Going East on
the road from Cusco to Puno, you will find the native
community of Raqchi at kilometer 125, right at the
border of the Vilcanota River. It is found in the San
Pedro de Cacha district in the province of Canchis, and
is found at an altitude of 3.500m (11.500 feet).
Apparently its pre-Hispanic name was in fact "Cacha" and
not " Raqchi".
Evidences
indicates that Raqchi was a town with multiple
constructions for diverse intentions- canchas (apartments),
wayranas (buildings with only 3 walls), qolqas (warehouses),
different religious urns, fountains of holy water, etc.
It is also likely to have been an important lodging on
the route to Collasuyo.
2 Day / 1
Night Existential Tourism at Raqchi
This new
alternative of existential tourism in Raqchi offers a
wonderful and fascinating experience. You are able to
coexist with the native community and really learn and
experience their remarkable ancestral traditions.
Itinerary:
Day 01:
Cusco - Raqchi
Starting with
an early morning pickup from the hotel, we will go in
our private transportation down to the south end of the
Cusco valley. That is where we will find the Raqchi
community. When we first arrive we will take some time
to visit the house of the host families to meet our
hosts for the night.
Throughout the
day we will be learning from them about their customs
and traditions, which they have maintained with
perfection throughout the centuries. We will take part
in some of their daily tasks, including work in the
fields and in the kitchen as well. The point is to take
part in their daily lives to really get to know their
culture. In the nighttime, we will get to see a dance
show that is typical of the area.
Day 02:
Wiracocha Temple - Cusco
After
breakfast, we will have a guided visit to the Temple of
Wiracocha, which, according to historians, was
constructed by the Inca Wiracocha himself as a tribute
to the invisible, but omnipotent superior of the Andean
people, " Apu Kon Titi Wiraqocha".
After the
guided tour, we will return to the community to watch
them and learn as they make their typical crafts and
weavings. Afterwards, we will have a delicious typical
meal with our host family before beginning our way back
to Cusco in the afternoon.
