How community-led tourism is revitalising a Quechua village in Peru

Cuyo Chico is an indigenous farming village in Peru’s Sacred Valley, where traditional livelihoods are increasingly at risk due to unsustainable land use and shifting climate conditions – a reality mirrored across far too many Indigenous communities like them.

Things started to change in 2019, when Cuyo Chico joined forces with Kagumu Adventures and local travel operator Amaz Experiences. Founder Angel Grandez has developed strong ties with the community and together they’ve been busy establishing a foothold in sustainability-focused tourism.

Since the beginning of their partnership, the community has welcomed hundreds of visitors – and a landmark 2024 saw more than 300 guests taking part in culturally immersive programs.

This blog outlines the challenges Indigenous communities like Cuyo Chico face, and how sustainability-focused tourism is offering a new path forward.

The wider challenge for Indigenous communities

Peru has experienced sustained economic growth in recent decades, but much of this development has come from through logging and mining. The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs highlights that more than a fifth of Peru is designated for extraction, which overlaps with 48% of rural farming communities and across large swathes of sacred Indigenous land. 

The Green Economy Coalition spells out the danger. “Three groups are at risk of being left behind by the green economy transition: the informal sector, young people, and rural and Indigenous communities”.

The combination of land exploitation, social exclusion, shifting weather systems and limited educational opportunities makes traditional livelihoods culturally fragile, challenging and even dangerous. 

Cuyo Chico’s answer

The community’s initial response was to offer immersive cultural experiences, including homestays with local families. 

Angel knew that visitors would always be in thrall to the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley, but was adamant that the community retained their autonomy, were fully involved in key decisions, and would be the direct beneficiaries from tourism. 

Angel and his team have facilitated the training efforts of community members to welcome international guests.

The Cuyo Chico Experience

When visiting the Cuyo Chico community with Kagumu, guests enjoy a full cultural immersion. 

Staying with local families, visitors learn traditional techniques through workshops like adobe brick-making and pottery, experimentation with ancestral cooking techniques, and then hear traditional stories around the campfire every night.

“The students were able to enrich their own lives thanks to the activities and interaction with the communities. It was a key element for raising students’ awareness about global issues”. Jonathan Hermida del Olmo, Alexander Bain Irapuato, Mexico

The Impact

As well as being an unforgettable experience for visitors, the initiative has also seen: 

• A clear boost to the local economy as money is paid directly to community members through the homestay initiative 
• Approximately 20% of community families actively participating in the project
• Visible improvements in infrastructure, particularly homestay accommodations
• Increased access to education, including university attendance for some community members
• The preservation and celebration of Indigenous cultural practices and crafts

“I remember visiting in 2019 and being struck by the super welcoming nature of the community and even now, the homestay remains the most memorable experience for our visitors. 

While Machu Picchu is great, the connection visitors make with the ultra-friendly locals is truly unique and memorable. Expect huge smiles and laughter from all of the community members and tears from the visitors when they have to leave! Simon Willis , Kagumu Adventures founder

The Limitations

While this partnership has been an undoubted success for both visitors and members of the community, Angel highlights the need for a fairer share of the spoils. “Currently, direct economic benefits are concentrated among the 20% of families actively participating in the project. 

“We would like to ensure that as many members of the community are benefitting as possible.” 

The Future

We are always looking for new ways to develop our partnership with Cuyo Chico. Ideas currently on the table include:

1. Maintaining dialogue with the community to develop a clear, shared long-term vision for the partnership
2. Identifying community needs – such as water access, education, and infrastructure – to explore potential joint projects
3. Expanding training programs in culinary skills, food safety, and advanced ceramic craftsmanship
4. Market development for Cuyo Chico’s distinctive cultural products and experiences

Our fruitful collaboration is a strong example of how community tourism – when built through ongoing collaboration and driven by local leadership – can create benefits that go far beyond economic transactions, by empowering communities like Cuyo Chico and establishing a sustainable model for the future.