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Discover an experiential journey with Andean communities and get to know their traditions and cultural expressions up close in just one day. Discover the natural landscapes of the Sacred Valley while visiting Ccaccaccollo and learning about their traditional textile art. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch at Parwa and continue the journey to Ollantaytambo, where you can explore its streets, temples, and Inca terraces. An experience that will allow you to get to know Andean culture and discover Peru from a more authentic perspective.
Sacred Valley Community Tourism 1-day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Private group: Having the private option allows you to enjoy the experience with greater comfort, providing flexibility, continuous support, and personalized attention throughout the entire adventur.
- An authentic experience with local communities: Get to know the daily life, traditions and customs of the Andean communities of Ccaccaccollo and Parwa up close, interacting directly with their people.
- Responsible tourism that benefits the communities: Your visit contributes directly to the development of local families and to preserving their knowledge, traditions and ancestral activities.
- Andean cuisine lunch: Enjoy a multi-course lunch at Parwa, in the Huchuy Qosqo community, with dishes made from local, traditional produce of the region.
Programme summary
Cusco – Ccaccaccollo – Parwa – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
An experience different from the classic circuits: connect with Andean culture in Ccaccaccollo, spending time with a local family and discovering their textile tradition among traditional music and dance; enjoy local cuisine at Parwa, with dishes made from regional produce, and finish by exploring the temples, terraces and Inca streets of Ollantaytambo.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | Ccaccaccollo: 3,200 m / 10,499 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m / 9,160 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Between 8 °C and 22 °C / 46 °F and 72 °F, depending on the season and weather |
Highlights
- Ccaccaccollo community: a traditional Quechua community in the district of Taray, surrounded by natural landscapes, known for its community-based tourism and for the medicinal, textile and farming traditions it preserves.
- Parwa, in the Huchuy Qosqo community: a community tourism programme that brings visitors closer to its ancestral traditions through a cultural and culinary experience.
- Ollantaytambo: a historic town that keeps its original Inca layout, with an impressive archaeological site.
- Sacred Valley scenery: mountains, farmland and rural landscapes that show the close relationship between the communities and their land.
Sacred Valley Community Tourism 1-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Ccaccaccollo – Parwa – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
More than visiting the Sacred Valley: live its traditions, share time with its people and discover the essence of the Andes.
- The experience begins at around 8:00 a.m. with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel to Ccaccaccollo, enjoying the scenery of the Sacred Valley along the way.
- In Ccaccaccollo, community representatives welcome you with traditional dance and music. Our local guide introduces the history of the community and the importance of preserving its traditions.
- You will get to know the daily life of local families and the art of Andean weaving, a tradition shared by women and men. You will see how they make their textiles using traditional techniques and natural dyes, learn the meaning of some of their designs and even take part in the weaving yourself.
- We continue to Huchuy Qosqo, home of Parwa, a community project that shares its traditions through Andean cuisine. We visit the community garden and discover some of the produce that will feature in the multi-course lunch.
- After lunch we reach Ollantaytambo, one of the most iconic towns of the Sacred Valley. We walk its Inca streets and visit its main temples, terraces and buildings, admiring the planning and architecture of this ancient Inca centre.
- We head back to Cusco in private tourist transport, arriving at around 6:00 p.m.
What the Sacred Valley Community Tourism tour includes
Community experiences
- Community-based experience in Ccaccaccollo, with a welcome of music and dance, a meeting with a local family and a hands-on weaving and natural dyeing demonstration.
- Multi-course lunch at Parwa, with a visit to the community garden and dishes prepared with local produce.
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Partial Tourist Ticket, required to enter the Ollantaytambo archaeological site: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- Tips (optional).
Sacred Valley Community Tourism tour price
Rate
| Conditions | Price |
|---|---|
| Private service from 2 people | 120 USD |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
The Tourist Ticket is not included
To enter the Ollantaytambo archaeological site you will need the Partial Ticket (70 soles / 21 USD). You can buy it on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring to the community experience in Ccaccaccollo and Parwa
These are the most important items for this full-day experience.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for the Tourist Ticket.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and some snacks.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the morning and late afternoon.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs in Ccaccaccollo and Ollantaytambo.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Cash in soles for the Tourist Ticket, community textiles, drinks or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before longer tours.
- Be respectful and ask permission before photographing members of the community.
- Avoid heavy luggage and always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Sacred Valley Community Tourism tour
What makes this experience different from other Sacred Valley tours?
It combines direct contact with a family in Ccaccaccollo, their textile traditions, music, dance and a few words of Quechua, with a culinary experience at Parwa and a cultural visit to Ollantaytambo.
Is it a private or shared experience?
It is a private service for groups of 2 to 6 passengers, allowing a closer and more personal experience.
Will I get to spend time with a local family?
Yes. In Ccaccaccollo you will have a close encounter with a family from the community and learn about part of their daily life, customs and traditions.
What activities take place in Ccaccaccollo?
You will discover traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, learn about their designs and take part in cultural activities with the host family.
Will I be able to learn some words in Quechua?
Yes. As part of the cultural exchange, the family will share some basic Quechua words and expressions.
Will there be traditional music?
Yes. Depending on the community's activities that day, you can enjoy and join in a music performance by the villagers themselves.
Where is lunch served? Is it traditional food?
At the Parwa restaurant, run by the Huchuy Qosqo community. Its menu uses local produce and offers an experience quite different from conventional tourist restaurants.
Is the visit to Ollantaytambo included?
Yes. The tour ends in Ollantaytambo, where you will see its main archaeological areas, including the Temple of the Sun, terraces, fountains and Inca streets. Entry requires the Partial Tourist Ticket, which is not included.
Can I buy textiles directly from the artisans?
Yes. You can buy textiles and handicrafts directly from local artisans, supporting the economy of the community's families.
Does the experience directly benefit the community?
Yes. It is part of a community-based tourism programme that creates economic opportunities for local families and supports the preservation of their traditions.
Do I need previous experience to take part?
No. It is an easy experience, designed for travellers who want to get to know Andean culture in a close and hands-on way.
Is the experience suitable for families?
Yes. It can be enjoyed as a family and lets children and adults discover the traditions, cuisine and ways of life of Andean communities.
What if I do not speak Spanish or Quechua?
No problem. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will help you communicate with the family and explain each activity.
What should I keep in mind when visiting a local community?
It is important to be respectful, ask permission before photographing people and value the community's customs and traditions.
Can I take photographs during the experience?
Yes. You can photograph the landscapes, activities and moments of the experience, always asking permission before photographing members of the community directly.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes, a light jacket, sun protection, a hat or cap, water and a camera to capture the experience.
Does the experience run all year round?
Yes, although some activities may vary depending on the season, the weather or the work the community is doing at the time of your visit.
What happens if I am affected by the altitude?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to deal with anything that may arise during the tour.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
