Activity description
Afterwards, we will continue to the village of Huilloc in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The settlers are heirs to ancestral Inca traditions. This afternoon, we will have close contact with them. They offer several activities to the visiting traveler; choose one of the following: Kusi Runa is an experience where you can share the daily routine of the Huilloc settlers by participating in the agricultural work that takes place in the chakra (agricultural fields). Symbolically, you will be a member of the community and experience their way of life and the daily tasks of the runa (Andean peasant). As a member of the community, you will wear the typical Huilloc poncho and use traditional tools during work. The men will do the agricultural work, and the women will do the cooking. You will conclude your experience by participating in ritual celebrations, enjoying local music and dances. Willqa Uma: During Inca times, the willaq uma was the high priest; he delivered the oracles and was the link between the sacred and the profane. In this activity, we will assume the role of the willaq, participating in ancestral ritual practices that will bring us closer to the Andean world through its spiritual and sacred aspects. This activity is a sacred ritual that seeks harmony between the human spirit, nature, and the energy of the Andean divinity. As participants in this role, we will have the opportunity to express our desires and wishes so that they can enter into the harmony of the cosmos. Chasqui, this experience with the Huilloc community begins by choosing a visitor who will take on the responsibility of being the chasqui (messenger). The rest of the group will be transported back in time with them to join them on their adventure of delivering a khipu to the archaeological site of Aya Urqu. On the way, we will visit the Sutuq Machay cave, a place where we ask permission for a safe journey. Along the way, we will enjoy the landscape, which is rich in agricultural fields, and learn about the properties of many native and healing plants. The sound of the pututu, a musical instrument made from a sea snail (Strombus galeatus), will announce our arrival at the Aya Urqu archaeological site. At a pre-arranged location, we'll prepare for our messenger to deliver the khipu. During this ceremony, the local sage will recall the Condor Dance, which will be performed by two authorities who will immerse us in ancestral Inca spirituality. According to Allin Pachacuy, one of the main characteristics of the Huilloc settlers is undoubtedly their clothing. Not only are they colorful, but they also contain a centuries-old textile tradition and symbolic representations of their worldview. In this program, we offer you the opportunity to participate in the process of making the garments, using traditional techniques, from dyeing with natural dyes to weaving with tools made of bone and wood. During the process, you'll learn the tricks and secrets necessary to create a good garment, as well as the meaning of the symbols and designs used. Finally, you'll be able to purchase a beautiful piece of Huilloc clothing, thus contributing to the strengthening of this traditional activity and the preservation of its iconography. Lunch at the Chuncho restaurant. Later, visit the last surviving Inca village, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Princess's Bath, and the Temple of the Sun. The postcard-perfect photos we'll capture from the heights of Ollantaytambo will cap off this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Notes:
This community speaks Quechua, the language of the Incas. Our guide will translate and teach you a few Quechua words. They live according to agricultural customs and wear their traditional clothing. Keep an open mind to learn about the land and the Andean mentality.
