About

Raul is from a traditional Quechua community, Huilloc, in the highland region of the Patakancha Valley. This valley is home to some of the most famous indigenous textiles of the region and stems from a long line of rich Incan history. It is a three-hour walk uphill from Ollantaytambo, the location of the nearest high school. Raul chose to study tourism so that he can bring more tourists to his community, to educate about how "we live, work with crafts and agriculture, and raise our animals." Through his efforts, he hopes to teach his fellow community members how to generate sustainable income, selling their products to tourists and operating sustainability tours. Because of this income, writes Raul, "they can provide education and good nutrition to their small children and be good citizens by keeping our culture and Quechua language." He also hopes to learn English, and teach English to vendors, so that weavers can better sell their crafts.