Aranwa Hotels in Peru: our experience
April 7, 2022
Content
One of the highlights of our trip through Peru was our visit to the mountain village of Patacancha in the Sacred Valley. Here we learned about a local community that still maintains Inca traditions today. If there is something we like to do during our travels, it is to learn more about the local culture. So visiting the village was a unique opportunity for us to get closer to the forgotten realm of the Incas and learn about Andean lifestyle and ancient traditions and customs. Would you also like to learn more about traditional communities during your trip through Peru? Then a visit to the Patacancha community is an authentic and above all unforgettable experience!
How to get to Patacancha in Peru?
Patacancha is located in the Ollantaytambo district in the Sacred Valley. The villagers of Patacancha form an ethnic group that continues to this day to live according to certain Inca traditions. About 180 families live here. Do you tour southern Peru and visit, for example Cusco and Machu Picchu? Then you are in the right region to also go to Patacancha. The village of Patacancha is located at an altitude of 4,666 meters in the Urubamba Mountains in the Andes. It is 78 km (about 1.5 hours) from Cusco and can be reached by a paved road. This makes it an easy day trip from Cusco!
Our personal experience with the community in Patacancha
We had arranged a visit to the village with the tour company Peru Well Served. This is a local travel company that looks for authentic experiences for you where gastronomy plays a big role. Besides the culinary aspect, Peru Well Served also pays great attention to sustainability. We find this very important, so the choice was quickly made for us.
Also read: Our travel experience with local tour operator Peru Well Served
Peru Well Served's three main pillars are: Fair Trade, carbon footprint reduction and child nutrition. So, a travel company we absolutely recommend!
A hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall and a visit to the Patacancha community
We combined our visit to the Patacancha community with a hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall. This waterfall, like Patacancha, is located in the Ollantaytambo district. It is about an hour apart. In the morning we did the hike and in the afternoon we went to Patacancha. While visiting Patacancha, we had the chance to meet a family in their own habitat. We were welcomed with dance and music, learned about their textile art and got to help prepare a traditional specialty that we then ate together. The villagers speak almost only Quechua, the original Inca language, so communication was mostly by hand and foot. But perhaps that's what made the visit extra special!
The textile art of Patacancha: a true craft
The community is known for its textile art. The colorful, high-quality textiles are one of the main sources of income and are mainly hand-woven by the women in the community. They work here with the most beautiful bright colors and prints. Almost everything comes from nature. Even the ink used to color the textiles comes from local plants. It is a true craft, as making a scarf can sometimes take up to 3 months. We can say that they are incredibly talented and patient!
A festive lunch in Patacancha
Another specialty of the villagers is "Pachamanca," a traditional dish prepared using hot stones. During our visit, this dish was prepared. Normally this is made only on special occasions, so we felt very special. After a traditional ritual, we helped them prepare the chicken, potatoes, beans, cheese and bananas. Of course, after the preparation, it was time to taste the Pachamancha and it was truly delicious!
An authentic experience in Peru
We felt very grateful and privileged to visit the Patacancha community. For us, meeting local people is one of the things that makes us love traveling so much. But when you travel, sometimes you only see the superficial expressions of culture in a country. In Patacancha, on the other hand, we really got a chance to get to the heart of this community and learn more about their beliefs and traditions.
Even though we couldn't really have a conversation with the family we met, we just felt the warmth of the villagers and how happy they were with our visit. The villagers hardly ever see tourists (maybe a few every few weeks or sometimes even months), so it was truly an authentic and genuine experience for both the community, and for us!
Your ideal itinerary through Peru
Would you like to tour Peru and add this kind of special experience to your vacation? You can! As travel consultants, we would like to help you on your way to an unforgettable trip to Peru. During a travel consultation we will map out your wishes and recommend the most beautiful places that suit you. Would you rather leave it all up to us? That is also possible! We organize your dream trip tailor-made. Schedule a video interview with us and start your carefree trip to Peru!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
What to do in Miraflores in Lima during a trip to Peru
March 18, 2024
What to do in Ollantaytambo, Peru: 5 fun activities
April 26, 2022
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
