Turismo Huilloc

Overview

Description

Turismo Huilloc offers homestays and cultural activities in the Huilloc community. Huilloc is located near Machu Picchu, the famous UNESCO World Heritage site. From ancient times continuing to the present, the men of Huilloc are the porters on the Inka Trail. The village is located in the heart of ancient Inkan civilization, with many ruins all around; today's culture is very much a product of Inkan culture. The stunning, tall, and dramatic mountains surrounding the village are filled with Inkan agricultural terraces, and the Inkan town of Ollantaytambo is also nearby.

Rooms

24 rooms, each with a private bedroom and modern bathroom.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 50

Percentage of local employees: 98%

Turismo Huilloc is a cooperative association owned and operated by the local community; as such, all economic benefits remain in the community.

The villagers farm the land in traditional, sustainable ways, with tremendous respect for the land. Food production is mostly local and entirely organic.

The thermal and ecological houses in Willoq have an energy-efficient design and use green materials for renovations planned for the houses participating in the homestay association. Two of the 24 have been renovated to include the "muro trombe" and all 24 have the kitchen pictured.

Energy efficient light bulbs are used, and only one or two lights are used in each bedroom and bathroom. Bedrooms receive natural light from windows and opaque skylights. Water is heated for showers with electrical water heaters, but these are low capacity.

There are very few motorized vehicles in the village, and none are used for tourism. After visitors arrive by small bus or van, they do everything on foot, including organized activities. Some visitors arrive on foot as part of long-distance treks.

Two community members have been trained and are actively separating waste products into appropriate containers.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Cuzco (CUZ)

Nearest local/national airport: Cuzco (CUZ)

Travel time to nearest airport: 2 hours

Huilloc is a 25-minute drive up the mountain from Ollantaytambo, which is located on a principle highway and rail line. Occasionally the road to Huilloc is damaged, but it is accessible nearly 100% of the time.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

August 2013.

Photos courtesy of Turismo Huilloc, Peru, for SustainableTrip.org.