PERU TRAUMA-INFORMED YTT: WELCOME PACKET
A Yoga Teacher Training Experience with The Somatic Yoga Institute.
A Note From Brooke and Jeanine:
Welcome! Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings invite you to slow down, return to your body, and connect to a newfound sense of aliveness and purpose in your life. We’re so grateful you are here!
The retreat center, Munay Sonqo, is the container that will hold this experience for us all. The ocean, the trees, the wildness, the quiet – all of it supports the humble reconnection to life itself.
THE LAND: MUNAY SONQO – The Sacred Valley of Peru
Munay Sonqo, which translates to “Loving Heart” in Quechua, is a haven where transformation and love intertwine. Every space has been mindfully created for those on a journey of self-discovery, spiritual reconnection, and a profound immersion with nature.
The retreat center goes beyond the ordinary, it’s a place where the energies of the Sacred Valley converge with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Munay Sonqo provides an intentional space that captures the essence of its name. Here, you’ll find a sanctuary that nurtures your soul and supports your process of sourcing regulation and committing to growth.
TRANSPORTATION
** Please put your flight information on the logistics sheet.
Munay Sonqo Retreat Center is located in Arin, a small village nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, high in the Peruvian Andes.
Upon booking, we will provide detailed instructions on how to get to the retreat center. We also offer airport transfers from Cusco to ensure a seamless travel experience.
By Air
- Fly Into Cusco – 90 minutes from Cusco to Munay Sonqo
Shared Shuttle
We organize a group shuttle from Cusco to Munay Sonqo on the first day of the training. We will send you the details of where it will pick you up in our pre-training logistics emails!
Cusco is the nearest airport. On the first day, we will provide a free shuttle at 1pm from Plaza Nazarenas in Cusco. You will most likely have to stop in Lima International Airport first. From Lima you can book a short flight to Cuzco, Peru. Try Google Flights, Viva Air, Sky Airlines, Latam Airlines.
We recommend booking directly with an airline rather than a third party booking website. It is recommended that you fly in a few days early if possible to acclimatize. It can take up to 5 days to start to feel fully acclimatized.
FOOD & WATER
Munay Sonqo provides three nourishing meals per day with vegetarian options – all prepared with care and local ingredients. Please share any allergies or dietary needs on your logistics form.
Water:
Drink only purified water in Peru. Munay Sonqo provides purified water throughout the entire training in the shala and near accommodations. These are not needed but if you’d like to be extra cautious, you may also bring:
MONEY & ATM
The sol (S/) is the official currency of Peru. There are bills with denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. There are also coins of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, and 5 soles.
The American dollar is accepted in a large number of commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. It is possible to exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange houses.
Cash can be nice to have on hand for day-off activities, snacks, and local artisans. Everything at Munay Sonqo can be paid for with a credit card.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is available onsite for an extra cost. Ask the staff for details upon arrival.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though we encourage spaciousness with screens.
MISSED HOURS
Full participation is required to complete your Yoga Alliance certification. If you miss required hours, we’ll support you in creating a make-up plan.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Highly recommended. Coverage helps with unexpected delays, medical needs, and last-minute changes.
WHAT TO PACK
These are suggestions – bring what supports your body, comfort, and practice.
It will feel like you are experiencing all 4 seasons in one day at this elevation in Peru. The mornings and evenings will be quite cold, so bring layers! Mid day, since we are closer to the sun it might get quite warm!
You will receive your printed manuals upon arrival in Peru!
Your required texts for this program are The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate and Being Bodies, the paradox of Embodiment. There is reading due on the syllabus during our in-person portion of this training, but if you don’t want to pack the physical copies of the books we recommend having a digital version accessible. The Myth of Normal is very heavy and large text, it will make your suitcase heavy! But it is up to you :)
Yoga Gear
Mats and props provided at Munay Sonqo (optional to bring your own if you prefer).
Body & Wellness
- Natural soap + shampoo/conditioner.
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Any required medications
- Simple first-aid items
Clothing
- Lightweight layers
- 4–5 yoga outfits
- Swimsuit if you’d like to use the spa
- Water shoes and/or Sandals
- Hat & sunglasses
- Anything you’d like to wear to our graduation ceremony – sometimes people bring something more dressy or festive for this day
Cycle-Friendly Items
- Menstrual cup, organic pads, or tampons, if applicable
Other Items
- Journal + pens
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Chargers for devices. No special adaptors are needed for students from the US.
- Earplugs for people in shared rooms.
DAY-OFF ACTIVITIES (Optional)
Local activities include:
- Waterfall hikes
- Trip to Pisac or Urubumba
- We recommend saving Machu Pichu for before or after the training
PASSPORT & VISA
- Valid passport required
- U.S., Canadian, and EU travelers do not need a visa
- Yellow fever vaccine required for travelers arriving from certain South American countries
CERTIFICATION
Upon completing all required hours, you will receive your 300-hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certification, eligible for registration with Yoga Alliance.
PREPARING YOUR BODY, HEART & NERVOUS SYSTEM
This training is a space for deep self-contemplation, learning, and becoming. To support your process, you may choose to gently prepare by:
- Drinking more water and nourishing with grounding foods
- Lots of sleep!
- This will be an alcohol and substance-free training. So option to prepare by limiting consumption of alcohol etc.
- Begin a journaling and self reflection practice
None of this is required – simply an invitation to begin attuning to yourself with care.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
If any questions arise – logistical, emotional, physical, – please reach out. We are honored to walk beside you as you prepare for this teacher training experience!
We can’t wait to meet you in Costa Rica!
Warmly,
Jeanine & Brooke
The Somatic Yoga Institute Founders