September 8th -14th 2026
Pausa Sagrada: In Peru’s Sacred Valley
What to Expect
Pausa Sagrada (Sacred Pause) is a gentle yoga and mindfulness retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, centered on simple, sustainable mindful living practices you can use both during the retreat and long after you return home.
Mindful living can often feel overwhelming—so many self help books to read, new wellness techniques to try, and unrealistic expectations that we see on social media to live up to. Even as a yoga teacher, I found myself feeling weighed down by everything I was told I needed to do. What was meant to feel supportive began to feel heavy and exhausting.
Pausa Sagrada was created from that place—the need for an intentional yet sustainable pause. This retreat is designed to help you discover what your own sacred pause looks like. I invite you to explore practices that truly align with your life—practices that are gentle, real, and easy to carry into your everyday routine.
Through accessible yoga, journaling, intention-setting, self-massage, and small daily rituals, we will explore together practices that feel natural, supportive, and easy to integrate into everyday life. Nothing here is complicated or forced. The focus is on slowing down, listening inward, and discovering how small, mindful choices can support calm, clarity, and connection long after the retreat ends.
❋ Daily Yoga Your two instructors will guide you through two daily practices: an energizing morning Vinyasa and a grounding evening Yin. Each practice is designed to support intentional movement, mindful awareness, and a deeper connection to your practice.
❋ Self-Love PracticesBreathwork and meditation can sometimes feel overwhelming to bring into everyday life. During our yoga practices and a dedicated workshop, we’ll explore simple, accessible ways to calm the mind and create practices that feel supportive and easy to return to off the mat.
❋ Journaling Each morning at breakfast, we’ll introduce a journaling theme to guide your day. You’ll have the space to return to it at your own pace—taking moments throughout the day or evening to reflect and write. As you leave the retreat, you’ll also receive journaling prompts to continue the practice and carry it home with you.
❋ Breathwork and MeditationYour two instructors will introduce you to a variety of self-love practices throughout the retreat, all designed to be gentle, accessible, and sustainable to take home with you. Optional workshops with each instructor will be woven into the schedule, offering space to dive deeper into these practices at your own pace.
Example DayDay in the Valley
Morning Yoga7:00 – 8:00am
Breakfast 8:15am - 9:15am
Free Time / Excursion 9:15 - 1:00
Lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Workshop2:00 - 3:30pm
Free Time 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Evening Yoga5:00 - 6:00 pm
Dinner6:30 - 7:30 pm
Meet the instructors
Samantha Schanstra
Samantha, originally from New York, has spent the last four years in Bozeman, Montana, where she continues to cultivate her passion for movement. Growing up surrounded by her mom’s Pilates studio, movement has always been a central part of her life. It wasn’t until 2020, however, that she truly reconnected with her yoga practice, finding a deeper sense of balance and mindfulness on the mat.
In 2023, Samantha traveled to Moyobamba, Peru, to complete her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), eager to share her love of yoga and its transformative power with others. Now, as a teacher online, her style focuses on Vinyasa Flow, blending fluid movement with intention and balance. Samantha believes in the power of conscious movement to align both body and mind, offering a practice that invites self-discovery, peace, and growth. She is the founder of Estella Yoga, and loves more than anything sharing the practice of yoga with others in amazing locations.
When she’s not teaching, Samantha enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Montana through skiing, hiking, and spending time with the animals at the local shelter, where she volunteers her time. 
YOGA INSTRUCTORTo be announced
How to get here
Munay Sonqo is a retreat center nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. This center is a loving, natural space, embraced by the majestic Andes mountains and their guardians, the Apus.
Transportation is included both ways to and from the Cusco Airport (CUZ, Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport). From Cusco, you’ll venture into the Sacred Valley, passing by the ancient Incan terraces of Pisac before arriving at Munay Sonqo after a scenic 80-minute journey.
Please reach out to Samantha if you plan to travel in Peru before or after the retreat. She has some amazing recommendations on drivers, hotels, restaurants in Lima, Tarapoto, and Cusco that she would love to pass along!
What’s Included
Your retreat package includes everything you need for a restorative and inspiring experience:
Two yoga classes (one vinyasa and one yin) per day, suitable for all levels
Unlock deeper self-love practices with optional workshops, receiving handouts to take home to guide your journey beyond the session
Three daily vegetarian buffet-style meals, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Unlimited access to tea and filtered water throughout the day
Round-trip transportation to the retreat center and back from the Cusco airport (CUZ, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport)
A traditional cacao ceremony, a heart-opening experience to connect, reflect, and celebrate together
Flights to and from Peru
Optional activities such as hiking, Machu Picchu, sweat lodge or other off-site excursions
Spa treatments
Personal spending money for souvenirs, artisan market purchases, or additional snacks and drinks at the bar
Chicken or fish meal add-ons are available during lunch and dinner ($6 per meal, optional)
Optional tips for drivers and staff at Munay Sonqo
What’s Not Included
Rooms
Single Room: $2,115 USD
Triple
Deluxe Double Room: $1,874 USD
Double: $1,742 USD
Triple: $1,500 USD
ROOMS
Your retreat experience begins with the space you call home. Above, you’ll find a variety of beautiful rooms, each thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, peace, and connection to your stay. Whether you’re seeking quiet solitude or wish to share the experience with a friend, there’s a room that fits every style and intention.
We have four room styles available in the Santuario housing pricing for single, deluxe double, double, and triple occupancy.
The Santuario is a private campus separate from the main center, just a short one-minute stroll away. This gives it the advantage of being completely secluded and exclusive. The campus has four houses, a stunning Maloka (with comfortable space for 30 people), massage rooms, sauna, temazcal (sweat lodge), cold plunge pool, and firepit.
The two homes on the property provide a large private dining area for the group (with chef and kitchen team), as well as living spaces each with fireplaces, one kitchen for your own use, and of course the gardens and swimming pool to enjoy!
Please note that all rooms require a $350 deposit to secure your booking. After that, you can choose to pay in full upfront or join a flexible payment plan that fits your needs. There is no direct booking on the website — once you’ve chosen your room, simply fill out the “Interested in Joining?” form, and Samantha will reach out personally to guide you through payment via Zelle, Venmo, or credit card.
Let this be the first step in creating your perfect retreat experience — a home away from home where rest, renewal, and inspiration await.
Optional Excursions
During this retreat we will offer a myriad of different optional excursions that you can choose to take if they call to you during your time in the valley. More options will become available over the next few weeks.
Machu Picchu: More information to come in February. We are currently working with local guides to plan the best experience!
Sweat Lodge (Temazcal): A beautiful steam ceremony for cleansing and transformation.
Pachamama Offering Ceremony (Despacho): Express gratitude and seek blessings from Mother Earth.
Horseback Riding: Explore the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking trails with expert guides.
Guided Nature Walks
Interested In Joining?
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
FAQS-
Yes! Peru is a fantastic destination for first-time travelers as well as seasoned travellers. It’s welcoming, rich in culture, and full of unforgettable experiences. Samantha has firsthand experience in Peru and loves sharing her resources, tips, and recommendations to help you plan with confidence.
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Either! Whether you’re joining solo or bringing friends, you’re warmly welcomed. Many guests come alone and quickly feel part of the community, while others join with a partner or group to share the experience together as well as meeting others. Either way, you’ll be supported, connected, and surrounded by like-minded people. It is all what you make the experience!
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There will be 10-18 yogis joining us!
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Yes! We’re happy to offer flexible payment options and can create a plan that fits your needs. Once the deposit is paid we can find a plan that works for you. Just reach out, and we’ll be more than happy to set something up!
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Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. There is also an option to add fish or chicken during lunch and dinner for an additional $6.00 USD.
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We love when our guests share the experience! Receive a $20.00 USD bonus for every person that you send out way! Referral bonuses are paid out the day before the retreat begins via Venmo or Zelle. Just make sure your referred guest includes your name when they register.