1-Day Cultural Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the diverse gastronomy and agricultural heritage of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This hands-on experience introduces you to the incredible variety of local crops and traditional farming methods before culminating in a unique cooking session with a welcoming local community.
Your day begins with a departure from Lamay at 9am to the rural community of Huayllafara. We can arrange transport from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Lamay and back for an additional £60 (for up to 6 passengers; for larger groups, please contact us). You can select this option during booking.
On arrival, local residents will guide you through their farms, where traditional crops such as corn, potatoes, oca, anu, tarwi, quinoa, and beans thrive. As you explore, you’ll discover age-old farming techniques and sample fresh produce straight from the source. Activities vary by season and offer an insight into the local culture and the rhythms of agricultural life.
Throughout the visit, you’ll also learn about food-processing traditions, from harvesting corn and washing quinoa to preparing the traditional “Chicha de Jora” (a fermented corn beverage) and other fascinating Andean practices.
Time to cook up a storm!
Following the farming tour, your hosts will introduce you to their cherished recipes. Using seasonal, native ingredients, you’ll take part in preparing a wholesome, traditional lunch that embodies the valley’s natural abundance and culinary roots.
After enjoying this shared meal and exchange with the community, we’ll conclude the experience with a return to Lamay by 3pm. From there, you can continue to your hotel or your next destination.
Your Local Impact
This experience offers a rare opportunity for genuine engagement with a local farming community, prioritising authentic exchanges between residents and visitors alike. Through this interaction, you’ll gain deeper insight into the daily lives of rural Andean families.
With a commitment to sustainability, this experience also ensures that meals incorporate local ingredients, reducing carbon footprint and directly supporting the local economy. The chosen ingredients are both nutritious and seasonal, benefiting both visitors and the community.
Finally, your participation helps generate meaningful income for partner communities, strengthening local livelihoods and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Holidays That Can Include This Experience
14 Days: From £1750 per person
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