1 Day Pachamanca Experience
Overview
Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the heart of the Andes with a unique cultural journey to the community of San Salvador.
Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by local families who proudly share their heritage through ancestral textile weaving traditions, offering insight into the symbols, colors, and stories woven into each piece.
The experience continues with a peaceful visit to the sacred Mama Cocha Lagoon, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and rich in local spiritual significance.
This serene location offers a glimpse into the deep harmony that Andean communities maintain with their natural environment.
The highlight of your day is a traditional Pachamanca lunch—an ancient cooking technique where meats, potatoes, and local herbs are slow-cooked beneath the earth using heated stones.
This meal is more than just delicious—it’s a celebration of community, Pachamama (Mother Earth), and the enduring wisdom of Andean culture.
Highlights:
- Authentic cultural immersion in the Andean community of San Salvador.
- Live demonstration of traditional Andean textile weaving by local artisans.
- Scenic visit to the tranquil and sacred Mama Cocha Lagoon.
- Hands-on experience of a traditional Pachamanca lunch cooked underground.
- Connect with local families and learn about their customs and daily life.
- Stunning views of the Sacred Valley’s natural landscapes.
- A unique off-the-beaten-path adventure ideal for cultural travelers.
Price per person
$ 145.00 USDThe most requested tour to Machu Picchu
- Altitude: San Salvador is located at approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level.
- Weather: Expect mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights. A light jacket is recommended.
- Difficulty: Easy – suitable for all fitness levels, with short walks and cultural activities.
- Duration: Full-day experience, from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water bottle, and a light jacket.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but especially enjoyable during the dry season from April to October.
Today, we embark on a unique cultural adventure to the authentic Andean community of San Salvador, nestled in a tranquil corner of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by local families who will share their ancestral traditions in Andean weaving, offering you a firsthand glimpse into their vibrant textile heritage.
Our experience continues with a peaceful visit to the serene Mama Cocha Lagoon, a natural treasure surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich in local legend and biodiversity.
Later, we gather for a special moment: the preparation and sharing of a traditional Pachamanca lunch, a time-honored Andean feast. Using a centuries-old technique, we heat stones in a hand-dug earth oven, layering seasoned meats, native potatoes, fava beans, and aromatic herbs. After slow cooking underground, we unveil a flavorful and unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the earth’s bounty and community spirit.
This journey offers not only scenic beauty, but also deep cultural immersion and warm human connections that make for a truly memorable day.
- Private transportation
- Guide as translator
- Chef
- Supplies for preparing the pachamanca
- Pachamanca(Lunch)
- Amenities
- Gratitudes
- Breakfast
- Comfortable clothing – Dress in layers to adjust to Cusco’s changing temperatures.
- Light jacket or poncho – The ceremony takes place outdoors, so it’s best to be prepared for wind or light rain.
- Comfortable walking shoes – The ritual is held in natural settings, often on uneven terrain.
- Hat and sunglasses – Protection from the sun is essential.
- Sunscreen – High-altitude sun exposure can be strong, even on cloudy days.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated during the experience.
- Small backpack – To carry your essentials comfortably.
Location for: 1 Day Pachamanca Experience
- 1. What is Pachamanca?
Pachamanca is a traditional Andean meal cooked in an earth oven. Hot stones are placed in a pit, and then seasoned meats, potatoes, corn, and other ingredients are cooked underground, creating a unique and flavorful experience. - 2. Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The walk to the Mama Cocha Lagoon is leisurely and not strenuous. - 3. How long is the visit to Mama Cocha Lagoon?
The visit to Mama Cocha Lagoon lasts approximately 45 minutes, allowing enough time to enjoy the peaceful scenery and learn about its cultural significance. - 4. Do I need to bring any special equipment for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are recommended. If you plan to swim or get into the lagoon, bring a swimsuit and towel. - 5. Is the Pachamanca meal included in the tour?
Yes, the Pachamanca meal is included in the tour. It’s a highlight of the experience, where you’ll get to help prepare and enjoy this traditional Andean feast with the locals. - 6. Will we have time to interact with the local community?
Absolutely! This tour is centered around cultural immersion, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the local families, learn about their traditions, and even try weaving. - 7. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour typically begins at 8:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and ends around 5:00 PM when we return to Cusco.
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