Our Story

The Quechua name “Willka T’ika” means sacred flower.

Carol Cumes founded Willka T’ika in 1994. Carol writes, “I first visited the Sacred Valley in the ’80s and was so captivated by the powerful healing energy that I continued to return year after year. In 1994, I decided to purchase a barren strip of land where Willka T’ika now stands. As a longtime yoga practitioner, I wanted to create a retreat center synergizing Andean culture and cosmology with yoga philosophy and lifestyle. Over the next two decades, I cultivated long term relationships with authentic native healers and knowledgeable local guides. Integrating their authentic expertise, I pioneered and developed our signature ‘Journey to Machu Picchu’ retreats and uniquely comprehensive program itineraries.”

Carol and her team of local Quechua farming neighbors designed and constructed the grounds, guest rooms, gardens, ceremonial spaces, and gathering spots that have become Willka T’ika.

Once the first buildings were completed, Carol began developing the organic gardens. The land was cleared and rocks unearthed by hand. Giant natural boulders were left to decorate the gardens, while smaller stones were used in building construction. Compost heaps turned kitchen waste and garden cuttings into rich soil. Manure was brought on donkey trains from far-off mountain communities.

Adobe mud bricks, which keep rooms warm on cool Andean nights and pleasant during the hot sunny days, were made on-site and baked in the sun alongside wood that was carved into doors, floors, windows, and the original furniture that fills guest cottages today. Giant septic tanks were built, as well as large storage tanks to collect Willka T’ika’s weekly allotment of mountain water from the local water cooperative.

Gradually the buildings and gardens took shape and the rock-filled land regained its health. Plants flourished, birds and insects arrived, and nature, with its timeless wisdom, took over. Today butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees can be seen hovering over brilliant flowers throughout the gardens. Dozens of species of birds make the grounds their home.

Willka T’ika is an example of land revitalization made possible through cooperation with and giving back to Nature.

Chakra Gardens
Opening the Sense of the Soul

Carol’s award-winning book illustrates the story of the Willka T’ika gardens, with vibrant photographs and Carol’s own heartfelt words. Each book purchase supports The Willka T'ika Children's Fund, which provides school materials and more to Andean children and their dedicated teachers in remote areas of the Peruvian Andes.

Winner of 3 awards, including Winner of Independent Publisher's
IPPY Gold Award for Best New Age/Mind Body Spirit Book 2009

What Our Clients Are Saying

Wilka T’ika is a stunning property with beautiful Gardens. Staying at Willka Tika was a dream and far exceeded my expectations. The staff was attending to anything needed. I especially loved the food and my body felt so nourished. My daughter and I also loved the nightly water bottles to keep us warm and cozy in our beds. Looking forward to leading our return group here in May-June 2025! ~ Karen Conley, Yoga Retreat Leader, Oct 2024

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Willka T’ika is a dream!

My first encounter with Willka T’ika was as a participant in a retreat, and it was an experience that left me completely transformed. The environment, the people, and the vibrant culture of Peru captivated me so deeply that I knew I had to return—not just as a guest, but as a leader and facilitator! When I led my own retreat at Willka T’ika, my already high expectations were far exceeded. The staff was exceptionally attentive, and the accommodations were luxurious, yet in harmony with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The meticulously crafted itinerary offered a perfect balance of activities, …

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Willka T’ika–a truly sacred space!

After 15 years of hosting retreats all over the world, I can honestly say that Willka Tika is a gem! From start to finish the team did everything they could to make the experience seamless. I mean everything, booking, payments, menu, off sight excursions to Machu Picchu, and so much more… The property is perfect for retreat groups large and small. The 7 Chakra Gardens are magnificent and every details is done with love. The yoga spaces are fully equipped and the staff is fantastic. They have beautiful rooms, great food, authentic Peruvian experiences and wonderful spa services too. Terry …

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Willka T’ika is a Gem!

Our program, The Women’s Circle, ran a retreat here after having to postpone it several times. It was worth the wait. Everything about Willka T’ika is magical. You look out your windows from your exquisite rooms and feast your eyes on the magical gardens and the Andes! The staff could not have been more attentive or more helpful. The spa services were fantastic. The food was delicious and lovingly prepared. There was not one thing I could imagine needing or wanting to change. Gracias a todos!! ~ Wendy Kopald, Group Leader for The Women’s Circle, July 2024

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Worth the Wait!

If you need to find peace, harmony and joy in life, this is your place! I didn’t know what to expect and was blown away upon arrival. I changed my flight to stay longer and didn’t want to leave the compounds and their nice gardens. I travel a lot, and I have never seen anything like it. Whether you are spiritual or just like the beauty of plants, the many different gardens in this place will make you discover new things day after day. Seeing the sunlight over the mountains in the mornings during the inevitable work (could only change …

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Peace, harmony & joy!

I led my second Spiritual Retreat at this beautiful Sanctuary. At Willka T’ika everything is perfectly organized to help you connect with nature and with yourself, to heal and awaken. The 7 Chakra Gardens, spacious and cozy bedrooms, the exquisite food, the helpful and loving staff, the tour guides, etc. Everything together makes this center the perfect place for an unforgettable inner and outer journey. I will definitely continue leading more retreats here! Thank you Carol, Terry, Tristan, Verena, Roxana, Mario … Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 ~ Erika Guerra-Todd, Retreat Leader, May 2024

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The perfect place for an unforgettable inner and outer journey

Without a doubt, Willka T’ika is one of the most nourishing, healing and soul rejuvenating sanctuaries on the planet! As the leader of my first international retreat with over 20 participants, I was blown away by the exquisite gardens, the delectable vegetarian cuisine, the gorgeous accommodations and the joyful and loving Quechuan staff. Carol, Terry and Tristin have created an enchanting space and went above and beyond tending to every detail to be certain our home-base was perfect for our retreat. The Andean spa services, authentic rituals and guided adventures were extraordinary. Willka T’ika provided an unforgettable experience and I …

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Most nourishing, healing and soul rejuvenating sanctuaries on the planet!

Shout out to the fab team at the stunning Willka T’ika Retreat Centre – we will never forget the warmth you brought to our experience with your Chakra Gardens, floral baths, despacho ceremonies, and those delicious plant based buffets…🤤 ~ Bre & Flo, Breathe and Flow Yoga Teachers’ Training 2024

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Fab Team at stunning Willka T’ika

It has been a week since I left Willka T’ika. It will likely be a lifetime before Willka T’ika leaves me. I came to this beautiful place as co-leader of The Wilderness Walk, an experience to help people explore their inner shadows. The participants were able to dig deep into the mysteries that their old fears and hurts had blinded them to, in part, because Willka T’ika served as a chalice, a vessel to hold them and hold their work with strength and tenderness. It takes a commitment to be willing to transform and it takes a safe container to …

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Willka T’ika Feeds the Soul

One if the most magical places I ever been and ever facilitated a retreat. I highly recommend it!! It feels like you are completely enveloped by powerful sacred space. ~ Leader Suzanne Hanna, The Wilderness Walk, Nov 2023

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A Powerful Sacred Space

There is no place on earth like WillKa Tika. It is a spiritual center, a healing source, a paradise for insects, birds, and such. As a seasoned traveler, I would say WT is truly one of a kind! First day here, I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland. The 7 sacred gardens brought me tremendous energy and relaxation simultaneously. A week later, I was still marveled by the blooms and busy humming birds all around. My room Waka was spacious and comfortable. My bed was clean and warm every night (you will know how when you get there). Food …

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Wellness Retreat Healing – Like no place on earth

Stepping into Willka Tika Retreat, I had no clue that I was about to embark on an extraordinary journey that would touch my soul. Tucked away in the heart of the sacred valley, the retreat’s surreal location was just the beginning of its charm. From the very moment I arrived, the people welcomed me with open arms, instantly making me feel like a part of their warm and friendly community. But it wasn’t just the hospitality that left me amazed; the incredible organic vegetarian diet offered at the retreat added a unique and wonderful dimension to my experience. Every meal …

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Special Essential Wellness Retreat Experience

This is the most wonderful place I’ve ever stayed. The owners and staff are the kindest people. They have become like family to me. The food is healthy and delicious. We were very well fed. As a leader, I brought a group. Willka T’ika arranged all the details for me. They made it easy for me. My group said they felt safe and well taken care of. Thank you to everyone who took care of us! ~ Danielle Isaac, Group Leader, July 2023

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Like a family to me

Wilka T’ika is a beautiful sanctuary nestled in the Sacred Valley. Its many gardens and varieties of gorgeous flowers & plants that are lovingly cared for & tended to support an abundance of bees, butterflies & hummingbirds that accompany you as you meander along the paths. It is a place to come to rest, to release, to heal, to receive & rejuvenate. Reconnecting to yourself, and to pachama unfolds naturally in the gardens as there is always a number of quiet spaces in the gardens to contemplate, read, journal, meditate, mindfully walk the spiral, or simply listen to the birds …

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A Natural Jewel in the Sacred Valley

A life-changing experience you’ll never forget! I chose this retreat because it offers such a wide range of activities. It is not a pure yoga retreat (like most when you search for retreats), but offers SO MUCH MORE. Everything about this Wellness Retreat was amazing. It has simply been perfect – the program, the accommodation, the place, the food, the staff (!), the people it naturally attracts, etc. I am just incredibly happy that I ended up choosing this retreat instead of any other. I couldn’t have made a better decision. If you want to grow personally – in whatever …

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Willka Tika Wellness Retreat, Jul 2022

Wilka Tika is the literal garden of Eden. Walking through the grounds is like being in Paradise. There are hundreds of types of flowers, plants and blooming trees with fruits. You can’t help but feel grounded and at peace. The staff is friendly and amazing. They take care of all your needs. This is my second time at Wilka Tika abs I feel like I am coming home. The staff make me feel like family. I love the yoga room and the food is over the top. As a retreat leader, I feel good bringing a group here knowing that …

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Return Retreat Leader & Yogi, Romy Toussaint

In March of 2022, I experienced Willka T’ika’s “Essential Wellness Retreat” for 7 days. The group retreat consisted of 8 other solo travelers, with none of us fully understanding what we signed up for (albeit, there are plenty of pre-read materials available on the WT website). Now that I’ve return from Willka T’ika, I’m taking great care to not speak about my experience at every available opportunity. I want to share it with everyone. I want everyone to experience the mental and physical rebirth that I’ve had. I chose this retreat because the itinerary seemed intentional and carefully crafted, which …

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Best gift I ever gave myself

For the past 4 years we’ve led life-changing yoga retreats to Willka T’ika in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Willka T’ika is the quintessential set and setting to experience authentic Andean culture while diving deeper into yoga practice. It is a Yogi’s dream, with Chakra Meditation Gardens, inspiring practice spaces and world class healthy and conscious dining. It is the perfect take off point for excursions and exploration into the surrounding sacred Inkan sites. Best of all, however, is the loving and kind staff of Willka T’ika who make you feel at home.

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Anton Mackey & Amy Solara, AZ

After visiting and scouting many retreats around the world over the past 23yrs of teaching, Willka T’ika is now among the top of our list. The attention to detail, incredible staff and amazing food is just the beginning. The facilities are spectacular, a well planned yoga space and their ability to seamlessly support our large group is beyond words. I highly recommend it.

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Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine

Our trip to Willka Tika was one of the most incredible trips of our life! It was the perfect blend of wellness and serenity, with the added rush of adventure to whatever degree one chooses. The access to sacred and historical Inca and other cultural sites nearby including Machu Picchu was unprecedented relative to any place we’ve ever traveled. Some very cool historical sites such as the salt mines near enough to hike and/or bike to.! Our hosts, Terry and Tristen, were the best! Extremely generous with their time and access to their beautiful gardens and amazing site grown organic …

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John & Lorena

“This was our first Mystery School retreat under the McKenna Academy, and as ever, I am happy to be working with Willka T’ika on such transformative programs. There is no better place in the Sacred Valley, perhaps in the world, for such events to take place. The magic of Willka T’ika’s Chakra Gardens combined with the spiritual power of sound meditation makes for an experience unlike any other.”

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An Experience Unlike Any Other
Dr. Dennis McKenna

We appreciated all the gorgeous gardens of the resort, the tenderness of all who worked there, the delicious food & travel guide recommendations! I’m honestly not sure we would have seen or done all the things we did without your referrals. We definitely will be back again, will continue to spread the love of Peru, and will highly recommend to stay at your lovely, lovely resort.

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Gorgeous Gardens, Lovely Resort!
Jackie & Jennifer

WOW!!! There are no words to describe the energy & beauty of this place is amazing–to the eye, feel & smell.  All of the property is a 10!  The staff go above & beyond their duty, they are always there for you, no matter what you need. Carol it was a pleasure to meet you & your son, Terry!  Thank you ever so much for the best vacation ever.  I must say I have never met such a remarkable tour guide as Silverio. Many blessings to you all and for the many I also received!

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Wow Magical Journey!
Claire Massicote, Canada

Willka T’ika is a paradise that allows you to slip into the Peruvian culture with a deep ahhh! The gardens, the staff and the owner Carol Cumes are exquisite like the unexplainable walls of Machu Picchu. It feels so right to stay in a guesthouse retreat that supports the local community, that promotes organic sustainable farming and that nourishes its guests with the wisdom of Peru. Thank you.

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Rodney Yee, Yoga Teacher, Oakland California

Willka T’ika is a true gift. After 22 years of teaching yoga and guiding adventure travel in Peru, we are so happy to have found this special place to stay. Fresh organic food made and served by loving Quechua staff, inspirational gardens, the great yoga room, clean and charming sleeping rooms makes this a place where we can feel at home while feeling a connection with a culture that we love. The Sacred Valley is right out the door. The Spirit of the Andes is alive here!

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Deborah Koehn Yoga Teacher & Adventure Travel Guide and David Blehert Photographer & Adventure Travel Guide

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