LONELY PLANET, PERU ...
The ever active Lucho Hurtado of Incas del Peru(Telf 223303;www.incasdelperu.org;Giraldez 652), in the same building as the restaurant La Cabaña,organizes most activities . He is a local who speak English and knows the surrounding area well.Mountain bikers can participate in easy one day tours, relaxing two-days tours or for the really adventurous and fit ,12-day Andean cycling marathons that cover over 100kms of rigorous mountain biking . You can also participate in an Andean mountain trekking expedition to the lake and glacier of Huaytapallana for up to three days ;the three day trek cost US$105 per person. Incas del Peru arranges Spanish and even Quechua lessons,which include meals and accommodations with a local family (if you wish)starting at US$110 a week for the budget course through to US$260 per week for the busy interactive course . Lesson can be modified to fit your interests.You can also learn to cook local dishes ,find out how to make jewelry, engage in gourd carving ,try your feet at dancing, dabble with natural dyes , play the panpipes, create back strap or pedal -loom weavings or make a stab at other locals crafts...
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Let's Go Peru,Ecuador & Bolivia
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"Incas del Perú Giraldez 652 (223 303; fax 222 395), attached to Restaurante La Cabana. Run by the charismatic Lucho Hurtado, who speaks near-flawless English. Dedicated to promoting authentic cultural experiences in Huancayo and the Rio Mantaro Valley, Lucho offers crash courses in Spanish, Quechua, weaving, and pan flute. Ask about volunteer/work programs, which include Spanish lessons and a local homestay. Open daily 9am-1pm and 4-7pm. SAE and student discounts. AmEx/DC/MC/V.
MOON HANDBOOKS...
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“Lucho Hurtado at “Incas del Perú” speaks flawless English and is full of adventurous options for the Huancayo area. He is well-connected among the artisans in the valley and offers a great crafts tour to shops in several villages ….. a great chance to see how locals live and do some rough-and-tumble exploring. Lucho is a gifted teacher who helps people understand their surroundings."
REISE PERU BOLIVIEN 2003
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". . . La Casa de la Abuela, Av. Giráldez 691, Tel. 22-3303, fax 22-2395; Haus im Kolonialstil, bp, Ww, familiäre Atmosphäre, Garten, preiswert, UF, TIP! Der Besitzer, Lucho Hurtado,, macht auch auf wunsch erlebnisreiche tagesaufluge zu den campesinos der umgebung, zum mittagessen gibt es eine zeremonie zu ehren Pachamama, empfehlenswert, ca. 35e auch fahrradtouren."
". . . La Cabaña, Jose Galvez 400, letzterez ein beliebter Treff unter Reinsenden und eine gute Infobörse. . . "
BRADT PERU & BOLIVIA:
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"Huancayo has another great advantage: Lucho Hurtado, who runs language and other courses, as well as working as a guide. He either owns or is related to the owner of some nice hotels and restaurants too. If you need something in Huancayo, talk to Lucho! . . ."
"Useful Address
Incas del Peru Av. Giráldez N, 652 Tel. (5164) 223303; fax/ans: (5164) 222395 ...Apartado Postal No 510. Language courses in Spanish and Quechua. Also weaving, natural dyes, Peruvian cooking, and traditional musical instruments (panpipes, flute, charango).
Lucho Hurtado (address as in Incas del Peru) will organise trekking in the area, especially the Mantaro Valley, the Huaytapallana area and to the cloud forest of Chanchamayo. Also mountain biking . . ."
By Hilary Bradt ... recommends "INCAS DEL PERU for its learning programs and Lucho Hurtado for trekking. Also recommends staying at La Casa de La Abuela."