As a Wellness Writer, I have reported on a variety of wellness retreats and locations. From Carlisle Bay in Antigua to the TRS Turquesa Hotel and the TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel in the Dominican Republic, even exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany with Terra & Tu, I have had my fair share of international travel for the sake of wellness. (Hey, it is a tough job, but someone has got to do it).

As more travel brands incorporate the facet of wellness into their offerings, I was intrigued by Fit4Travel, which incorporates wellness, fitness, and you guessed it, travel. One of their main goals is to bridge the gap between traditional hardcore wellness retreats and fostering a more inclusive form of travel for wellness enthusiasts. (Tell me more).

The brand’s approach caters to individuals seeking the company of like-minded people, aspiring to travel the world as the best version of themselves. (Wait, does this sound just like aSweatLife or is it just me?) 

Each destination and itinerary offers unique experiences to that country and region of the world. Through the development of blended itineraries, the brand has crafted a hybrid experience that incorporates the wellness essence seamlessly while also embracing the traditional aspects of small group tours, entailing adventure, and cultural exploration.

An interesting aspect of Fit4Travel is that they aim to help fitness professionals plan wellness retreats for their communities. For instance, a yoga instructor in Chicago can plan a yoga retreat for their local studio and keep it exclusive to the studio members only or they can offer it to others who may be located elsewhere, say in Texas perhaps. Don’t worry though, there are also opportunities for people to join trips even if they are not a part of a specific fitness community. 

“Our trips are all about giving retreat participants the ultimate experience—mixing wellness, cultural immersion, and adventure,” says Mandi Getz, member of the Fit4Travel team. “And Peru ticks all the boxes for us. Peru is alive with diverse landscapes, a rich culture, and an incredible history. It is everything we look for in a retreat destination.”

If you are interested in attending or even planning your very own wellness retreat, check out one of their wellness experiences rooted in the heart of Peru with their  Wellness in Peru & Machu Picchu itinerary.

Wellness in Peru and Machu Picchu

#1 Book Your Stay

First things first – booking your stay in Peru. Finding a hotel can be somewhat stressful, especially if you do not know where to book, but the nice part about working with Fit4Travel, is they do all of the bookings for you, including hotel stays. 

When you book with Fit4Travel, you will enjoy four days at the Hotel Aranwa Sacred Valley & Wellness located in the Sacred Valley and Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique located in Cusco for the remaining two days of your trip.

#2 Arrive at the Sacred Valley

The very first stop during your wellness trip to Peru includes a visit to the Sacred Valley, which has so much to see including Moray, a small community famous for its embedded amphitheater that is formed by circular terraces. Fun fact: Scientists think that Moray may have even played an important role in the agricultural research conducted by the Incas.

#3 Explore the Salt Mines Near Maras

Also located in the Sacred Valley are the natural salt mines near Maras. On the tentative list of becoming an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Salt Mines of Maras is a network of 4,500 salt wells arranged in terraces on the side of a hill. 

The production of salt, practiced here since pre-Inca times, is still being used today using traditional methods. Plus, the mosaic of thousands of brown, cream, and white colored wells creates a beautiful landscape to witness.

#4 Chase the Rainbow

If you love folklore, myths, and rainbows, you will love chasing rainbows in the town of Chinchero. This Peruvian town is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. (Someone pass me a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal, please).

#5 Visit the Pisac Market

The Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in the Cusco region. A large section of the market offers souvenir stalls where you can find a variety of Peruvian treasures including: 

• Alpaca products
• Andean instruments
• Ceramics
• Handcrafted jewelry
• Hats
• Ponchos
• Weavings and so much more

This is the ideal stop to stock up on gifts to take home to loved ones. (Don’t forget to shop for yourself too). 

#6 Partake in a Peruvian Cooking Class

Whether you are an at-home cook or a total top chef, grab that apron and chef’s hat and ​​partake in an open-air cooking class. This culinary experience will provide you with a delicious lunch outdoors in the midst of nature surrounded by mountains off in the distance.

Expand your culinary repertoire as you watch a chef prepare two signature dishes during a live cooking demonstration. You can also create some mouthwatering courses under his expert guidance.

After the cooking demonstration, enjoy the flare, flavors, and taste of the local Peruvian cuisine and use this culinary experience to bring the local Peruvian dishes back home to your Sunday night dinners gathered around the table with family and friends.

#7 Kayak, Paddle Board or Swim Piuray Lake

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will want to pencil in some time at Piuray Lake and the Piuray Outdoor Center. Piuray Lake offers spectacular scenery, and plenty of birds, making it perfect for bird watching. Grab a kayak or paddle board and leisurely explore the lake’s shores. Keep your eye out for birdies!

#8 Learn Local Cooking Techniques

Are you ready for seconds? Try your hand at the unique cooking method of Pachamanca. Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish based on cooking food with the help of hot stones and burying your food in the ground. After an Andean blessing and about 45 minutes of cooking time, dig up your local culinary delights and dig in! Someone pass me a fork.

#9 Explore Machu Picchu

If you are planning a trip to Peru, you are probably going to want to make a stop at Machu Picchu. Re-discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, the citadel of Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. Declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

#10 Tour the City of Cusco

Take some time to explore the city of Cusco. From the main square to the city’s cathedral, a half-day tour is available for guests to admire this one-of-a-kind city. Guests will also get to explore Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. 

Plan Your Wellness Adventure Today

“Fit4Travel is the ultimate retreat leader’s ally, offering a comprehensive planning service that covers every aspect of your retreat journey,” says Getz. “Our mission has always been to let retreat hosts shine by focusing on what they do best: sharing their knowledge and fostering meaningful connections with their guests. Meanwhile, we handle all the nitty-gritty logistics of travel. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to curate experiences that leave travelers refreshed and create lasting memories and bonds.”
If you are a fitness professional looking to plan a retreat for your community or maybe you are just a wellness enthusiast with a wisp of wanderlust in your veins, contact Fit4Travel today and start planning your next wellness excursion. You can also connect on Instagram.