Pachamanca Lunch & Quechua Village Visit

This afternoon journey off the beaten path into the highlands to visit one of the many Andean villages that dot the slopes of the Sacred Valley. Meet local Quechua community members, many of whom still adhere to the beliefs and traditions of their Inca ancestors, and participate in one of their most celebrated rituals: a traditional Pachamanca feast.

Derived from the Quechua words pacha (earth) and manca (cooking vessel), a Pachamanca is a time- honored Andean cooking technique, in which a hearty spread of meats and locally harvested produce is baked in a hole in the earth lined with heated stones and covered with damp grasses and soil. The food is typically wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in layers, with potatoes on the bottom, meats in the middle, and corn, cheese and beans on the top. More than just a meal, the Pachamanca is meant to celebrate fertility and life, and pay homage to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Join the community leader in a traditional offering to the “Apus” or spirits of the mountains, before digging in to your delicious feast.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and learn about the communities traditional agricultural techniques as you visit with families in the community.