Afterwards, we will head to the village of Huilloc in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The settlers are heirs of ancestral Inca traditions. This afternoon we will have a close contact with them. They offer various activities to the traveler that visits them, choose one of the following:
­Kusi Runa is an experience where you can share the daily routine in the life of the settlers of Huilloc by participating in the agricultural work that takes place in the chakra (farming fields). Symbolically, you will be a member of the community and experience their way of life and the daily chores of the runa (Andean peasant). As a member of the community, you will wear the typical poncho of Huilloc and use the traditional tools during the work. The men will do the agricultural work and the women the kitchen work. You will end your experience participating in the ritual celebrations, enjoying the music and the local dances.
Willqa Uma, during the Inca times, the willaq uma was the high priest; he would deliver the oracles and was the bond between the sacred and the profane. In this activity we will assume the role of the willaq uma participating in ancestral ritual practices that will draw us closer to the Andean world from its spiritual and sacred aspects. This activity is a sacred ritual that intends to seek the harmony between the spirit of man, nature and the energy of the Andean deity. As participants in this role we will have the opportunity to express our wishes and desires so that they enter the harmony of the cosmos.
Chasqui, this experience with the community of Huilloc starts choosing a visitor that will assume the responsibility of being the chasqui (messenger). The rest of the group will be transported to the past together with him in order to join him in his adventure of delivering a khipu in the archaeological site of Aya Urqu. On our way we will visit the cave of Sutuq Machay, a place where we ask permission so that we can have a safe trip. On our way we will enjoy the scenery that has many agricultural fields and learn about the properties of many of the native and healing plants. The sound of the pututu, a musical instrument made from a sea snail (Strombus galeatus), will announce our arrival to the archaeological site of Aya Urqu. In a previous location we will prepare so that our messenger can deliver the khipu and during this ceremony the local wiseman will recall the dance of the Condor, which will be done by two authorities that will involve us in the ancestral Inca spirituality.
Allin Pachacuy, one of the main features of the settlers of Huilloc is, without a doubt, their clothes. It is not only colorful, but it contains a textile tradition that is hundreds of years old and symbolic representations of their cosmovision. In this program we offer you the opportunity to participate in the process of making the garments, using the traditional techniques, from the dying with natural dyes to the weaving with tools made of bones and wood. During the process you will learn the tricks and secrets needed to obtain a good garment, as well as the meaning of the symbols and drawings used. Finally, you will be able to purchase a beautiful piece of clothing from Huilloc and, in this way, contribute to the strengthening of this traditional activity and the maintenance of its iconography.
Lunch at Chuncho restaurant.
Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.