In the Ausangate communities, raising animals is part of everyday life for many local families. Milking cows is one of these activities, and it is usually done early in the morning.
This experience gives you the chance to see how the milking is done and how families get fresh milk from their own cows.
You can also take part if you would like to. A local family member will show you how it is done, and you can try milking the cow yourself at your own pace.
The experience takes place early in the morning, when it is time to milk the cows. First, you will see how everything is prepared and how the milking process is done.
If you would like to take part, you will be shown how to place your hands and how to milk the cow. You do not need any previous experience. The person guiding you will explain each step and help you along the way.
If you would rather not milk the cow, that is completely fine. You can simply watch, ask questions and learn about the activity. Taking part is always your choice.
At the end, you can learn more about what families do with the milk and how it is used in their everyday life.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Location: Around Casa Cóndor.
Time: Mornings only, arranged in advance.
Season: Available all year round, in the mornings.
Participation: No previous experience is needed.
Milking a cow may seem like a simple activity, but for many families in Ausangate, it is simply part of their daily routine. It is something learned through practice and passed down within the family.
During this experience, you can get a closer look at this part of local life. You can watch, ask questions and, if you feel like it, try milking a cow yourself.
You do not have to take part in the milking to enjoy the experience. You can choose how involved you want to be and get a better idea of what a normal morning can look like for a local family in the Andes.
Yes. Cow milking takes place throughout the year, so the experience can be arranged on different dates. It needs to be arranged in advance with the local family.
The activity is only available in the morning, as milking is normally done early in the day. The exact time is arranged in advance.
No. Milking the cow is completely optional. If you would like to try, a local family member will show you how to do it. If you prefer to just watch, that is also perfectly fine.
No. You do not need any previous experience. You will be shown how to do it and can try with some help.
Yes. You do not need previous experience with animals. You can take your time and get close to the cow only if you feel comfortable doing so.
Of course. You can ask about the cows, how they are cared for, the milking process and how families use the milk in their daily lives.
Yes. Solo travelers can also take part, depending on availability and prior coordination.
No. The activity takes place close to Casa Cóndor, so no additional transportation is needed.
The milking activity is available throughout the year. However, the weather conditions on the day may affect where the activity takes place.
