Come, meet our association

OUR ASSOCIATION

The Apu Tirihuay Yraq Cocha Association is based in the Quechua-speaking community of Qelqanqa, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level, about 90 minutes to two hours from Ollantaytambo. Established in 2021, our association aims to foster tourism within the community. As a self-sufficient group, we seek alternative income sources to enhance our quality of life and provide better educational opportunities for our children. Additionally, we produce and offer traditional textile crafts to visitors.

Founded by Roger Huamán, a tourism enthusiast with a vision to enrich his native community, the association emerged with the support of four local families. United by a shared passion, they are eager to showcase their ancestral culture to the world through tourism.

ABOUT US

At Qelqanqa we embody the essence of homestay tourism in Ollantaytambo. Our core mission is to create authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the local culture. Our approach is rooted in fostering respect for indigenous customs, collaborating closely with communities, and safeguarding the deep cultural identity of this region.
We extend a heartfelt invitation to discover Ollantaytambo in a way that transcends traditional tourist trails. Our goal is to facilitate an immersive journey, allowing you to delve into the profound richness of this ancient land. By intimately interacting with the vibrant local community, you will forge connections and gain insights that will enhance your travel experience. Come, discover the soul of Ollantaytambo through the eyes and stories of the incredible people who call it home.

MISIÓN

En Qelqanqa, nuestra misión trasciende la mera prestación de turismo de alojamiento familiar en Ollantaytambo. Estamos dedicados a fomentar el bienestar integral dentro de las familias locales y a nutrir las comunidades a las que servimos. Nuestro objetivo principal es forjar vías sostenibles de ingresos para cada familia, permitiendo no solo la supervivencia sino también el prospero, al mismo tiempo que preservamos y celebramos el profundo patrimonio cultural arraigado en esta región.

VISIÓN

Para el año 2025, nuestra visión es solidificar Qelqanqa como un catalizador para una transformación positiva en todo Cusco, estableciendo puentes firmes entre los viajeros y las comunidades indígenas. Nuestra aspiración es atraer una mayor afluencia de viajeros a la comunidad Qelqanqa, catalizando un aumento sustancial en los flujos de ingresos para las familias locales. A través de este esfuerzo concertado, imaginamos un futuro vibrante donde el turismo sostenible se convierta en una fuerza poderosa para la mejora socioeconómica, fomentando la prosperidad y salvaguardando la esencia auténtica de las tradiciones y culturas locales.

NUESTROS VALORES

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Love

Every action we take is infused with love and compassion, ensuring our efforts are rooted in empathy and kindness.

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Passion

Our commitment stems from an unwavering passion for what we do, which drives us to continually strive for excellence.

Quality

We are tirelessly dedicated to providing unparalleled service, constantly seeking ways to improve and elevate the quality of our offerings.

Respect

Central to our ethos is a deep reverence for the natural environment and the rich cultural heritage of our community. Our activities are conducted with the utmost respect for both.

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Solidarity

We strongly believe in the power of unity and collaboration. By embracing this spirit, we extend a helping hand to those in need, fostering a community where support and cooperation flourish in countless ways.

Sustainability Goals

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Iniciativa Cero Plástico:

Reconociendo la crisis global que plantea la contaminación plástica, nuestra comunidad se dedica a preservar la naturaleza reduciendo significativamente y, en última instancia, eliminando el uso de plásticos dentro de nuestra comunidad.

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Promoción del trabajo decente y el crecimiento económico:

Nuestro objetivo es crear oportunidades de empleo para las familias locales, brindándoles medios de vida sostenibles que contribuyan a la estabilidad económica de sus hogares.

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Plan de Reforestación de QUEÑA:

La implementación de un plan integral de reforestación que involucra la plantación estratégica de árboles de QUEÑA en las laderas de las montañas. Estos árboles desempeñan un papel fundamental en la retención de agua, crucial para reponer el río que sostiene a nuestra comunidad, especialmente ahora que su agotamiento se convierte en una preocupación cada vez mayor.

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Celebración navideña con niños:

En un esfuerzo por abordar el abandono histórico de las comunidades andinas, nuestro objetivo es difundir la alegría de la Navidad organizando festividades diseñadas específicamente para los niños desfavorecidos, asegurándonos de que sientan la calidez y el espíritu de la temporada.

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Apoyando la educación infantil:

Nuestra iniciativa se centra en impartir prácticas de higiene esenciales, como cuidado dental e higiene personal, a los niños, junto con el dominio básico de idiomas extranjeros como español, inglés, francés, etc., garantizando una experiencia educativa integral para la generación más joven.

Roger Huaman Melo

ENTREPRENEUR

I hail from a humble Andean village near Ollantaytambo, where the echoes of Quechua, a language preserved through generations, resonated throughout my upbringing. At the tender age of 8, my parents made the pivotal decision to move to Ollantaytambo, driven by their unwavering aspiration to provide me with the educational opportunities they had long envisioned for me. The move was a joyous moment for our entire family.

A fortuitous turn came when a close friend, who worked as a tour guide, invited me to join a group of tourists exploring Ollantaytambo. In that instant, my world changed. I was captivated by the melodic hum of diverse languages, the charm of different customs, and the energetic vibe of the travelers.

In 2021, I initiated an innovative project in collaboration with families in my community, aiming to cultivate community-based tourism initiatives. Today, I am a devoted ambassador for my community, driven by a deep desire to elevate the standard of living for local families by harnessing the potential of sustainable tourism. I embody entrepreneurship and strive to be an inspiring force, fostering both cultural preservation and economic empowerment within my beloved community.

Roger takes great care to ensure experiences are authentic, genuine and fun!