Journey to a remote Q'ero community and learn ancient weaving techniques directly from the descendants of the Inca.
This immersive experience takes you beyond the tourist trails to a traditional Q'ero village, nestled high in the Andes. You will spend a full day with the Q'ero people, renowned for their unbroken lineage stretching back to the Inca Empire and their mastery of textile arts. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a traditional offering and a warm meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The core of the visit involves a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the foundational techniques of backstrap weaving, passed down through generations. Under the patient guidance of the Q'ero artisans, you will learn to prepare the wool, dye it with natural pigments derived from plants and insects found in the region, and then begin the intricate process of weaving. You'll create a small personal memento, perhaps a bracelet or a decorative panel, imprinting your own connection to this ancient craft. Beyond the weaving, you'll gain profound insights into the Q'ero worldview, their spiritual connection to Pachamama (Mother Earth), and their sustainable way of life. This is more than a craft lesson; it's a cultural exchange that fosters understanding and appreciation for one of the last surviving indigenous communities of the Andes. Transportation to and from the village will be arranged, providing a comfortable journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Learn the art of crafting and playing the traditional Andean kena flute with expert musicians and artisans.
Delve into the melodic heart of the Andes with this specialized seminar focused on the kena, the iconic bamboo flute that carries the echoes of ancient civilizations. This multi-day workshop is designed for those seeking a deep dive into both the craft and the music. The first part of the seminar focuses on the meticulous process of making a kena. You will learn about selecting the appropriate bamboo, understanding its vibrational properties, and the precise techniques for cutting, shaping, and drilling the holes to achieve perfect intonation and resonance. Under the guidance of seasoned instrument makers, you'll gain an appreciation for the skill and tradition involved in creating these beautiful instruments. The second, equally crucial, part of the seminar is dedicated to playing. You'll learn the fundamental fingerings, breathing techniques, and expressive nuances that define authentic Andean flute music. From melancholic melodies to joyous rhythms, you'll begin to unlock the expressive potential of the kena. The seminar often culminates in a participatory jam session, allowing participants to share their newfound skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive musical environment. This is an opportunity to not only create your own instrument but to also breathe life into it with the vibrant sounds of the Andes.
Venture into the darkness of a remote canyon for a rare chance to witness the majestic Andean condor under the moonlit sky.
This expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the Andean condor, the world's largest flying bird, in an entirely different setting. Moving beyond the typical daytime viewing locations, this adventure takes you into rugged and remote canyons after dusk. Armed with specialized low-light observation equipment and accompanied by experienced wildlife guides who possess intimate knowledge of condor roosting habits, you will embark on a silent vigil. The guides will lead you to strategic vantage points, explaining the condor's crepuscular behavior and the environmental cues that signal their activity during twilight and early evening. The stillness of the night, punctuated by the sounds of the Andean wilderness, creates a profound atmosphere as you await the silhouette of these magnificent creatures. Witnessing a condor take flight or settle into its roost under the ethereal glow of the moon is an experience of profound natural beauty and tranquility. The challenge of this expedition lies in its timing and location, demanding patience and a deep respect for the wildlife and its habitat. This is an adventure for the truly dedicated nature enthusiast, offering a perspective on the condor that few ever have the privilege to witness.
Journey to a unique community where ancient ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal Amazonian plants is preserved and researched.
This unique excursion takes you away from the highlands and into a special community that acts as a living laboratory for Amazonian medicinal plants. While Cusco is the gateway, this experience involves a journey to a region where these plants are actively cultivated and studied. You will be welcomed by ethnobotanists and community elders who have dedicated their lives to understanding the healing properties of the rainforest flora. The visit includes guided walks through carefully managed botanical gardens, where you will learn to identify a variety of plants, from those used for common ailments to those with more potent therapeutic applications. You will engage in discussions about traditional preparation methods, the spiritual significance of certain plants, and the ongoing scientific research aimed at validating and modernizing these ancient remedies. Participants might have the opportunity to learn about sustainable harvesting practices and the importance of preserving biodiversity for future medicinal discoveries. The culmination of the visit often involves a demonstration of how certain plants are prepared into teas, poultices, or tinctures, offering a tangible connection to this ancient healing wisdom. This is an educational and deeply respectful exploration into the rich ethnobotanical heritage of the Amazon.
Connect with the ancient Andean understanding of the cosmos through a guided astronomical observation with a traditional shaman.
This profound experience offers a rare glimpse into the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of ancient Andean cultures, interpreted through the lens of shamanic wisdom. Far from a typical stargazing tour, this session involves an indigenous shaman who shares their ancestral understanding of the celestial bodies and their significance within the Andean cosmovision. Held in a location with minimal light pollution, the evening begins with the shaman facilitating a grounding and connecting ceremony, often involving the use of sacred plants or offerings to Pachamama. As the stars become visible, the shaman will guide your gaze, not just to constellations as we know them, but to the 'dark constellations' – the spaces between the stars that held deep meaning for the Inca and their predecessors, representing animals and mythological figures. You will learn how the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars were intrinsically linked to agricultural cycles, spiritual beliefs, and the prediction of natural phenomena. The shaman will share stories, myths, and interpretations passed down through oral tradition, offering a spiritual and philosophical perspective on humanity's place in the universe. This is an opportunity to witness the night sky with a sense of awe and wonder, understanding its profound connection to the earthly realm and the spiritual fabric of Andean life. The session encourages introspection and a re-evaluation of our relationship with the natural world and the cosmos.