- GET READY FOR AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
- YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!
- ALL ABOUT EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM!
- EMBRACE THE TRADITION – EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM
- CHOOSE YOUR NEXT EXPERIENCE
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Experiential Tourism: The Ultimate Guide
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your adventure: how to reach these communities, the best time to visit, what to bring, a map of the most authentic experiences, and tips for respectful interactions with the locals. Immerse yourself in the essence of Andean culture by participating in activities such as traditional textile weaving, farming on agricultural terraces, ancestral ceremonies, and cooking typical dishes with local ingredients. Experience the warmth of local families and dive into their way of life while learning about their traditions and deep connection to the land. Make experiential tourism in Cusco an enriching and unforgettable memory!
What You Need for Experiential Tourism
Before embarking on this unique experience in the Andean communities of Cusco, such as Patacancha, Paru Paru, Sasaca, and Chinchero, make sure you are well-prepared. Follow these key tips to enjoy an unforgettable cultural immersion and avoid setbacks during your visit:
01. Documents
No olvides llevar contigo los siguiente documentos:
- Documents
- Identity Card or Foreigner Registration Card
- Passport
02. What to Bring
For participating in experiential activities, we recommend the following:
- Comfortable shoes or hiking boots
- Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
- Lightweight backpack
- Sunglasses
- Gloves for agricultural activities
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket (for rain)
- Sweater or jacket for the Andean cold
03. The Weather
Rainy Season (December – March)
- Daytime temperature: 15°C – 22°C
- Nighttime temperature: 5°C – 10°C
Dry Season (April – November)
- Daytime temperature: 18°C – 25°C
- Nighttime temperature: 0°C – 8°C
04. Altitude
Chinchero: 3,762 m.s.n.m
Paru paru: 3,900 m.s.n.m.
Patacancha: 3,900 m.s.n.m.
Sacaca: 3,800 m.s.n.m.
Umasbamba: 3,700 m.s.n.m.
Raqchi: 3,450 m.s.n.m.
05. Activities
- Participate in traditional textile workshops (Patacancha, Umasbamba)
- Learn to prepare typical dishes with local ingredients (Paru Paru, Raqchi)
- Collaborate in agricultural activities on Andean terraces (Sacsaca, Chinchero)
- Discover rituals and offerings to Pachamama (Raqchi, Paru Paru)
- Spend time with local families and learn from their daily life (Umasbamba, Chinchero)
05. Location
- Patacancha: 1 hour by car from Ollantaytambo
- Paru Paru: Near Pisaq, accessible by vehicle
- Sacsaca: Rural area 20 minutes from Chinchero
- Chinchero: 40 minutes by car from Cusco
- Umasbamba: 1 hour from Cusco, on the way to Chinchero
- Raqchi: 3 hours from Cusco, near San Pedro
01 Special Recommendations Upon Arrival to Experiential Tourism Communities
Before immersing yourself in the unique experience of experiential tourism in the Andean communities of Cusco, it’s essential to consider some key recommendations to fully enjoy your stay and respect local traditions. Here, you will find vital information for your arrival and stay in these communities.
- Where to Sleep?
- Stay in local family homes for an authentic experience.
- Learn more here ➔
- Where to Eat?
- Savor authentic Andean cuisine made with local ingredients.
- Learn more here ➔
- What activities will I find?
- Purchase traditional, handwoven textiles.
- Learn more here ➔
02 All About Experiential Tourism
Here you will find everything you need to know about Experiential Tourism in the Andean communities of Cusco. Discover the best time to visit, how to prepare for the cool mountain weather, the location of these communities, the traditions and customs that define their identity, the origins of their ancestral techniques, the duration of the experiences, and the unique activities that will immerse you in the cultural and natural richness of these lands.
- General Information
- Discover how to reach the Andean communities.
- Learn more. ➔
- Best Time to Travel
- Experience Andean traditions at their fullest.
- Learn more. ➔
- What You’ll See in the Mountains
- Immerse yourself in the daily life of the communities.
- Learn more. ➔
- Recommendations
- Get ready to connect with ancestral traditions.
- Learn more. ➔
03 Embrace the Tradition! Experiential Tourism
Discover the authenticity of experiential tourism in the Andean communities of Cusco and immerse yourself in their traditions, unique landscapes, and ancestral customs.
Patacancha Experiential Tour Andean RootsSee details ➔- Experiential Tourism in Umasbamba Live AuthenticitySee details ➔
- Paru Paru Experiential Tour Secrets of the Andes
- Sacaca Experiential Tour Ancestral Customs
- Taucca Experiential Tour Villages in the Heights
- Experiential Tourism in Raqchi The Essence of Villages
04 Discover Our All-Inclusive Packages
Explore the best of Cusco with our tailored experiential tourism packages. Immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of authentic communities. Create unforgettable memories by participating in daily activities such as farming, handicrafts, traditional gastronomy, and much more, while connecting with the culture and nature of the Sacred Valley’s heart.
**Frequently Asked Questions about Experiential Tourism in Cusco**
Experiential tourism in Cusco offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of local communities. This type of tourism allows you to share daily activities such as farming, crafts, gastronomy, and festivities, providing an authentic and enriching experience.
The most prominent communities for experiential tourism in Cusco include Patacancha, Paru Paru, Umasbamba, Chinchero, and Raqchi. Each community offers unique experiences that connect visitors with their culture, traditions, and landscapes.
Activities vary depending on the community you visit but generally include traditional weaving workshops, participation in farming tasks, preparing typical dishes, guided walks around the area, and storytelling of local oral traditions. You can also participate in Andean festivities and rituals.
Accommodation is typically in family homes adapted for visitors. These homes offer basic comforts, such as beds and shared bathrooms, while maintaining an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for full cultural immersion.
The cost varies depending on the community and the services included, such as transportation, accommodation, and meals. Generally, prices range from $40 to $100 USD per person per day. Our agency offers packages tailored to different budgets with a focus on respecting the communities.
The best time is during the dry season, from May to November, when weather conditions are more favorable for outdoor activities and exploring the communities without inconveniences.
It is not necessary to speak Quechua, as most communities have guides or hosts who also speak Spanish. However, learning a few basic Quechua words can enrich your experience and strengthen your connection with the hosts.
It is recommended to bring comfortable layered clothing, suitable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a lightweight backpack. It is also important to carry cash in small bills for local purchases or tips.
Experiential tourism is an excellent option for families and elderly individuals, as many activities are flexible and can be adapted to different energy and mobility levels. Communities are also very welcoming to all visitors.
Experiential tourism generates direct income for communities, fosters sustainable economic development, and strengthens the preservation of cultural traditions. It also promotes cultural exchange and raises visitors’ awareness of the importance of respecting and valuing local customs.
