Empower – Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-200)

Empower Yoga Teacher Training

200-RYT Registered Training

Sacred Valley, Peru

Oct 7 - 21, 2026

An Immersive Journey into Embodied Leadership in the Teaching and Practice of Yoga

Imagine waking up in the Andes of Peru, opening your window to the majestic mountains as morning light pours into the Sacred Valley. Your begin your day in stillness and mindful practice – breathing, moving, and listening – before enjoying a nourishing breakfast and gathering for the day with your fellow students to flow, study, and immerse yourself in the living wisdom of the yoga tradition. You’ll spend your days moving through asana, studying yoga’s foundational teachings, and practicing how to share this work, all within a supportive community and an environment that invites presence, clarity, and deep connection.

Empower Yoga Teacher Training

October 7 - 21, 2026

Sacred Valley, Peru

Is this Yoga Teacher Training for yoU?

You feel a genuine call to deepen your relationship with yoga, beyond poses and into lived practice
You want to become a confident, empowered yoga teacher who is truly prepared to lead classes and groups
You desire to discover and embody your own unique teaching style, rather than follow a cookie-cutter format
You are excited to use your voice, creativity, and presence as part of your teaching
You seek a training that emphasizes embodiment, confidence, and real-world teaching skills
You love personal growth and are willing to meet yourself honestly at your growth edge
You feel inspired by immersive, land-based experiences and learning in nature, and are drawn to Peru and sacred wisdom traditions
You value community, connection, and mutual support and are seeking an inspiring group of students to learn and grow with
Feel excited to integrate yoga philosophy, anatomy, asana, breathwork, and mindfulness into a holistic path
You may feel called to teach yoga — or may simply feel called to live yoga more fully in your daily life

The Heart of the EMPOWER YTT

Our focus is on empowerment, confidence, and embodied skill-building, so that you leave not only informed in yoga studies but ready. Ready to stand in front of a group, to use your voice, and to lead classes, workshops, and experiences that are cohesive, creative, and rooted in yogic wisdom and integrity.

You will be supported to:

Develop confidence as a teacher and facilitator
Discover and refine your own unique teaching style
Craft intelligently sequenced, creatively themed classes
Integrate yoga philosophy, anatomy, asana, breath, and mindfulness into a holistic, lived practice
Step into the identity of a leader who continues learning through teaching

Through this training, you will be empowered to explore and discover your unique aptitudes, passions and interests, and to move forward with confidence to develop a teaching style that’s all your own.

What You'll Learn:

This training meets Yoga Alliance’s curriculum requirements with a focus on embodied, somatic, and conscious teaching practices:

Techniques, Training, and Practice (75 hours)

Asana breakdown, alignment, modifications, and functional anatomy
Meditation and pranayama techniques (Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati)
Energy body studies (Kosha, Chakra, Nadi)

Teaching Methodology (50 hours)

Sequencing and class planning
Cueing and voice integration
Teaching practicums and hands-on feedback

Anatomy & Physiology (30 hours)

Major skeletal and muscular systems
Nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems
Injury awareness and management

Yoga History, Philosophy & Ethics (30 hours)

Introduction to the Yoga Sutras
Sanskrit foundations
Ethical considerations for yoga teachers

Electives & Empowerment Coaching (15 hours)

Somatic embodiment and nervous system mastery
Emotional awareness and shadow integration
Leadership, communication, and authentic expression

Total Contact Hours: 200 hours (with additional self-study included).

What's Included:

14 nights accommodation at Hacienda Paucartika
3 vegetarian meals daily (meat available on request)
Coffee, tea, water, and snacks
14-day immersive Hatha Yoga Teacher training program and 200-hour training manual
Offsite excursions and cultural experiences
Despacho ceremony and optional temezcal
Group support pre- and post-immersion via WhatsApp and live calls
Two 1-1 sessions (with Hillary and Kristen) post-training to support your growth and integration

Not Included/Optional add-ons:

Airfare to and from Cusco (CUZ) airport
Transportation to retreat center (we can help to arrange)
Additional excursions post-training (we can help you plan Machu Picchu)
Optional Huachuma (San Pedro) ceremony the weekend after our immersion

Please Note: We will have a selection of required reading for you to obtain as part of your study; there will be a list of other recommended resources for you to work with as well.

What makes this training unique?

Cultural Immersion

Throughout the training, we will periodically step outside the classroom to engage with the living wisdom of the Sacred Valley. These experiences may include Andean-inspired ceremonies such as a despacho ceremony, temezcal, and a visit to a local waterfall, allowing the land itself to become part of the learning journey. These moments are woven thoughtfully into the training to support integration, reverence, and a strong connection to the land where we are learning. We see this as embodied integration of yogic teachings – a true meeting of Eastern and Andean spiritual practice.

Focus on Facilitation

While many yoga teacher trainings provide a heavy emphasis on theory but leave new teachers feeling unsure once they step into the studio, we balance these important theoretical teachings with plenty of focus on applied methodology, teaching practice, and developing confidence and facilitation skills so you’ll be empowered to start teaching once you graduate. Our training will support you in developing your own unique style of leadership and teaching that you’ll continue to refine in the months and years to come!

Hybrid Program Model

Through this training, you’ll receive the benefits of both an in-person immersive two-week training experience, as well as an extended learning period to integrate training materials before and after our immersion. We’ll meet virtually both before and after our training together in Peru, and a portion of your 200-hours will be comprised of self-directed study. Integration is huge for us, and you’ll be well supported by our community after leaving Peru in starting your teaching career.

Meet Your Facilitators

Kristen Yates

Kristen Yates, a Sacral 6/3 Generator, is a breathwork facilitator and somatic guide, RYT-500 yoga instructor, and shamanic practitioner who supports people with embodying their true nature and awakening their innate healing capacities within. With a background in psychology, trauma-informed somatic therapy, relational work and integrative wellness, she weaves Eastern and Western healing modalities to create safe and potent spaces for transformation.

As a multi-faceted facilitator, Kristen guides her students through a journey of returning to their bodies, integrating their soul parts, and emerging with a deeper connection to their most authentic expression. She believes we all hold a deep wisdom in our bodies, and weaves movement, breathwork and embodiment practices with energy work and intuitive guidance into her workshop and retreat spaces.

A nomad at heart, she currently makes her home in the Sacred Valley of Peru and regularly facilitates retreats, workshops, and ceremonies worldwide.

Hilary Atalina

Hilary is an ERYT-500 Registered Yoga Instructor and the founder of Soulpreneur Yoga.

After years in the corporate grind, I realized I’d built a life that looked successful but didn’t feel alive. So, I left it all behind — no plan, just curiosity and a backpack. Six months across Central and South America woke something in me, a deeper rhythm, a slower pace, a sense of self.

That journey led me to Costa Rica, where I immersed myself in yoga in a tiny Caribbean beach town. It was raw and wild – the kind of experience that changes your perspective on things.

Since then, yoga has been my compass. I’ve taught in Denver, San Francisco, and now Lake Tahoe, weaving together movement, philosophy, and community. In 2021, I founded Soulpreneur Yoga, a school dedicated to helping others live their practice beyond the mat and build a life that sustains them — mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Hacienda Paucartika

Hacienda Paucartika, our retreat center, is a place where history and nature converge to create a truly transformative experience. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, beneath the ancient Incan ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, this beautiful 300-year-old Hacienda offers a uniquely unforgettable stay, and a breathtaking and supportive space for our training to unfold.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush gardens, this sacred space invites you to step into a world where time slows down and the beauty of nature nurtures every moment. This will be our nourishing sanctuary space for your training experience to unfold – surrounded by lush gardens, sacred mountains, a family of animals (alpacas and our resident horse will become your new friends here!) – and nourishing foods from local farms to feed your experience.

Our Accommodations

We have several different styles of accommodations for you to choose from: Shared (double or triple with either shared or ensuite bathroom; first-come, first-served) and private with shared bathroom or ensuite (also first-come, first-served).

All accommodations offer comfortable mattresses, WiFi, hot-water showeres and access to our expansive gardens and chillout spaces on the property.

All accommodations will be allocated first-come, first-served!

Shared Room

$1800 (Early Bird)

$2200 (after March 30)

Private Room:

$2600 (Early Bird)

$3000 (after March 30)

We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your place. The next 50% of remaining balance will be due one month before arrival, and the final 50% will be due one week before arrival.

YOGA LIFE IN PERU

During our two weks together, you will train in one of the most energetically-charged places on the planet, hike unforgettable in unforgettable mountain landscapes, and be nourished by primarily organic, farm-to-table meals, pairing healing and nutritious whole foods with vibrant flavor and the joy of dining together with our training family – not to mention the incredible bonds formed with your fellow trainees throughout our experience!

Travel logistics

You will fly into Cusco International Airport (CUZ) and travel approximately 1 hour to reach our retreat center. While you’ll be responsible for payment for your shuttle transfer, we will share with you our trusted contacts who will bring you right to the Hacienda. Private taxi will cost around $40, and you can certainly coordinate with other participants who may have similar arrival times. (We have left that initial taxi up to particpants as some people may be arriving to the Valley early.)

We are happy to support with any travel/flight questions you have!

Americans and Europeans receive a 90-day tourist visa to Peru on arrival. Any questions you may have, please get in touch!

Ready to Apply?

Love from past retreats:

The Awaken Your Magic (Huachuma) retreat was nothing short of a magical and life-changing experience. Since it was hosted by Kristen I already knew it was going to be wonderful, but I had no idea of what to expect as I've never experienced anything like it before. For me, there were a lot of firsts: being in South America, plant medicine in a group setting, spending so much time with new people. It was so much more beautiful than I could've ever imagined.

I'm so grateful for Kristen for designing the perfect agenda which gave me the freedom to not worry about logistics and be fully present in the moment. I appreciated having the 3 ceremony days as well as all the days in between / before / after. I love how she emphasized the integration process as just as important (or more important) than the ceremonies.

I love how the retreat was a holistic full-body experience, as we were provided many tools to connect with our body (ex. yoga / massage / temazcal), mind (ex. meditation / journaling), heart, and soul (ex. conversations / music / nature). Through both the medicine and the surrounding conversations / activities, my mind and heart have been opened, as I feel a much deeper connection with myself and the universe around me. At the end, I felt a deep bond with the other retreat attendees / facilitators and I have been able to re-enter my life with a newfound sense of purpose.

-- Christine Li (Awaken Your Magic Retreat - Peru 2022)

Kristen is one of the brightest lights I’ve ever seen in this world, honestly – so to get to spend a week with her was the greatest gift.

One thing that really stands out about Kristen is this spectrum of depth, the huge capacity she has for depth on a deep, soul, love, compassion level – and then her capacity for joy, play, humor, and dance... she just has this huge capacity and breadth for all of the things – feeling the emotion, and the experience of life. For me, being around Kristen and being taught by Kristen is really just to experience life in the fullest.

Leaving this retreat, I’m walking away with a very peaceful heart - something that isn’t always easy for me. I can easily get in my head and be very self-critical, and that was one of my intentions coming in was to tap into my inner self worth and self love. Walking away I feel very loving of myself, I feel so much peace in my heart and love for myself and a deeper love for others. Ultimately, that’s what I want – to live a life of love, and I really feel like I got to deepen that here at the retreat with all the wonderful people, beautiful facilitators, and beautiful Bali! It’s been an incredible journey.

-- Jamie Grant (Awaken the Magic Retreat - Bali 2020)

This was my first retreat, and it couldn’t have gone any better! We all immediately started connecting from the get-go, and created a very space warm place to express anything we felt or anything that wanted to be shared.

The group made the experience so amazing - our energies combined from the beginning and it created such a safe space for everyone to fully express what they were feeling with no judgment.

I feel free, and fearless! I feel like there’s a lot of things for me to do to continue this journey, and even build a stronger connection with myself and all the people I’ve met.

-- Azaelia Solari (Awaken the Magic Retreat - Bali 2020)

I don’t even know where to begin! It’s been amazing. This retreat was more than what I thought it was going to be - it was my first retreat, and I had already felt the energy just from booking it – I definitely touched parts and emotions and feelings in myself and my life that are uncomfortable to me - which while it started out as a bit difficult, was also rewarding like a breath of fresh air after. There’s so many tools and exercises that I’ve picked up from this last week that I know I can take home - things I can use and practice to make me feel better and work on certain things in my life that I want to shift. Also a lot of tools that I can teach people around me that are experiencing the same things as me. For the first time, I feel like I’ve gained a lot of clarity, and feel so certain about so many things about myself. To have such a great, great amazing group of people where I can be vulnerable, which was one of the hardest things for me, and express myself and not feel judged - and learn that I’m not alone - was so rewarding. I feel blessed that I got to experience this, in such a crazy time! I would not be anywhere else - I don’t even want to go home! Why wasn’t this longer?!

-- Antonette Rosarias (Awaken the Magic Retreat - Bali 2020)

Kristen is an amazing facilitator who creates beautiful space for transformation. She’s truly in her element when guiding a group – her openness, availability, and passion for sharing this work is such a special experience.

-- Janie Lin (Soul on Fire Retreat)

My experience was so wonderful because I had the opportunity to connect with so many different people. Meeting this many people, I was initially a bit nervous, because I typically tend to shy away from larger groups. But the connection workshops that we did, and spending time with each other - I felt so safe, and I didn’t have the normal “group anxiety” that I tend to have.

I’m walking away with a sense of individuality and more understanding of myself and the ways that I’m currently showing up in the world - and how I can shift that to something that I want more. Maybe I want to show up differently than I have been - and I feel like this really made that clear and brought that to light.

-- Kaleigh Smith (Awaken the Magic Retreat - Bali , 2020)

Kristen's Soul on Fire Retreat was amazing. I can’t even explain how much magic there was and how beautifully it all came together with the people, the teachers, the exercises, the adventures, the food, the mix of work and relaxation. It all just added up to such a magical weekend.

I came into this feeling introverted and in my head, and the shared journey and adventures and yoga and ceremony and creative exercises cracked open my heart and allowed me to be relaxed and open and really flowing both in my personal and professional development.

Kristen is an awesome facilitator who really created a transformational space for us all on the retreat. She possesses the perfect blend of being a strong leader with great skills (especially yoga!), but also an equal member of the family we formed together.

-- Mike Iskandar (Soul on Fire Retreat - Thailand 2017)

More Love and feedback:

It was amazing. It gives me chills to say this. I felt reached on a spiritual level, understood and met, and also inspired, energized, and really touched by everyone in the group. It was one of the first times in my life where I've felt I could show up and be exactly who I am, where I am, and be held with appreciation. That's really rare. To be seen and held and to see and hold other people in their awakening -- which is imperfect and beautiful. It's a profound experience. AND, it was also equally playful and magical! Usually, you have either a serious "transformative" space, or a playful one, but this group was both! And, I really loved everyone in it. Thank you, Kristen.

-- Heather Schwarz (True Self Program)

Kristen’s yoga classes were amongst the best I’ve ever attended. Her attention to each student’s needs (and consequent adaptation of poses), to their wellbeing throughout the class, to the sequence and pace of the class, was excellent every time. In addition, she is adept at ensuring that every person feels welcome and safe, no matter their experience level, and her personal warmth quickly puts everyone at ease! Kristen is truly gifted as a yoga instructor - in an industry where there are many people who don’t belong in it, she is one of the few who really do, who push the bar for what yoga can be for each individual and as a collective experience.

-- Steph Lisa Kelly (Yoga classes)

What I love about Kristen's coaching is her presence, attention, and focus... there aren't many people who have that gift, so it's very special to connect with someone who sees you and hears your truth! I felt like you saw in me what what I couldn't see in myself, and was what blocking me for all those years.

Since you opened my eyes to my truth I now wake up every morning with a lighter heart because now I know what's my purpose. You helped me to see the potential in me and that's a beautiful gift to give to anyone in this world! And finally you helped me to find a business ideas that is related to my story and my life experiences which is what I have been looking for, for so many years!

-- Judith Gregoire (Private coaching)

I don't know how Kristen did it, but within 30 minutes of our theta healing session I could clearly see the root of some massive blocks I'd been experiencing in both my business and personal life for months (possibly years!). It was like peeling an onion where deep layers of blocks that had been holding me back were being identified and removed... I've never experienced anything like it before. I came out of our session (which was all done over a video call) with so much clarity, profound insights into my own psyche, and a clear path ahead to move forwards.

-- Leanne Beesley (Healing sessions)