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Umasbamba Andean Spirit on the Shores of the Sacred Lagoon
From
$270.00 pp
The rural community of Misminay is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city of Cusco (approximately 54 km) at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,140 feet) above sea level. Along the way, we’ll pass through the district of Maras, where you’ll enjoy a unique natural Andean landscape, home to one of the clearest night skies in the region—perfect for stargazing. Misminay is a community that proudly preserves its ancestral customs. Families maintain a close relationship with nature through agriculture, using traditional terrace farming techniques. The predominant language spoken here is Quechua.
At 8:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (city center) and drive to the Misminay community, passing through beautiful mountain scenery and agricultural fields. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your local hosts, complete with music, dancing, and traditional muña tea. After brief introductions in Quechua, your hosts will invite you to join them in their daily activities—starting with ancestral farming on their traditional terraces.
Next, we’ll take a scenic walk to the Moray viewpoint, a sacred place that honors Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits). From Misminay’s natural lookout, you’ll gaze at the mysterious circular terraces of the Moray archaeological site, which still raise questions about ancient Inca knowledge and worldview. This vantage point highlights the deep connection between the daily lives of Misminay residents and the legacy of the Inca civilization.
Following this enriching cultural and visual experience, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the local families using fresh, native ingredients like quinoa, a variety of Andean potatoes, ancestral corn, and local meats—flavors that connect you even more deeply with the land and its traditions.
After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax or explore the peaceful village before we begin the journey back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley, carrying with us not just photographs but a meaningful connection to Andean heritage and the breathtaking beauty that links Misminay with the mystery of Moray.
The tour ends with drop-off in Cusco or at the Ollantaytambo train station.
To share the rich cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation and allow travelers to participate in traditional practices through hands-on workshops, including:
Depending on the season and local agricultural calendar, you’ll engage in traditional farming tasks such as sowing, harvesting, or plowing with ancestral tools like the lampa, chaquitaclla, oxen, and wooden yokes. You’ll also learn about the types of crops grown and have a chance to sample some of them.
We’ll hike to the highest point in the community to enjoy panoramic views from the Maras balcony, including snow-capped peaks and sacred Apus. From here, you can clearly see the spectacular circular terraces of Moray.
Experience the ancient art of Andean textile making using sheep wool dyed with plants, minerals, and natural ingredients. Women from the community will demonstrate traditional techniques for material preparation, wool spinning, and the use of natural dyes using simple wooden tools and animal bones.
Optional:
Participation in the traditional weaving workshop
Private Tour Pricing
For more information about private tour pricing, contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.
Visitors can take part in agricultural activities, traditional weaving workshops, hikes to Moray viewpoints, ceremonies to honor Pachamama, and enjoy a traditional Andean lunch with local families.
Travelers have the opportunity to connect directly with the locals, participating in daily life activities like farming or artisan work, and learning about their culture and lifestyle.
Yes, the community offers homestay accommodations with local families, providing a truly authentic cultural immersion. Lodging is simple, but clean and comfortable.
No prior trekking experience is necessary. The hikes in Misminay, such as the one to the Moray viewpoint, are easy to moderate and suitable for most visitors.
A traditional Andean lunch is served, featuring local ingredients like quinoa, native potatoes, corn, and regional meats—healthy and typical of the region.
The people of Misminay are highly involved. They act as guides, cooks, and workshop hosts, ensuring a genuine and interactive experience for visitors.
Tourism helps generate extra income for families and promotes the preservation of local traditions, customs, and the natural environment.
Yes, Misminay tours are suitable for all ages, including families with children. Activities are educational, fun, and accessible for everyone.
Each workshop typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour, depending on guest interest and participation. Visitors will rotate through activities such as farming, hiking, and optional textile or adobe-making sessions.
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.
