Dark Retreat in Peru: 8 Days in the Sacred Valley
YanaSamyay is a group dark retreat at Melissa Wasi in Písac, in Peru's Sacred Valley, about 30 km from Cusco. It lasts 8 days and 7 nights: 5 days of darkness and silence, then 3 days of integration. Kamel, a somatic practitioner, breathwork facilitator and guide, holds the space.
Where
Melissa Wasi, Písac, in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Transfers from and to Cusco airport are included on the first and last day.
How long
8 days and 7 nights: 5 days of darkness and silence, then 3 days of integration.
How it is held
As a group retreat, with a call before you arrive to set your intention and one private integration call afterwards.
What a dark retreat is
A group dark retreat in the Andes
A dark retreat is a stay of several days in complete darkness, away from daily noise and obligations.
At YanaSamyay it is held with a group at a retreat center in the Andes, and it is combined with silence.
Questions before you decide? Talk with Kamel.
How the 8 days unfold
Day 1, preparation and welcome. An introduction to the practice and a mental preparation before you enter the dark.
Days 2 to 4, full immersion. Complete darkness and total silence.
Day 5, the first step back. You return to the light, still in complete silence.
Days 6 to 8, integration and sharing. Sound comes back gently and you take time to notice what has changed, what you feel and what you learned.
What the dark is like
With no light to look at, the other senses lead. The retreat is designed around sound, touch, smell, taste and movement, so your attention rests on the present moment.
Care and preparation
Before you arrive, you have a call with Kamel to set your intention. The equipment for the dark retreat is provided. Meals are prepared every day by the retreat’s chefs. After the retreat, you have one private integration call.
Price and booking
Private room 2 390 USD. Shared room 2 090 USD. Couple 3 890 USD (price for two). Peru residents: private room 1 150 USD, shared room 750 USD. Prices exclude taxes.
The price includes accommodation, transfers from and to Cusco airport, meals, workshops, visits to sacred sites and the retreat equipment. Current dates are on the booking page. Book your spot.
Is a dark retreat right for you?
Time in darkness and silence is intense. This retreat does not replace medical or psychological care. If you live with a serious physical or mental health condition, or you are unsure, talk with Kamel before booking. He will answer you personally.
Looking for the silence side of the retreat? Read about the silent retreat.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dark retreat?
A stay of several days in complete darkness. At YanaSamyay, days 2 to 4 are held in complete darkness and total silence, inside an 8 day retreat of 5 days of darkness and silence and 3 days of integration.
Is it a group retreat?
Yes. YanaSamyay is a group dark retreat at Melissa Wasi in Písac, in Peru's Sacred Valley.
What happens when the darkness ends?
Day 5 is a return to the light, still in silence. Days 6 to 8 are integration and sharing. One private integration call follows the retreat.
How do I prepare?
Before the retreat you have a call with Kamel to set your intention. On day 1 you receive an introduction to the practice before entering the dark.
Is a dark retreat right for me?
Time in darkness and silence is intense. This retreat does not replace medical or psychological care. If you live with a serious physical or mental health condition, or you are unsure, talk with Kamel before booking. He will answer you personally.
