Top 5 Cusco Classes: Cultural Workshops & Experiences

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is that kind of place brimming with history and culture, offering so many opportunities to connect with its unique traditions. That it’s more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu is fairly obvious. What’s really neat is, taking a class or doing some type of workshop can be just the ticket to gaining a deeper appreciation for this Peruvian gem. Very, very quickly you move beyond tourist and begin interacting and understanding the local heritage and lifestyle, which could be an experience to recall. Let’s explore what appears to be some top options for really stepping up your Cusco visit!

1. Peruvian Cooking Class: Savoring the Flavors of the Andes

Think about walking through Cusco’s colorful San Pedro Market with a chef, and that’s how this cooking class usually starts. What might happen is, you get to pick out fresh, ingredients that the place seems to be overflowing with—things like potatoes, corn, and unique Andean herbs. Following that, it’s almost back to the kitchen, that is, to a cooking school or a local home. What could be on the menu? Things like ceviche, that marinated seafood dish that’s just very, very iconic to Peru, or perhaps lomo saltado, which might be a tasty stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and aji peppers. Peruvian cuisine really offers what seems to be a great way to learn the story and heart of this country, with what some would argue are influences from the Andes, Europe, and Asia all stirred in.

As I was saying, one thing I found pretty striking when taking a cooking class here is that the people involved really emphasize tradition. You get hands-on experience crafting those age-old dishes while picking up culinary wisdom from the people you’re taking the class with, that it’s more than just throwing some stuff in a pot is pretty apparent. Basically, with every bite, you just might feel yourself connecting a little bit deeper to Peruvian roots. Sounds pretty cool, huh?

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2. Textile Workshop: Weaving the Threads of Tradition

Peru, so too, is fairly well-known for its really incredible textiles, very steeped in history. Taking part in a weaving workshop could be that kind of chance to find out what the symbols and methods are. Typically, artisans use things like backstrap looms. It tends to be almost mind-blowing seeing the really skilled hands at work turning colorful threads into those intricate designs that each tell a story, just as I suspected.

Actually, what’s amazing when learning this kind of skill, very up close, is that each motif, each color, often has a special message. A diamond design, so too, can symbolize family. A specific shade, in some respects, could mean power, strength or something unique to the family or tribe creating it. Arguably, there might just be no better keepsake from Peru than learning these textile secrets. Even better? You get to go back with a special talent to create new clothes for yourself or give as presents, and that’s just very cool!

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3. Pottery Class: Shaping Your Own Piece of the Andes

Think back in time and think of the Incas and you’ll be thinking about advanced engineers but pottery has been around way longer, so to me, it’s really cool you can try it. Imagine that, getting your hands dirty learning the tricks of a trade going back hundreds, if not thousands, of years! With clay native to the Andes, so, in some respects, that can make your creation a pretty unique bit of Andean artistry.

A bit like textiles, so too, some pottery styles use ancient images or techniques as it is. Classes go over all the things to know, too it’s almost. Shaping the clay into whatever is that vision, the patient teacher will explain every movement and why it has meaning. This sort of hands-on class might give anyone who goes through with it the type of reverence for what went into even the smallest vessels you may find in a Peruvian market. I felt so, having gotten this skill to learn, anyone visiting now might appreciate the art better too.

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4. Spanish Language Class: Speaking the Language of the Incas

While Quechua is spoken, Spanish has what tends to be more prevalence throughout Peru. This could be that chance to actually learn to chat with the locals, is that right? It’s that whole respect thing that locals love when you attempt to speak their mother tongue. These type of things make them smile, too it’s almost. What may happen is, you’ll move beyond just being perceived like those normal, very run-of-the-mill tourists when you chat with folks in a language they just understand very, very easily.

Think about learning very basic greetings, is that a good start, along with everyday phrases, to feel really much more at home and better connected, so, too, would likely impress them! I am saying what’s neat is when your ordering meals, negotiating prices or getting those directions to some amazing place, those little Spanish skills make a ton of difference and help make trips much less generic and better! And that, as I was saying, allows people a level that tends to be far more enriching.

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5. Dance Workshop: Moving to the Rhythms of the Andes

Peruvian dancing could be very lively and very captivating, you see. Dance goes all the way way, way back, too, it’s almost part of its heritage, basically. By the way, these sessions may be something very great in understanding Peruvian society.

Picture this: getting shown those very basic steps of different, well known dances by skilled people. Basically, maybe you’ll start with the Huayno, so to, known for lively pace with folks swaying in colorful outfits. Maybe I’ll master Marinera steps that appear complex but fun, it depends! What you’re going to discover here happens in those rhythmic footwork practices alongside hand motions which convey tales and emotions from past generations… You won’t, I mean will really want a very, very unique cultural deep-dive while, simultaneously, burning off some of that pasta you might be tempted to buy from a Cusco restauranteur!

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