Picnic in the eucalyptus forest in Cusco

Just 20 minutes from the historic center of Cusco

In the peaceful area of ​​Qenqo, lies a little-known but deeply enchanting natural haven: the Eucalyptus Forest, a space where art, nature, and tranquility merge into a unique sensorial experience. This activity, called “Picnic in the Eucalyptus Forest and Painted Toritos,” is designed for those seeking a more intimate connection with Andean nature and a relaxing moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the start, visitors feel a shift in energy: the air becomes fresher, the penetrating aroma of eucalyptus cleanses the air, and the sun’s rays gently filter through the tall trunks, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

The tour begins with a guided walk along nature trails, where visitors can observe the diversity of local flora and fauna. The guides share stories about how this species native to Australia was introduced to the Andes more than a century ago, adapting perfectly to the soil and climate of Cusco, and today becoming an essential part of the mountain landscape. Along the way, you can see Andean birds such as hummingbirds, tanagers, and stilts, as well as a variety of wild aromatic herbs growing among the trees. The setting invites you to stop, breathe deeply, and contemplate the endless greenery of the forest with the sound of the wind rustling the leaves like a soft natural melody.

As the group advances

The guide explains the spiritual significance of the site, as Qenqo is also an area of ​​profound symbolic and historical significance. During the time of the Inca Empire, the surrounding area was considered sacred spaces where worship was given to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (guardian spirits of the mountains). The energy emanating from the place invites introspection, generating a sense of inner calm that prepares the spirit for the next part of the experience: the artistic picnic.

In a clear area of ​​the forest

Surrounded by pristine nature and overlooking the Cusco Valley, a colorful Andean picnic is set up, decorated with hand-woven blankets, cushions, wildflowers, and a rustic wooden table. Here, artisanal refreshments are offered consisting of local products: freshly baked mountain breads, seasonal fruits, cheeses from the Sacred Valley, hot muña or lemon verbena infusions, and typical Andean sweets. All carefully prepared so that visitors not only enjoy the scenery but also the authentic flavors of rural Cusco.

The most anticipated moment comes with the painting activity of the Pucará Bulls, guided by a professional local artist. The bulls, made of white ceramic ready to be painted, are symbols deeply rooted in Andean culture: they represent protection of the home, fertility, prosperity, and spiritual balance. While the artist explains its origin and meaning, each participant receives paintbrushes, natural pigments, and the freedom to express their creativity, decorating their own torito (small bull) with the colors and inspirations of the surrounding area. It is a therapeutic and cultural experience that unites art and tradition, allowing participants to take home a unique work of their own making and filled with positive energy.

During the artistic session

🕊️The group can enjoy soft background music—quenas, charangos, or traditional Cusco melodies—while chatting, laughing, and sharing among the mountains.

🧭The atmosphere, surrounded by the scent of eucalyptus and the Andean breeze, generates a feeling of well-being that is difficult to describe: a blend of inner connection, creativity, and peace.

💵The experience culminates with a symbolic toast with hot infusions or Andean wine, thanking Pachamama for the journey.

This tour is ideal for couples looking for a romantic and unique moment, families looking for an educational and relaxing activity, or groups of friends interested in the living culture and local art. Furthermore, it is perfectly suited to different ages and fitness levels, as the route is gentle and accessible. This is not just a sightseeing excursion, but a cultural and emotional experience, where every detail—from the walk through the trees to the last stroke of the bull—becomes a reminder of the balance between humankind and nature.

At the end of the day, as the sun begins to set behind the Andes and the sky turns shades of gold and violet, visitors often express the same feeling: a profound peace and gratitude for the beauty of simplicity. Thus, this walk becomes a transformative experience that allows you to reconnect with the essence of Cusco, its traditions, its art, and its mystical spirit that endures “Tupananchiskama”—until we meet again.

Hotel pickup in Cusco

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco. Aboard a private vehicle, you’ll enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city’s surroundings while your guide shares information about the history of eucalyptus trees in the region and the ecological importance of these forests.

Arrival at the Eucalyptus Forest in Qenqo

After a 20-minute drive, you’ll arrive at the peaceful Eucalyptus Forest, a place surrounded by aromatic vegetation and panoramic views of the Cusco Valley. Your guide will provide an introduction to the natural environment, the species that inhabit the area, and the spiritual traditions related to Pachamama and the Apus, the protective spirits of the mountains.

Interpretive walk through the forest

Begin a leisurely walk among the tall eucalyptus trees. During the tour, you’ll breathe fresh air, observe Andean birds, and hear local stories and legends about Qenqo, an ancient Inca sacred site. Your guide will invite you to connect with the energy of the place and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. This is ideal for taking photographs and enjoying the silence of the forest.

Andean Picnic Setup

You’ll arrive at a specially prepared area with hand-woven blankets, colorful cushions, and a rustic table decorated with wildflowers. Everything is set up for an authentic and comfortable experience surrounded by nature. A selection of traditional snacks will be served, such as mountain breads, cheeses, fresh fruit, artisanal cookies, hot muña or lemon verbena infusions, and natural drinks.

Art Workshop: Painting Pucará Bulls 🎨

Guided by a professional local artist, you’ll receive your very own white ceramic bull, a symbol of prosperity and protection in the Andean worldview. With natural pigments, paintbrushes, and a little inspiration, you’ll begin decorating your torito (small bull) while learning about its origin and cultural significance. The artist will share basic techniques and guide you step by step to create a unique and personalized piece.

Final tasting and relaxation time

While the pieces finish drying, you’ll enjoy the natural surroundings, sharing a moment of conversation and reflection with the group. You can participate in a brief guided meditation or simply lie on the blankets to enjoy the birdsong and the gentle wind that sways the trees. It’s a time to give thanks to Pachamama and recharge your batteries.

Return to Cusco

After collecting your belongings and your painted torito (which you’ll take home as a souvenir), you’ll begin your return to Cusco. During the journey, your guide will offer final comments and recommendations on other nearby places you can visit, such as the Poroy viewpoint or the Chinchero textile center.

Arrival at the hotel

Arrival in Cusco with a heart full of peace, inspiration, and gratitude for having experienced a unique artistic and natural experience. End of service.

✅ Includes

🚐 Transportation and logistics

• Pickup and return to your hotel within the historic center of Cusco in a comfortable and safe private tourist vehicle.
• Professional driver with experience in short rural routes and scenic trails in the Qenqo area.
• Complete logistical coordination, including advance confirmation, departure assistance, and monitoring throughout the experience.

👨‍🏫 Professional guide and cultural experience

• Local bilingual guide (Spanish/English) specializing in natural interpretation, Andean history, and traditions.
• Brief cultural introduction to Qenqo and the spiritual symbolism of the eucalyptus forest, highlighting the Incas’ relationship with Pachamama and the Apus.
• Historical explanation about the Toritos de Pucará, their significance in the Andean worldview, and their evolution as a traditional art form.

🌳 Main activity: Nature and artistic experience

• Entry and guided walk through the Eucalyptus Forest, located just 20 minutes from Cusco, a natural space ideal for disconnecting and enjoying the surroundings.
• Interpretive walk (approximate duration: 30–40 minutes) with observation of native flora, eucalyptus trees, local birds, and panoramic views of the valley.
• Private picnic area decorated with traditional textiles, alpaca blankets, cushions, wildflowers, and a handcrafted table.
• Artisanal Andean picnic with carefully selected local products:

• Highland breads baked in a clay oven.
• Cheeses from the Sacred Valley and fresh seasonal fruits.
• Traditional sweets such as alfajores, kiwicha cookies, and Cusco nougat.
• Hot infusions of muña, lemon verbena, or chamomile, served in local ceramic cups.
• Cold natural drinks made with Andean fruits (passion fruit, tumbo, or granadilla).

• Free time to relax, read, meditate, or take photographs with panoramic views of the Cusco Mountains.

🎨 Art Workshop: Painting Pucará Bulls

• Art workshop led by a local master artisan specializing in ceramics and traditional Andean painting.
• Each participant receives a white ceramic bull, an ancestral symbol of protection, love, and fertility.
• Materials included: natural pigments, paintbrushes, water, a palette, a protective apron, and cleaning wipes.
• Step-by-step explanation of color techniques, strokes, and the meanings of traditional designs.
• Free time to create your own work, customize colors, and add unique details inspired by the natural environment.
• Drying and delivery of the bull in a handmade box so you can take it as a souvenir or special gift.

🌅 Complementary Moments

• Guided relaxation time or brief meditation after the painting, ideal for thanking Pachamama for the day.
• Free photo session in the forest, with the support of your guide to capture the best angles.
• Symbolic final toast with Andean infusions or light wine from the Sacred Valley.
• Personalized assistance throughout the experience to ensure your safety and comfort.

🎁 Additional Details

• Handmade souvenir: your painted bull, a symbol of good fortune and abundance.
• Individual bottle of mineral water.
• Basic first aid kit available at all times.
• Local accident insurance during the activity (basic coverage).

❌ Not Included

🚫 Services not included in the program

• Additional lunch or dinner outside of the snacks included in the picnic.
• Voluntary tips for guides, artists, or drivers (at the visitor’s discretion).
• Personal clothing and accessories such as a hat, scarf, gloves, sunscreen, or a rain poncho (recommended to bring your own).
• Transportation from areas outside Cusco’s historic center, such as San Blas Alto or remote Airbnbs (inquire about additional charges).
• Personal expenses: extra souvenirs, additional bottled drinks, or snacks not included in the picnic menu.
• Medical or travel insurance (recommended to purchase in advance in your country of origin).
• Entrance fees to other nearby tourist sites (Qenqo archaeological site, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, or Puka Pukara).

💡 Recommended for:

• Couples looking for a romantic, cultural, and unique activity in the Andes.
• Families with children or teenagers interested in art and nature.
  Creative travelers who enjoy painting, photography, and spiritual connection.
• Tourists seeking unconventional experiences in Cusco, away from the mass tourism circuit.

🌞 Tour Advantages

• Half-day activity (4 to 5 hours), perfect to complement other excursions.
• Ideal combination of nature, art, culture, and Andean spirituality.
• Safe, relaxing, and suitable for all ages.
• Includes active visitor participation, fostering creativity and cultural learning.

🌿 Recommendations

Enjoying this cultural and natural experience in Cusco is a true delight for the senses. However, to make the most of it and enjoy it in complete comfort, we share a series of practical recommendations and useful tips that will make your day more enjoyable.

👕 1. Recommended Clothing and Accessories

• The eucalyptus forest in Qenqo is located more than 3,600 meters above sea level, so the weather can vary rapidly between sun, wind, and light drizzle. Recommended:
• Comfortable cotton or wool clothing, preferably long-sleeved.
• Windbreaker or a light waterproof jacket, especially between April and October.
• Long or hiking pants (avoid shorts due to the cold and vegetation).
• Sturdy shoes or sneakers with good traction for walking along the trails.
• Hat or cap, sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen (radiation at altitude is intense).
• A scarf or cap and light gloves, especially in the morning or during the dry season.
• A rain poncho between November and March (the rainy season in Cusco).

💡 Tip: If you want to take pictures during the picnic or painting workshop, you can wear light-colored or pastel-colored clothing that contrasts with the green of the forest and the hues of the bulls.

🧺 2. Climate and Best Time of Year

• Dry season (April – October): This is the most recommended time for this activity, with clear skies, bright sunshine, and an average daytime temperature of 18°C. Ideal for picnics and photography.
• Rainy season (November – March): The landscape becomes greener and fresher, but there may be intermittent drizzle. The tour still operates, but it is recommended to wear a raincoat and waterproof footwear.
• Temperatures range between 8°C and 20°C, so dressing in layers is recommended.

🧘 3. Physical Condition and Adaptation

• No great physical effort is required, just a short, relaxed walk.
• It is recommended to acclimatize for at least one day in Cusco before starting the activity to avoid altitude sickness (soroche).
• Drinking coca or muña tea before leaving helps improve oxygenation and energy.
• Avoid eating heavy foods or drinking alcohol the night before.

🎨 4. During the Art Workshop

• The Toritos de Pucará painting workshop is free and relaxed; no previous experience is necessary.
• It is recommended to let your creativity flow and experiment with the available natural colors.
• Each design can reflect the visitor’s personality: warm colors for energy, cool colors for tranquility, or earth tones for connection with Pachamama.
• Don’t forget to write your name or date on the bottom of your torito before drying it.
• If you are traveling in a group, you can exchange your toritos at the end as a symbolic gesture of friendship or unity.

☕ 5. Food and Picnic

• The picnic includes light, locally sourced produce, but avoid overeating before the hike.
• If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food intolerances, please inform us in advance so we can adapt the menu.
• Drink water regularly to stay hydrated (altitude dries out the air and can cause fatigue).
• Take advantage of the picnic time to disconnect from your phone and enjoy the silence, the sounds of the forest, and the Andean landscape.

🕊️ 6. Respect for Nature and Culture

• Do not remove plants or leave any waste; the eucalyptus forest is a sensitive ecosystem.
• Avoid excessive noise to avoid disturbing the tranquility of the surroundings or scaring the birds.
• Be respectful of the guides, local artists, and the traditions shared during the experience.
• When painting the bull, remember that this is a sacred Andean symbol of protection, abundance, and family unity.

📸 7. Tips for capturing the best moments

• Bring a camera or phone with good resolution and a charged battery.
• Use portrait mode or HDR to capture the light contrasts between the trees.
• Ask the guide or artist to help you with photos during the workshop; they usually have a great eye for framing.
• Don’t forget to take a group photo at the end, holding the painted bulls in front of the forest.

❤️ 8. Attitude and energy

This tour is not just an excursion, but a spiritual and creative experience. Arrive with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and to be inspired. Allow the scent of eucalyptus and the energy of the place to relax you and awaken your artistic side.

At the end of the day, you will feel that deep connection with Pachamama and the Andean spirit that makes Cusco such a special destination.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌳 1. Where exactly does the tour take place?

The experience takes place in the Qenqo Eucalyptus Forest, a natural area located just 20 minutes from the historic center of Cusco. It is located near the Qenqo Archaeological Park, surrounded by mountains, trails, and a mystical atmosphere that combines nature, art, and living culture.

⏰ 2. How long does the entire tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, making it ideal for a morning tour. It includes transportation, a guided hike, a picnic lunch, and the Pucará Bulls painting workshop. It is a perfect half-day activity to complement other excursions in Cusco.

👩‍🎨 3. Do I need painting experience to participate?

Not required. The art workshop is designed for beginners and amateurs, guided by a professional local artist who accompanies the creative process step by step. The goal is to enjoy art in a natural setting, not to achieve a perfect work. Each painted bull reflects the personality and energy of the participant.

🧺 4. What does the Andean picnic include?

The picnic is prepared with typical fresh and natural products from the Sacred Valley. It includes mountain breads, artisanal cheeses, seasonal fruits, muña or lemon verbena infusions, traditional sweets, and natural drinks. Everything is served on a table decorated with Cusco textiles, in a comfortable and cozy environment surrounded by nature.

👕 5. What type of clothing should I bring?

It is recommended to wear comfortable, light, and warm clothing in layers, as the weather in Cusco can change rapidly:

• Jacket or windbreaker.
• Long pants or hiking pants.
• Closed, sturdy shoes.
• Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• During the rainy season (November to March), please bring a poncho or raincoat.

🌦️ 6. Does the tour operate if it rains?

Yes. The tour runs year-round, even during the rainy season. In case of light precipitation, the picnic and workshop are relocated to a covered area or decorated tent so that visitors can continue enjoying the experience without any problems.

🧘 7. Is the tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, it is a safe, peaceful, and accessible activity for all ages. It doesn’t require significant physical exertion and is conducted at a relaxed pace. It is ideal for families with children, seniors, couples, and travelers looking for cultural and nature activities in Cusco.

🐦 8. Are there restrooms or facilities in the forest?

Yes, there are eco-friendly restrooms near the picnic area, as well as adequate spaces for resting and washing hands. Everything is managed according to the principles of sustainable tourism and respect for the natural environment.

🎁 9. Can I take my Pucará Bull with me at the end of the tour?

Of course! Each participant can take their hand-painted bull as a souvenir of the experience. This traditional Andean symbol represents protection, prosperity, and good energy for the home. It is delivered dry or in a handmade box for easy transport.

🚌 10. Does it include transportation from my hotel in Cusco?

Yes, the service includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation located in the historic center of Cusco. If you are staying in more remote areas (San Blas Alto, Poroy, or rural Airbnbs), an additional meeting point or transfer can be arranged for an extra cost.

🍃 11. Is it necessary to reserve in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to reserve at least 24 hours in advance, especially during high season (June to September). This allows us to guarantee the availability of the local artist and prepare the picnic in a personalized way. Reservations can be easily made via WhatsApp, email, or directly at the agency.

💵 12. Can I pay by card or cash only?

We accept cash (soles or dollars) and also credit or debit cards through secure platforms. You can also pay by bank transfer or online payment link if you book in advance.

🧭 13. What other tours can be combined with this experience?

This tour combines perfectly with other cultural activities near Cusco, such as:

• Chinchero Textile Center and demonstration of ancient weaving.
• Visit to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Tambomachay.
• Cusco City Tour by panoramic bus.
• Cusco pottery or painting class.
• You can also take the Picnic in the Eucalyptus Forest as a relaxing break during a longer trip to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

🕊️ 14. Why choose this tour?

Because it’s a different experience, far removed from conventional tourism. It combines art, nature, and spirituality, allowing you to reconnect with yourself while learning about the Andean worldview. It’s perfect for those seeking experiential tourism in Cusco and want to take home a handmade souvenir.