The Volcano's Potters

REVIEW

The native community of Raqchi – pottery in English – is at 3480 m.s.n.m. (11.240 fts.) y 125 kilometers (78 miles) to the south of Cusco, at the boundaries of the Altiplano and the shores of the Vilcanota River (sacred valley) between the buildings of the Wiracocha Temple and under the look of the mystic volcano and spiritual beauty, the Apu Kimsachata.

Since remote times, the foothill of the volcano has been occupied by different Pre Incan and Incan civilizations. Their volcanic lands has been worked in very successful farms with native products until they discovered the secret properties of the land, properties that gave to the Raqchi’s pottery and excellent reputations since Incas times.

The today folk like the old habitants, consider like Apu, god of the area, that was born like a manifestation of the powerful god Wiracocha, this is why they built one of the most important temples in the old Peru, the temple of the God Wiracocha, unique in his status.

Today, their inhabitants still doing pilgrimages, by the different ecological levels rich in authentic flora and fauna, with offerings to give thanks for his hospitality and protection, before the harvest from him, the volcanic sand from the pottery and stones of their houses.

The potters invite us to share, know and understand their live, gastronomy, costumes, traditions, dance, music and houses. To share days in another way to see the world from the eyes of and potter and we will be “THE VOLCANO’S POTTERS”

ITINERARY.

Day 1: Raqchi

Arrival Time: 11H30 AM

Traveling Time: 2 hours to Raqchi

At arrive to the locality of Raqchi, we will check-in a house owned by an local of the Asociacion Raices Incas (Incan Roots association), the house is built by volcanic rocks and follows a building patron unique in Peru and very singular in the world, there we will enjoy a typical lunch elaborated with regional natural products.

In the afternoon, we will climb to visit el Mirador de Tucallana were is possible to see the beauty of the Vilcanota Valley, in addition to get with a excellent vista over the Ruins and community.

After we will keep the visit to the ruins of Raqchi, like the Temple of Wiracocha, the huge Colcas – Inca storages, their ceremonial ponds and the Religious neighborhood, This ruins was build en the S. Xv by the ninth King Inca Pachacuteq, got strategical reasons in the pilgrimage and Altiplano conquer. Was built in honor to Wiracoha, his power has been manifested throw the eruption of the volcano Kimsachata.

After one hour, we will get the choice to visit and artesanal workshop, were we will see the Andean technique to elaborate pottery, while one of us will de able to try to elaborate their own pottery , we can talk with the other Raqchi habitants about their live culture, song, tales, etc (2 hours).

Rest of the afternoon free until 7 PM, time for dinner in ours houses, after dinner we going to participate in a meeting with the members of the association there we will share music, dance and typical costume.

Day 2: Raqchi – Khimsachata Volcano – Cusco

Leaving time: 8 am

Time of trekking: 5 hours round trip

Distance: 3 kilometers ( 2 miles)

After breakfast we will begin our exceptional day of pilgrimage to the Apu Khimsachata (3800 m.s.n.m. 12280 fts.) finding the sand in the volcano, material that will serve us to elaborate ceramics.

Following our local guide, we will start hiking up by the Apu’s slopes, During our hike, in each stop, we’ll enjoy the extraordinary landscape during the whisper of myths and legends of our potter - guide.

When we’ll reach the end in the volcanic sand quarry, the Andean bishop, will do an offering to the Apu Kimsachata, like a trueque or interchange which each visitor will de able to take sand to elaborate his/her pottery after to give thanks to the Apu.

After the ceremony, we will begin our hike down to the village, during the way is possible to see the volcanic flora and fauna, in some cases, just possible to see 1000 meters (3200 fts) bellow and in this volcanic ecosystem. The tracks of the volcano’s eruption is possible to see at 270 grades around.

In addition we are able to see during the hike down the Inca Irrigation Channel, The Inca Trail to Cusco, and the Tambo – lodge – of Chaskirakay were the soldiers and travelers slept before the entrance to the sacred temple of Wiracoha.

A good bye lunch will be waiting for us near the ruins with all the members of Raices Incas, we will leave between 3 or 4 in the afternoon to the cities of Puno, Cusco or Arequipa, following our schedule.

INCLUDED

• Tour Raqchi – Raqchi
• Personal Meals (2 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 teas, 1 snack, boilded water for canteens)
• Bilingual guide in Spanish and request language since 4 persons.
• Assistance o the Raices Incas Association, members of the Tourism Wed Pacha Paqariq
• Over night in the local’s houses with cool showers ……., one night
• Pottery work exposition
• Ritual Ceremony.
• Typical music
  

IS NOT INCLUDED

• Transportation to Raqchi
• Entrance ticket to the Ruins ( 6 soles)
• Drinks
• Tips to the guide and members
• Not details meals
• Another thinks not included in the itinerary.

TO CONCIDER.

• Transportation from Cusco and Puno passing by Raqchi is possible with organized tourist groups.
• Possible extension to “The Heaven’s Lake” , Lake Titicaca, Puno where is able to visit the fishers and Farmer quechua Community to Llachon, Taquile Island and the last offspring of the old culture Uros, older population than Quehuas and Aymaras that lives over the lake using floating island of reeds (Totora or Junco).

Consult with Atalaya.

COST AND PAY CONDITIONS.

• From 1 to 15 persons $ 70 US Dollars
• For the pay conditions, please communicate with the Atalaya office.