In the Raqchi Peasant Community, Community-Based Rural Tourism has proven to be essential for the economic income of 18 families trained by DIRCETUR.

According to surveys, demand peaks from June to November, especially in lodging and food services, while there is a noticeable decline from March to May. The predominant economic activity is handicrafts, with an emphasis on ceramic production, followed by experiential tourism. The construction and maintenance of rooms for tourists, as well as food preparation, require special care and hygiene.

Collaboration among families, who adopt changes without losing their traditions, is the key to success in community-based rural tourism. In the Cusco region of Peru, Raqchi offers an authentic experiential tourism experience.

Highlighting the Wiracocha Temple, built by the Incas in honor of their main deity, experiential tourism allows visitors to learn about daily life, participate in agricultural activities, and enjoy traditional food. Also notable are the colcas or food storage deposits, as well as a ceremonial use annexed to the water sources. Staying in family homes provides a direct experience of community life.

Day 1: Arrival in Raqchi

• In the morning:
  • Early morning departure from the city of Cusco.
  • Panoramic drive along the southern road that connects Cusco to Puno, enjoying breathtaking views.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive in Raqchi in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
  • Check in with local community for 2 days and 1 night of adventure tourism.
  • Traditional lunch with local families.
• Overnight stay:
  •  Dinner and overnight stay with local families.
  • Introduction to the Quechua culture and traditions. 
• Day 2: Archaeological site exploration and experiential learning.
• Morning:
  • Early breakfast in homestay.
  • Guided visit to the temple of Huiracocha and the main Inca temple.
  • Exploration of the colcas and enclosures, appreciating the daily life of the community.
• In the afternoon:
  • Lunch in Raqchi.
  • Free time for additional activities or interaction with the community.
  • Visit to the water springs and the Qhapac Ñan.

• Departure detail: Pick up service for passengers in downtown areas. If the client is staying in an Airbnb, the meeting point will be Plaza Regocijo. 
• Return detail: Return to the departure point.

• Mineral water
• Sun block
• Sun hat or cap
• Money in soles
• Camera
• Bring a warm coat or warm clothing

INCLUDES

• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
• Tourist transportation in Sprinter
• Professional guide English - Spanish
• Personal assistance during the tour
• All meals
• Lodging with local families.
• Entrance fee to the archaeological site of Raqchi. 

NOT INCLUDED

• Tips
• Extra meals
• Partial tourist ticket (entrance to the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay) Foreign tourist s/ 70.00, National tourist s/ 40.00.

• Location: Raqchi is located in the southern valley of Cusco, in the district of San Pedro, in the province of Canchis.
• Climate: Temperate and dry. The best time to visit is between April and October.
• Altitude: 3,550 meters above sea level.
• Transportation: It can be reached by car from Cusco, about 119 km away.
• Recommendations: Respect local traditions and actively participate in experiential tourism.

Archaeological Sites in Raqchi

• The Temple of Huiracocha. - This monumental construction is the largest of the Incas. It is a temple (of which only the walls remain), made of stone and adobe, 20 meters high. It features windows, doors, and columns.
• The Major Inca Temple. - This site is similar to the Temple of Huiracocha. However, currently only the stone and adobe foundations of the site remain.
• The Colcas (storehouses). - These small circular constructions were used to store food. Up to 156 colcas were found in Raqchi. Such a quantity of products was intended to support the visitors and messengers of the empire (chaskis).
• The Recintos. - These buildings were homes or barracks dedicated to the inhabitants. In total, Raqchi has 22 recintos located parallel to each other on an esplanade.
• The Water Fountains. - These finely carved constructions were intended to supply water to Raqchi. The most well-crafted fountain is called the 'Inca Baths.'
• The Qhapac Ñan. - The archaeological site of Raqchi was part of the Qhapac Ñan, the network of trails built by the Incas throughout their empire. Since Raqchi was a kind of 'Chaskiwasi' (House of the Messengers), it enjoyed great importance during the Inca period.

• Please review our booking policies before the tour