Peru: Traditions of the Sacred Valley

Enjoy a visit to a special potato farm and discover ancient Inca architecture during this tour. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you to Manuel Choqque’s farm. Choqque is an agricultural engineer who has turned his fields into a laboratory that features over 300 varieties of potato. He will tell you all about the nutritional and culinary benefits of these novel potatoes that come in different colors, tastes and textures. Taste ‘Miskioca’, a wine of Choqque’s invention made from a variety of Andean tuber. Learn how to prepare a spicy sauce called ‘uchucuta’ that is eaten with potatoes, before relishing lunch at the farm. Then, visit the archeological site of Moray to see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction consisting of a series of concentric stone terraces with a built-in irrigation system. The largest terrace descends to a depth of 150m. Listen as your guide tells you how this site was used for agricultural research. After that, proceed to the salt ponds in Maras, which have been used since Inca times. Walk to the vantage point to soak in stunning views of the white pans set against the green mountain slopes, before returning to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs (but flexible); Private activity and transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 – 1.5 hrs; Meals included: lunch & wine tasting; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees are included)

A Pachamanca is a traditional way of preparing food in the Andes which involves cooking food in an oven that is built out of stones placed underground. The stones are heated by a wood fire and once brought to a very high temperature they are placed carefully with the vegetables, meat and seasoning. The food is then covered with grass and banana leaves before being covered by a mound of earth. After 45 minutes the meal is dug out straight from the earth and ready to enjoy. This is an unparalleled culinary experience in a traditional farm with a view of the Temple of Ollantaytambo. Visit the local market and if you wish, you can also get an insight into the daily work of the people on the farm and even help them – or just relax and enjoy the incomparable landscape. (Duration: 5-6 hours; starts from 9:30, Private Activity, Lunch included).

Discover Cusco's heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes. )

Visit a local market in Cusco learning about the regional produce. Interact with a chef and the local producers in this traditional Andean market, discovering a different element of Cusco’s history. Return to the cooking place for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour drink and then moving on to entrées and main courses. Interact with the chef at his house where between stories and pictures you will get the most out of this culinary lesson, of course ending with a tasting of the delicacies prepared. (Duration: 3 hrs approx; Private Activity; Lunch Included)