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Umasbamba Andean Spirit on the Shores of the Sacred Lagoon
From
$270.00 pp
The Hormiguitas de Taucca (Little Ants of Taucca) Community Tourism Association, located at 3,762 meters above sea level, is based in the rural community of Taucca, in the Chinchero district of Cusco. This picturesque Andean village is known for preserving ancient traditions and its thriving agricultural lifestyle, including the cultivation of potatoes, corn, fava beans, barley, and wheat.
Led by a group of strong Andean women, the association specializes in traditional textile production using ancestral weaving techniques passed down through generations.
Once you arrive in Taucca, you’ll embark on an authentic and enriching journey. Experience the hands-on creation of traditional textiles, take part in farming activities, herd llamas and alpacas, and explore breathtaking landscapes. It’s a powerful way to connect with Andean culture—through the very people who live it.
At 8:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in central Cusco for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the community of Taucca. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of majestic mountains and serene lagoons—a beautiful prelude to the warm welcome awaiting you.
Upon arrival, the heart of Taucca greets you with lively music, traditional dances, and the comforting aroma of muña herbal tea. Each host will introduce themselves in their native Quechua language and invite you to join their daily activities.
Learn the secrets of Andean crops, discover the ingenious use of ancient farming tools, and be amazed by the healing power of native plants gifted by Pachamama (Mother Earth). Immerse yourself in the art of Andean weaving, from wool selection to the final threads, and feel the love and dedication the “Hormiguitas” pour into every piece. You’ll also have the chance to purchase these handcrafted works of art directly from the artisans.
Your Taucca experience continues with a traditional Andean lunch, lovingly prepared with fresh, local ingredients by the women of the community, accompanied by aromatic muña or coca tea. Before saying goodbye, take a piece of Taucca home with you by selecting from their beautiful textiles proudly displayed by the community mothers.
We’ll bid farewell with music and memories that will stay with you—a heartfelt connection to the resilient spirit and natural beauty of Taucca. The tour concludes with return transportation to Cusco or the Ollantaytambo train station.
These activities aim to provide visitors with an authentic and meaningful cultural exchange—deepening their understanding of Andean traditions, supporting local development, and helping preserve ancient customs. Visitors actively participate, creating an unforgettable experience for both themselves and the community.
Visitors take part in traditional farming, learning about native crops like potatoes, corn, quinoa, and other Andean staples. The Hormiguitas demonstrate ancestral tools such as the chaquitaclla—a manual plow used since pre-Incan times—and explain the traditional farming techniques passed down through generations. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how the land, culture, and community are intrinsically connected.
Explore the world of Andean natural medicine through a guided demonstration of plants like muña, chamomile, eucalyptus, and coca. The Hormiguitas explain their medicinal properties and traditional uses to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to colds and muscle pain. Visitors can also learn to prepare herbal infusions and natural ointments. This experience offers valuable insight into ancestral healing traditions still practiced today.
Dive into the rich textile heritage of Taucca. The workshop begins with an introduction to the history and cultural significance of Andean weaving. You’ll witness the full process: shearing and washing the wool, using natural dyes from plants, minerals, and insects, and watching the skilled hands of local weavers create intricate patterns on traditional looms.
You’ll also have the chance to admire and purchase finished pieces—ponchos, blankets, and more—that reflect the artistic mastery and deep cosmology of the Andes. This hands-on experience both educates and celebrates Chinchero’s textile legacy.
Recommended: We strongly suggest having and sharing your travel insurance information with us before your arrival in Peru.
Private Tour Pricing
For more information about private tour pricing, contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.
The tour includes demonstrations of traditional farming, an introduction to medicinal plants, and a showcase of Andean textile making.
The tour typically lasts a full day, from morning until after lunch, but can be adjusted to fit the group’s preferences.
No, the activities are designed for everyone to enjoy, regardless of experience level.
We recommend comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a jacket for changing weather conditions.
Yes, the community offers homestay accommodations for a more immersive experience.
Yes, lunch is included and features traditional dishes prepared by community members using fresh local ingredients.
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to buy handmade textiles, crafts, and agricultural products directly from local artisans and farmers.
Taucca is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Cusco, accessible via a well-maintained road.
Depending on availability, tours in English, Portuguese, or French can be arranged in advance.
The aim is to promote cultural exchange, support the local economy, and help preserve the community’s ancestral traditions.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
