Andean Plant Knowledge Immersion
Andean Plant Knowledge Immersion
Hacienda Paucartika, Lamay, Cusco
Up to 12 in group
Mar 1 - 5, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- 5-day immersive training in traditional Andean plant knowledge
- Learn directly from a lineage Andean plant teacher and his Quechua family
- Hands-on identification and harvesting of medicinal plants in the Andes
- Preparation of traditional medicines: tincture, healing balm, digestive remedy, and hydrosol
- Essential oil distillation using local Andean plants
- Traditional Andean plant baths and healing practices
- Overnight emplasto ceremony held in the temple with fire and sound bath
- One-on-one coca leaf reading
- Weaving and natural dye practices, including dyeing your own clothing
- Introduction to the Andean calendar and seasonal cycles
- Basic Quechua language connected to plants and daily life
- All-inclusive retreat at a historic hacienda in the Sacred Valley of Peru
- Nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with local ingredients
- Small group experience with personal guidance
About this Retreat
Rolando Velazquez is a highly respected Andean guide from the local community of Viacha. With deep roots in the Sacred Valley, Rolando has dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom and traditions of his ancestors. Growing up in Viacha, a village rich in cultural heritage, he developed a profound connection to the land and the Andean spiritual practices that honor Pachamama and the apus (mountain spirits).
As a knowledgeable guide, Rolando offers unique insights into the local history, sacred sites, and traditional Andean ceremonies. His deep understanding of the land and its spiritual significance makes him an invaluable resource for participants seeking to connect with the wisdom of the Andes. Whether leading excursions to ancient ruins or guiding traditional offerings, Rolando’s commitment to preserving and sharing his heritage shines through in every experience.
He is the brother of Rolando and Percy Velazquez, and their father, Martin Ccoyo, is a well-known Andean paqo (medicine man). Raised in the Sacred Valley’s Viacha community, Yuliño has a deep connection to the mystical practices of the Andes.
He is particularly gifted in Coca Leaf Readings, a sacred tradition used for guidance and insight. Yuliño's connection to the Andean spiritual world allows him to provide clarity and wisdom through his readings, drawing on the ancient knowledge passed down through his family. With his strong ties to the land and the teachings of his father, Yuliño plays a vital role in helping others connect with the spiritual wisdom of the Andean people.
Martin Ccoyo is an 85-year-old Andean medicine Paqo with a lifetime of experience working with the sacred plants of the Andes. Raised in the rich traditions of his ancestors, Martin has dedicated his life to understanding the healing powers of nature. He is highly respected for his deep knowledge of plant medicines and his skill in distilling oils from these plants, creating powerful essences used in traditional healing practices.
For decades, Martin has guided individuals through the spiritual and medicinal teachings of the Andean people, sharing his wisdom with humility and care. His long life of devotion to the plants and his role as a paqo make him a vital link to the ancient Andean wisdom that continues to thrive in his community.
Percy Velazquez is an experienced guide from the Andean community of Viacha, working alongside his brother Rolando Velazquez. Fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, Percy bridges the cultural and linguistic gap for visitors, making it easier for them to engage deeply with the Andean traditions.
Percy is passionate about sharing the spiritual wisdom of his people, and his ability to communicate in multiple languages enhances the experience for those seeking to learn from the Andean mystical practices. Whether guiding guests through sacred sites or assisting in traditional ceremonies, Percy’s deep knowledge of the land and culture, combined with his excellent language skills, makes him an invaluable part of the team.
Lucía is a traditional weaver and teacher from the Amaru community.
She teaches traditional weaving techniques, Andean textile symbolism, and natural plant dyeing practices.
Meredith Rose is a Plant Medicine Mentor, Harm Reduction Advocate, and the founder of Heantos Worldwide, an organization promoting ancient Hmong herbal formulas for detox and recovery. Her journey into plant medicine began after overcoming personal struggles with addiction, which led her to explore the transformative power of indigenous healing traditions. In 2021, she founded Chispa Wasi, a retreat center in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where people from around the world come to learn from tribal ancestral carriers of sacred medicines.
Meredith has dedicated her life to advocating for indigenous wisdom, drug policy reform, and holistic recovery. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Psychedelic Society of San Francisco, where she expanded its psychedelic recovery group to Peru. Now based at Hacienda Paucartika, she continues to challenge conventional paradigms of addiction and healing, offering retreat experiences that bridge ancient knowledge with modern healing practices.
Details of this retreat
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝.
Through the land, the plants, and the people who live it.
𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
March 1–5 · Sacred Valley, Peru
A five-day immersion at Hacienda Paucartika focused on Andean plant knowledge as it is learned and shared in the Andes.
Teaching is led by Martín Velasquez, a 77-year-old Andean medicine man, together with his Quechua family from the Viacha and Amaru communities. Their relationship with plants, land, and weaving traditions has been passed down through generations.
𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
• Identify and harvest Andean medicinal plants
• Prepare traditional medicines including a tincture, healing balm, and a traditional Andean digestive
• Learn about essential oil distillation and receive hydrosol to take home
• Experience Andean plant baths and when they are traditionally used
• Take part in an overnight emplasto, held in the temple by the fire, with a sound bath as the herbs absorb and the body settles into rest
• Receive a one-on-one coca leaf reading
• Learn the Andean calendar and seasonal cycles
• Quechua language sessions connected to plants, land, and daily life
• Weaving and natural dye practices, including dyeing some of your own clothing using traditional techniques
Participants take home the medicines they prepare, including a tincture, healing balm, traditional Andean digestive, and hydrosol.
This is an all-inclusive retreat.
Guests stay at our historic hacienda in the Sacred Valley and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with local ingredients.
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞: $𝟕𝟓𝟎 𝐔𝐒𝐃
Offered for this March immersion.
We look forward to continuing to offer retreats that grow from the land, the plants, and the living knowledge of the local Andean people.
WhatsApp: +51 952 179 105 ✨
to register & for more details
Through the land, the plants, and the people who live it.
𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
March 1–5 · Sacred Valley, Peru
A five-day immersion at Hacienda Paucartika focused on Andean plant knowledge as it is learned and shared in the Andes.
Teaching is led by Martín Velasquez, a 77-year-old Andean medicine man, together with his Quechua family from the Viacha and Amaru communities. Their relationship with plants, land, and weaving traditions has been passed down through generations.
𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
• Identify and harvest Andean medicinal plants
• Prepare traditional medicines including a tincture, healing balm, and a traditional Andean digestive
• Learn about essential oil distillation and receive hydrosol to take home
• Experience Andean plant baths and when they are traditionally used
• Take part in an overnight emplasto, held in the temple by the fire, with a sound bath as the herbs absorb and the body settles into rest
• Receive a one-on-one coca leaf reading
• Learn the Andean calendar and seasonal cycles
• Quechua language sessions connected to plants, land, and daily life
• Weaving and natural dye practices, including dyeing some of your own clothing using traditional techniques
Participants take home the medicines they prepare, including a tincture, healing balm, traditional Andean digestive, and hydrosol.
This is an all-inclusive retreat.
Guests stay at our historic hacienda in the Sacred Valley and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with local ingredients.
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞: $𝟕𝟓𝟎 𝐔𝐒𝐃
Offered for this March immersion.
We look forward to continuing to offer retreats that grow from the land, the plants, and the living knowledge of the local Andean people.
WhatsApp: +51 952 179 105 ✨
to register & for more details
Schedule
At Chispa Wasi, our retreats focus on connecting with and learning directly from native communities and their relationship with nature. We offer a variety of retreat experiences, with many including sacred plant medicines traditional to the Andes and Amazon. We also offer trainings for those interested in working with medicines like Kambo.
Some retreats focus on connecting with the land through excursions to sacred sites and learning from indigenous teachers, while others explore art, music, and creativity. Our goal is to provide experiences that are not only transformative but also grounded in the wisdom of native traditions, fostering a deeper relationship with the earth
Some retreats focus on connecting with the land through excursions to sacred sites and learning from indigenous teachers, while others explore art, music, and creativity. Our goal is to provide experiences that are not only transformative but also grounded in the wisdom of native traditions, fostering a deeper relationship with the earth
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Chispa Wasi, Hacienda Paucartika, Lamay, Cusco
Directions
To reach our retreat center, Chispa Wasi at Hacienda Paucartika, you will first arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, the nearest international airport. From there, we can arrange transport directly from Cusco airport or the city center.
Hacienda Paucartika is located in the town of Lamay, a little over an hour outside of Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu, and about a 15-minute drive from the town of Pisac. The drive takes you through the scenic Sacred Valley, offering views of the majestic Andes. If you prefer to explore on your own, taxis and buses are also available from Cusco to Lamay.
Feel free to let us know your travel details, and we’ll gladly arrange transportation for you!
Hacienda Paucartika is located in the town of Lamay, a little over an hour outside of Cusco, en route to Machu Picchu, and about a 15-minute drive from the town of Pisac. The drive takes you through the scenic Sacred Valley, offering views of the majestic Andes. If you prefer to explore on your own, taxis and buses are also available from Cusco to Lamay.
Feel free to let us know your travel details, and we’ll gladly arrange transportation for you!
Accommodation
At Hacienda Paucartika, guests can choose from a variety of accommodations. There are basic shared rooms with shared baths, private or shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and even balcony suites with beautiful views. For those seeking more space, small houses are also available, offering a more secluded retreat experience. Each option provides a comfortable, relaxing stay amidst the hacienda's historic charm.
Shared Basic Room - Shared Bathroom
Shared Deluxe Room - Private Bathroom
Private Deluxe Room - Private Bath
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Hacienda Paucartika is a 300-year-old hacienda, carefully renovated to maintain its historical charm. Set in the Sacred Valley, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is home to sacred spaces for quiet reflection or ceremony. The lush gardens provide a peaceful retreat, and the large dining hall is perfect for sharing meals and conversations.
Our friendly animals add to the warmth of the hacienda, especially Chaska, our alpaca who loves to take selfies with guests! It’s a tru
Our friendly animals add to the warmth of the hacienda, especially Chaska, our alpaca who loves to take selfies with guests! It’s a tru
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
At Hacienda Paucartika, we serve nourishing, vegetarian meals inspired by Andean cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our menu supports your retreat experience with balanced, flavorful d
What's Included
- 4 nights accommodation at Hacienda Paucartika
- All vegetarian meals throughout the retreat
- Opening Despacho ceremony
- One-on-one coca leaf reading
- Quechua language sessions
- Guided mountain excursion to identify and harvest medicinal plants
- Tincture, healing balm, and traditional Andean digestive preparation
- Essential oil distillation and hydrosol to take home
- Andean plant bath experience
- Overnight emplasto experience with sound bath
- Fireside Andean World Origin Story & Andean calendar teachings
- Weaving and natural dye workshop
- All materials for medicine making and dyeing
- Take-home medicines (tincture, balm, digestive, hydrosol)
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from Cusco
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional excursions or tours not listed in the retreat itinerary
- Spa services or individual healing sessions (available upon request)
- Fish or Chicken add ons to meals
- Gratuities for staff
- Extra nights’ accommodation before or after the retreat dates
- Airport transfers outside of scheduled retreat dates
- Personal transportation outside of the retreat schedule
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