Pachamanca Tour in the Sacred Valley I A Gastronomic Journey

The Pachamanca Tour in the Sacred Valley invites you to immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines gastronomy, culture, and nature. Through a tour of Andean communities, you will have the opportunity to actively participate in the preparation of Pachamanca, an ancestral dish cooked in an earth oven, while learning about the traditions and rituals that have endured since pre-Inca times. This tour not only allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of the region but also to deeply connect with the customs of the local communities.

During the tour, you will explore the beauty of the Sacred Valley through hikes to natural viewpoints, local art workshops, and the observation of ancestral crops. In addition, the cultural exchange with the local inhabitants creates a space for mutual learning, strengthening experiential tourism. At the end, you will enjoy a delicious community lunch that strengthens the ties between visitors and locals, a true celebration of Andean hospitality.

🌿Day 1: Ancestral Connection and Flavors of the Sacred Valley

Pickup at your hotel (8:00 – 8:30 AM)

We begin the tour with pickup at your hotel, either in Cusco or in one of the Sacred Valley towns, such as Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Pisac. During the journey in a comfortable tourist vehicle, you will enjoy spectacular scenery: views of the snow-capped Andes, meandering rivers, and agricultural fields that highlight the beauty of this Peruvian region.

Traditional Welcome at the Andean Community

Upon arrival at the local community (which can be Huayllafara, Amaru, or Huchuy Qosqo, depending on availability), you will be greeted by the inhabitants, who will be dressed in traditional costumes. This warm welcome includes a symbolic ritual offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), where community members will give thanks for the fruits of the earth and ask permission to cook on it. A spiritual experience that demonstrates the Andean people’s deep respect for nature.

Introduction to the Pachamanca Ritual

Our guides and community members will provide a detailed explanation of Pachamanca, a traditional dish with pre-Incan origins. They will tell you about the ancestral ingredients that make up this dish, such as chicken, pork, lamb, and guinea pig, as well as Andean herbs like chincho and huacatay. You will also learn about the cooking process in a hole in the ground, using volcanic stones heated by fire.

Participatory Preparation of Pachamanca

This is not just a gastronomic tour; you will be an active part of the preparation of Pachamanca:

• The stones are heated with firewood until they reach the ideal temperature.
• Traditional meats are prepared, seasoned with local herbs.
• Native potatoes, sweet potatoes, fava beans, humitas, and Andean corn are added, covered with banana or corn leaves, and then sealed with earth for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cultural Walk or Community Break

During the cooking process, you will have time to explore more about local life. You can choose to:

1. Hiks to natural viewpoints or nearby archaeological sites, such as Inca agricultural terraces.
2. Participate in traditional weaving workshops, paint ceramics, or even feed alpacas and llamas.

These activities not only enrich your experience but also contribute to the development of the local community, promoting experiential tourism.

Oven Opening and Andean Lunch

After a 90-minute wait, the oven is uncovered, releasing the tantalizing aromas of the cooked Pachamanca. Lunch will be served at a communal buffet, where you’ll enjoy traditional regional flavors, such as:

1. Chicken, pork, lamb, and guinea pig, accompanied by Andean potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn.
2. Creole sauces such as ají de huacatay.

Cultural Exchange and Farewell

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local residents, learn more about their customs and traditions, and even purchase local handicrafts. The farewell will include a small ceremony in Quechua, an expression of respect and gratitude to the visitors.

Return to Cusco or the Sacred Valley (12:00 – 1:00 PM)

Finally, we will return to the tour starting point, either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. This cultural and gastronomic tour will be a unique experience that will allow you to deeply connect with Peru’s ancestral traditions.

✅Includes

🚗 Tourist transportation from Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Pisac).

🌄 Scenic route through the Andes, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and agricultural fields.

🏞️ Traditional welcome with an offering ritual to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

🍲 Explanation about Pachamanca, including its history, ingredients, and ancestral cooking process.

🍖 Participatory preparation of Pachamanca, where you can help cook the meats and vegetables.

🚶‍♀️ Cultural hikes to natural viewpoints, archaeological sites, and agricultural terraces.

🧶 Workshops on weaving, pottery, and feeding alpacas and llamas.

🤝 Cultural exchange with the local community, and the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts.

🏁 Return to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

❌Not Included

🏨 Accommodation: The tour does not cover accommodation in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. If you require accommodation, you must arrange it separately.

🎟️ Entrance fees to archaeological sites or viewpoints: Entrance fees to sites such as the Huchuy Qosqo complex or any other nearby archaeological sites or viewpoints are not included in the tour.

🍷 Alcoholic beverages: The tour includes non-alcoholic beverages such as chicha morada and herbal teas, but alcoholic beverages are not provided during lunch.

🚖 Additional transfers: Any transfers outside the established itinerary or to other tourist spots are not covered by the tour. If you wish to take an extension or additional visit, it must be arranged separately.

🧳 Travel insurance: The cost of travel insurance or any type of medical coverage is not included in the tour price. It is recommended to purchase it before the trip.

💰 Tips: Tips for local guides, drivers, or community members are not included in the tour price and are at the traveler’s discretion.

✨Recommendations

🏔️ Acclimatize to the Altitude: If you are coming from a lower altitude, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day before the tour to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.

🥾 Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Wear light, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for hiking in cold, rural terrain. Don’t forget a warm jacket, as temperatures can vary.

💧 Hydration: Always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.

🌞 Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from strong solar radiation, especially at high altitudes.

🦙 Insect Protection: Bring insect repellent to enjoy the tour without worrying about bites.

📷 Camera: Don’t forget your camera or cell phone to capture the stunning landscapes and unique experiences the Sacred Valley has to offer.

🍽️ Eat Light: Avoid heavy or spicy meals the day before the tour to keep your stomach comfortable during the dining experience.

🎁 Bring Cash: In some local communities, you may be willing to purchase handmade crafts. Bring cash in soles to make purchases if you wish.

📜 Respect Local Customs: During the cultural exchange, remember to be respectful of the traditions and customs of the community’s residents.

🌿 Protect the Natural Environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley by avoiding littering or harming the local flora and fauna.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pachamanca?

Pachamanca is a traditional Andean dish cooked in an earth oven using hot volcanic stones. Meats such as chicken, pork, lamb, and guinea pig are prepared, accompanied by native potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and other local ingredients. It is a dish that represents one of the oldest culinary traditions of the Andes.

Is the tour suitable for those without hiking experience?

Yes, the tour is suitable for people of all levels, as the hikes are short and easy. However, it is recommended to be prepared to walk through natural terrain and enjoy the Andean landscapes at a relaxed pace.

Is the transportation comfortable during the tour?

Yes, the transportation is comfortable and modern. We offer tour vehicles with comfortable seats and enough space for all travelers, ensuring a pleasant transfer throughout the tour.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch?

Pachamanca’s traditional menu includes meat, but if you have any dietary restrictions (such as being vegetarian or vegan), we suggest informing us in advance so we can offer you suitable alternative options.

Do I need to bring anything special for the tour?

We recommend bringing comfortable hiking clothing, a warm jacket (temperatures can be cool at altitude), sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. It’s also helpful to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Does the tour include a guide who speaks languages ​​other than Spanish?

Yes, the tour can be led in English, depending on the guide’s availability. If you’d like a guide who speaks another language, please let us know when booking.