Alcaya

The people of Alcaya strongly defend their cultural heritage and guard the important archaeological site in the department of Oruro. The community of Alcaya is located in the municipality of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, between the two enormous white plains formed by the Salar de Uyuni and the Salar de Coipasa.

The community's agricultural and livestock breeding activities are carried out according to the ayni, a set of rules governing social organisation and production relations conceived in pre-Hispanic times. The ayni is a form of work paid for by other work, which can be summarised as farmers helping each other through; in fact, when one family sows or harvests other families help out on condition that they provide similar help when needed.

The main agricultural activity in the community of Alcaya is the production of quinoa real: the soil here, in fact, is excellent for this type of crop and favours its high quality. The hard work of the inhabitants and fertility of the soil allow for the cultivation of other produce typical of the plateau, such as potatoes and broad beans. It is customary for the women of the community to raise rabbits, llamas and sheep, helping each other out to take care of the animals.

If you think that every trip is above all an opportunity to meet the local people then contact us: we will introduce you to the members of the community of Alcaya and the wonders that surround it.