Rayan Community
DAY TRIP
UNTOUCHED | LOCAL FOOD | BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL | UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
$250 PER PERSON
What to Expect
Spend a day away from the tourist traps of Peru with the Quechua people of Rayan Community. See an untouched pristine waterfall, an Incan archaeological site, farm the land with the people of Rayan, and enjoy a farm-fresh cooked meal with the locals. At Cachi, we drive focus in helping local communities develop a better life; Rayan community is where we initially started. The local community gets more support with every trip taken. Fall in love, as we did, with the wonder Rayan Community has to offer. A part of your heart will stay here after you experience a day with the people of Rayan. We must warn you, this trip is very RAW. You are going to be experiencing a way of life that is 100% authentic to the Quechua people. You are going into their homes and their property, so please be very respectful to their ways and traditions. While they will provide you with a meal to eat, we will have an alternate meal you can eat on this adventure if the local meal is not what you desire. The local Quechua have different immune systems and bacteria in their body than the average traveler. While no one has fallen ill eating this food, it is not at the traditional standard you will have been used to in Peru. However, if you’re adventurous, it can be a pleasant experience.
We started the Rayan Community tour as a way to engage tourists and interact with the real Quechua people and their traditional way of life. We have partnered with the people of Rayan to make sure that a majority of proceeds are directly given to them for their efforts in allowing you to visit their homes, eat a delicious meal they cooked for you, and experience their ways of life. As we continue to grow, so does Rayan, and the opportunities allowed to them. We can’t thank you enough for your interest in choosing Cachi, and the Rayan Community Tour.
Included in Private Tour Package:
- English-speaking tour guide
- Private transportation
- Breakfast
- Lunch with the Rayan Community
- Donkey to carry belongings
Not included in Private Tour Package:
- Guide tip
Fortunately used Cachi Life for two different day tours during my stay in Peru. Took the vistadome/train/buses to Machu Picchu, and the process could not have been any smoother. They had everything perfectly coordinated to make the trip comfortable and easy to navigate.
Also had the privilege of doing a tour in the local Rayan community, which was an amazing experience. David, our local tour guide was so passionate about his job and sharing with us the culture of his country. We hiked a mountain to the local community, offering beautiful views and a stellar waterfall. Spent the day learning how the families lived off the land and shared a meal with them that we helped them prepare. Would definitely recommend if you want to try something outside of the typical touristy things to do!
OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I make reservations?
As far in advance as possible. We are working with a local community and it is best if they are notified well ahead of time so that they know you are coming. This trip involves a local meal so the families need to be prepared so they have enough food and supplies for your visit.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be in good physical shape. This trip involves a 2 hour hike over 2 miles with approximately 1000 feet of elevation gain. There is slippery footing and some parts of the trail are not in good condition. You will need to have good cardiovascular fitness for the trip.
Is there an age restriction?
We restriction this trip to those between the ages 8 and up. If you are over 64 years old we require a note from a physician stating that you are in good physical health in order to participate in the trek. We recommend that clients over 64 years old arrive in Cusco at least 3 days prior to starting the trek. We recommend that all clients over 59 years old talk to their doctor in advance about how best to plan for the trek and also to ensure that their travel insurance covers such adventure activities. We do not accept bookings from hikers over 60 years old traveling on their own and group bookings where everyone in the group is over 64 years old.
What sort of meals do you offer?
We provide breakfast and lunch on this tour. BE WARNED! This meal experience is EXTREMELY RAW! There is a local cooked meal cooked on the spot using their local livestock. We will have a more “Americanized” lunch for those not choosing to participate in the local meal. We recommend you bring Pepto-Bismol tablets as you will be eating and drinking local food. We don’t want you to get sick. Pepto-Bismol can help alleviate any upset stomach from eating and drinking local food.
What about medical conditions?
You must disclose at the time of booking any medical condition that could affect your ability to participate in the Rayan Community trek. Cachi Life, Inc reserves the right to deny a trek booking if we feel that a medical condition may put your life or the lives of any of our trekking staff or other clients at risk on the hike. People with mild asthma / diabetes must bring a medical note from their doctor stating that they are fit to undertake the trek. They will also be required to be accompanied by a trekking partner on the trek at all times who will trek at their sides and be familiar with any medicine required in case of an emergency. Cachi Life, Inc reserves the right to cancel the booking of a client if the client has not fully disclosed at the time of booking a medical condition that may pose a risk to the health of the client and/or other hikers. No refund will be given.
Due to the nature of the remote geographical location of the trail and the lack of suitable nearby medical facilities along the trail Cachi Life, Inc will not accept any responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for any problems due to your special dietary requirements / medical condition. We suggest that you check with your doctor before booking the trek.
When's orientation?
Orientation will take place at your hotel prior to the trip at approximately 6:00 pm. We know everyone’s travel plans are different therefore we try and accommodate. Once your trip is booked you will be assigned a travel expert who will help you organize a time and place for your guide to meet you.
How's the weather?
You should prepare for any type of weather. We run rain or shine. January through March tend to be the rainy season.
How many people can be in a group?
There is no group minimum. There will be no more than 16 people in a group.
What is the cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, no refunds can be provided within 30 days of departure. It is difficult to replace you on the bus after that time frame. The payment is used to pay the families for the meal and letting them come to their community. Any cancellation over 30 days is subject to a cancellation fee as outlined in the terms and conditions.
When is payment due?
A non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. The full payment is due at 30 days prior to tour departure. If booking within thirty days of the tour, full payment of the tour is required. This guided tour is $250 per person. This provides payment for your transportation, tour guide, and meal with the Rayan community.
Do I need a passport?
No passport is required for this trip.
Can I hike with my friends/family?
Yes, and we encourage it! As we run private tours, we guarantee that you will only participate in the trip with your loved ones.
What if I have food allergies?
Please give us details of your allergy at time of booking. Please indicate the severity of the reaction and what type of medicine you have to take in case of emergency. If your allergy is severe, you must be accompanied by a trekking partner on the trek who is aware of your allergy and the location of any required medicines. We do not accept clients with life-threatening allergies. Due to the nature of the remote geographical and lack of suitable nearby medical facilities, Cachi Life, Inc will not accept any responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for any problems due to your special medical/dietary requirements. Check with your physician prior to booking.
Do I have to get acclimated to the elevation?
We require everyone to be in Cusco at least two nights prior to starting the trek, three nights is preferred. This ensures that everyone in the group is well acclimatized to the altitude before starting the trek.
What should I bring?
We recommend you bring a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, hiking/comfortable walking shoes, hiking poles, money for tips, Pepto-Bismol, hand sanitizer and a backpack.
Do I have to carry my own stuff?
No, there will be a donkey that will be able to carry your backpack for you as you hike the trail.
Are there bathrooms?
There is a western bathroom located at the Quechua village. However, there will likely not be any soap. We recommend you bring hand sanitizer.
Have Questions? Contact us!