The Green House’s Field Notes on Sacred Valley, Peru
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Jyl Kutsche, owner of The Green House, shares her insider intel on Peru’s Sacred Valley.
The beautiful, lush, colorful Sacred Valley of Peru is steeped in history and culture and the homeland to some of the most warm-hearted, kind people I’ve ever come across. The Green House is a boutique retreat space located in the small village of Huaran, which is nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by the sacred mountains known as Apus, making it the perfect home base for your dream retreat or group travels. Here, we’ve shared a few of our favorite off-the-beaten path gems that can be found in the Valley!
Do
Xapiri: Xapiri is a gallery/cafe and a spot close to our heart for the work they do to showcase the craft works of several indigenous tribes in Peru, while also serving to support and help protect them, their land, and their way of living.
Eat
Pachamanca: Check out the Pachamanca offering at El Albergue hotel in Ollantaytambo. Pachamanca translates to “earth oven”, and as the name suggests your meal will be prepared the traditional way: on hot rocks that are buried underground. Reservations are required and you won’t want to miss a visit to their amazing on-site distillery while your lunch is cooking.
El Albergue hotel in Ollantaytambo. Source.
Shop
HJK Designs: It offers irresistible hand-made alpaca knitwear created in collaboration with local women.
Also included in the notes:
a gem of a boutique featuring hand-made and reworked vintage pieces that one might expect to find on the streets of NYC.
a hotel that is our hands-down favorite spot to acclimate to the high altitude of the city, and within easy walking distance to some of the amazing shopping Cusco has to offer.
a tiny little shop tucked away on a pedestrian street for craft chocolate that truly represents what Peru has to offer.
one of the best tour companies for outdoor excursions—the owner's passion for his country is infectious and you’ll walk away sharing his passion.
tips for those being called to Peru for its history of mysticism, spirituality and healing
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