While there are so many things to do and see in Cusco – Peru, some of the most treasured experiences cannot be planned for. I’ll never forget the time we were invited to participate in a Alpaca Blessing Ceremony in one of the villages outside of Ollantaytambo which is part of the sacred Valley
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and we will drive through the mountains to Patacancha community, located on the other side of the Sacred Valley, on a scenic journey through the Willoq village dotting the mountainside.
As we departed from Ollantaytambo with our small van zig-zagging up the mountain, we watched as rugged streams and sprawling green hills rolled by. After about an hour, we reached the first village, where we were introduced to several locals who were so kind and quickly became our friends in a matter of minutes.
We learned about how they live their day to day lives before continuing on another hour or so until we reached the Andean highlands.
On arrival to Patacancha we will meet the local coordinator, they will be our guide & culture interpreter. Our next destination is the Alpaca farm of one of the local families. We will take a little walk (about 20 minutes) to get to their alpaca farm. Be aware that we will be walking at over 4000 meters altitude. The hike is very gentle but it might feel difficult since the air is thin. Bring a warm coat because the wind at this altitude is cool.
There we meet the local shepherds and learn about the alpacas, the rituals before shearing them and the importance of thanking the mountains (Apus), and mother earth (Pachamama) for providing the clothes and food from the Alpaca. This is an extremely special moment of connection with the spirituality of the Quechua people.
Our ceremony will finish at around noon and we will go back to the community to enjoy a typical Andean lunch with the local family.
This alpaca ceremony is a traditional Andean ritual, particularly high in the peruvian Andes (Cusco region), honoring alpacas and Pachamama (Mother earth) for health, prosperity and good harvests, involving blessings with flowers and chicha, offerings of coca leaves, music, dancing, and adorning the animals with colorful ribbons and dyes, highlighting the deep cultural link between Andean people, their animals, and the land.
This is an inspiring cultural experience awaits you on this 4-day tour to Machu Picchu. The tours starts in Cusco city to visit the marvelous Inca and Colonial architecture and then to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Tour the stunning Maras salt mines and then discover the world of the Patacancha Community to experience their traditional customs and ceremony of the sacred alpaca. Then tour the magical Machu Picchu of the Incas, that will touch you spiritually.
| Day 1 | Welcome to Cusco – City Tour |
| Day 2 | Sacred Valley of the Incas – Maras Salt Mines |
| Day 3 | Alpaca Bleesing Ceremony – Aguas Calientes |
| Day 4 | Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco |