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Apiculture remains a tradition drawing from centuries of experience. Visit the home of veteran beekeeper, Prudencio Herrera, and aid in the extraction of honey from the comb and taste the sweet nectar of the plants of the Sacred Valley.
Prudencio and his family are dedicated to the art of bee keeping, in addition to being subsistence famers. The family works several plots of land, as well as earns additional income by selling honey and other agricultural products in the local market. Prudencio has three children, all of which attend local schools in Urubamba.
Ceramics have been present in Andean society for hundreds of years. You can watch as experienced potters create their masterpieces using traditional tools and their own artistic talent. Aferward, you can visit the family store and see all they have to offer.
Chicha is a popular Peruvian corn-based alcoholic drink that was a major part of the Incan culture. Visit a traditional brewery to learn about the process of making chicha while joining the locals for a mid-afternoon drink!
Ever wondered where that dreamy dark chocolate comes from? In Chichubamba, you can learn about the process of making chocolate from the cocoa beans (try one!)brought annually from the jungle region of Peru. After watching, you can even enjoy the sweet taste of homemade Peruvian chocolate.
5. Cuy (Guinea Pigs)
Cuy, known as guinea pig, was an Incan delicacy and became a crucial element of the Andean culture. The cuy were eaten only on special occassions, and the tradition continues here in Chichubamba. Come see the preparation of the cuy and perhaps try some for yourself... if you are brave enough!
6. Floriculture
In Chichubamba, you can walk along the Incan terraces that are still being used for farming today. Here you can learn from the farmers about the organic techniques used for floriculture and taste the rich fruits of the Sacred Valley!
Textiles have played an important role in Andean society for hundreds of years. Textile systems developed in Peru over the millennia mostly remain unknown elsewhere because they are passed on by watching and practicing. The tradition of textiles continues in Chichubamba today where visitors can see first hand how the people of the Sacred Valley make these beautiful artistic pieces
8. Hiking to Dos Torres
The ruins of Dos Torres are located on top of Sayhua (Ito) ridge, overlooking the community of Chichubamba. After a vigorous two hour hike up to Dos Torres, enjoy a spectaclar 360º view of the Sacred Valley. At the top lie the two ancient Incan watchtowers used for monitoring the valley. From this point, you can see Chichubamba, Urubamba, and beyond! Not to mention incredible views of the Valley of Chaquihuayjo and the Chicón Glacier!
For More Information on Dos Torres see the History page.
9. Visiting the Palace of Huayna Capac
Within the community of Chichubamba, you can visit the ruins and palace of Huayna Capac (1493-1527), the last Inca king to rule over a unified Inca civilization before civil war and the Spanish conquistadors changed the course of history for the Incas forever. Huayna Capac resided in the Sacred Valley during his reign of power and was responsible for the expansion of the Inca Empire to the south; to Chile and Argentina. After enjoying some time learning about the customs and traditions of the Sacred Valley, you will have the opportunity to walk among the ruins of the great civilization of the Incas located here in the heart of Chichubamba.
For more information on the Palace of Huayna Capac see the history page.
Visit the home of a Peruvian family and enjoy the traditional Andean dish of cuy (guinea pig) served with potatoes and corn! The ancient agricultural techniques are still in use today in Chichubamba and families use local ingredients from their own farms to deliver an authentic Sacred Valley taste.
After a day in Chichubamba, stay the evening in one of the homes in the community. Enjoy a spacious, private room, hot water, a shared bathroom and garden views. Wake up to a beautiful view of the Andes and breakfast!
The Agrotourism Project has one wonderful hostel which is geared towards those with a smaller budget and includes private rooms, warm water for showers and include a breakfast.
It is operate by Eufrasia and is situated very close to El Tambo de Q'espiwanca, the town of Urubamba and many of the other houses on the tour. Eufrasia is very kind and offers a wonderful experience. The price for a room is 40 soles per night.
Eufrasia´s Hostel
If
you find yourself having more time to spare in the Sacred Valley, be sure
to
check out ProPeru's ecotourism project with Chicon at...
www.hakutrek.com