Description
Located 12 km from Ollantaytambo, the community of Huilloc opens its doors to show the millenary relationship between Andean man and the alpaca. More than a visual tour, this is an opportunity to integrate into the daily life of a community that preserves its roots intact. Upon arrival, the sounds of the pututo and local music mark the beginning of a genuine cultural exchange experience, where the visitor stops being an observer to become, for a few hours, part of the Huilloc family.
Resume
- Reception: Welcome with traditional music and flowers by the community members.
- Acclimatization: Introductory talk about alpaca breeding and muña tea.
- Identity: Use of the typical hand-woven clothing of the community.
- Activity: Gentle walk with alpacas through local trails.
- Learning: Complete demonstration of the textile process (shearing, spinning, and dyeing).
- Gastronomy: Traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the community of Huilloc, the community members will receive you with the sound of the pututo and local music. A host from the area will welcome you with flowers, sharing the importance of the alpaca in their culture and the benefits that this animal brings to the economy and community life.
Connection and Preparation Before starting the activities, we will share a hot muña tea, ideal for digestion and acclimatization to the altitude. At this moment, participants will be invited to dress in traditional typical clothing woven by themselves, allowing them to integrate visually and spiritually as part of the Huilloc family.
Walk with Alpacas We will begin a gentle walk of approximately 15 to 20 minutes accompanied by the alpacas. The tour takes place along Andean trails surrounded by natural landscapes, always adjusting the pace to the group and their physical condition to ensure a peaceful experience.
Demonstration of the Textile Process You will learn the complete cycle of alpaca wool directly from the experts. The community members will perform a demonstration that includes shearing, spinning, and dyeing with natural dyes extracted from plants and minerals, culminating with the backstrap loom weaving technique that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Community Lunch and Farewell To finish the day, we will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with ingredients grown in the same community. This is a good time to talk with the hosts and learn more about their vision of the Andean world before starting the return.
Include
- Traditional lunch.
- Local host.
- Muña tea.
- Andean community immersion.
Not include
- Round-trip transportation (Cusco or Ollantaytambo).
- External professional guide (optional).
- Tips and purchases of local crafts.
Recommendations
- Clothing and Weather: Use closed and comfortable shoes for walking on dirt. Bring a warm jacket, as in Huilloc the temperature can drop quickly if it gets cloudy.
- Protection: The sun in this area is very strong due to the altitude. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours and use a cap or hat.
- Health: Due to the altitude, walk slowly and take advantage of the muña tea offered at the beginning to help with digestion and oxygenation.
- Cash: Bring cash (soles) if you wish to buy textiles directly from the artisans, as there are no ATMs or card terminals in the area.
The visual experience
Important
- Cultural Exchange: The community of Huilloc is a living village. It is recommended to maintain an attitude of respect toward their customs and ask for permission before taking direct photographs of people.
- Language: The main communication of the community members is Quechua. The host speaks basic Spanish to facilitate interaction, but the experience is largely based on observation and practice.
- Community Support: Most of the income from this tour goes directly to local families, helping to preserve their culture and improve their quality of life.
