This 8-9 hour experience is for animal lovers who want to learn as much as possible about the fascinating Peruvian culture. Upon arrival in Saywapata village, local llama breeders will introduce you to the inspirational Llama Pack project and its goals and visions.
Afterward, you will assist with the herding and packing of the llamas to prepare for your full-day llama trek. Once ready you will make your way along a 4-hour uphill trail, past the river, and through native forests, learning about the benefits of using llamas as pack animals and their importance to the preservation of the high-Andean ecosystems.
You will then arrive at the Cancha Cancha community, home to over 70 native Quechua-speaking families dedicated to self-sustaining agriculture. Surrounded by picturesque glaciers, you will be invited for a delicious traditional brunch at one of the local families’ homes. Your meal includes a tasting of 3 different varieties of native potatoes prepared in a Peruvian ‘earth oven’ known as a huatia, along with broad beans, sweet potatoes oca, and chicken. You will also get a fruit, an energy bar, coca tea and something sweet.
After learning about how your participation in this activity contributed to the maintenance of the ancient tradition of llama breeding while creating a business opportunity for the local families, you will make your way back to the base camp with your new llama friends leading the way.
Walking distance: 14 km (8,7 miles)
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (the transfer takes about 1 hours 20 minutes - approx. 58 km/36 miles from Cusco.