In the heart of the Sacred Valley, nestled between the towering Andes and the ancient ruins of the Incas, lies the vibrant community of Ccorccor, in the district of Chinchero, Cusco. For centuries, this community has been renowned for its traditional textile-making, an art form passed down through generations. Today, this tradition remains a vital part of the local culture and economy, thanks in no small part to the collaboration and support of organizations like Peru Explorer Tours.

As a local tour operator, Andean Explorer Tours, has long recognized the significance of preserving ancestral practices. Understanding that the textile-making tradition in Ccorccor not only represents a living link to the Inca past but also serves as an essential livelihood for many local families, they’ve worked tirelessly to establish a partnership that supports artisans and empowers the community.

Sustainable Travel and Ecotourism in Remote Areas in Peru

The Role of Andean Explorer Tours

Andean Explorer Tours has integrated visits to Ccorccor as part of their cultural and adventure tours. But rather than just a quick stop on the way to Machu Picchu, these tours offer a deep, immersive experience. Visitors are invited into the homes of local weavers to witness the intricate processes of wool dyeing and weaving, and to learn the cultural significance behind the patterns and colours.

We recognized early on that simply bringing tourists to the village wasn’t enough to make a lasting impact. They wanted to create a sustainable model that benefits both the artisans and the travellers. To do this, Peru Explorer Tours established a fair-trade partnership with the weavers of Ccorccor. The textiles created by the artisans are offered for sale at the end of each visit, with 100% of the profits going directly to the artisans, ensuring that their work is properly compensated and valued.

Boosting the Local Economy

The partnership between Andean Explorer Tours and the Ccorccor community is not only about preserving tradition but also about economic upliftment. Chinchero, like many rural communities in the Cusco region, has historically struggled with economic challenges. The tourism brought in through this initiative has a ripple effect on the entire community, providing new sources of income not only for weavers but for other small businesses as well.

Local shops, transport services, and even small eateries have benefited from the influx of tourists eager to experience the rich culture of Chinchero. The increase in economic activity allows families to send their children to school, invest in health services, and improve their overall quality of life. In addition, this support has helped reduce the pressure for younger generations to leave their communities in search of work. Instead, many young people are choosing to stay and learn the craft, ensuring that the art of weaving remains alive for future generations

We see their work as more than just business—it’s a form of cultural preservation. By supporting the weavers of Ccorccor, Andean Explorer Tours is helping to ensure that this ancient craft remains a living, breathing part of the modern world. At the same time, they are giving travellers an authentic cultural experience, one that fosters a deeper understanding of the Andean way of life.

Our vision of sustainable tourism offers a blueprint for how travel can be a force for good. Instead of contributing to the commercialization of traditional practices, Andean Explorer Tours has shown that it’s possible to create meaningful connections between travellers and local communities, while empowering those communities to thrive on their own terms. We strongly believe in responsible travel that not only enriches the visitor but also benefits the host communities. By promoting cultural exchanges between tourists and artisans, they foster a deeper appreciation for Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Preserving Culture Through Sustainable Tourism