Discover the Authentic Spirit of the Sacred Valley with Tunqui Expeditions
Immerse yourself in the true heart of the Andes on our Authentic Andean Experience. Journey from Cusco through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, explore the charming town of Lamay, and connect with local families in the remote village of Poques. Share an unforgettable day learning ancestral farming techniques, hiking with llamas to panoramic viewpoints, preparing a traditional Pachamanca feast, and witnessing the art of Andean weaving firsthand.
Experience genuine hospitality, authentic traditions, and the stunning landscapes of Peru in a sustainable and respectful way.
Join Tunqui Expeditions and discover the magic that few travelers ever get to see.
Book this unforgettable Local Community Experience Cusco – Poques into the heart of the Sacred Valley today
Sacred Valley Immersion: A Cultural Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail
An Authentic Andean Experience in Poques Village one Day in the Andes with a Local Family
Venture beyond the ordinary tourist routes and immerse yourself in the authentic heartbeat of Peru’s Sacred Valley. This intimate, full-day experience combines breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient agricultural traditions, and genuine cultural exchange with a welcoming Andean family.
Journey Highlights:
Panoramic Mountain Views – Begin your day with hotel pickup and journey along winding mountain roads to El Mirador de Taray, where the majestic Sacred Valley unfolds before you
Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration – Visit Lamay, a vibrant local town where Quechua is the primary language and authentic Andean life continues unchanged by tourism
Traditional Welcome Ceremony – Experience the genuine hospitality of the Poques community (12,238 ft above sea level) with traditional dance, music, and colorful costumes
Culinary Adventure – Participate in preparing Pachamanca, an ancient underground barbecue cooking method, after enjoying a nutritious breakfast of quinoa porridge and local fruit. Savour authentic traditional delicacies including roasted cuy (guinea pig), a variety of native potatoes, and corn prepared using ancient techniques.
Llama Encounter – Connect with these gentle Andean animals on a guided hike with local families who’ve maintained traditional herding practices for generations
Spectacular Viewpoints – Enjoy a picnic at a breathtaking overlook while learning about daily life in this remote Andean community
Traditional Weaving Demonstration – Observe the intricate process of Andean textile creation, from natural dyes to finished patterns
What Makes This Tour Special Local Community Experience Cusco:
This is not merely a sightseeing expedition but a genuine cultural exchange with families who have cultivated these lands for generations. By choosing this tour, you support authentic community tourism that preserves traditional ways of life while providing sustainable income for local families.
Important Details:
Duration: Full day (approximately 8-9 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate (includes walking at high altitude)
Suitable for: Cultural enthusiasts, photographers, food lovers, and travelers seeking authentic experiences
Includes: Hotel pickup/drop-off, breakfast, traditional Pachamanca lunch, guided cultural activities
What to bring: Warm layers (temperatures can vary dramatically), comfortable walking shoes, camera, sun protection
Itinerary
1
Day
Authentic Andean Experience in Cusco – Poques Community
The Andean Community Experience in Cusco:
Andean Community Experience Cusco – From Cusco to El Mirador de Taray
Start your unforgettable adventure with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. As we travel north, we’ll make a scenic stop at El Mirador de Taray, offering sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. Here, your expert guide will introduce you to the incredible agricultural innovations of the Incas, from ancient terraces to ingenious irrigation systems that shaped life in the Andes.
Explore the Hidden Beauty of Lamay
Our route continues to the authentic town of Lamay, whose name comes from “Llamac,” meaning “the place where llamas live.” Unlike more touristy destinations, Lamay offers a glimpse into genuine Peruvian life, rich in traditions and untouched by the modern world.
Meet the People of Poques – A True Cultural Encounter
Ascending through a quiet valley sprinkled with rural communities, we reach the remote highland village of Poques. Here, a local family welcomes you with live Andean music and traditional dances. Savor a wholesome Andean breakfast with quinoa porridge and freshly harvested fruits before touring their homes and terraced farmlands.
Learn about the diverse varieties of corn, potatoes, and tubers they cultivate using ancestral techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Participate in a Traditional Pachamanca Feast
Experience one of the most ancient and cherished culinary traditions of Peru: the Pachamanca. Together with your host family, you will prepare a traditional underground barbecue, using hot stones to cook seasoned meats, potatoes, and corn.
While the meal cooks beneath the earth, embark on a short, scenic llama hike to a stunning viewpoint, where a small fruit picnic awaits amidst the breathtaking Andean landscape.
Share a Meal and Stories with Your Hosts
After the hike, return to the village to unearth the Pachamanca and join your new friends in a hearty feast. The meal features traditional delicacies such as Guinea Pig, Alpaca meat, and a colorful array of native potatoes – all sourced locally. This special gathering is a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, conversation, and connection.
Discover the Art of Andean Weaving
Before bidding farewell, witness a live demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques. Learn how artisans create vibrant natural dyes and intricate textile patterns that are famous around the world. It’s a beautiful closing to a day rich in learning, laughter, and discovery.
Meals:
Traditional Andean Pachamanca & Special Tea
Difficulty:
Moderate
Hiking Distance:
Approx. 1 km / 0.62 miles
Highest Altitude:
4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Poques Community
+3MORE PHOTOS
What’s Included & Not Included Authentic Andean Experience
“Explore authentic Andean life with a local family in Poques, hike with llamas, prepare a traditional Pachamanca, and discover the art of weaving in the Sacred Valley.”
INCLUDES
Early Morning Pickup: Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
El Mirador de Taray: Pause at the scenic El Mirador de Taray for breathtaking valley views. Learn about the Inca’s ingenious agricultural systems, including terracing and irrigation.
Visit Lamay: Continue to the authentic town of Lamay, meaning “place where llamas live,” to witness traditional Peruvian life, largely untouched by tourism.
Journey to Poques Village: Ascend through a peaceful valley dotted with small communities to the remote village of Poques.
Welcome by Local Family: Upon arrival, a local family greets you with vibrant traditional music and dance. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast featuring quinoa porridge and organic fruits.
Farm and Culture Tour: Tour their home and farmlands. Learn about the diverse varieties of corn, tubers, and potatoes they cultivate using ancient methods.
Pachamanca Preparation: Participate in the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca, an underground barbecue cooking technique dating back to Inca times.
Llama Hike and Picnic: While the meal cooks, join the family for a short hike with llamas to a spectacular viewpoint. Enjoy a small fruit picnic in a stunning Andean setting.
Pachamanca Feast: Return to help unearth the Pachamanca and share a hearty meal with your host family, featuring guinea pig, alpaca, native potatoes, and corn.
Weaving Demonstration: Before departing, watch a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving, from natural dye creation to intricate textile designs.
Before you go Authentic Andean Experience
Before you visit Poques Community
Poques is a traditional Andean community located high in the mountains of the Sacred Valley. Visiting Poques is more than a day tour — it is an opportunity to experience local life, connect with Andean families, walk with llamas, and discover traditions that are still part of everyday life.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small daypack. Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so dressing in layers is highly recommended.
Weather & Altitude
During the experience, we reach approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level. The weather can be sunny, windy, cold, or cloudy throughout the same day. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before visiting the community.
Walking with Llamas
You will enjoy an easy-to-moderate walk of approximately 1 km / 0.62 miles, accompanied by our llamas. The walk takes around 45 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the mountain scenery, take photos, and learn about life in the Andes.
Traditional andean Food
One of the highlights of the experience is our traditional Pachamanca, a meal prepared using hot stones and an ancient Andean cooking technique. You will also enjoy a special local tea prepared in the community.
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies.
Respecting our Community
Poques is a living community, not a staged tourist attraction. We kindly ask visitors to respect local customs, families, animals, and the natural environment. Please ask before taking close-up photographs of community members.
What to expect
Expect a genuine and personal experience. You will meet local people, learn about Andean traditions, enjoy beautiful high-altitude landscapes, spend time with llamas, and experience a side of the Sacred Valley that few travelers get to see.
Come with curiosity, respect, and an open mind — we will take care of the rest.
Packing list Authentic Andean Experience
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Have a nice trip!
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
Price Authentic Andean Experience
The “Authentic Andean Experience” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price: US$ 150.00 per person
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5.5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This fee is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) at no charge.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Sacred Valley Immersion: A Cultural Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail
An Authentic Andean Experience in Poques Village one Day in the Andes with a Local Family
Venture beyond the ordinary tourist routes and immerse yourself in the authentic heartbeat of Peru’s Sacred Valley. This intimate, full-day experience combines breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient agricultural traditions, and genuine cultural exchange with a welcoming Andean family.
Journey Highlights:
Panoramic Mountain Views – Begin your day with hotel pickup and journey along winding mountain roads to El Mirador de Taray, where the majestic Sacred Valley unfolds before you
Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration – Visit Lamay, a vibrant local town where Quechua is the primary language and authentic Andean life continues unchanged by tourism
Traditional Welcome Ceremony – Experience the genuine hospitality of the Poques community (12,238 ft above sea level) with traditional dance, music, and colorful costumes
Culinary Adventure – Participate in preparing Pachamanca, an ancient underground barbecue cooking method, after enjoying a nutritious breakfast of quinoa porridge and local fruit. Savour authentic traditional delicacies including roasted cuy (guinea pig), a variety of native potatoes, and corn prepared using ancient techniques.
Llama Encounter – Connect with these gentle Andean animals on a guided hike with local families who’ve maintained traditional herding practices for generations
Spectacular Viewpoints – Enjoy a picnic at a breathtaking overlook while learning about daily life in this remote Andean community
Traditional Weaving Demonstration – Observe the intricate process of Andean textile creation, from natural dyes to finished patterns
What Makes This Tour Special Local Community Experience Cusco:
This is not merely a sightseeing expedition but a genuine cultural exchange with families who have cultivated these lands for generations. By choosing this tour, you support authentic community tourism that preserves traditional ways of life while providing sustainable income for local families.
Important Details:
Duration: Full day (approximately 8-9 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate (includes walking at high altitude)
Suitable for: Cultural enthusiasts, photographers, food lovers, and travelers seeking authentic experiences
Includes: Hotel pickup/drop-off, breakfast, traditional Pachamanca lunch, guided cultural activities
What to bring: Warm layers (temperatures can vary dramatically), comfortable walking shoes, camera, sun protection
1 Day
Authentic Andean Experience in Cusco – Poques Community
The Andean Community Experience in Cusco:
Andean Community Experience Cusco – From Cusco to El Mirador de Taray
Start your unforgettable adventure with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. As we travel north, we’ll make a scenic stop at El Mirador de Taray, offering sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. Here, your expert guide will introduce you to the incredible agricultural innovations of the Incas, from ancient terraces to ingenious irrigation systems that shaped life in the Andes.
Explore the Hidden Beauty of Lamay
Our route continues to the authentic town of Lamay, whose name comes from “Llamac,” meaning “the place where llamas live.” Unlike more touristy destinations, Lamay offers a glimpse into genuine Peruvian life, rich in traditions and untouched by the modern world.
Meet the People of Poques – A True Cultural Encounter
Ascending through a quiet valley sprinkled with rural communities, we reach the remote highland village of Poques. Here, a local family welcomes you with live Andean music and traditional dances. Savor a wholesome Andean breakfast with quinoa porridge and freshly harvested fruits before touring their homes and terraced farmlands.
Learn about the diverse varieties of corn, potatoes, and tubers they cultivate using ancestral techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Participate in a Traditional Pachamanca Feast
Experience one of the most ancient and cherished culinary traditions of Peru: the Pachamanca. Together with your host family, you will prepare a traditional underground barbecue, using hot stones to cook seasoned meats, potatoes, and corn.
While the meal cooks beneath the earth, embark on a short, scenic llama hike to a stunning viewpoint, where a small fruit picnic awaits amidst the breathtaking Andean landscape.
Share a Meal and Stories with Your Hosts
After the hike, return to the village to unearth the Pachamanca and join your new friends in a hearty feast. The meal features traditional delicacies such as Guinea Pig, Alpaca meat, and a colorful array of native potatoes – all sourced locally. This special gathering is a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, conversation, and connection.
Discover the Art of Andean Weaving
Before bidding farewell, witness a live demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques. Learn how artisans create vibrant natural dyes and intricate textile patterns that are famous around the world. It’s a beautiful closing to a day rich in learning, laughter, and discovery.
Meals:
Traditional Andean Pachamanca & Special Tea
Difficulty:
Moderate
Hiking Distance:
Approx. 1 km / 0.62 miles
Highest Altitude:
4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Poques Community
6
Authentic Andean Experience – Lamay & Poques
“Explore authentic Andean life with a local family in Poques, hike with llamas, prepare a traditional Pachamanca, and discover the art of weaving in the Sacred Valley.”
Early Morning Pickup: Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
El Mirador de Taray: Pause at the scenic El Mirador de Taray for breathtaking valley views. Learn about the Inca’s ingenious agricultural systems, including terracing and irrigation.
Visit Lamay: Continue to the authentic town of Lamay, meaning “place where llamas live,” to witness traditional Peruvian life, largely untouched by tourism.
Journey to Poques Village: Ascend through a peaceful valley dotted with small communities to the remote village of Poques.
Welcome by Local Family: Upon arrival, a local family greets you with vibrant traditional music and dance. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast featuring quinoa porridge and organic fruits.
Farm and Culture Tour: Tour their home and farmlands. Learn about the diverse varieties of corn, tubers, and potatoes they cultivate using ancient methods.
Pachamanca Preparation: Participate in the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca, an underground barbecue cooking technique dating back to Inca times.
Llama Hike and Picnic: While the meal cooks, join the family for a short hike with llamas to a spectacular viewpoint. Enjoy a small fruit picnic in a stunning Andean setting.
Pachamanca Feast: Return to help unearth the Pachamanca and share a hearty meal with your host family, featuring guinea pig, alpaca, native potatoes, and corn.
Weaving Demonstration: Before departing, watch a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving, from natural dye creation to intricate textile designs.
Before you visit Poques Community
Poques is a traditional Andean community located high in the mountains of the Sacred Valley. Visiting Poques is more than a day tour — it is an opportunity to experience local life, connect with Andean families, walk with llamas, and discover traditions that are still part of everyday life.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small daypack. Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so dressing in layers is highly recommended.
Weather & Altitude
During the experience, we reach approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level. The weather can be sunny, windy, cold, or cloudy throughout the same day. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before visiting the community.
Walking with Llamas
You will enjoy an easy-to-moderate walk of approximately 1 km / 0.62 miles, accompanied by our llamas. The walk takes around 45 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the mountain scenery, take photos, and learn about life in the Andes.
Traditional andean Food
One of the highlights of the experience is our traditional Pachamanca, a meal prepared using hot stones and an ancient Andean cooking technique. You will also enjoy a special local tea prepared in the community.
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies.
Respecting our Community
Poques is a living community, not a staged tourist attraction. We kindly ask visitors to respect local customs, families, animals, and the natural environment. Please ask before taking close-up photographs of community members.
What to expect
Expect a genuine and personal experience. You will meet local people, learn about Andean traditions, enjoy beautiful high-altitude landscapes, spend time with llamas, and experience a side of the Sacred Valley that few travelers get to see.
Come with curiosity, respect, and an open mind — we will take care of the rest.
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Have a nice trip!
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
The “Authentic Andean Experience” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price: US$ 150.00 per person
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5.5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This fee is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) at no charge.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Salkantay 4 days
The Salkantay trek was incredible and the ability to do it in 4 days rather than 5 was perfect for our holiday planning. We were in a small group (just us, our guide, our cook and our horseman). All of our meals, transport and the logistics of park entries were looked after for us. Our guide Miguel was knowledgeable and had done the trek many times in the past.
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Sally B
Ausangate 5-days trekking
We did the 5-day Ausangate trek with Silvio and Dani as our guides, and they were wonderful, kind, attentive, and responsive to our needs. When some members of our group started feeling the effects of the high altitude, they helped adjusting the itinerary, shortening the trek from 5 days to 4 to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The cook was fantastic as well. He accommodated the various dietary restrictions in our group with ease and prepared something different for every meal; we enjoyed each one. Experience highly recommended!!
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Desirée M
Authentic andian experience
Incredible experience, went on Ausengate hike, going along for the 4 day trek. The team took good care, the food was the best part, beautiful landscapes, went through rainbow mountains, red valley, and seven lakes. It was initially planned for 5 days, but the group felt, we are not doing well with the weather and tiredness, and sylvios team adapted to that, and we cut short the hike, but still visiting most of the points.
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Manthan S
Amazing 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
We had an incredible experience with Tunqui Expeditions on the 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the entire team did an excellent job. Our guide, Omar, was outstanding. He was kind, professional, and always ready to help. He made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the trek, while sharing interesting information about the mountains and local culture. His positive attitude and encouragement made the challenging days much more enjoyable. The food throughout the trek was also excellent. We were impressed by the quality, variety, and freshness of the meals, especially considering we were camping at high altitude. The Ausangate landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and Rainbow Mountain was a fantastic way to end the trek. We highly recommend Tunqui Expeditions to anyone looking for a well-organized trekking company, and if you have Omar as your guide, you're in great hands!
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Przemysław S
Salkantay review
I had a great time with Tunqui expeditions. They were very accommodating and allowed us to change the start date due to illness. On the trek itself our guide Noé was insightful and very understanding of our pace, our cook Juvenal was great and our muleteer Alfredo was lovely.
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Dhruv V
Ruta de Ausangate
Hicimos el circuito de Ausangate de 4 días con Tunqui y fue una experiencia increíble! Estaba todo muy bien organizado, aunque la ruta puede ser algo dura ellos se encargan de hacerlo lo más cómodo posible. Especialmente agradecidos a nuestro guía Uber, que además de conocer bien el terreno estaba siempre atento a nuestras necesidades y a hacer el camino ameno. Y para completar el equipo Augusto el cocinero hizo unos platos deliciosos y variados todos los días y Pascual el arriero tenía todo controlado para que el campamento estuviera a punto. Volvería a elegir esta compañía para una aventura de este tipo sin duda.
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Irene E
Amazing experience!
Amazing trek with our guide Veronica, chef Thomas and horsemen Pablo. We had a wonderful time. Landscapes were stunning. Thomas prepared the most delicious meals. Tunqui expeditions is an amazing company who gives back to the community. We did the Asanguate and rainbow mountain 3 days trek in the end of June. Temperature were fine in the day when the sun is out but cold at night (-10 at night) and early in the morning so prepare your gear accordingly. Tunqui was well equipped with sleeping bags to handle the cold nights. Thank you so munch Tunqui!
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Dominique C
Perfect family trip
Experienced and very flexible guides , very willing to make changes to the program in line with last minute requests. Whole trip extremely well organized from landing to take off .
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Dirk W
Experiencial sensorial imperdible!
Tuve una experiencia sensorial maravillosa! Mi guía local fue Johan Sikos. Estuvimos haciendo turismo comunitario en el parque de la papa, conociendo las lagunas turquesas increíbles! Con vista a los nevados y la sierra imponente. Johan fue más que un guía, fue un hermano, parcero, amigo. Me habló de su historia y de las comunidades, me enseñó Quechua, su amor por la gastronomía ( gran chef de profesión) estuvimos realizando el ritual gastronómico ancestral de la pachamanca que fue una de las experiencias más hermosas que haya tenido! Una experiencia sensorial inmejorable! Gracias infinitas Johan y q su agencia.
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Juliana G
Inca Trail hike 2 day with hotel
We participated in the short Inca trail. It was an amazing experience breathtaking views, great support. Once in a lifetime trip, would recommend this company for their support! Noe was our guide, he was knowledgeable and pleasant to assist us on our Inca journey!
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