Kelly | Peru 200hr YTT Testimonial

When I signed up for the School Yoga Institute 200-hour teacher training in the Sacred Valley of Peru, I was looking for an opportunity to deepen my yoga practice and spend time away from the pace of everyday life. I expected to learn more about yoga philosophy, improve my understanding of teaching, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. What I didn’t expect was how much I would appreciate the simple daily routines, the people I met, and the environment that made the entire experience so memorable.

The training took place at Raices Inkas Resort, and from the moment I arrived, I could understand why this location was chosen. The Sacred Valley has an incredible sense of peace that is difficult to describe until you experience it for yourself. Every morning I woke up surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and views that made it easy to be present. Even on the busiest days of training, simply stepping outside between classes was enough to clear my mind. The natural beauty of the valley became part of the learning experience. It created an atmosphere that encouraged focus without feeling isolated, and it reminded me how restorative spending time in nature can be.

Our daily schedule was structured and full and did at times feel overwhelming. There was a balance between physical practice, lectures, discussions, and personal reflection. I appreciated that the instructors encouraged questions and created an environment where everyone felt comfortable participating, regardless of previous yoga experience. Some students had been practicing for years, while others were relatively new to yoga, yet everyone was welcomed.  That openness helped create a supportive community from the very beginning.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the food. Before arriving, I knew the meals would be vegetarian, and I was honestly a little unsure about how I would feel since I’m not a vegetarian myself. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire experience. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, colorful, and full of fresh ingredients. There was enough variety that I never felt like I was missing anything, and I found myself looking forward to each meal. The flavors were excellent, and it was clear that a great deal of care went into preparing the food each day. By the end of the training, I realized how satisfying vegetarian meals can be when they’re made with creativity and attention. While I still don’t consider myself vegetarian, the experience definitely expanded my appreciation for that style of cooking.

Another small detail that made me smile throughout the training involved coffee. Coffee wasn’t really encouraged as part of the yogic lifestyle being promoted during the course, and I completely understood the reasoning behind that. However, I’m someone who genuinely enjoys my morning coffee, and whenever I asked, the staff were always happy to provide it without making me feel uncomfortable or judged. It might seem like a minor thing, but it reflected something I appreciated about the entire program. While the training introduced us to traditional yogic principles and encouraged healthy habits, some flexibility made the environment feel welcoming.

More than anything else, though, what made this experience special were the people. Spending several weeks together created friendships that developed naturally through shared experiences. We practiced together, studied together, laughed together, and supported one another through the challenges that come with an intensive training program. Some conversations happened during meals, while others took place during walks around the property.

One of the things I appreciated most was how quickly strangers became friends. It’s not often in adult life that you have the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with people from different backgrounds who all share a common purpose. Everyone brought unique perspectives, experiences, and reasons for attending the training. Listening to those stories broadened my own perspective and reminded me that yoga attracts people for many different reasons. Even though our lives outside the program were very different, we found common ground through our shared experiences during the training.

The instructors also contributed greatly to the positive atmosphere. They were knowledgeable without being intimidating and encouraged curiosity rather than perfection. There was an emphasis on developing a personal understanding of yoga instead of simply memorizing information for certification. I appreciated that the philosophy discussions invited reflection without suggesting there was only one correct way to interpret every concept. That approach made the material feel practical and relevant rather than purely academic.

As the days passed, I became more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. Teaching practice was initially intimidating, but the encouragement from instructors and classmates helped build my confidence. Constructive feedback was always delivered respectfully, and everyone genuinely wanted each other to succeed.

Outside of the classroom, there were countless moments that I’ll continue to remember. Watching the changing light across the mountains each morning, hearing birds instead of traffic, taking quiet walks around the property, and simply having time to slow down became some of my favorite parts of the experience. Those peaceful moments provided an opportunity to reflect on everything we were learning without feeling rushed to move on to the next obligation.

Looking back, I realize that what made this training so enjoyable wasn’t any single lecture or yoga pose. Instead, it was the combination of thoughtful instruction, beautiful surroundings, excellent food, supportive staff, and the friendships that developed along the way. Each element complemented the others.

I left Peru with a stronger understanding of yoga, greater confidence in my ability to teach, and a deeper appreciation for practices that encourage mindfulness and intentional living. I also left with memories of incredible meals, countless laughs with new friends, breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, and gratitude for the kindness shown by everyone at Raices Inkas Resort. Even something as simple as having a cup of coffee waiting when I asked became part of what made the experience feel personal and welcoming.

Completing the School Yoga Institute 200-hour training gave me exactly what I had hoped for: a chance to grow as a yoga practitioner, spend time in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and connect with people I’ll remember long after the course ended. It wasn’t about finding perfection or dramatically changing who I am. Instead, it was about learning, building confidence, appreciating the present moment, and sharing an unforgettable experience with an incredible group of people in an extraordinary setting.