Description
More about this activity...
What will you do?
Journey with us through thousands of years of agricultural brilliance, as we explore the rich history of the potato, or “papas,” a treasured heritage of the Andean people. Domesticated over 8,000 years ago, the potato stands as a symbol of biodiversity. The Andes, home to over 3,000 varieties of tubers, showcase a diversity far beyond the standard “white” potato most people are familiar with today.
The goal of this tour is for you to experience some of the area’s meaningful foods in unique settings while connecting with the people behind them.
The tour will start at the Andean Alliance office in Calca. Here we’ll learn more about their projects and try some of their Origenes coffee. Next we’ll head up the Lares Valley, stopping at Ancasmarca to have a snack and stretch our legs, and then continuing on to Pampa Corral to the home of Julio Hancco.
Julio shares his passion for protecting potato biodiversity and shows us his day-to-day from planting to harvesting and of course, eating potatoes. We’ll enjoy a fresh mountain lunch prepared by his wife Rosa before heading back to Calca.
Meeting Point
6 Hours
Monday to Sunday
from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Calca, Cusco
How to get there
The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development/ Alianza Andina
Prol. Ucayali No. 417, Calca 08121
What is included in the price
Includes:
- Roundtrip transportation between Calca and Pampa Corral
- Coffee tasting
- Snack
- Farm visit
- Mountain lunch with the Hancco family
Not included:
- Breakfast
- Transportation between meeting point and accommodations
- Purchases such as coffee or potatoes
- Tips
Level
Medium
Language in which the experience is offered
Spanish and English
Things to consider
Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you’re ok getting a bit dusty, and bring a hat, sunscreen, warm layers, and a water bottle. Keep in mind we’re going up to 3,850 meters altitude. Please let me know if you have any allergies, dietary restrictions or medical notes that we should be aware of. It’s helpful to arrive with an open mind, positive attitude, and curiosity to understand and appreciate a culture very distinct from your own.
Learn about host Julia
I’m a travel expert who’s been living in the Sacred Valley for the last ten years. After seeing firsthand the impact that food and agriculture has on travelers’ appreciation and understanding of Peruvian culture, I went to San Sebastian to study Food Tourism at the Basque Culinary Center. When I’m not hosting food experiences, I work as a freelance travel specialist focusing on destinations in Latin America and Africa. I’m also a hiking enthusiast and yoga teacher and offer yearly active retreats around Peru.
Meet your hostCancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours prior
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