Cusco: Culture and nature in the Andes
The historic city Cusco lies in the heart of Peru on a level of 3,400 meters surrounded by the impressive Andes. The best places to visit in Cusco such as the cathedral and the historic city center attract travelers again and again to explore the ancient Inca Empire. Its colonial past characterizes Cusco, however, you still find traces of the former Inca capital. Besides strolling through the city, you can explore several sustainable attractions on your city trip to Cusco. Find out about our green highlights in Cusco below.
Revive local fabric manufacturing
Our first sustainable tip is the “Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC)”. The non-profit organization supports weavers in and around Cusco. Thus, it not only helps to keep the traditional Andean weaving art alive, but also creates jobs with fair wages for the local weavers. Visiting the textile center, you can gain insights into how weavers spin wool, dye threads, and weave the lovely colorful fabrics. You probably won’t experience Cusco’s textile traditions in a more authentic way!
For those with a sweet tooth: from bean to chocolate
Another attraction on your city trip helps supporting the local agriculture – and the best is, you can nibble here! In the Choco Museo in Cusco, you can participate in a workshop where you learn to process real Peruvian cocoa beans into treats. You rather want to know where the cocoa comes from and how it is grown? In that case, you can visit Julia’s and José’s cocoa plantation in Huayopata and learn everything about fair and organic farming of the sensitive crop plant, and on top all about coffee and other exotic fruits (and make some cocoa paste from your self-harvested beans!). The two-day excursion includes one night and all meals on the plantation.
Sustainable accommodation in Cusco
Anyone who does not only want to explore the sustainable nooks on your city trip, but also looks for the best location to stay in Cusco, will find an authentic accommodation in the middle of the city: the boutique hotel Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco, located in a 16th century manor house, is a green oasis in the heart of the historic city center. In line with its holistic approach, you find a place for pure relaxation in the eco-friendly hotel amidst the hectic city life, including selected organic meals and Spa treatments for your wellbeing.
Immerse into Peru’s countryside
If you feel like escaping the city smog, you might enjoy nature’s tranquility on one of the Eco Peru Tours in the Cusco area. Various tours are offered for several days (e.g. from the Andes to the Amazon in one week), but you also find day trips such as climbing the Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca city far from civilization located on top of a mountain ridge. To recover from the ascent of 2,430 meters, we recommend indulging yourself with a stay at the hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo in Aguas Calientes. The beautifully landscaped garden with pools and waterfalls invites you to relax whereas the adjacent forest shelters various native animals and plants for you to discover.
More than a hotel
The hotels from the Inkaterra group are more than just a place to stay overnight. They comply highest standards of environmental and animal protection as well as the preservation of eco systems and biodiversity. Thus, while staying at the hotels you support scientific projects and educational programs concerning sustainable issues. Can you think of an easier way to do something beneficial for our planet during your vacation?
Cover image: © sharptoyou – stock.abobe.com
