Sacred Valley Accommodation Pisac Inn Sustainability

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

The owners of the Pisac Inn seek to preserve the traditional Andean culture and lifestyle through education and community involvement.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

The ancestral culture of the Peruvian highlands is in jeopardy of extinction with the introduction of the outside world through tourism, mass media and the western school systems. These factors contribute to a loss of identity for these people. In addition to maintaining the hotel, the owners, Roman Vizcarra and Fielding Wood Vizcarra, of the Pisac Inn founded a noble initiative to preserve the traditional way of life in the Sacred Valley called Pachamama's Path. This innovative organization has set out to protect the Andean mores and customs by instilling confidence in the people through education and by teaching the general public about the cultural identity in this region of Peru.

One major project for this organization is an elementary school in Pisac which began with 20 kindergarten students and will expand next year to accommodate grades K-6. This school aims to provide an outstanding curriculum while honouring the traditional Andean way of life. They also provide teaching materials to other area schools that wish to focus a section of the syllabus on Andean life. There are certainly high hopes with this pioneering school inspired by the Waldorf educational philosophy. If you would like to learn more about this school or how to become involved with the project, take a look at the official site: Kusi Kawsay.org.

The Vizcarras have also established 4 cultural centres in the last 14 years to create a space to host local celebrations and promote the practice of the Quechua beliefs. The aim is for these centres to spread all over the country as a way to cultivate grassroots initiatives and a sense of community.

Your hosts at the Pisac Inn have a real passion for the Quechua people and their well being. They are making quite an effort to sustain the local community and act in a responsible manner towards the hospitable people that open up their home to host so many travellers. Staying in this accommodation will surely give guests the opportunity to learn more about the Andean culture and have a unique and unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley.