Duration: 2 days/1 night
Departure Dates: Any day you would like!
Looking for a longer Andes adventure? We offer homestay trek routes as well, which replace tent camping with stays in remote villages each night. Most routes also include a visit to Machu Picchu.
Our Overnight Homestay for Cusco tour offers the unique opportunity to visit a traditional community in the rural Andes and get to know the locals!
On this 2D/1N experience, you’ll depart from Cusco and head to a small village located about two hours above the Sacred Valley. Here, people carry on traditions that have existed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Community members farm potatoes and other tubers, quinoa and more. They care for their llamas and alpacas, and use their wool to weave gorgeous textiles. All of this takes place in a stunning natural setting, with snowcapped peaks, high altitude lakes, packs of roaming llamas and expansive views of the valleys below.
One host family will be responsible for your stay, by providing healthy meals made with local ingredients, a warm bed in a private room, and activities that introduce you to life in the rural Andes. While activities vary by season and family, popular examples include llama and alpaca care, weaving and dyeing workshops, traditional agriculture, short hikes, medicinal herbs and plants, visits to a local school, and just spending time with your hosts. Ceremonies can be arranged at additional cost.
Ayni Peru works directly with host families to set the price of our homestays, and we don’t bargain to reduce rates. While you’ll have a guide present for translation (most locals speak Quechua as their first language), all activities are led by community members.
After breakfast on day 2, we can take you back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We also offer extensions to Machu Picchu, the Inca Tail and Rainbow Mountain.
Morning departure from your Cusco hotel. With your guide, pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley on your way to your destination, a small, traditional village. From the valley floor, head up a winding dirt road to your host family’s simple home, where they’ll be waiting to greet you and introduce themselves.
After a filling lunch prepared with local ingredients, set out with your family on an afternoon of activities. Your activities will be customized to match your interests, the season of your visit, and the strengths of the community & family. Popular examples are described above.
The evening will be spent in your family’s home. Spend time getting to know them, help prepare dinner, and listen to stories about the community, it’s legends and history. If you’re lucky, the stars will be out and you’ll learn about Inca astronomy before heading to your private room for a good rest.
Meals: L, D
After breakfast, say goodbye to your homestay family. An optional hike can be included before heading back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu or Inca Trail extensions work well with this program as well. Ask us about discounts for booking together!
Meals: B
