Cusco's Potato King

Journey with us through thousands of years of agricultural brilliance, as we explore the rich history of the potato, or "papas," a treasured heritage of the Andean people, domesticated over 8,000 years ago. The Andes, home to over 3,000 varieties of tubers, showcase a diversity far beyond the standard "white" potato most people are familiar with today. Our goal is for you to experience this area’s most meaningful crop in unique settings while connecting with the people behind it. The tour will start at the Andean Alliance office in Calca. Here we’ll learn more about their projects and try some of their coffee. Next we’ll head up the Lares Valley, stopping at Ancasmarca to have a snack and stretch our legs, and then continuing on to Pampa Corral to the home of Julio Hancco. Julio shares his passion for protecting potato biodiversity and shows us his day-to-day from planting to harvesting and of course, eating potatoes. We’ll enjoy a fresh mountain lunch prepared by his wife Rosa before heading back to Calca. Because this amazing experience takes you off the grid and away from civilization, we'll need extra time to arrange it. Please book at least seven days in advance.