Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and was once the capital of the whole Inca Empire. This magical Peruvian city in The Andes is the perfect blend of the fascinating history of ancient civilizations, unique Quechua culture of the Inca´s ancestors, that lives and breathes in its streets and communities, the modern facilities catering to every traveler’s needs, the fascinating museums brimming with artefacts from by gone eras, top end restaurants and cafes showcasing Peruvian cuisine, and the starting point of a myriad of trekking adventures in The Peruvian Andes, and numerous spectacular natural sights for every discerning traveler to Peru. What makes Cusco different is that all of the above lives and breathes around very corner making this city a living testament to the colonial, Inca and Pre-Inca history that you can see with your own eyes, even today. One of the best ways to experience authentic living Peruvian culture is to stay with a local family and see Peruvian life from the inside, for the complete Peruvian experience. If you are planning a trip to Cusco, Here are 10 compelling reasons why staying in a homestay instead of a hotel will add an element of authenticity to your Peru vacation package.
- Peruvian Cultural Immersion
Choosing to stay with a local family allows you to experience the authentic Cusco lifestyle. The people who live in the city of Cusco have their very own customs traditions and nuances of every day life that will add an extra depth to your understanding of Peruvian culture.
The Peruvians who live in rural communities of Cusco are mainly farming or weaving communities who still live in the same way that they have done for generations, dating back to Inca and Pre-Inca times, and passing down ancestral traditions and customs. This allows us to live, all be it for few days, in the same way that the Quechua communities lived during the time of The Incas, and how they continue to live today. See more here!
- Cost Effectiveness
Homestays are often more budget-friendly than hotels. Hotels focus on creature comforts and luxury in Cusco, and certainly offer a pleasant stay for visitor to the city. This is often reflected in the cost of the Cusco Hotels, especially the luxury accommodation options. However, a common is that hotels generally lack that personal touch and authenticity for your Peru stay, if you are looking for real insight into Peruvian culture one of the best ways to do so is to stay with a Peruvian Homestay family. These are generally more economical as the families charge a lot less than the exorbitant international hotel chains. Peruvian homestays will generally charge a reasonable and honest amount to cover their costs, while you enjoy an authentic family-like stay in the country.
- Home-Cooked Meals
Peruvian cuisine is a world -renowned gastronomical experience. The uniqueness of Peruvian food is largely due to the massive array of natural ingredients from the abundant regions of Peru-The Coast, The Rainforest and The Andes Mountains. Regional varieties, geographical regions, ancestral cooking methods and recipes, immigration and generally producing meals on a budget, all combine to make a massive variety of traditional, delicious dishes and the opportunity to sample Peruvian cuisine prepared by your host family.
- Personalized Attention
Your host family will provide you with insider tips and recommendations for your visit to Peru. They will recommend reputable tour companies, trekking routes, stores, regions to visit, sights to see etc. Insider knowledge from a local is honest, trustworthy and generally down to personal experience, as opposed to someone trying to make a buck. Family members are always on hand in emergencies, to call a doctor, make sure you are OK at all times and assist you with the practicalities of your Peru adventures.
- Language practice
Another great reason to stay with a homestay family during your Peru tours is if you are focused on learning Spanish. You can improve your Spanish skills by being able to converse with your host family in their language. Not only are you showing a level of respect by learning the language of the country you are visiting, you are also improving your own language skills. If you want to take your language skills to a whole new level, you can also try your hand at Quechua (The native Peruvian language, as spoken by The Incas)!
- Safety
Staying with a Homestay family in Cusco is generally safer than staying in a hotel, with a lower risk of theft or scams. Hotels of course employ people to work there and therefore the possibility increases that guest could have belongings stolen etc. A homestay family means that in general, only family members or close friends would have access to the house. Whereas a hotel is a public entity.
- Flexibility
Homestays often offer more flexible check-in and check-out times. Families who offer homestays in Cusco, will generally allow your arrival at any time, with previous arrangement. Hotels have less flexibility as guest need to check out before other guests can check in and they often have a set time.
- Local knowledge
Your host family at a homestay can provide valuable insights into Cusco’s hidden sights or activities. They have generally lived in Cusco all of their lives, thus have impeccable local knowledge and Cusco and surrounding sights. They generally also know where to purchase the best bargains! Perfect for your souvenir shopping on your Peru tour packages.
- Giving Back
By staying with a homestay family in Cusco and the surrounding region, not only gives you access to communities off the tourist track and generally lesser – visited, you will also be contributing directly to the income of local families and to the community’s economic development. See more here. Hotels are often part of international chains and proceeds will go back to the head office and not direct to the local community, where you are staying. This is an excellent way to be a sustainable and responsible traveler during your visit to Peru.
- Unforgettable Travel Experiences
Staying with a homestay family offers the opportunity to create lifelong unique memories with your host family. It is probable that after spending valuable time in Peru with a homestay family, you will make lifelong friends in Peru. By staying with a homestay family, you can experience the every-day life of Peruvians whether that be farming alpacas, growing potatoes and other crops, weaving using the alpaca wool, cooking with natural organic ingredients, grown by the family, participating in traditional festivals and events, authentic Peruvian cuisine and cooking methods, passed down through the generations. You will certainly see a side of Peru that you would not have seen normally on regular Peru tours staying at hotels.
What to expect from a Cusco homestay in Cusco
– A warm welcome from your host family
– A clean and comfortable room
– Delicious homemade Peruvian cuisine
– Opportunities to learn about local customs and traditions- hands on!
– Assistance with planning your Cusco itinerary
Conclusion
Choosing a homestay over a hotel in Cusco, when you travel to Peru, offers a unique and authentic cultural experience. Your Cusco homestay will allow you to immerse in local culture, and experience authentic Peru, learn new ancestral skills, save money, and create unforgettable memories and new friends. You will visit more rural and real communities off the tourist trail and live authentic experiences of the true rural Andean way of life – first hand! If you are interested in staying with a homestay family during your Peru vacation, Kallpa Travel has a number of different homestay opportunities, to get a taste of an authentically real Peru. Stay at a working coffee farm in the cloud forests of Peru, or with an Andean Alpaca farmer and weavers in remote Andean weaving villages, whatever your interests we are sure to have the perfect homestay option for you on your Cusco visit. Ask us here!