Enjoy the culinary tradition of Cusco: Pachamanca

Enjoy the culinary tradition of Cusco: Pachamanca

$0.00 / from

CategoryCultural

DifficultyFull day

RequirementsNo experience required

Type of servicePrivate

Gastronomy, living culture, and Andean tradition on an unforgettable day!

Explore the authenticity of the Sacred Valley, a sensory journey that highlights its gastronomy and its people. This immersive experience invites you to participate in the preparation of pachamanca, an ancient Peruvian culinary tradition and ritual. Pachamanca is an ancient method of cooking underground with hot stones, using Andean ingredients such as potatoes, broad beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and meat, seasoned with traditional Andean herbs like huacatay and chincho to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). It is also prepared during festivities in indigenous communities.

During the tour, you will learn the traditional preparation of chicha amarilla, a fermented corn beverage with pre-Hispanic origins used in sacred Inca ceremonies. You will also explore the community garden, where organic products such as quinoa, native potatoes, vegetables, and medicinal plants are cultivated, forming an essential part of the local diet and worldview.

An experience that connects the land, the kitchen, and the spirit of the community.

Overview

Itinerary

The service

Welcome and reception
Reception in the community restaurant with music, flowers, and words of welcome. Brief presentation of the community and the experiential program.
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.
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.
Uncovering and community lunch
Return for the uncovering of the Pachamanca and traditional Andean lunch accompanied by dancing and live music.
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.
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.