Description
Willka T’ika is a spiritual enclave tucked away in the Urubamba Valley. It is a product of Carol Cumes’ spiritual journey and resulting emersion in the Quechua culture. Carol purchased the land in 1994 while she was living in the US, with the intent of creating her own personal retreat. It was a labour of love that united Carol with her Quechua neighbors who helped her build a house and who eventually stayed on to create the magical place Willka T’ika is today. Each year the project expanded with the addition of meditation facilities, guest rooms and yoga studios.

Today the project is almost complete, with guestrooms and wasis sprawling through the property amongst the lush gardens. Upon entering the security gate you will encounter the matewasi (house of herbal teas) a lofty room that provides a welcoming place for guests to gather and share a meal or enjoy a cup of tea. Glass doors at the back of the room will lead you out to a deck that overlooks the property surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Despite its stylish architecture and welcoming atmosphere, Willka T’ika’s gardens are what will draw you in – seven of them in total growing medicinal plants, a variety of flowers and vegetables for their delicious organic meals. The focal point is the 500 year-old lacuna tree that sits at the end of the property, which has guided Carol throughout this process. Guests are welcome to wander through the gardens and explore their hidden treasures, bathe in the outdoor solar baths, or make themselves at home in front of the fireplace in the yachawasi (wisdom room) or the takiwasi (room adorned with native musical instruments).

Insider Tips
The name Willka T’ika means ‘Sacred Flower’ in Quechua.

Willka T’ika was originally used by Carol’s visiting spiritual tour groups. Today she has opened it up to several other spiritual and cultural groups as well as cultural independent travelers. The facilities are often used for yoga, spiritual healing and other special interest groups.

Guests and travelers can contribute to the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund, which was established in 1993 to help fund projects for local communities including two schools, a memorial library and a food program providing a nutritious lunch to 200 school children each day.

Benefits
- The Willka T’ika family is a gracious bunch (consisting of Quechua neighbors who have been involved since its inception), always greeting you with a smile and sincere laughter, and happy to inform you of their culture and traditions
- The property boasts some of the most beautiful and complex gardens in the valley
- Peaceful and secluded, Willka T’ika makes a wonderful retreat
- Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, with plenty of activities nearby to keep you busy
- Carol will happily arrange cultural tours to local communities, she has a wealth of knowledge on the Andean culture and has even written books about it [Journey To Machu Picchu: Spiritual Wisdom from the Andes]
- Yoga studios on the premise

Drawbacks
- The property is located at the bottom of a narrow winding path that is difficult to navigate with baggage or at night. However, the friendly staff is happy to help you navigate the area at all times and a driveway is in the works.
- Willka T’ika is located outside of the town of Urubamba so you will need to arrange taxis if you leave the premise (approx. 3 soles to Urubamba and 10 soles to Ollantaytambo).
- There is no Internet (this might be a benefit!) and the hotel telephone can only be used with a phone card.

Rooms
Willka T’ika’s rooms are rustic and cozy, applying international touches where necessary and regional flavour where possible. Stone and woodwork highlight the adobe walls of each room and a skylight lets you gaze directly to the Apus (mountain gods) as you fall asleep each night. Fresh cut flowers provide an added touch to the simple, yet stylish decor.

The beds are firm and comfortable with artwork carved right into the adobe wall above the headboards. Hot water bottles are available for those chilly Andean nights.

Bathrooms are spacious with excellent showers (although the hot water is shared so can run out if too many people shower at once). The newer Aputika guestrooms are more luxurious including a small living room area and larger bathrooms with double sinks, large mirrors and bathrobes.

Food
All meals are organic and vegetarian using produce that is grown fresh out of their garden. Breakfast is a hearty buffet including cheeses, granola, yogurt, and fresh fruits. Eggs and pancakes can be made to order. Dinners are generous three-course meals that are so tasty they are likely to convert any carnivore into a vegetarian. Brown-bag lunches can be prepared upon request (with advanced notice).

Children
A ‘triple guest room’ is available for families traveling with children.

Rates
Singles: $85 – 165; Doubles: $130 – 185; includes breakfast and dinner

	Information:
	Location Paradero Rumichaka – about 3km from Urubamba At the Willka T’ika sign on the main road, walk about 300 ft down the stone path to the Willka T’ika entrance