Every step you take in the Andes can be more than just a scenic adventure. At Mountain Lodges of Peru, this philosophy guides everything we do. And there’s no better example of this than our partnership with the Huacahuasi community in the Lares region—one of the most remote outposts on our route to Machu Picchu.
This Quechua-speaking community has lived in harmony with the land for generations, preserving a rich cultural heritage of weaving, farming, and ancient ways of life. Rather than simply building a lodge in Huacahuasi, we asked a deeper question: How can we create something that uplifts and honors the people who live here? The answer became a joint-venture lodge co-owned by the community itself.
By partnering with the Huacahuasi community, we’re creating long-term, sustainable income opportunities. Through our non-profit arm, Yanapana Peru, and collaborations with organizations like Trekking for Kids, we’ve implemented several initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation. For example, programs that celebrate and sustain traditional textile and ceramic arts—ensuring these practices continue to thrive—are paired with opportunities for travelers to purchase handmade products directly. The revenue generated is reinvested into local priorities like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Mountain Lodges of Peru also works closely with Huacahuasi to provide education around waste management and recycling—building new habits to protect the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
When you stay at Huacahuasi Lodge, you’re not just enjoying a comfortable rest after a day of adventure. You’re investing in a model that empowers the very community that calls this place home.
This Earth Day, consider traveling in a more meaningful, intentional way and choose an experience that uplifts communities like the Upper Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure.
