Community-based tourism with several highland farming communities, near Pisac, Cusco. Immerse yourself into the millenarian Quechua culture, learn about traditional Andean technologies for the cultivation of organic staple crops, learn about indigenous herbal medicine and weaving. Experience delicious native food and Quechua hospitality. Enjoy the beauty of Kinsa Q’ocha highland lagoon on a half-day trek.
1) 1Day program, from US $ 160.-
Day 1
8.00 am. pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the colonial town of Pisac, stopping at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy our first glimpse of the Sacred Valley with the Vilcanota river and the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba. In P’isaq we meet with our indigenous Quechua guide from one of the five communities of the highlands of P’isaq that have formed the ‘Potato Park’.
A 40-minute drive takes us to the community of Sacaca where we shall be greeted by delegates of the project who give us an explanation of their aims and objectives. From here we continue our drive to the community of Paru Paru where we shall learn more about the conservation of species diversity and the organic cultivation of the Andean native potato and other native tubers like oca, olluco and mashua. There are 1,340 species of potatoes alone with a seed bank supported by the project. Subsequently, we may try some of these delicacies, accompanied by some typical Andean chili sauces.
From here we drive up to the highland lagoon of Kinsa Q’ocha. A short hike allows us to enjoy the beauty of the scenery and to learn about the local flora and fauna. From here we begin our descent towards the valley, taking our boxed lunch somewhere on the route. In the afternoon we visit the Inka city complex of P’isaq, perched on top of a mountain with fantastic views of the spectacular Inka terraces. We may walk along the original Inka highway with steps and tunnels, an amazing example of the Inka road system that once spanned some 30,000 km.
If time allows we may briefly visit the market of P’isaq before we start our return journey to Cusco.
2) 2 days/1 night, from US $ 215.-
Day 1
8.00 am. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the colonial town of Pisac, stopping at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy our first glimpse of the Sacred Valley with the Vilcanota river and the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba. In P’isaq we meet with our indigenous Quechua guide from one of the five communities of the highlands of P’isaq that have formed the ‘Potato Park’.
A 40-minute drive takes us to the community of Sacaca where we shall be greeted by delegates of the project who give us an explanation of their aims and objectives. From here we continue our drive to the community of Paru Paru where we shall learn more about the conservation of species diversity and the organic cultivation of the Andean native potato and other native tubers like oca, olluco and mashua. There are 1,340 species of potatoes alone with a seed bank supported by the project. Subsequently, we may try some of these delicacies, accompanied by some typical Andean chili sauces.
After leaving our luggage in Paru Paru we drive up to the highland lagoon of Kinsa Q’ocha. A hike of around five hours around the three lagoons allows us to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenery and to learn about the local flora and fauna. We take our lunch on the way. In the afternoon we check in with our Quechua hosts in Paru Paru and learn how to make a typical meal. We share our dinner with our host family.
Day 2
If time allows we may briefly visit the market of P’isaq before we start our return journey to Cusco.
Included:
- Private transport
- Private English-speaking guide
- Quechua guide from the Potato Park
- Indigenous hospitality (if staying overnight)
- Meals as described
- Entrance to P’isaq ruins
Not Included:
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Extras not included in the program
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- Potato Park Prices
per person - 1-day program
- 2 days/1 night
- Potato Park Prices
-
- If 1 person
USD - 440.-
- 710.-
- If 1 person
-
- If 2 people
USD - 270.-
- 380.-
- If 2 people
-
- If 3 people
USD - 205.-
- 270.-
- If 3 people
-
- If 4 people
USD - 160.-
- 215.-
- If 4 people