October 3-10, 2026
Imagine finding yourself on a mountain far from home, surrounded by interesting people who are also seeking to find themselves.
In the Inca culture, the word Qanchispatana describes mapping one’s life and personal growth journey. What better place could there be to embrace the essence of Qanchispatana than Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu? Come to the spiritual heart of the Inca culture to join us for a week of self-exploration and discovery, and leave with a map that will guide you toward a future of personal growth and a more integrated life.
Regardless of where we are in our life’s journey, we can all benefit from creating a map to help guide our way. Whether you are at a major crossroads or simply adjusting course, this transformative retreat will give you the perspective you need to make better choices that embody your core values and true self.
Finding yourself in the breathtaking Sacred Valley of Peru, surrounded by towering Andean peaks and gorgeous landscapes that hold centuries of spiritual tradition.
Waking up and feeling the energy of the land infuse every breath you take.
Days filled with movement, guided meditation, workshops.
Excursions to cultural and natural wonders of this ancient Inca heartland
Evenings full of nourishing food, meaningful conversation and fun.Picture this: You wake up to the sounds of tropical birds, stretch, and step outside your door—where your morning beverage fairy has already delivered fresh coffee or tea straight to your room. You sip it slowly on your balcony, letting the jungle wake up around you, taking your sweet time to step into the day.
Our home for the week is a serene retreat center in the Sacred Valley, designed to inspire connection and peace. All rooms are beautifully appointed, and include private bathrooms to ensure your privacy and comfort. Whether you prefer to share your space with friends or enjoy the solitude of a single room, we have options to suit your needs:
A deposit will secure your space, and we’re happy to help match you with a roommate if needed.
Enjoy additional on-site amenities, including a spa complex with sauna, jacuzzi, and salt cave, as well as massage treatments and optional temazcal ceremonies for deeper relaxation.
Worry not! Fuel your adventures with high-vibe meals crafted to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Talented Peruvian chefs work their magic with fresh, locally-grown produce, much of it organic and sourced directly from the nearby farms. These farms also provide hearty, organic eggs. Every meal is a vibrant creation of flavor and intention, designed to enhance your experience.
While meals are predominantly vegetarian, you’ll have the option to add chicken or fish to dinners—because everyone has their own preferences! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available, ensuring everyone’s needs and desires are thoughtfully catered to.
And the water? It’s as pure as the mountain air. Drawn from the Andes themselves, it’s filtered through a Kangan system to keep you hydrated and energized for every moment of your stay.
The offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama) is part of the system of reciprocity between the spiritual world and the material world. The offerings to Mother Earth have their origin in the relationship between the millenary culture of the Q´eros and our Pachamama. The offering is a symbolic way in which humankind returns and appreciates the fruits that she gives us.
In our private transport and with a spiritual guide, we begin this day by visiting the first WAQ’A (energy point), the salt ponds of Maras, where we will witness the gathering of the salt and learn about its many uses. In Moray, the second WAQ’A, feel the energy of the sacred seeds and witness the famous Inca crop circles. Next, visit the WAQ’A of Chincheros to explore the iconography and symbols of the ancestors still used today in the beautiful blankets and fabrics made in this community. We’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch together, which will include the many varieties of potatoes grown in this community.
Doug is a coach, guide, author, and seeker who has dedicated his life to helping others understand and reach their fullest potential.
Doug is a coach, guide, author, and seeker who has dedicated his life to helping others understand and reach their fullest potential. His journey into coaching began with his own experiences as a client of various coaches over a decade. This transformative experience led him to recognize his calling to serve others.
Doug’s coaching approach centers on the individual and expands outward. By focusing on self-awareness, he helps his clients recognize the connections between their identities and the ways they influence the world around them, as well as the people they interact with. He then guides them in leveraging this self-awareness to lead purposefully and powerfully, creating compelling visions, developing attractive behaviors, and promoting actions that foster deep bonds rooted in trust and respect.
In 2009, Doug founded If You Will Lead, LLC, to support leadership development through executive coaching, consulting, training, and motivational speaking. He strongly believes that everyone has the potential to be a leader and is passionate about helping those who choose to lead by cultivating the necessary skills and competencies.
Doug has assisted leaders around the globe in achieving their goals and realizing their leadership potential. He is the author of If You Will Lead: Enduring Wisdom for 21st-Century Leaders (Agate, 2011) and the co-creator of the CoHero Collaborative Leadership Profile Assessments. As an International Coach Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach, Doug’s work is rooted in the discipline of his profession and informed by decades of executive leadership experience.
Doug lives outside Richmond, VA. He is a first-degree black belt in Karate and a committed practitioner of yoga and Qi Gong. He is an avid fly fisherman, appreciating its connection to nature and opportunities for reflection. His daily long walks with his beloved (and very energetic) dog connect him to his community and make him a consistent and friendly face in the neighborhood.
Co-founder and creative force behind SoulShine Studios, Mare curates spaces where movement, self-expression, and connection collide.
Co-founder and creative force behind SoulShine Studios, Mare curates spaces where movement, self-expression, and connection collide.
A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mare initially followed the script of traditional success. But when she found an adult dance class, she left the ordinary behind. Movement became more than fitness—it was freedom, rebellion, and an act of self-love.
From London to Paris to Richmond, Mare has spent years teaching, creating, and reimagining what it means to move. Mare believes in imperfection as perfection, ditching the toxic hustle to help people move like they mean it—raw, real, and unapologetically themselves.
At her retreats, she’s built more than a space. It’s a living, breathing community where every body, every story, every age shows up as they are—no masks, no filters. Whether leading a retreat under the Northern Lights or hosting a class back home, Mare’s message is clear: let go of the perfection trap and just show up.
Curious, untamed, and wildly creative, Mare is on a mission to help others shine—not by changing who they are but by amplifying what already makes them extraordinary. She’s not here to play small, and neither are you.
This retreat is for you if you are:
If you feel a pull to rediscover your authentic self and step into a more vibrant, aligned version of you, this retreat is calling your name. Let’s create your map to a brighter, more integrated future—together.
Please book your travel to Cusco, Peru for arrival on October 3rd and departure on October 10 unless you are adding extra time in Lima or Cusco on your own.
We will arrange pick ups from the Cusco airport and whisk you away to our center in the Sacred Valley. Our center is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley less than 75 minutes from Cusco.
If you are planning extra time in Peru, we suggest some time in Lima on the front end and Cusco on the back end. This is simply because Cusco is at the highest elevation (11,150 ft) so starting there may be challenging if you are not used to higher elevations. Our center sits at a more comfortable altitude of 7800 ft.
We will keep everyone updated as to any special requirements & procedures for entry to Peru and return to the US, but we encourage that you also research and review these requirements on your own.
Ready to say YES to this once in a lifetime experience? Click below to secure your spot!
Group pick-up and drop-off are included from Cusco Airport on the first and last day of the retreat. Additional transport can be arranged for early or late arrivals.
We will stay at a peaceful retreat center in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by the majestic Andes. The rooms are designed for comfort, with options that include:
– Triple Room: $2,895 per person
– Double Room: $3,295 per person
– Deluxe Double: $3,695 per person
– Single Room: $3,895
All rooms come with private bathrooms, and if you’re looking for a roommate, we’ll help match you with someone. On-site amenities include a spa with a sauna, jacuzzi, salt cave, massage treatments, and optional temazcal ceremonies for deeper relaxation.
Valid Passport (ensure that it does not expire within 6 months of your travel)
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please check Travel Guard for options to protect your journey.
Have questions? Feel free to Contact Us or email us at info@soulshinestudios.com.
SoulShine is truly a special place and I’m so grateful to have found it and to Mare & the whole SoulShine team for making it what it is. They create such an inviting atmosphere, where joy/play, mindfulness, curiosity and self-expression are encouraged.. There’s a beautiful sense of connection and community and palpable shared energy here too, that’s part of the magic!