At Impactful Travel, our mission is rooted in supporting and strengthening the communities we work with throughout Peru. We believe in the transformative power of community-based tourism—where travel becomes a tool for cultural exchange, empowerment, and sustainable development.
In early October 2025, our team set out on a meaningful journey to the Raqchi community, about 100 kilometres south of Cusco. On the way, we made a stop at the remarkable archaeological site of Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca city once inhabited by the Wari people between 550 and 1100 AD. Wandering through this ancient urban centre offered a glimpse into Peru’s rich historical layers and set the tone for the rest of our trip.
Raqchi: A Model for Community-Based Tourism
Upon arrival in Raqchi, we were welcomed by a community that has been a pioneer in community-based tourism for over two decades. This remarkable initiative is led primarily by the women of Raqchi with twelve dedicated families who open their homes and hearts to travelers from around the world.
Surrounded by peaceful Andean landscapes, the village lies in the shadow of the Temple of Wiracocha, an impressive Inca structure that reflects the community’s deep historical roots. The Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road system, runs directly through Raqchi, connecting it both historically and geographically with other important destinations alongs the Cusco-Puno/Colca-Arequipa route. This makes Raqchi an ideal cultural stop – whether as part of a tailor-made self-drive adventure or within a guided itinerary that brings travelers deeper into the Andean heartland.
The atmosphere in Raqchi is one of warmth, tradition, and cultural pride, a place where time slows down, and connections are made.
We regularly incorporate Raqchi into our self-drive adventures, often pairing it with nearby experiences like the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, which is conveniently close and offers a less crowded alternative to Vinicunca.
Cross-Community Connections
In the spirit of collaboration, we invited Rocío and Jesusa from the community of Coporaque (Arequipa) to join us. The goal? To strengthen inter-community relationships and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
The weekend was filled with vibrant exchanges. The Raqchi hosts proudly showed us their newly restored guesthouses—now ready to welcome more travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion. Over a delicious Andean lunch, full of local herbs and flavors, stories were shared, tips were exchanged, and new friendships formed. We spent hours around the table with the community members, diving into collaborative discussions on themes like sustainability, marketing, quality, organisation, and financial management, sharing insights and working together to strengthen their tourism project. The spirit of unity continued into the evening with traditional dances, songs, and shared meals, wrapped in the warmth of alpaca wool blankets under the Andean sky.
A Sacred Hike and a Tribute to Pachamama
The following morning, community members from both Raqchi and Coporaque joined us on a hike to the sacred and dormant Quimsachata volcano (Qhimsa Ch’ata, meaning “three eyes” in Quechua). The trail offered breathtaking views of Raqchi’s lava-sculpted terrain and the sacred Temple of Wiracocha below.
We were fortunate to be guided on this sacred walk by Olga, a knowledgeable member of the Raqchi community, who shared not only her stories, but also the deep spiritual and ecological significance of the land. At the summit, we participated in a traditional ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Apus (the mountain spirits), expressing gratitude and respect for the land that sustains us all. It was a powerful reminder of the spiritual connection that local communities maintain with their environment.
Preserving Culture Through Art
Raqchi is also known for its exquisite ceramics, crafted using ancient techniques passed down through generations. These pieces reflect the symbolism, worldview, and creativity of the Andean people. Our team had the chance to try their hand at the artform, led by Dolores—getting a feel for the rich cultural heritage embodied in every vessel and figure.
In addition to their artistry, the women of Raqchi possess a deep ethnobotanical knowledge. A wisdom passed down through generations, rooted in the use of local plants for nutrition, medicine and ceremony. Their ancestral understanding of the land further highlights the richness and resilience of Andean culture.
Why Visit Raqchi?
Visiting Raqchi is more than just seeing a site: it’s about experiencing living culture, supporting local livelihoods, and walking away with a deeper understanding of what travel can truly mean. With its location along major travel routes and proximity to places like Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, Raqchi is an accessible yet deeply authentic destination.
These are the kinds of connections that community-based tourism makes possible—and why, at Impactful Travel, we continue to champion this approach across Peru and beyond. We are proud to support communities like Raqchi and to continue building a travel model that creates meaningful impact for locals and for travelers alike.
Still wondering if Raqchi is worth the visit? Let the additional photos tell the rest of the story.
