You will be collected by a private transport after breakfast from your accommodation in Cusco. The heart of the Inca Empire will have opened a door to an ancient culture that once thronged its streets; today you will go one step further and meet those who still emulate life as it were 600 years ago. So prepare to delve deep into Incan culture with this enchanting Cusco tour. It is a short and scenic route, continuing on and up, past the tourist hostels and into the hills, where the Patabamba people will be waiting to welcome you. They are a community of less than 200 families who maintain Quechua as their native tongue, marvel at the beautiful clothing of the men and women, all of which has been made by their own hands. Here is an opportunity to take in your sumptuous surroundings. Gaze at the fields around you, filled with foods and plants that you’re used to seeing on Western supermarket shelves. And some you may never have heard of. Via your experienced English speaking guide, listen and learn about which plants are medicinal, and which are boiled down to make the vibrant colours used to dye of the clothes worn by Andean people. You will learn all about the 10,000 year old weaving traditions and techniques of the Patabamba. Try your hand at spinning sheep’s wool as you watch how the fibre is made and refined without the help of machines. You’ll also see the process of making textiles so popular in markets, using framework techniques and incorporating the natural element’s into the designs. You will also sport the colorful, local garments, as you observe the majesty of the local Andean culture. After a morning of activity and learning you’ll settle down to observe the preparation of your organic lunch, served in a traditional fashion and including the foods of the land around you. Prior to the actually cooking a ceremony will begin to prepare the pachamanca. Pachamanca, meaning ‘earth-pot’, is a rare, archaic method of cooking a feast, using fire, stones and all under the soil of the earth. A real sight to behold, as the locals demonstrate their engineering and culinary skills to produce a real treat. Only organic, local produce and after a short time, an abundant banquet is ready to be devoured. So now all you have to do is tuck in. Dining with the locals and enjoying their delicious gala, this unique experience should be savored. After you have eaten fair share and said your goodbye and then contemplate this way of life as you’re transported back to Cusco, with a lifelong cultural exchange cemented in your heart.