Umasbamba Andean Spirit on the Shores of the Sacred Lagoon

Imagine a place where time seems to dance to the rhythm of ancestral melodies, where skilled hands weave stories in vibrant colors, and the generous land offers its most precious fruits.

Welcome to Umasbamba, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the picturesque district of Chinchero. Nestled on the shores of the beautiful Piuray Lagoon, this ancestral community pulses with the life of its origins, zealously guarding its art, traditions, soul-stirring music, dances that narrate legends, a cuisine that seduces the senses, and a way of life that invites you to reconnect with the essence of the Andes. Every traveler who ventures into this beautiful village is captivated by its cultural richness – a living legacy waiting to be discovered.

Duration:
1 day
Dificult:
Moderate
Group size:
From 2 to 16 people
Altitude:
3800 m.a.s.l
Travel style:
Cultural & Experiential

From the very first moment, you will be welcomed with the warmth of our people and the contagious joy of traditional music — a melody that embraces you and invites you to be part of this unique experience. At our cozy reception center, a steaming cup of traditional muña tea will greet you — a taste of the land that prepares you for the sensory journey ahead.

Discover the secrets of chicha, the ancestral drink, in our Aja Wasi — “House of Chicha”, where you’ll learn the traditional process of crafting this ceremonial beverage made from fermented corn. Community members will share the ingredients, techniques, and the spiritual meaning that this drink holds in Andean celebrations and traditions.

Next, you’ll explore the agricultural richness cultivated with care by local families. You’ll encounter an impressive variety of traditional crops, all grown using ancestral techniques that respect the earth and its cycles — a colorful mosaic of corn, native potatoes, fava beans, and many other Andean species that nourish both body and soul.

Traveling into the past, you’ll witness an exhibition of ancestral farming tools, used for generations to till the land — a testament to the ingenuity and wisdom of the native peoples who learned to live in harmony with nature.

Then, you’ll learn about the valuable knowledge of medicinal plants that grow in Umasbamba’s fields. The community will explain how these plants have been used since time immemorial to treat both physical and spiritual ailments, passing their properties and uses from generation to generation — an essential part of traditional Andean medicine.

Experience ancestral wisdom through a presentation on eco-construction, where you’ll learn how locals build their homes using natural materials like adobe, straw, wood, and mud. These traditional methods not only protect against cold and rain but also reflect deep respect for the environment and Pachamama’s resources.

Your visit continues with a demonstration of Andean textile art, one of the richest cultural expressions of the Andes. Local weavers will show you how, using sheep’s wool and natural dyes, they create colorful textiles full of symbolism and ancestral knowledge. Each design tells a story — a worldview, a living heritage passed down through every thread.

You’ll also have the chance to experience daily community life through guinea pig breeding, a key element of Andean culture. Learn about their care, their role in traditional cuisine, and their importance in family celebrations and rituals.

At the end of the day, as it’s time to say goodbye, the music will play once again — an ancestral echo that will remain in your memory. You’ll leave not only with unforgettable sights and scents but also with a profound connection to the spirit of Umasbamba, a community that welcomes you with an open heart and shares its wisdom, joy, and way of life.

RECOMMENDED:

Please share your travel insurance information with us prior to arriving in Peru.

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

  • Private tourist transportation
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
  • Local guide from the Umasbamba community, Cusco
  • Welcome reception with flowers, traditional music, and coca or muña tea
  • Lunch (prepared by the community)
  • Participation in all community workshops detailed in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

  • Meals not mentioned
  • Activities not mentioned
  • Tips

Private Tour

$ 270 USD

Private Tour Pricing

For details on our private tour prices, contact us at [email protected] or reach us via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.

We recommend bringing:

  • Passport or ID
  • Personal backpack
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
  • Warm clothing for the afternoon
  • Rain poncho
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Personal medications
  • Cash for purchases (Soles or USD)

Frequent Questions

The tour includes a warm welcome with traditional music and muña tea, participation in chicha-making at the Aja Wasi, visits to agricultural plots, ancestral tool exhibitions, insights into medicinal plants, a bio-construction presentation, textile art demonstration, and a visit to guinea pig breeding areas.

The tour typically lasts a full day, from morning to afternoon (after lunch), but can be adjusted to group preferences.

No, all activities are designed to be accessible regardless of prior experience.

We recommend comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for walking, along with sun protection and a jacket for variable weather.

Yes, the community offers homestay accommodations, allowing for a more immersive experience.

Yes, lunch is included and is prepared by local families using fresh, local products. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Yes, you can purchase textiles, crafts, and agricultural products directly from local artisans and farmers.

Our private transportation departs from downtown Cusco toward Chinchero. The ride takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.

Depending on availability, we can provide guides in English, Portuguese, or French upon prior request.

Your visit directly supports the community’s social and economic development. Community-based tourism in Umasbamba promotes cultural appreciation, preserves Andean traditions, and generates sustainable income for local families.

Yes, we recommend booking in advance to ensure proper coordination and personalized attention from the community.

Price From: $ 270.00








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