Chichubamba
Booking & Contact
Tour details
- Type:
- PARTICIPATIVE
- Code:
- IPTCH43
- Visited Destinations:
- Cusco
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Nestled in the Sacred Valley next to Urubamba, the community of Chichubamba offers a unique alternative to conventional tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to actively participate in the authentic Andean activities and traditions that have been carried on since before the Incan empire. The agrotour in Chichubamba is a collaborative effort between the people of Chichubamba and ProPeru, a local NGO based in the city of Urubamba. In hopes of improving the quality of life for the people of Chichubamba, together we have created a project that supports sustainable social and economic development in the community, while also working to actively preserve the rich cultural heritage and traditions still alive in Chichubamba. ProPeru initiated the idea of the agro-cultural tourism project and has since worked extensively with community members in its development and execution. The benefits of this project are far-reaching, both regionally and internationally. We hope you find your experiences in Chichubamba unique and memorable! Activities: 1. Bee Keeping (Honey) 2. Ceramics 3. Chicha 4. Chocolate 5. Cuy (Guinea Pigs) 6. Horticulture 7. Textiles Additional Services: 1. Hiking to Dos Torres and Huayna Capac's Incan Palace ($10, s/30) 2. Lodging with breakfast and shower ($12, s/36) 3. Lunch - Typical Dishes ($3, s/9) -Oven-baked cuyes ($8, s/25)
Itinerary
1. Bee Keeping (Honey) Apiculture remains a tradition drawing from centuries of experience. Visit the home of a veteran beekeeper and aid in the extraction of honey from the comb and taste the sweet nectar of the plants of the Sacred Valley
2. Ceramics Ceramics have been present in Andean society for hundreds of years. You can watch as experienced potters create their masterpieces using traditional tools and their own artistic talent. Aferward, you can visit the family store and see all they have to offer.
3. Chicha Chicha is a popular Peruvian corn-based drink that was a major part of the Incan culture. Visit a traditional brewery to learn about the process of making chicha while joining the locals for a mid-afternoon drink
4. Chocolate In Chichubamba, you can learn about the process of making chocolate from the cocoa beans brought annually from the jungle region of Peru. Also, enjoy the sweet taste of homemade Peruvian chocolate!
5. Cuy (Guinea Pigs) Cuy, known as guinea pig, was an Incan delicacy and became a crucial element of the Andean culture. The cuy were eaten only on special occassions, and the tradition continues here in Chichubamba. Come see the preparation of the cuy and perhaps try some for yourself... if you are brave enough!
6. Horticulture In Chichubamba, you can walk along the Incan terraces that are still being used for farming today. Here you can learn from the farmers about the organic techniques used for floriculture and taste the rich fruits of the Sacred Valley!
7. Textiles Textiles have played an important role in Andean society for hundreds of years. Textile systems developed in Peru over the millennia mostly remain unknown elsewhere because they are passed on by watching and practicing. The tradition of textiles continues in Chichubamba today where visitors can see first hand how the people of the Sacred Valley make these beautiful artistic pieces
8. Hiking to Dos Torres The ruins of Dos Torres are located on top of Sayhua (Ito) ridge, overlooking the community of Chichubamba. After a vigorous two hour hike up to Dos Torres, enjoy a spectaclar 360º view of the Sacred Valley. At the top lie the two ancient Incan watchtowers used for monitoring the valley. From this point, you can see Chichubamba, Urubamba, and beyond! Not to mention incredible views of the Valley of Chaquihuayjo and the Chicón Glacier!
9. Visiting the Palace of Huayna CapacWithin the community of Chichubamba, you can visit the ruins and palace of Huayna Capac (1493-1527), the last Inca king to rule over a unified Inca civilization before civil war and the Spanish conquistadors changed the course of history for the Incas forever. Huayna Capac resided in the Sacred Valley during his reign of power and was responsible for the expansion of the Inca Empire to the south to Chile and Argentina. After enjoying some time learning about the customs and traditions of the Sacred Valley, you will have the opportunity to walk among the ruins of the great civilization of the Incas located here in the heart of Chichubamba.This archeological site known as Qéspiwanca is located adjacent to the Avenida Mariscal Castilla and the historic cemetery of the city of Urubamba. One of the many activities offered here in Chichubamba is the opportunity to explore and learn about the ancient, and untouched, ruins of the king Huayna Capac. By identifying and studying these archeological remains, we hope to gain a better understanding of our own community and the civilizations that thrived here before. The ruins located here, now divided into the areas of Chichubamba, San Jóse and Buena Vista, provide an authentic example of the lifestyle, division of work, and cultivation methods of the ancient Incas. This large, complex palace is composed of many different smaller community sites, covering an area of about 7 hectares of land. In ancient times, these lands were divided into different parcels and cultivated by the members of the various indignous tribes and communities that were under the service of the great Inca king Huayna Capac.
Traditional Dishes Visit the home of a Peruvian family and enjoy the traditional Andean dish of cuy (guinea pig) served with potatoes and corn! The ancient agricultural techniques are still use today in Chichubamba and families use local ingredients from their own farms to deliver an authentic Sacred Valley taste.
Lodging After a day in Chichubamba, stay the evening in one of the homes in the community. Enjoy a spacious, private room, hot water, a shared bathroom and garden views. Wake up to a beautiful view of the Andes and breakfast!
Caroline burns 2010-03-25 17:27:47
Hi
I am interested in coming to stay at Chicubamba but I ve heard ithat sacred valley is flooded I will be in Peru for only 12 days and would also like to go to the jungle so how many days do I need in CHicubamba. not arrivingin Peru until 7th April so maybe ok by then?I I hope its not too bad !!!