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

My first encounter with Willka …read more
Willka T’ika–a truly sacred space!
After 15 years of hosting retr …read more
Willka T’ika is a Gem!
Our program, The Women’s Circl …read more
Worth the Wait!
If you need to find peace, har …read more
Peace, harmony & joy!
I led my second Spiritual Retr …read more
The perfect place for an unforgettable inner and outer journey
Without a doubt, Willka T’ika …read more
Most nourishing, healing and soul rejuvenating sanctuaries on the planet!
Shout out to the fab team at t …read more
Fab Team at stunning Willka T’ika
It has been a week since I lef …read more
Willka T’ika Feeds the Soul
One if the most magical places …read more
A Powerful Sacred Space
There is no place on earth lik …read more
Wellness Retreat Healing – Like no place on earth
Stepping into Willka Tika Retr …read more
Special Essential Wellness Retreat Experience
This is the most wonderful pla …read more
Like a family to me
Wilka T’ika is a beautiful san …read more
A Natural Jewel in the Sacred Valley
A life-changing experience you …read more
Willka Tika Wellness Retreat, Jul 2022
Wilka Tika is the literal gard …read more
Return Retreat Leader & Yogi, Romy Toussaint
In March of 2022, I experience …read more
Best gift I ever gave myself
For the past 4 years we’ve led …read more
Anton Mackey & Amy Solara, AZ
After visiting and scouting ma …read more
Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine
Our trip to Willka Tika was on …read more
John & Lorena
“This was our first Mystery Sc …read more
An Experience Unlike Any Other
Dr. Dennis McKenna
We appreciated all the gorgeou …read more
Gorgeous Gardens, Lovely Resort!
Jackie & Jennifer
WOW!!! There are no words to d …read more
Wow Magical Journey!
Claire Massicote, Canada
Willka T’ika is a paradise tha …read more
Rodney Yee, Yoga Teacher, Oakland California
Willka T’ika is a true gift. A …read more
Deborah Koehn Yoga Teacher & Adventure Travel Guide and David Blehert Photographer & Adventure Travel Guide

Stay Connected

Join our monthly newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest wellness retreats, hotel specials, and happenings at Willka T’ika and the Sacred Valley.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.