Pachamanca: Andean ritual banquet

Pachamanca Tour: Sacred Andean Ritual & Gastronomy in Cusco

$185.00 / private service / 2 people

CategoryCultural

DURATIONFull day

RequirementsNo experience required

Type of servicePrivate

Embark on a sensory journey through the authentic Sacred Valley, where you will experience its rich gastronomy and vibrant culture. This immersive experience invites you to take part in preparing pachamanca, an ancient Peruvian culinary tradition and ritual. Pachamanca involves cooking underground with hot stones using Andean ingredients such as potatoes, broad beans, sweet potatoes, corn and meat, which are seasoned with traditional Andean herbs like huacatay and chincho in honour of Pachamama (Mother Earth). It is also prepared during festivities in indigenous communities.

During the tour, you will also learn how to prepare chicha amarilla, a fermented corn beverage with pre-Hispanic origins that was used in sacred Inca ceremonies. You will also explore the community garden, where organic produce such as quinoa, native potatoes, vegetables and medicinal plants are cultivated to form an integral part of the local diet and worldview.

This is an experience that connects the land, the kitchen, and the spirit of the community.

Overview

Itinerary

• The service

The service

1. Welcome and reception
   Reception in the community restaurant with music, flowers, and words of welcome. Brief presentation of the community and the experiential program.

2. Participatory process: Preparation of the Pachamanca
   Explanation and active participation in the preparation of this typical dish cooked underground with hot stones. Preparation of the oven, selection of ingredients, and burying of the food.

3. Cultural experiential activity (choice of):
   While the Pachamanca is cooking, visitors choose one of the following activities:
   - Traditional agricultural activity
   - Preparation of yellow chicha
   - Visit to the “Mujuy Willkay” interpretation center
   - All activities take place in direct contact with local families.

4. Uncovering and community lunch
   Return for the uncovering of the Pachamanca and traditional Andean lunch accompanied by dancing and live music.

5. Guided tour of the community organic garden
   Tour of the crops where you will learn about the ingredients that are used in typical dishes: potatoes, corn, quinoa, aromatic herbs, among others.

6. Farewell with gratitude
   The experience ends with words of thanks from the hosts.

Pachamanca: Andean ritual banquet map

Included & Excluded

You will find detailed information about the services included in our tours and hikes below. Please read the list of inclusions and exclusions carefully.