Quechua Communities in Peru

The Quechua people of the Peruvian highlands live much like their ancestors have for hundreds of years. They subsist on the high altitude crops they can grow, such as quinoa and potatoes, and they often spin, dye, and weave their own clothes from the wool of their alpacas. The popularity of Machu Picchu and other archeological sites has created an opportunity for these families to earn a bit of income as men work as porters on the Inca Trail and women weave crafts for sale, through intermediaries, to tourists. Such income is necessary for items they can’t produce from the land, such as medical care and school supplies for their children. However, tourism has dried up the past few years – first because of the Covid pandemic and now because of political turmoil, riots, and road closures. This has left families at a loss to fund the education needs of their children. 

Compassion Beyond Borders is providing school supplies to children from several high mountain villages, including Paru Paru, Willoq Alto, Cachora, and Marampata. We will continue to support these children until families once again regain their capacity to earn income.