Traditional Culinary Experience – Pachamanca
Our pachamanca experience in Cusco invites you to take part in the ritual preparation of pachamanca, the ancient Andean feast cooked underground with hot stones, marinated meats, tubers and aromatic herbs.
The flavor of the earth, cooked in the earth
Summary
Pachamanca, which means earth pot in Quechua, is one of the oldest and most symbolic dishes of Andean cuisine. It is cooked underground with stones heated over a fire, in a process that is both a family celebration and a ritual of gratitude.
In this pachamanca experience in Cusco, you travel to a country house in the Sacred Valley, where you take an active part in every step. First, you marinate the meats with Andean herbs such as huacatay and chincho; then you prepare the tubers and help build the stone oven.
Before covering the pachamanca, a small offering is made to Mother Earth. While it cooks, you explore the surroundings and, finally, you share the feast in a rural setting surrounded by mountains. If you enjoy Andean traditions, you can also join our community tourism day or a Pachamama ceremony.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:30 - 10:00
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in the historic center of Cusco before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the journey to the Sacred Valley by tourist transportation.
10:00 - 11:00
Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Drive to a country house in the valley, where our hosts welcome us.
We drive to the Sacred Valley to a country house surrounded by fields and mountains, where our hosts welcome us.
11:00 - 12:00
Preparing the ingredients
Marinating meats and preparing tubers.
Together with the local cooks, you prepare the ingredients: you marinate the meats with Andean herbs and prepare native potatoes, sweet potatoes, fava beans and humitas while the stones heat up over the fire.
12:00 - 12:30
Building the pachamanca and offering
Ritual of gratitude and underground cooking.
Then you place the ingredients in layers between the hot stones, following the traditional order. Also, before covering the oven with earth, an offering is made to Pachamama.
12:30 - 13:30
Stroll around the country house
Tour of the fields while the food cooks.
While the pachamanca cooks underground, you walk through the fields and learn about Andean crops and the animals of the country house.
13:30 - 14:30
Pachamanca feast
Unearthing and outdoor lunch.
Finally, the moment comes to unearth the pachamanca and enjoy the feast with traditional sauces and drinks, in a rural setting with mountain views.
14:30 - 15:30
Return to Cusco
Return by tourist transportation during the afternoon.
Later, we return to Cusco. The tour ends at the Main Square or near your hotel in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Guide in English or Spanish
- Pachamanca preparation activity
- Pachamanca lunch with a traditional drink
- Offering to Pachamama
- Permanent assistance during the experience
What's not included?
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the guide and cooks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty
Warm jacket and rain poncho
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen and hat
Water
Passport or identification document
Weather
The Sacred Valley has a mild, sunny climate during the day. However, in the rainy season the experience can take place in a covered space.
Best season
The experience is held all year. However, from April to October the dry weather allows you to fully enjoy the outdoor lunch.
Recommendations
Let us know when booking if you are vegetarian or have any allergies or dietary restrictions, because pachamanca can be prepared in a vegetarian version.
Gallery
FAQ
What is pachamanca?
It is an ancestral Andean dish in which meats, tubers and other ingredients are cooked underground with hot stones. Also, its name means earth pot in Quechua.
Which meats are used?
Beef, pork, chicken and lamb are usually prepared, marinated with Andean herbs. However, options may vary by season.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. Pachamanca can be prepared with only tubers, fava beans, humitas, cheese and vegetables, so let us know when booking.
Do I have to cook?
During the pachamanca experience in Cusco, you take part in the preparation together with the local cooks, but no experience is required. Each person chooses how involved they want to be.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The pachamanca experience in Cusco is highly recommended for families, because children enjoy the preparation and the rural setting.
Can I do the experience privately?
Yes. It is available as a group or private service, so it is ideal for families, groups of friends or special celebrations.
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