Experiential Tour: Umasbamba, Chinchero, Moray and Maras

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Comfortable and Warm Clothing: Bring comfortable clothing in layers. The climate in Chinchero and Piuray lagoon can be cold, especially early in the morning. Warm jacket, fleece or sweater.
• Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes for walking. The tour includes agricultural activities and walks on rural terrain. Boots or sneakers with good grip.
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and hat/cap. Solar radiation is very intense at 3,750 m.a.s.l.
• Cash: Bring soles for purchases of textile handicrafts directly from the «Qori Simpas» Association, voluntary tips, optional activities (yoga, kayaking) and personal expenses.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle. Staying well hydrated is essential at higher altitude.
• Small Backpack: To carry camera, documents, water, snacks, sunscreen, extra jacket and cash.
• Camera or Phone: ESSENTIAL to photograph Piuray lagoon, Sacred Valley landscapes, hands-on activities with the community, textile process and local flora/fauna. Bring extra battery.
• Documents: Original ID or Passport for registration and access to archaeological center.
• Cultural Respect: During the community hands-on experience, be respectful of local traditions, Andean customs and the way of life of the people of Cuper Bajo.
• Participatory Attitude: This is an interactive tour. Prepare your willingness to participate in agricultural activities, learn textile techniques and genuinely connect with the community.
• Purchase of Handicrafts: Unique opportunity to acquire authentic handmade textiles directly from local artisans. Bring additional cash if you plan to support the community.
• Clothing for Activities: If you plan to participate in yoga or kayaking at Piuray lagoon, bring appropriate sports clothing and small towel.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No special physical condition or previous experience required. The tour has an easy and interactive difficulty level, with hands-on activities in the community of Cuper Bajo. Accessible to all audiences, including families with children and seniors.
• What does this tour include? Includes hotel pick-up in Cusco at 6:00 am, round-trip tourist transportation, bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English), visit to the community of Cuper Bajo, interaction with the «Qori Simpas» Association, visit to the Archaeological Center of Cuper Bajo, participation in traditional agricultural activities, traditional lunch with local products (baked guinea pig, second of lisas, hulled quinoa), artisanal textile demonstration, access to Piuray lagoon and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
• What services are NOT included? Not included: breakfast, additional beverages during the journey, voluntary tips, optional activities such as yoga or kayaking at Piuray lagoon (may have additional cost), or personal expenses. It is recommended to inquire about the availability and cost of extra activities.
• How long does the tour last and what time does it depart? The tour lasts approximately 9 hours. We start with hotel pick-up at 6:00 am and return to Cusco at approximately 3:00 pm. It is an experiential tour with enough time to interact with the local community.
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? At least 1 or 2 days of prior acclimatization is recommended, as Piuray lagoon is located at 3,750 m.a.s.l. (higher than Cusco). Ideal for the second or third day of visit to Cusco, once you are already acclimated.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Community of Cuper Bajo in Chinchero (interaction with the «Qori Simpas» Association and Andean stories), Piuray Lagoon at 3,750 m.a.s.l. (with impressive views and yoga/kayaking options), Archaeological Center of Cuper Bajo, participation in traditional agricultural activities, lunch with authentic local gastronomy (baked guinea pig, hulled quinoa, regional plant beverages) and demonstration of the artisanal textile process with ancestral techniques. An authentic community-based rural tourism experience that connects with the living culture of the Andes.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Total duration: Approximately 9 hours (full half day).
• Departure: 6:00 am with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Maximum altitude: 3,750 m.a.s.l. at Piuray lagoon (higher than Cusco).
• Difficulty level: Easy and interactive. Hands-on and participatory activities in the community. Accessible to all audiences.
• Documentation: Carry original ID or Passport for entry to archaeological center and registration.
• Acclimatization: DOES require prior acclimatization of 1-2 days in Cusco. NOT recommended for the first day of arrival due to altitude of 3,750 m.a.s.l. Ideal for the second or third day.
• Guide language: Bilingual professional (Spanish / English).
• Service type: Authentic community-based rural tourism with comfortable tourist transportation throughout the tour.
• Lunch: INCLUDED in the tour. Traditional lunch prepared with local products (baked guinea pig, second of lisas, hulled quinoa, regional plant beverages).
• Restrictions: No special restrictions. Accessible for families with children, seniors and people without special physical condition. Willingness to participate in interactive activities required.
• Weather: Cold Andean, especially in the morning. Bring warm clothing in layers, jacket, fleece or sweater.
• Clothing: Comfortable and warm clothing, closed shoes with good grip (boots or sneakers), sunscreen, hat/cap.
• Accommodation: Does NOT include accommodation. Half-day tour with return to Cusco at approximately 3:00 pm.
• Breakfast: NOT included. It is recommended to have breakfast before departure at 6:00 am.
• Experience: Authentic community-based rural tourism. Ideal for those seeking real connection with living Andean culture, interaction with local people, mysticism, nature and participatory experiences.
• End: Return to Cusco at approximately 3:00 pm.
• Main attractions: Piuray Lagoon (3,750 m.a.s.l.) with yoga/kayaking options, community of Cuper Bajo and «Qori Simpas» Association, Archaeological Center of Cuper Bajo, traditional agricultural activities, lunch with authentic local gastronomy, artisanal textile demonstration, observation of Andean flora and fauna.
• Sanitary Protocol: Upon arrival at the community, the corresponding sanitary protocol will be applied to guarantee the safety of visitors and residents.

Discover the true meaning of experiential tourism in the Sacred Valley: a unique opportunity for you and your family to immerse yourself in the daily life of an Andean community. Share in their traditions, participate in ancestral activities, and feel how the local culture becomes part of your own story. More than just a trip, it's a transformative experience that will strengthen family bonds and leave indelible marks on your memory.

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