5-Day Local Life Immersion: Villages Around Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech → Ourika Valley (Local Village Stay)

• Morning pick-up from Marrakech.

• Stop at a women's argan oil cooperative en route.

• Arrive in a small Berber village in the Ourika Valley.

• Join your host family for a home-cooked lunch and learn how to bake Moroccan bread in a traditional clay oven.

• Afternoon: Walk through the valley and help gather herbs or visit a local beekeeper.

• Dinner with your host family and storytelling by candlelight.

Overnight: Homestay in a Berber village home.

Day 2: Ourika → Azzaden Valley (High Atlas Village Stay)

• Drive deeper into the High Atlas Mountains to Azzaden Valley, a pristine area untouched by mass tourism.

• Stop in local souks to pick up produce for the evening’s meal.

• Arrival and tagine-making workshop with local women.

• Help tend goats or learn to make fresh cheese.

• Enjoy tea with village elders and learn about mountain traditions and Amazigh heritage.

Overnight: Homestay with panoramic valley views.

Day 3: Azzaden Valley → Ijoukak (Artisan Village Experience)

• Morning: Hike to a remote waterfall with mules (optional).

• Visit Ijoukak, a quiet valley known for its weaving cooperatives and carpet artisans.

• Spend the afternoon weaving a small mini carpet or bracelet to take home with you.

• Visit the nearby Tinmel Mosque that is being constructed and speak about the earthquake relief (12th-century, hidden gem).

• Join your host family to harvest from their small garden and prepare a countryside dinner.

Overnight: Stay in a humble family house with shared spaces and warm hospitality.

Day 4: Ijoukak → Amizmiz (Market & Cooking Day)

• Depart to Amizmiz, home to one of the most traditional weekly souks (Tuesdays).

• Explore the souk, shop for fresh spices, and learn how locals haggle and trade.

• Afternoon: Full Moroccan cooking immersion class with a local chef and his family.

• Make zesty salads, tagines, and seasonal dessert.

• Rest with tea overlooking olive groves and the slow pace of life.

Overnight: Homestay in a family compound with local musicians performing after dinner (optional).

Day 5: Amizmiz → Marrakech (Return with Heart Full of Stories)

• Morning reflection walk with your host, farewell tea.

• Return drive to Marrakech through scenic backroads.

• Stop at Tameslouht village to visit a women’s embroidery cooperative or pottery workshop.

• Arrive in Marrakech late afternoon; optional drop-off at riad or airport.

Highlights

• 5 days of real immersion into rural life

• 4 different village experiences, each with unique family stays

• Daily connection with locals: cooking, farming, hiking, and crafting

• All meals homemade and shared around family tables

• Optional market visits, waterfall hikes, and music nights

What's Included

| ✓ Private transport (air-conditioned) |
| ✓ Local guide throughout |
| ✓ 4 nights in authentic homestays |
| ✓ All meals (vegetarian options available) |
| ✓ Workshops: bread baking, tagine, weaving |
| ✓ Donations to cooperatives and artisans |

👣 Ideal For:

• Conscious travelers looking for genuine cultural exchange

• Families, solo explorers, or couples who prefer slower, purposeful travel

• Visitors wanting to support rural Moroccan communities directly