The Hormiguitas de Taucca Community Tourism Association (3762 meters above sea level) is located in the Rural Community of the same name, situated in the district of Chinchero in the city of Cusco. The Taucca community is a small and picturesque Andean village that preserves its ancestral traditions, well known for its agricultural activities: harvesting potatoes, corn, broad beans, barley, and wheat.
This association, led by Andean women from the Taucca community, also engages in the production of traditional textiles, using weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Once in Taucca, we can experience an authentic and enriching visit, including textile making, participation in agricultural activities, llama and alpaca herding, and exploring its stunning landscapes. It is an excellent way to learn about Andean culture through its very protagonists.
At 08:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center) in a private tourist vehicle and head towards the Taucca community, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away. The journey will take you through picturesque landscapes, mountains, and lagoons. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by local hosts with music, dances, and muña tea. After a brief introduction from each host in their native language (Quechua), you will be invited to participate in some of their daily activities, including a demonstration of agricultural products, an explanation of ancestral tools, a presentation of medicinal plants, and a demonstration and exhibition of Andean textiles, covering the entire traditional textile process of Chinchero.
Finally, we will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by the Hormiguitas de Taucca with local ingredients. Before the farewell, you will have the opportunity to purchase the textile products displayed by the community’s women.
The tour concludes with a return transfer to Cusco or to the Ollantaytambo train station.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS IN THE EXPERIENTIAL TOUR:
To provide visitors with an authentic and enriching experience that allows them to connect deeply with the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Andean community, supporting community development and the preservation of traditions. Tourists actively participate, creating an unforgettable experience for both themselves and the community.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY IN TAUCCA
In this activity, visitors become participants in the local agricultural tradition. First, various products cultivated in the fields are showcased, such as native potatoes, corn, quinoa, and other tubers and cereals that are essential to the Andean diet. Then, the Hormiguitas from the Taucca community explain the use of ancestral tools like the chaquitaclla, a manual plow used since pre-Incan times, and other traditional implements that have been passed down through generations. Visitors also learn about agricultural techniques adapted to the natural cycles and climatic conditions of the region, providing a deeper understanding of the connection between the land, culture, and community.
MEDICINAL PLANTS DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITY
In this activity, visitors are shown a selection of medicinal plants such as muña, chamomile, eucalyptus, coca, among others. The Hormiguitas from the Taucca community provide detailed explanations of each plant’s healing properties and their use in traditional Andean medicine for treating various ailments, from digestive issues to colds and muscle pain. Additionally, visitors learn how to prepare natural infusions and ointments, allowing them to participate in the process. This activity not only offers valuable knowledge about natural medicine but also connects visitors with the ancestral practices that continue to thrive in the community.
TEXTILE ACTIVITY
In this activity, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the textile legacy of the Taucca community in Chinchero, Cusco. It begins with a presentation on the history and cultural significance of Andean textiles, delivered by the Hormiguitas de Taucca, local expert weavers. Following this, a demonstration of the entire textile process is conducted, starting with the shearing and washing of wool. Participants can observe the natural dyeing of the wool using dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects—a traditional technique that imparts vibrant colors to the threads.
Next, visitors witness the intricate weaving on traditional looms, where artisans combine skill and creativity to create unique pieces with complex iconographies that reflect the Andean worldview. Finally, a collection of finished textiles, including blankets, ponchos, and other items, is displayed, which visitors can purchase as authentic souvenirs. This experience not only educates about traditional techniques but also celebrates the mastery and textile art of Chinchero.
RECOMMENDED: Please provide us with your travel insurance details before your arrival in Peru.
A group tour means that it is open for other hikers to join.
2 Travelers: $ 160 per person
3 Travelers: $ 125 per person
4 Travelers: $ 110 per person
5 Travelers: $ 105 per person
6 Travelers: $ 100 per person
7 Travelers: $ 95 per person
8 more Travelers: $ 90 per person
Private tours are available and the price depends on the size of the group.
The tour includes demonstrations of traditional agriculture, an exhibition of medicinal plants, and a presentation of Andean textiles.
The tour typically lasts a full day, from morning until after lunch in the afternoon, but it can be adjusted according to the group’s preferences.
No, the activities are designed for everyone to participate, regardless of their level of experience.
Comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes are recommended, along with sunscreen and a jacket for variable weather.
Yes, the community offers accommodation in family homes, providing a more immersive experience.
Yes, lunch is included with traditional meals prepared by community members using local ingredients.
Yes, it is possible to purchase textiles, crafts, and agricultural products directly from local artisans and farmers.
The community is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Cusco, with access via well-maintained roads.
Depending on availability, it is possible to arrange guides in English, Portuguese, or French in advance.
The objective is to promote cultural exchange, support the local economy, and preserve the community’s ancestral traditions.
The most recommended is from April to November. At this time it is the dry season, so you will not find much rain and you will fully enjoy the mountainous landscapes of the route.
For being an authorized local direct operator. We ask for 50% of the total amount of the tour, this can be done with a credit card, bank deposit or Western Union. Please note that for a prior reservation, our sellers will ask you for basic and important information such as: Copy of Passport or Identity Document (your identification must be valid and if it is expired, you can make the reservation but you must bring the two original passports to the control at the beginning of the walk), another document will also be the Student Card (if you have it), this so that the corresponding discounts can be applied.
No, unfortunately it is not possible to change the dates, it is important that when booking, you are very sure.
As a recommendation, we inform you that you only bring what is necessary, for example light clothing for the day since when doing the walk you will become warm and warm clothing for the higher altitude areas and at night. A 45 Liter backpack can be good, so you can comfortably carry your belongings. Of course you have the option of renting an extra porter for your own belongings. We have porters who carry 15Kg and it costs US$170 American Dollars for the entire trip and porters who carry up to 7Kg which costs US$85 American Dollars for the entire trip. Additionally, do not forget to bring your daily backpack, with everything you need such as: sweets, snacks, rain poncho, jacket, water, etc. You can also review the recommendations section.
The kitchen will be in charge of an expert chef who will prepare meals based on fish, meat, chicken, salads and other Andean products. While breakfast is prepared based on hot drinks (coffee, mates, chocolate, tea), milk, breads, pancakes, jams, eggs, among others. All products are select of good quality and purchased directly from local farmers or markets.
If you have any allergies, dietary restrictions be sure to inform us by email or other means once you have completed your reservation so we can take all necessary precautions. If you are vegetarian/vegan you must also let us know and we can adapt the meals.
Walking poles are really important for this hike since they will help you a lot to avoid problems with your knees and to have a little more strength when ascending or descending. Please note that there are stair ascents and also stair descents so we recommend that you bring a pair of walking sticks.
Yes, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, the most recommended are -10°c bags. Regarding the mat, it is in the price of the tour, however, at the beginning of the walk the guide will give you one and you have to carry it throughout the journey.
Our guides have been trained to respond to emergencies and use first aid equipment appropriately. And above all to manage the group in difficult situations. Therefore, in the event of an accident, you will be attended to by the guide and a member of the team will see the safest and fastest way to leave the Inca trail to transfer you to a medical center. We will be with you at all times of your recovery.
We will travel on the Inca Trail with the first aid kit and oxygen.
No, it is advisable to be in good physical condition to carry out the walk since you will climb maximum heights of 4000 meters above sea level. Before taking the service you must be honest about your health condition or concern. You are responsible for thinking and deciding whether or not a tour is right for you.