Tourism

Travelling with a different perspective

MINKA Fair Trade invites you to get an authentic insight into the lives of indigenous handicraft producers and to explore a country of tremendous contrasts. Stay in the homes of our producers in the Peruvian highlands and learn about the local costums, beliefs, techniques used by the Quechua and Aymara people. Beyond the mass tourism you can see first-hand how Fair Trade is contributing to raise the standard of living for indigenous producing communities.

Since 2005 MINKA pursues with its community-tourism program a kind of tourism that benefits both sides. It provides an alternative of development for the communities without having a high impact in their environment and culture. Visitors get an opportunity to experience Peru’s cultural diversity and richness, increasing the knowledge, understanding and awareness of the Fair Trade movement and its ideals.

Visit one of our communities or enjoy our preplanned trip “The MINKA Trail”

Collasuyo

Take the opportunity to visit the community of Collasuyo which is home to a majority of Minka’s textile producers, known as the fastest knitters and spinners of alpaca fibre in the world. Stay with a local family and experience life as a Peruvian artisan.  Enjoy a spectacular view of the Andean Highlands while learning about the creation of these fine products. See how bitter potatoes, maca, kañiwa, quinoa and kiwicha are grown, using typical techniques. Trek through the Andean plateau with a local, see flamingos on the shores of Chacas Lagoon, and take time photograph coloured alpaca. Read more.

Intihuatana

Escape the hustle and bustle of Cusco, for a rare opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Intihuatana is located an hour’s drive from Pisac, and hosts three of MINKA’s communities; Pukara, Turumaki, and K’canto. You will have the opportunity to see live the production of traditional crafts made using techniques which have been passed down from generations to generations. Locals specialize in agriculture, creation of truly unique ceramics, traditional weaving, as well as extraction of essential oils from native Andean plants. Read more.

Taquile Island (Lake Titicaca)

Join MINKA for the opportunity to visit the beautiful Taquile Island and stay overnight with a local family. The island is located in Lake Titicaca, at 3800 metres above sea level, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. The people of Taquile have preserved their cultural identity which they continue to embrace in their daily lives. Get in touch with locals, see the unique techniques of the famous knitting men, and learn about Pachamama (mother earth) and Cochamama (mother water). Read more.

The MINKA Trail

This 15 day tour through the Peruvian highlands takes you through ancient Inca ruins, beautiful colonial towns, and breathtaking landscapes. Stay in a combination of hotels and family homes with the opportunity to learn about Peruvian traditions, cultures, and values. Visit handicraft producers in Collasuyo, Intiuatana and Taquile Island and witness how ancestral techniques are used to make products. Assist producers in making products at local workshops. See and experience the balance and harmony in which rural Peruvians live with their environment. Read more.

 

Also available: Tailor your trip according to your budget, interest, and timetable.