When I lived in Peru as a Peace Corps volunteer, I stayed with my host family in a quaint village that was absolutely beautiful. It is a community  located at the altitude of about 11,000 ft. in the Cordillera (means Range) Huayuash (pronounced Why-wash) – Cordillera Huayash is known worldwide for trekking and hiking. The little village of about 5,000 was also 20 km down a  winding dirt road from the nearest highway. It is a very rural community but once you get there, it feels like a big city, compared to the towns outside of it! It is a very charming town, and the pictures definitely speak for themselves.

The village has two plazas, with the mountains visible in the background, as you can see in the photo to the right. This photo shows the street corner where the artisans gathered to knit. The village also has a health post and a small market. There are even a few restaurants, a high school, a small technical institute, a number of grammar schools and a two big soccer fields. Some of the streets are cobblestone roads. This last photo is of the street I lived on with my host family. I lived all the way at the top of the hill and despite living there for two years, I became winded each and every time I walked up that hill!

My host family took good care of me, like I was their own daughter. They fed me, entertained me and worried about me. I helped the three daughters with their homework and we played in the streets in the afternoon. My host family was always there for me. It truly was a wonderful experience.

To learn more about the community where I lived, check out our FAQ page and watch the “Why Mayu” video.