Silent and Dark Retreat Peru
The Samyay Journey
June 13 – June 21, 2025
Explore the Universe Within
3 days Silent and Dark Retreat
4 days experiences & integration
The Samyay journey
Samyay Retreat – Silent & Dark Retreat in Peru
“Samyay” means inhale, reset and restore in Quechua, the main native language of Peru. It reflects the essence of this retreat, as a space to step away from the noise, rest the mind, and reconnect with your inner world.
Silence and darkness become tools for deep self-inquiry in stillness, the mind slows, awareness expands, and profound insights arise.
This ancient practice has been used for centuries to access clarity, healing, and transformation. Here, you are invited to pause, breathe, and journey within.
Our journey begins with three days of sensory exploration workshops, heightening awareness through sound, touch, taste, and movement, in a state of deep silence and darkness, where the mind slows, awareness expands, and profound insights arise.
After emerging from the dark retreat, we gently return to the world with four days of integration through spiritual tourism in the Sacred Valley. Visiting sacred sites, connecting with the land, and sharing in reflection, bridging the inner journey with the outer world.
The program
June 13 – June 21, 2025
Arrival – Friday: Awakening the Senses & Setting Intentions
Introductions
We gather in a welcoming circle, going through introductions, sharing names and intentions for the retreat. This is a space of openness and no expectations, just presence. A brief overview sets the tone for silence, darkness, and deep listening in the days ahead.
Tour of the Space
In awareness, we explore the meditation space, the rooms, dining area, movement spaces, and nature around. Walking mindfully, we connect with the land and settle into the environment.
Dinner and intention setting
We share a nourishing meal. After dinner, we gather for an intention-setting practice. Through meditation, we tune into what is calling us to this retreat. Participants may write, hold, or silently acknowledge their intentions, planting the seed for their inner journey.
Fire ceremony, preparing the body and mind for deep stillness.
As the sun sets, we gather around the fire for opening Directions and a Despacho ceremony, giving offerings to Mother Earth and our Spirits.
Day 1 – Saturday: Deepening Presence & Exploring the Unseen
Theme: Touch, Sound, and the Subtle Senses
- 7:30 AM – Sunrise Yoga & Breath Awareness
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast
- 10:30 AM – Movement Exploration
- 12:00 PM – Somatic Meditation & Body Awareness
- 1:30 PM – Taste & Texture Workshop: Mindful Eating
- 3:00 PM – Sound Healing & Vocal Activation
- 4:30 PM – Guided Sensory Walk in Nature
- 6:00 PM – Tea Ceremony
- 7:30 PM – Light Dinner in Silence
- 9:00 PM – Deep Listening Sound Journey and Meditation
Day 2 – Sunday : Sensing the Invisible & Trusting the Unknown
Theme: Intuition, Energy, and the Space Between
- 7:30 AM – Yoga and Breathwork: Expanding Beyond the Body
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast
- 10:30 AM – Partnered Sensory Exploration: Feeling Beyond Form
- 12:00 PM – Meditation: Dissolving into Stillness
- 1:30 PM – Taste & Aroma Workshop: The Alchemy of Food
- 3:00 PM – Inner Listening – Sensing the Body & Emotions
- 4:30 PM – Nature Walk and Surrendering to Free Form Movement
- 5:30 PM – Shamanic Breathwork and Sound Journey
- 7:30 PM – Light Dinner in Silence
- 9:00 PM – Night Meditation: Merging with Darkness
Day 3 – Monday: Emerging
Theme: Surrender, Rebirth, and Returning to Light
- 7:30 AM – Awakening in Darkness – Guided Breath Awareness in Silence and Yoga
- 9:00 AM – Silent Meal
- 10:30 AM – Meditation: Resting in the Unknown – Deep Stillness Practice
- 12:00 PM – Sound Gong Healing & Trance Journey
- 1:30 PM – Silent Meal – Feeling the Transition
- 3:00 PM – Gentle Movement in Darkness – Slow, Intuitive Exploration
- 4:30 PM – Emerging Ceremony – Light Returns, Removing the Masks
- 5:00 PM – Breaking Silence – First Words, Shared Reflections
- 6:30 PM – Integration Meal – Eating Together with Presence
- 8:00 PM – Fire Ceremony – Music and live Jam
Day 4 – Tuesday: Integration – Amaru Mother Serpent
- Yoga and Breakfast
- Tourism – Meeting Qori Qocha
- Fire Ceremony and Live Jam
Day 5 – Wednesday: Integration – Otorongo Mother Jaguar 
- Yoga and Breakfast
- Tourism – Moon Temple
Day 6 – Thursday: Integration – Apuchin Eagle
- Yoga and Breakfast
- Cacao Workshop & Temascal
Day 7 – Friday: Integration – Siwaq’inti Colibrí
- Yoga and Breakfast
- Despacho Ceremony and Closing Circle – Live Jam
The Space
Samana Wasi is one of the most magical spaces in the Sacred Valley. For over 45 years, it has served as an important spiritual and social center for the Intic Churincuna Brotherhood. The beautiful history and energy of all these years live on in this center, which we now lovingly manage, helping various people involved in wellness practices realize their retreats and gatherings in the Valley.
What is included in your ticket
- Accommodation 7 nights in the Sacred Valley
- Transportation from and to Cusco airport on first day and last day
- Daily meals expertly crafted by our talented chefs
- Workshops
- Transportation and tickets to sacred sites
- Reading call and intention setting before the retreat
- One private integration call after the retreat
- Equipment for Dark and Silent Retreat
- Does not include airfare to/from Cusco
Booking
Or pay over 3 months
Refund:
All retreat payments are non-refundable. This is because we reserve accommodations, facilitators, and logistics in advance. If you have a genuine emergency and cannot attend, you may transfer your booking to a future retreat (subject to availability).
Food & Culinary Experience
Nourishing, Intentional Meals
Our retreat offers carefully curated meals designed to nourish both body and soul. Each dish is crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, honoring the rich flavors and traditions of Peruvian cuisine while supporting your journey of transformation.
What to Expect
- Seasonal, Organic Ingredients – We prioritize fresh vegetables, grains, and superfoods from the Sacred Valley.
- Balanced, High-Vibrational Meals – Every meal is designed to energize and support deep inner work.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options – Our menu is predominantly plant-based, but we can accommodate dietary needs upon request.
- Superfoods & Herbal Infusions – Enjoy cacao, maca, quinoa, muña tea, and coca leaf infusions, known for their healing properties.
Dietary Needs & Preferences
We honor your unique needs! Please let us know in advance if you have allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary preferences so we can accommodate you.
FAQ
Weather:
We will be in dry season sunny days (15–22°C / 59–72°F) and cold nights (as low as 0°C / 32°F).
What to bring:
- Light, breathable layers for warm days.
- A warm jacket for chilly mornings and nights.
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for strong UV exposure.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Daypack or small backpack for excursions.
- Notebook & pen for journaling and manifestation exercises.
- Travel towel & swimsuit.
Altitude sickness:
Altitude sickness (also called soroche in Peru) happens when your body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high elevations. This is common in places like Cusco (3,400m / 11,150ft) and the Sacred Valley. It can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
How to Prevent & Manage Altitude Sickness:
- Take it slow – Allow 1–2 days to acclimate.
- Chlorophyll intake: works by increasing your red blood cell count, which in turn allows your body to take in more oxygen. This helps mitigate the effects of altitude sickness (caused by a lack of oxygen). You can pick some up online before your trip, or check the local herb shops, apothecaries and grocery stores.
- Stay hydrated – Drink PLENTY of water and herbal teas (coca or muña tea helps).
- Avoid alcohol & caffeine – These dehydrate the body and can worsen symptoms.
- Use coca leaves or coca tea – This traditional Andean remedy helps with oxygen absorption.
We will be supplying you constantly with coca or muña tea.
We will also have a doctor accessible on site in case of emergency.
Your Host : Kamel – Retreat Facilitator & Guide
Kamel is a dedicated space-holder, guiding individuals on their journey of transformation and self-discovery. With a rich background rooted in the Ivory Coast of West Africa, he has traveled extensively across Africa, Europe, and South America, immersing himself in diverse cultures and spiritual practices.
His spiritual journey originates from West Africa, where he learned the way of the spirit. Combining this with a scientific background, Kamel bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, offering a unique perspective on holistic well-being.
Kamel’s expertise encompasses a range of modalities, including:
- Shamanism from the Quechuan Tradition: Studied under Dr. Owen and Majella at Green Tara College.
- Initiation as a P’aqo: By Don Francisco Apaza and Don Ricardo Apaza from the Q’ero village of Kolpa Kuchu.
- Tarot Reading: Trained at Green Tara College.
- Master in Energy Healing/Reiki: Achieved through Healing From The Heart with Martha.
- Breathwork: Learned through various mentors.
- Spiritual Coaching: Developed under different mentors.
- Life Coaching: Completed at Rhodes Wellness College.
- Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapy: Studied at Daybreak Therapy.
His retreats blend ritual, movement, music, and deep inner work, offering a space where participants can release, realign, and create lasting change. Whether by the fire, in dance, or through intention, Kamel encourages each person to fully step into their power and vision.
Kamel is committed to helping individuals unlock their true potential and create their best lives.
Booking
Or pay over 3 months
Refund:
All retreat payments are non-refundable. This is because we reserve accommodations, facilitators, and logistics in advance. If you have a genuine emergency and cannot attend, you may transfer your booking to a future retreat (subject to availability).