Meet the local communities on the Inca trail: interculturality in Perú

Exploring the Inca Trail is an enriching experience in many ways, and one of the most interesting parts of this adventure is meeting the local communities that are located near the trail. These communities have a rich history and tradition worth discovering, and often offer lodging, food and activities for tourists who want to explore the area. In this article, we will take you through some of the communities near the Inca Trail and the experiences you can have in each of them.

Ollantaytambo

Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Ollantaytambo is a picturesque Andean town with a great deal of history. It was an important fortress during Inca times and was one of the sites of the last great battle against the Spanish conquistadors. The town still retains its original urban layout and many of the colonial buildings built on the original Inca foundations.

In Ollantaytambo, you can visit the Inca fortress, the agricultural terraces and the temple of the sun. It is also a good base for exploring the rest of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, as from here you can take a train to Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail. In addition, there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants available in the village.

Chinchero

Chinchero is a traditional Andean village located about 30 km from Cusco, on the road leading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The village is known for its weavings and for being the place where the sacred cotton of the Incas was cultivated.

In Chinchero, you can visit the local market and watch local women weaving and spinning by hand. There is also a colonial church that was built over an Inca temple and a series of Inca ruins on the hill above the town. If you have time, you can hike from Chinchero to the neighboring town of Maras, where there are some interesting salt terraces.

Huayllabamba

Huayllabamba is a small community located on the first part of the Inca Trail, about 10 km from Ollantaytambo. It is a good place to stop and rest after the first part of the hike. Here you can see how Andean communities live and learn about local agriculture. There are also some basic accommodations available if you wish to spend the night.

Wiñaywayna

Wiñaywayna is a community located on the Inca Trail near Machu Picchu. It is a popular stop on the trek, as it is the last place where you can get hot water and a meal before reaching Machu Picchu the next day.

In Wiñaywayna, you can visit the Inca ruins located on the hill above the village. It is also a good place to learn about the history and culture of the area and meet the local inhabitants.

Likewise, there are hundreds of other villages that make it up and each one preserves the tradition that is passed from generation to generation, it is something you really can’t miss on your visit!