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Ancient Inka Building Techniques, Quechua Community llama farm

The experience

The Inkas are revered as master builders and experts in sacred geometry. Learn ancient building techniques like thatching roofs, tapial (rammed earth) construction and simple stone masonry as we complete our greenhouse project, repair the original homestead and begin construction of the YachayWasi Knowledge Center and Temple of
the Nina Wilka, or Sacred Fire.
Volunteers receive Inka spiritual teachings to live in balance with our Pacha Mama.

What you offer

32 hours of help per week

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 150 Per week

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers and Donation to project

Description: contribution for Accommodation, food, guided walks in the mountain, indigenous Inka permaculture

What you get

1 day off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Requirements

Fluent English or Beginner Spanish

Between 18 and 62 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

The Inka Knowledge Center project is a remarkable endeavour that embodies the wisdom of ancient Inka architecture while prioritizing sustainability and harmony with nature. This ancestral building is designed to honour the Natural Laws of Mother Earth, drawing
inspiration from the Inka's deep understanding of ecological balance and respect for the
environment. The construction utilizes locally sourced materials and traditional techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The architecture incorporates features such as natural Ancient Techniques, solar alignment, and Organic Material, which reflect the Inka's sophisticated approach to sustainability. By integrating these elements, the Inka Knowledge Center not only serves as a hub for learning and cultural preservation but also stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of indigenous knowledge in addressing modern global challenges.

Inti Nan'i YachayWasi leads by the Inka value of Anyi, or Reciprocity. We share the teaching and practises that help us to connect, commune and work with PachaMama (Mother Earth) and Guardians of the Land; how to collaborate with others for a common cause in a good way; learn sustainable ways of building sacred spaces; and Inka insight into our existence on this planet.

We ask that our volunteers are physically fit, in good health, willing to learn and share with an open mind and heart.

Please keep in mind that this a pristine and rustic environment. We have No Electricity (apart from a solar light), No WIFI, No Plumbing (no showers) and there is No Cell Reception. Well, there is a high spot in the community that you can catch a signal if one is needed. We have a clean outhouse and we draw water from the glacial-fed rivers and streams which we boil.

Activities & Shift

The Knowledge Centre is a collective project and there is flexibility to work hours and free time.
Generally, we awake early to make our breakfast and start day in a ceremonial way. Our llamas and sheep are put out to pasture and then we may begin with a range of activities like harvesting and collecting the wild Ichu Grass for our thatched roofs, roofing, framing, stone collecting, labour with tapial (rammed earth) construction, making rope, working and visiting with community members.

We will also take the opportunity to take walks or hikes to explore the beautiful rivers, lakes, flora and fauna in the community.

Rules

Respectful to one another so that everyone's ideas and voices are shared and heard.

An open mind to share, whatever that may look like for you.

We kindly ask that all volunteers pack in and out their garbage as there is no garbage/recycling collection in the community.