exquisite eco-friendly haven nestled between the city of Cusco and the mighty slopes of Machu Picchu. Winding garden paths lead you through hundreds of flowers, plants, and fruit trees, setting you in a peaceful mindset the moment you arrive. You’ll find your shared garden guest rooms to be constructed from natural materials, decorated by the center’s in-house artist, with high ceilings, wood beams, and natural light flooding in. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, such as high-end bedding, spa-like en suites, and Wi-Fi to stay connected. There’s also a bar and dining area on-site, with library and music rooms available for all. Room type: Shared occupancy.
Included
5 nights in Willka T’ika Essential Wellness Retreat (or similar)
Shared occupancy in accommodation
All meals described in the itinerary according to your dietary preference
Airport transfers
Retreat Orientation
6 Nature Connectedness Sessions
2 Yoga Nidira Sessions in Nature
2 Gentle Yoga Sessions in Nature
Milena's Guidance during the retreat
Retreat participation gift
All wellness sessions with Milena
24/7 guest support
Not included
Flights
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Optional add-ons
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
Single supplement
Want a room all to yourself? Include this single supplement add-on if you fancy a little more privacy during your getaway.
Price: USD 285
15 spots left
Pottery class at Seminario
Situated in nearby Urubamba, enjoy a chilled-out pottery-making workshop and make yourself a unique keepsake inspired by the designs of the Incas. A perfect add-on for one of your free afternoons.
Price: USD 70
15 spots left
Guided hike to Perolynoc Waterfall (5hr)
An excursion that you don’t want to miss! Go on a guided 5-hour hike to this untouched Peruvian beauty. Bring your hiking boots and enjoy the trail!
Price: USD 45
15 spots left
Las Chullpas Ruins (2hr)
Add on a pilgrimage to these fascinating Incan ruins and prepare for scenic walks, unique architecture, and a tour guide who’ll tell you all about the amazing history.
Price: USD 45
15 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
Your place is guaranteed at the time of full payment. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
- Get your hands dirty at a pottery class. - Unsplash: ouail Mandari
- Why not include an optional hike today to Las Chullpas Ruins, nestled in the serene Peruvian countryside? - Pixabay: Adam Hill
- Willka single supplement room - Willka T'ika
- Welcome to the Sacred Valley — a cradle of ancient history and former home of the Inca empire. - Unsplash: Paul Daly
- The property was constructed from natural materials, decorated by the center’s in-house artist, to make you feel rested and relaxed for the duration of your stay. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- All food at Willka T'ika is organically grown and freshly picked, offering guests a delicious array of vegetarian fare. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Willka T'ika is an eco-friendly haven nestled between the city of Cusco and the mighty slopes of Machu Picchu. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Get cozy in your suite, featuring high-end bedding, spa-like en suite, high ceilings, and natural light. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Immerse yourself in one of the seven gardens that overlook the mountains. Each garden was created to reflect one of the seven chakras for energetic alignment and healing. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Dig deeper into Milena’s knowledge during today’s session focusing on emotions and the healing power of nature. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Milena will help you see the beauty in nature, while enjoying a picnic lunch at the Urubamba River -- a sacred space for the Incas and locals alike. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Enjoy traditional and local vegetarian meals to fuel your mind and body. All ingredients are locally grown and freshly picked each day. - Facebook: Willka T'ika
- Close out the day with an outdoor Yoga Nidra session, a time where you can relax and connect with nature on a deeper level. - Pexels: Natalie