Minka Fair Trade

An hour from Pisac, Intihuatana is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Indigenous agriculturalists are dedicated to agriculture, the production of essential oils from Andean plants and to the production of ceramic decorative articles.

Learn about Inca and pre-Inca production and transformative techniques as well as new tools used to improve the quality of handicrafts. Ocarinas (ancient flute-like wind instrument), ceramic made jewellery and essential oils are some of the goods found in this Andean region.

Stay in INTIHUATANA and enjoy the view of the Sacred Valley while enjoying the delicious regional meal of Guiney pig!

Location and access

The Communities of Cuyo Grande and Cuyo Chico, are located in the province of Calca, department of Cuzco, one hour from Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The Communities can be accessed by either public or private transportation from Cuzco, which is an hour and a half from the communities. It is 3 hours from Ollantaytambo, where you can take the train to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.

Weather

Cuzco is located in the valley that forms the Huatanay River. Its weather is generally dry and temperate between April and October, with sunny days, cold nights and temperatures around 13º C. During the rainy season, from November to March, temperatures are around 12º C. On sunnier days, highs are around 20º C. Cuzco is considered one of the most elevated cities in the world, sitting at around 3300 meters above sea level.

Intihuatana Committees

The committees in Intihuantana are made up of over 100 families. Although their primary activity is agriculture they also produce artisan crafts, such as essential oils, instruments, and pottery to be sold on the national or international market.

Formerly, the skills these artisans have had passed down to them by their ancestors were merely a part of their survival. They have now developed some news and techniques to assist them in receiving better prices for their craftsmanship. They have now also been able to obtain independence from the factories where they once worked in Pisac. They were exploited in these factories for many years, left without a wage and dependent upon the meals provided to them for their work, their only form of payment

After thirty years of working with Minka to export their products on the fair trade market these communities have been able to build and increase their organizational capacity. As a more unified social group they are now better prepared to problem solve and create opportunities.

Attractions

There are three committees that work with Minka in the community of Intihuatana. They are Pukara, Turumaki and Kcanto. Each one of these groups specializes in different activities; Pukara in the creation of aromatic essences, Turumaki in the crafting of ocarinas (an Andean wind instrument) and Kcanto in ceramic jewellery.

Activities

The community offers detailed production demonstrations of ceramic pieces in Kcanto, exposition of the “ocarinas” work in Turumaki and explanation about the elaboration of natural essences made with local flowers and plants essences such as muña, eucalyptus, calendula, cedroncillo, arrayan, chiri chiri …etc. Visitors are also provided with the opportunity to purchase products directly from the producer.

Tourists services

Artisans are responsible for picking up and returning tourists to and from their Hotel. A private car is provided for the journey. Artisans are also in charge of accommodations and have developed a rotational system for receiving guests. All three provide running water, electricity and warm showers.

Guests are provided with breakfast, lunch and a dinner buffet. Meals are made nearly exclusively with products from the region. A boxed lunch is also provided for visitors to take on the last day of their visit, as departure time is usually before lunch.

Minka is dedicated to providing flexible tours. Artisans provide flexibility within pick up and drop off locations. If travellers would prefer not to stay in Cusco but in Pisac or any other city reasonably close to the community, this may be accommodated. If there is a preference for a drop off in Ollantaytambo in order to take the train to Aguas Calientes and begin the ascent to Machu Picchu, this can be arranged as well. If desired, stays may also be extended. Return travel will always be provided shortly before lunch.

What to bring

Light clothing for the day, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection and warm clothing for the night. If you plan your visit during the rainy season, December to April, waterproof clothing is necessary. For your own comfort it is also recommended that you bring; comfortable shoes for walking, a flashlight and extra batteries and lip balm with SPF protection.