The Andean Connection: Alpaca Encounters & Local Living

Your experience begins with a private meeting with your guide at the hotel before setting out on a scenic drive toward Chinchero. Along the way, you will witness the beauty of the Andean landscape, where agricultural terraces, mountain peaks, and traditional villages reflect the enduring rhythm of life in the highlands.

Upon arrival in the community of Umasbamba, located in the Ñujchu sector, you will be welcomed by local hosts with traditional music and a warm cup of muña herbal tea. This first encounter sets the tone for a day dedicated to connecting with the living culture of the Andes.

You will then enjoy a gentle walk alongside the community’s alpacas and llamas, taking in the surrounding mountain scenery and the peaceful pace of local life. Throughout the visit, you will participate in a variety of activities that offer insight into regional traditions. These include a visit to the Aqha Wasi (traditional chicha house), an interactive presentation on native potato varieties, and introductions to bioconstruction techniques and the traditional use of medicinal plants.

You will also have the opportunity to observe a traditional weaving demonstration, where local artisans share techniques that have been passed down through generations.

A highlight of the day is the unveiling of the Pachamanca, a traditional meal slow-cooked underground using heated stones. More than a culinary experience, Pachamanca is an expression of gratitude to the earth and an opportunity to enjoy locally sourced ingredients prepared according to ancestral traditions.

At the end of the visit, you will return to Cusco carrying with you the memories, stories, and meaningful encounters that make this experience a genuine introduction to contemporary Andean culture.