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PAGES OF PERU:
  A Creative Journey of Culture, Connection & Visual Storytelling

Sacred Valley, Peru
May 14 - 22, 2027
If you’re a creative being who’s tired of squeezing your art into the leftover corners of your life, join us in Peru for a visual journaling retreat where you’ll slow down enough to truly experience the Sacred Valley, capture its beauty and emotion as it’s happening, and return home with a one-of-a-kind journal filled with the art, stories, friendships, and moments that made the journey unforgettable. 
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Imagine . . .

 As the sun sets over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you find yourself wrapped in a colorful Peruvian poncho, gathered around a crackling campfire with newfound friends who already feel strangely familiar. The air is cool and crisp, carrying the delicious aroma of dinner from the gourmet kitchen nearby. The heat of the fire warms your face and laughter tickles your ears as you sink into the simple joy of being fully present with friendsno rushing, no responsibilities, no endless notifications pulling at your attention.

Above you, the sky transforms into a canvas of amber and rose hues, gradually giving way to the twinkling constellations of the southern hemisphere.  Perched high in the mountains of Maras, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes, you can almost feel the quiet presence of Pachamama in the sacred stillness of the land — each mountain holding its own ancient spirit, stories, and whispers on the wind. Everything feels expansive, magical, and wonderfully far away from everyday life.

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Over the past couple days, you’ve wandered through ancient ruins, stood in awe at Machu Picchu, explored the world-renowned Maras salt mines, and shrieked with glee while feeding llamas and alpacas. Between adventures, you’ve slowed down long enough to sketch little moments in your art journal — capturing not just what you’ve seen, but how it all felt.

Now, sitting beside the fire with your passionfruit pisco sour, there’s a deep sense of contentment in knowing you fully lived these moments instead of rushing past them. Your heart feels full — from the beauty, the creativity, the shared stories, and the feeling of truly belonging. In this moment, surrounded by kindred spirits in one of the most breathtaking places on earth, life feels lighter, richer, and wonderfully alive.

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So tell me,
are you ready to...

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  • Take a break from caring for everything and everyone else and prioritize your own happiness, wellbeing and creativity?

  • Step out of your routine and explore somewhere new and beautiful?

  • Form deep, genuine connections with people who truly “get” you?

  • Reconnect with your creativity and feeling inspired by your subject matter again?

  • Travel in a way that helps you feel deeply connected to culture, people, and experiences?

What if travel could feel both adventurous and deeply supportive — where every detail is thoughtfully planned so you can simply relax, be present, and fully enjoy the journey?

During this transformational journey, 

through authentic & immersive cultural experiences, shared adventures, creative exploration, and unhurried time together you will:

 

  • Release the constant pressure of planning and caretaking so you can finally experience putting yourself first without guilt.

  • Feel more present and energized so that you can live life to the fullest. 

  • Feel seen and accepted by like-minded creatives and leave with friendships that nourish both your artistry and your heart.​​

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  • Develop a personal connection to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant townscapes so that you can return home with fresh inspiration and a revived creative spark.  

  • Satisfy your wanderlust and explore with ease knowing the planning, logistics, and support are all thoughtfully taken care of for you.

  • Gain fresh perspective and a deep re-connection to yourself so you can move forward in life with clarity and confidence. 

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Yes! I need this for me

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Our Venue

Killay Luxury Villas is more than just a beautiful place to stay—it is a space to call home. Nestled into the skirts of Mount Pitusiray, this peaceful sanctuary invites you to slow down, settle in, and recharge after exciting days exploring the magical sites of the Sacred Valley.  Here, you won’t feel like a tourist passing through. You’ll feel grounded in the landscape, and connected to the people sharing the journey beside you.

 

At our home away from home you’ll find yourself naturally forming meaningful relationships in the slower moments between exploration.  You’ll linger after shared meals in cozy living rooms and outdoor dining areas which organically draw people together for laughter, storytelling, and the kind of heartfelt conversations that leave you feeling deeply seen and connected.

 

Need a moment for yourself?  Killay’s private pond is just a short nature path away!  Reflect in a hammock, relax in the jacuzzi, or journal on the expansive green lawn surrounded by colorful gardens and the beautiful backdrop of the Sacred Valley.  Here, you will always find a peaceful space to recharge.

Inside the gated Killay community, you’ll feel the warmth of a space designed for both comfort and connection. The villas are modern, eco-chic, and spacious, with cozy touches that instantly help you feel at ease. You’ll have the option of a private queen suite or a shared room with fellow guests, each thoughtfully designed to feel peaceful, welcoming, and restorative.

And when you’re ready to venture out, the charming town of Calca is just a short walk away, giving you the chance to experience everyday life in the Sacred Valley beyond the typical tourist path. By the end of your stay, Killay won’t just feel like a vacation rental—it will feel like a place that held you, inspired you, and welcomed you completely.

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The Cuisine

Meals on this retreat are delicious, nourishing, and inspired by the flavors of Peru, served with a side of laughter, connection, and shared stories.

All our meals at the villa are lovingly prepared by our private chef using fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. Savor vibrant Peruvian flavors, wholesome home cooking, and colorful farm-to-table meals that feel both healthy and indulgent. Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy vibrant Peruvian dishes from comforting soups, quinoa bowls, and fresh trout to traditional favorites like Lomo Saltado, Ají de Gallina, and Causa. Freshly baked breads, local cheeses, flavorful sauces, herbal teas, and nourishing breakfasts add to the cozy, family-style warmth of meals shared at the villa.

 

Beyond the meals shared at the villa, we’ll also enjoy a few memorable meals out together at handpicked local restaurants, giving you the chance to experience even more of Peru’s rich culinary culture.

 

Whether you’re sipping coffee in the quiet morning light, sharing stories over a cozy family-style dinner, or enjoying a long lunch after a day of exploring the Sacred Valley, these meals become part of the magic of the experience.

 

Rest assured, our chef is also happy to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options whenever possible.

 

Let's Create Memories!

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The Journey

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Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco

Your Peruvian adventure begins as you arrive in Cusco and make your way to our peaceful villa in Calca, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. After settling into your room and taking in your beautiful new surroundings, you'll gather with your fellow travelers for a relaxed welcome dinner. As stories begin to flow and names become familiar, you'll feel the excitement of the week ahead and the gentle relief of finally having nowhere to be but here.

Your Art Experience

What if you could bring home more than photographs and souvenirs?

This creative journey offers a beautiful way to do just that.

Through art journaling and plein air sketching, you'll learn to slow down and notice the details that make a place come alive—the colors of a bustling market, the texture of ancient stone walls, the reflection of mountain peaks on a quiet lake, or the laughter drifting across the table during a shared meal. Rather than focusing on creating perfect artwork, you'll practice capturing moments, impressions, and memories in a way that feels playful, personal, and deeply rewarding.

 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll you’ll discover a playful, rewarding way to capture your travels through sketching and art journaling. More than just a collection of artwork, it will become a personal keepsake of your time in Peru and a beautiful reminder of the places, people, and moments that made this journey unforgettable.

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Are you a beginner artist or recreational creative?  

Art journaling offers a welcoming and pressure-free way to grow:

  • Build confidence sketching on location

  • Learn to see shapes, light, and color more clearly

  • Create pages that feel personal and expressive from day one

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Got some art experience?

 

Art journaling becomes a powerful tool for expansion:

  • Loosen up and work more intuitively

  • Experiment with new approaches, materials, and compositions

  • Capture ideas and inspiration for future studio work

  • Develop a deeper, more personal connection to your subject matter

You Had Me at Art Journal!

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On this journey,
you will…

  • Gain artistic confidence and release perfectionism so you can unleash your creativity with joy and freedom.

  • Experience Peru more deeply by creating a personal connection with its landscapes, people, and culture through sketching and observation.

  • Develop a meaningful creative practice by learning how to capture memories, emotions, and moments through art journaling and sketching in your own personal style.

What You’ll Explore:

  • Sketching and painting on location 

  • Simplifying complex scenes into strong compositions

  • Capturing changing light and atmosphere

  • Using color to express mood and place

  • Combining image and written notes into a cohesive visual journal

Trip Format

Each day offers a balance of guidance and personal creative time:

  • On-location plein air and journaling sessions

  • Artist demonstrations in inspiring settings

  • Gentle, personalized coaching throughout

  • Optional group sharing or informal critiques

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By the end of the retreat, you'll have a journal filled with sketches, observations, colors, and stories from your time in Peru—a personal keepsake that will bring you back to these moments for years to come.

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What's Included?

  • 8 nights of luxurious villa accommodations in the heart of Peru’s breathtaking Sacred Valley (option to add 1 extra night)

  • Most delicious, locally inspired meals

  • Entrance tickets to iconic Sacred Valley sites and awe-inspiring Machu Picchu

  • Seamless airport transfer from Cusco Airport (CUZ) to our peaceful retreat property in Calca on arrival day

  • Comfortable transportation throughout the journey

  • Immersive tours and unforgettable cultural experiences (itinerary subject to change)

    • The breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu

    • The ancient Pisac Archaeological Site

    • The fascinating circular terraces of Moray

    • The shimmering Maras Salt Mines

    • Scenic SUP or canoe experience on tranquil Lake Piuray

    • Traditional Pachamanca lunch cooked in the earth

    • The serene beauty of Kinsa Cocha

    • Hands-on traditional ceramics class

    • The living Incan village of Ollantaytambo

    • The sacred sites of Sacsayhuamán & Koricancha

  • Knowledgeable local guides who bring Peru’s history and culture to life

  • Daily art instruction and inspiring demonstrations with Jeanne

  • Relaxed plein air art journaling sessions and in-house creative workshops

  • Scenic train ride to and from Machu Picchu through the stunning Andes

  • Traditional Andean ceremonies and cultural experiences

  • Gratuities for guides, chefs, and house staff

Not Included

  • Optional pre- or post-retreat accommodations in Cusco

  • Flights to and from Cusco

  • Approximately 5–8 meals during free exploration time (subject to change depending on itinerary)

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Art supplies

  • Optional excursions and wellness services such as massage or reiki

  • Travel insurance

  • Medical insurance

Peru Is Calling...

Jeanne Hougen

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Hi, I'm JeanneI'm a Colorado-based oil painter and teacher with a deep love for the visual language of shape, pattern, color, value, and texture. Growing up in the mountains with a painter father, I developed an early fascination with what I call the "visual dance" of the natural world—the rhythms, light, and patterns that make a place come alive. Since dedicating myself fully to painting in 2006, I've continued to refine my craft through study with nationally recognized artists and, most importantly, through countless hours painting outdoors. My plein air practice keeps me closely connected to the ever-changing beauty of the landscapes I love.

I began teaching in 2012 and quickly discovered that helping others grow creatively is just as rewarding as creating art myself. Whether we're painting in Colorado or sketching our way through Peru, I love guiding artists to slow down, observe more deeply, and trust their own unique way of seeing the world.

Over the years, I've been honored to receive awards from plein air festivals and juried exhibitions throughout the West, but what excites me most is sharing the creative process with others. On this retreat, I'll help you develop practical sketching and art journaling skills while encouraging you to let go of perfection, embrace curiosity, and create a meaningful visual record of your journey.

Jyoti Fontaine

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Hi, I'm Jyoti.  After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, I stopped waiting for "someday" and began building a life centered around the things that matter most: meaningful experiences, authentic connection, personal growth, and adventure.

That's what inspired me to create RasVida. What started as a yoga retreat company has grown into a mindful group travel business that brings together culture, creativity, exploration, and community in some of the world's most beautiful places.

As a yoga teacher and lifelong traveler, I've seen firsthand how stepping away from our routines can help us reconnect with ourselves, gain fresh perspective, and return home feeling more inspired and alive. My hope is that every RasVida experience gives you the space to do exactly that.

 

Your Hosts

Frequently asked questions

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