Day 1
Flavors of the Andes

We will depart Cusco at 8:30 AM after breakfast in the hotel.  After a 1-hour 15-minute drive to the Sacred Valley town of Lamay, we will a short dirt road to the community of Huchuy Qosqo. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an amazing community reception ceremony complete with traditional music and beautiful Incan flowers (Kantu).  This ceremony represents an offering to the “Pacha Mama” (Mother-Earth in Quechua) to thank her for this new day and the chance for people of different cultures to share an intercultural experience together. 

After the welcoming ceremony, we will begin the activity “Flavors of the Andes.”  You will be presented an apron and taken to the communal cooking area where the activity will take place.  At first, we will see a short presentation about the various different ingredients used in Andean cuisine and what their nutritional values are.  Each participant will work side-by-side with a local from Huchuy Qosqo and our guide will be on hand to make sure that you understand every step of the process.  At first, we will get to help prepare a savory lunch that we will enjoy at 1:00, and then we will take a short break before starting on dinner.  Products such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, grains and organic vegetables are the stars of this culinary exhibition. All villagers have been trained in sanitary food preparation, and the food is guaranteed to be safe. At 6:00 PM, we will enjoy our homemade dinner as well as a traditional dance and theatre performance by the locals. 

We will spend the night in rural homestays in the community.  They are clean and comfortable, and bathrooms with running water and hot showers are provided.  After dinner, passengers will be treated to a unique intercultural presentation with local dancing, Andean poetry and storytelling, and a warm campfire.  You can relax under the starry sky and truly become part of the rural Andean lifestyle for a night. 

Day 2
Builders of the Tawantinsuyo

On day two, we will wake up early and enjoy a breakfast provided by the locals. After eating we will join up with local guides from the community and begin the 4-hour hike to the Ancient Incan ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco” in Quechua), which was the country residence of the Inca Ruler Wiracocha. It is a huge complex of terraces and buildings constructed on solid polished stone bases. Like all great Inca centers it is divided into a sacred palace, an agricultural section and a recreational zone. Departing from the town of Huchuy Qosqo, we will reach the ruins after a moderate hike of four hours and visit the archaeological complex located at an altitude of 3652 meters above sea level (11,800 feet). There you can enjoy of an exquisite view of the Sacred Valley and you will also gain a better understanding of the Inca´s idea of space.  Our guides from the community of Huchuy Qosqo will explain to you the significance of the ruins, and enact an awesome cultural ceremony and offering to Mother Earth with you right at the ruins!

After our visit to the ruins, we will go back to the village of Huchuy Qosqo on an alternative route. Awaiting our return in the village of Huchuy Qosqo, will be a delectable Andean meal prepared by the villagers – who are well trained in safe food preparation.  At 7:00, we will return to Cusco.

Rural Tourism Overnight

Rural homestay accommodations are provided in Huchuy Qosqo.  They are clean and comfortable, and bathrooms with running water and hot showers are provided.  Dinner will be provided and before eating, passengers will be treated to a unique intercultural presentation with local dancing, Andean poetry and storytelling, and a warm campfire.  You can relax under the starry sky and truly become part of the rural Andean lifestyle for a night.