Viacha Glamping: Andean Culture & Alpacas Near Cusco

Summary

Stay in a Quechua Village: Sustainable Glamping & Local Life

If you want more than just pretty views in the Sacred Valley, this glamping trip lets you meet locals, learn about native plants and weaving, and wake up with alpacas right outside your tent. It’s hands-on and personal—perfect if you’re curious about daily life in the Andes.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out from Cusco to Viacha is a slow climb—windows down, you catch the sharp scent of eucalyptus and the air gets noticeably cooler. Our driver pointed out Pisac’s terraces in the distance, but what really stuck with me was the quiet as we pulled up to the camp. No city noise, just the soft rustle of wind through the trees and, somewhere nearby, an alpaca making its odd little humming sound.

Julián Maque and his family greeted us right away. Julián’s hands are always busy—he showed us his catalog of native potatoes, some with names I couldn’t even pronounce. Lunch was simple but filling: quinoa soup and roasted tubers, all grown right here. The tents are tucked between trees on a hillside, so you wake up to birds and sometimes a bit of mist hanging low over the valley. It’s not fancy, but it feels real.

We had options for the afternoon—some folks joined an agriculture session; I picked the weaving workshop. The colors they get from local plants are wild, nothing like what you see in shops back in Cusco. Julián’s stories about medicinal herbs were full of little details—like how he learned from his grandmother which roots help with altitude headaches. At night, it got chilly (bring layers), but dinner around the fire warmed us up fast.

The next morning, after a breakfast of fresh bread and strong coffee, we had free time. Some wandered off for an Andean ceremony; I just sat outside my tent watching alpacas graze between patches of sunlight. When it was time to leave, I felt like I’d actually seen a slice of real Andean life—not just passed through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Glamping Experience

• Transfer from Cusco/Sacred Valley to Viacha
• Welcome and Andean lunch
• Explore Viacha Glamping and cultural activities

Day 2 — Morning Activities and Return

• Free morning for optional activities
• Transfer back to Cusco or Sacred Valley

Top questions

Is this glamping experience suitable for children?

The camp’s on a hillside among trees. It’s not recommended for kids under 10—parents might feel uneasy with younger ones running around.

What kind of activities can I choose at Viacha?

You can pick from things like Andean ceremonies, agriculture sessions, or weaving workshops. Activities depend on what’s available that day and have a small extra fee paid directly to the community.

Will I get to see alpacas during my stay?

Yes! This is actually the only glamping spot in the area where you’ll see alpacas wandering around camp.

How far is Viacha from Cusco?

It’s about an hour’s drive from Cusco city—just enough to feel remote but not too far out.

What’s included

Your stay includes private transport from Cusco or Sacred Valley (car or minivan), Spanish-speaking local hosts, dinner and breakfast at camp. Activities are extra and paid directly to the community. Tents are set up right in Viacha village for a real local experience.