ARAWI EXPERIENCES
Julia, Coffee and Chocolate!
Taste unique organic flavors
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
ABRA MÁLAGA | HUAYOPATA | HUACAYUPANA | SANTA TERESA | COCALMAYO | MACHU PICCHU
What to expect?
Arriving at Machu Picchu after meeting Julia or Alejandro is an entirely different experience. They possess deep knowledge of the land and water, gained through their daily efforts to protect their crops of exquisite coffee, cacao beans, and organic fruit trees.

Itinerary
Day 1: Julia’s Organic Cocoa, flavors and textures: Ollantaytambo - Huacayupata (1.650m) (B)earn the Poetry of Ancestral Weaving (-L/D)
Private experience
This morning, starting at 6am, you will meet your guide and take a private transport from Ollantaytambo to the striking Abra Malaga Pass, situated at 4300 meters above sea level. Our journey continues towards Julia’s house, situated at 1.500 meters above sea level, offering a captivating transition through diverse ecosystems and climates. From the lofty plains and glaciers to the verdant upper jungle teeming with banana trees, the scenery is truly mesmerizing – photo stops are always possible!
Upon reaching Julia’s house, you will be greeted by either Julia or one of her family members for a leisurely stroll through the lush plantations. Here, you’ll encounter a diverse array of coffee, fruit, and the star of the tour – cocoa. Get hands-on by crafting your own chocolate and indulge in a delightful tasting experience.
After an (early) lunch you continue by transportation to the a trailhead which leads to Alejandro’s house. You can choose (as a group) the most beautiful hike (2 to 2,5 hours with some steep parts) or a shorter hike of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (if you’re afraid of heights) to Alejandro’s house.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon around Alejandro’s farm and a delicious dinner.
Overnight stay at Alejandro’s nice accommodation. Some rooms share a bathroom with a hot shower; other rooms have this ensuite.
Day 2: Alejandro’s organic Coffee plantation at Huacayupana - Aguas Calientes (2.100m) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, at approx. 8 am, you will take the tour on Alejandro’s coffee farm and learn all about the coffee-making process from one of Peru’s best specialists: from harvesting the beans to your own cup of coffee.
After this activitiy (around 11 am) it is time to say goodbye to your new friends. It is a short (aprox. 40 minutes) but beautiful walk to the main road from where you will take transportation to the Hidroelectrica train station.
After a lunch break (not included), you continue on foot from the Hidroelectrica train station to Aguas Calientes (approx. 2,5 to 3,5 hours), a really nice walk, mostly flat, which also provides a first glimpse of Machu Picchu from below.
In Aguas Calientes you could do a little walk around town and have dinner in one of the many restaurants. Since an early start awaits you the next day for your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll likely want to get a good night’s rest.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Machu Picchu (2.430m) - Ollantaytambo - Cusco (B/L/D)
From Aguas Calientes you will take the bus to Machu Picchu, early in the morning (you can decide the time in advance with your guide). Often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and spectacular sets of ruins in the world. It is located 2,430 meters above the Urubamba river. The Incas started building it around AD 1430 as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, strategically located between deep canyons and impressive mountains called Apus (Gods for the Incas), so it was a well hidden and well-protected fortress.
In the morning, you will have a tour to Machu Picchu (duration: 2.5 hours).
Our tip for active people is to climb the Machu Picchu Mountain after the tour: not the over-visited Huayna Picchu. The Machu Picchu mountain is a little higher (climbing one and a half hours) but offers a nice panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu mountain and the underlying Urubamba river. In addition, the path and the nature on the way are beautiful, and because of its limited number of visitors, it feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of Machu Picchu.
The same afternoon, after your visit, you will take the train back to the Sacred Valley and then private transportation back to your hotel. You will arrive back there between 17.00 and 19.00 pm.
Overnight in Cusco
B: Breakfast– L: Lunch – BL: Box Lunch - D: Dinner
How to include this in your trip?
You can add this experience to any itinerary that includes Cusco and/or the Sacred Valley before yor Visit to Machu Picchu. Just contact us and we will help to design the best option.
Why this experience matters?
- Your trip supports local families working to preserve organic farming traditions.
- It provides supplementary income to communities through sustainable tourism.
- You’ll learn and experience hands-on techniques for cultivating coffee and cacao.
- Hike along ancient Inca trails, far from tourist crowds, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
- Arrive at the foot of Machu Picchu via a lesser-known route, away from the masses.
Tips for a responsible traveler:
Visiting communities means entering vulnerable environments. Please:
- Avoid leaving behind plastic products such as packaging and bottles
- Respect local culture and follow your hosts’ guidance
- Buy locally and pay fair prices
- Don’t waste water or energy
Know before you book


Included
- Accommodation in selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
Transportation
Homestay at local home. Basic services.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Professional private local guides
Bus and Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
Train Expedition or Upgrade to Vistadome back from Machu Picchu.
Not Included
- Local or international flights
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the program
What to bring:
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Insect repellent
- Swimsuit, sandals, and towels
- Short-sleeved t-shirts for daytime
- Sun hat and gloves (in case of cold weather)
- Warm, comfortable clothingRain poncho or waterproof jacket (during the rainy season)
- Walking shoes or sandals, or rain boots if visiting during the rainy season
- Any necessary personal medications