Given that the Valley is a destination in which it’s not exactly straightforward or easy to move about independently, the following section “Off The Beaten Track” details activities are basically offered by Casa Andina (with a supplemental cost). For additional information about these activities, or any other activity in the Sacred Valley, please contact our travel specialists at travel@casa-andina.com.

Picnic near Maras
An open-air picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Maras. For this experience, a group of 25 people is generally required (it’s often possible to arrange for smaller groups, though the price increases). The picnic includes transportation, tables and chairs, awnings, and all courses for a satisfying lunch: appetizers (salads), meats and vegetables, desserts, water, coffee and mates.

Cooking classes
Introduction the use of local Sacred Valley ingredients (along with visits to local food markets if interested). The chefs from Casa Andina will accompany guests in the elaboration and preparation of dishes that the group will then be able to taste. Artisanal pizza workshops are also offered.

Ceramics workshops
Introduction to traditional Andean ceramics and the different techniques of molding clay pieces of original design: working with a potter’s wheel, the use of natural mineral dyes, and basic glazing and firing of pieces in wood-burning kilns. For guests to be able to take home their creations, the process requires an additional 2 days; consult the ceramics workshop to determine if it is possible to have pieces mailed home for an additonal cost.

Andean Textiles classes
Introduction to the world of Andean textiles, famed across the globe for their quality and designs, at the hands of a local family in Maras with many years of experience designing and fabricating alpaca and sheep’s wool textile pieces. Travelers will participate in every step of the production process, including spinning of wool and dyeing pieces with natural mineral dyes.

Pachamanca (Traditional Andean barbecue)
The ancient Andean technique of cooking with red-hot stones in an “oven” dug out underground in the earth. A variety of meats (pork, alpaca, chicken and guinea pig) are roasted along with Andean potatoes and other vegetables. Guests participate in all steps of the Pachamanca process.

Visits to the Huilloc and Patacancha Textile Communities
These two very traditional highlands communities are seldom visited by tourists. Visitors will observe weavers in the village square or in their homes selling their wares, artisanal textiles that are extremely well made with ancient techniques and finer than the majority of textiles found in tourist markets. The route to the communities, through a section of wide valley, is extraordinarily photogenic. Of the two, Patacancha is the least visited and commercial. The best way to get there is by taxi, arranged by Casa Andina. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Huilloc is 90 minutes (roundtrip); to Patacancha 2.5 hours (roundtrip).

Huchuy Qosqo
Secluded in the mountains high above the Valley. An arduous route that extends from Chinchero and arrives at a spectacular archaeological site little visited by tourists, with splendid views of the Sacred Valley. The trek lasts about 7 hours and is only for those in excellent physical shape. It is also possible to do on horseback, though there are segments that are quite technical and difficult.

Hacienda Circuit
Several haciendas (or elite ranches) in the Sacred Valley can be visited. Among them are Huayoccari, owned by Mateo Pumacahua in Urquillo, where a spectacular lunch is offered; Ruiz de Somocurcio’s in Yucay (Conchahuillca); Susy Dayson’s also in Yucay; and Mama Quilla, near Ollantaytambo, site of a stunning orphanage operated by a foreign resident.