If you are looking for an cultural enriching experience, Kasa Achuta is where you should visit, an Aymara community, located 11 kilometers from the Tiahuanaco main square, in La Paz department. This community organization offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Tiwanaku culture and learn about the region’s way of life and ancestral traditions.

One of the not to be missed activity is the hike to Kasa Achuta, this hike starts at the Kalasasaya archaeological site and follows local trails, while learning about history, culture, and interesting facts.
During the tour, you will be able to learn about the Sukakollus or ridges water importance, and the community’s current crops.

You will also be able to discover the region’s agro-pastoral culture, visiting ancestral crops and learning about sheep management, a source of livelihood and protein nutrition for the community. The hike ends at the Paqollu apacheta, a hill considered a sacred being.

As for gastronomy, the artisanal dairy producers could be visited and learn about the dairy production and transformation processes. At this place you will be able to milk a cow and make your own cheese, as well as taste the variety of artisan cheeses, root vegetables and other foods that make up the Apthapi, a get-together Aymara celebration.

For those interested in Andean traditional medicine, Kasa Achuta offers an activity with the accompaniment of a local guide and a community Amawta (old wise man). During the tour, you will be able to experience coca leaves reading ritual and traditional medicines elaboration, while you learn about the medicinal plants’ benefits and uses.

Also the community artisan women carry out a textile art demonstration, with camelid wool and will invite the tourist to spin fibers and weave on looms.

For an even more authentic experience, you can dress up in typical regional costumes and participate in local dances.

Tourist activities and services

• Hike to Kasa Achuta
• Crop tours to learn ancestral techniques
• Visit artisan dairy farmers and be at an Apthapi (Aimara get-together celebration). And return to
  the populated center with a local guide.
• Tour to the Paqollu hill.
• Coca leaves reading experience.
• Clay recollection in order to elaborate handicrafts with local ceramic masters.
• Textile art demonstration.
• Exhibition regarding clothing, its uses, and celebrations meanings.
• Engage in the Choqela dance (with visitor’s participation).

Location

• This community is located 11 km northeast of the Tiahuanaco main square.
• See location: http://bit.ly/3z1nDPM

Best time to visit:

• Any time of the year. The temperature generally ranges from below zero °C to 18 °C. The
  Tiahuanaco rainy month is January, with an average of 85 cubic millimeters per square meter.

Way to get there:

• On your own, click here to see map.
• By public transport to Tiawanaku, from La Paz, on buses or minibuses that leave from the
  General Cemetery area on Beltazar Aquiza street.
• From El Alto, the departures are from the interprovincial terminal.
• To get from Tiahuanaco to Kasa Achuta, you can go in a private vehicle or walk for about 40
  minutes.

Essential clothing and accessories:

• Warm clothes and sport shoes,
• hat and sunglasses,
• Sunscreen,
• Bottle of water for daily hydration
• First aid kit
• Medicines to prevent altitude sickness.

Other:

• Mobile service coverage: Entel and Tigo.

Contacts:

• Tiahuanacu Tourist Guides Association (Asoguitt)

o   Address: Avenida Manco Kapac, opposite the entrance to the Ceramic Museum.

o   Telephone: + (591) 71989749

o   Facebook: @guiasdeTiahuanacubolivia

• Kasa Achuta Community

o   Contact: Fidel Quispe

o   Telephone: (+591) 71595998

This content is taken from the “Soy Bolivia” verified guide, prepared in April 2023 with information provided by organizations and communities involved. This guide is updated annually to ensure its validity. In order to suggest a community tourism venture, free of charge, you are welcome to send a WhatsApp message to the number (591) 70079347.

• Note: Prices are updated to May 2023.

Warning. The images in this guide were provided by representatives of the involved communities, who assured that they use these photographs for the respective promotions of their ventures.

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