Who We Serve
The Huilloc Community
The Huilloc community is located in the mountains of Peru’s Sacred Valley. We strive to help the people of the community become their own best advocates in Peru’s healthcare and welfare system. The community, like many rural indigenous communities in Peru, is remote with little access to government supplied healthcare and social services. There are approximately 310 families in the community across 9 districts or neighborhoods. Households typically have 3-6 people including children, parents and often grandparents.
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Quechua
Quechua (“catch-wa” ) is the native language of the Andean people throughout Peru’s Sacred Valley and in the Huilloc community. Many adults also speak Spanish and the community school (K-6) teaches both Spanish and Quechua.
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Tourism
Tourism is a primary source of family income. Many adult men are porters supporting hikers to Machu Picchu and other sites along the Incan Trail. The women in the community also weave textiles for sale to tourists.
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Agriculture
Families raise much of their own food as the nearest town center is a 45-minute bus ride away and few have their own vehicle. Families grow potatoes, maize (corn), quinoa and some also raise guinea pigs, a primary source of protein.
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Traditions
Today villagers continue to wear the traditional dress almost all of which is made in the community. Women weave the colorful garments for their families and also sell them to visitors as well as in the regional market in Ollantaytambo.
A View of Life in Huilloc Village
