UJ #14 - Qhapac Ñan

Qhapaq Ñan Project’s National Office
The visits that include
performances portray the
way of living of the ancient
residents of the place.
Nevertheless, the population did not turn
their back on their legacy before the arrival of
the specialists. Since the 1960s, the residents
committed to look after the archaeological site
and protect it from latent dangers in the area such
as land invasions. “Our vision is to work hand in
hand with the community so that they can take
over the entire project and improve their quality
of life”, highlighted Mackie.
Their eagerness for creating a new experience for
the tourists who arrive at Huaycan de Cieneguilla
generated groups of cultural advisors formed by
the residents, who are trained to tell the story of
the place from a local perspective. These teams
also lead the night tours, supplementing history
and archaeology with traditional legends and
tales; and the interpretive visits in Quechua with
characters dressed as the ancient Inca residents.
Last year, Huaycan de Cieneguilla received about
8,500 visitors, and expects to exceed this figure
in 2017, thanks to the further advertising on the
Qhapaq Ñan. The ties with local entrepreneurs
and businesses from the area help establish the
archaeological zone within the touristic circuit of
the district, renowned for its gastronomic corridor
and ecological value.
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