Rural Community Tourism in the Potato Park – Sacred Valley

Rural community tourism in the Potato Park, nestled within the Sacred Valley, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich Indigenous Biocultural Heritage of the region. Guests embark on a captivating six-hour tour, indulging in the flavors of native potatoes, experiencing cultural performances, and gaining insights into the local farming practices that have sustained this community for generations. This immersive journey not only promotes environmental stewardship and community empowerment, but it also fosters a deeper connection between visitors, the land, and its enduring cultural significance. Intrigued to learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience?

Key Points

1. The Potato Park offers a 6-hour rural community tourism experience priced at $123 per person, with free cancellation and a "reserve now, pay later" option.
2. The Potato Park is an Indigenous Biocultural Heritage Territory that showcases biological and cultural diversity, with a focus on native potato conservation and climate change adaptation.
3. The tour includes a warm welcome in Paru Paru, interpretation of the Potato Park’s biodiversity, and a tasting of diverse native potato varieties by the Women’s Collective.
4. The experience emphasizes community-led conservation, traditional agricultural practices, and equitable distribution of tourism benefits to empower local farming communities.
5. Visitors can savor a typical lunch featuring local dishes made with the diverse native potato varieties, such as Peruanita, Huayro, Yungay, Canchan, and Ccompis.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The rural community tourism experience in the Potato Park, located in the Sacred Valley, costs from $123.00 per person and lasts approximately 6 hours.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without paying upfront.

This immersive cultural experience takes participants on a journey through the Indigenous Biocultural Heritage Territory, showcasing the diversity of native potatoes, collaborative conservation efforts, and the empowerment of local farming communities.

Cultural and Environmental Significance

Potato Park is an Indigenous Biocultural Heritage Territory, a focus on biocultural territory dedicated to biological and cultural diversity.

This innovation in environmental management empowers local populations to manage the area. The Potato Park is integrated and administered by the farming communities of Paru Paru.

They’ve cultivated a diverse array of native potatoes while collaborating to conserve the land and acquire botanical seeds.

Visitors can learn about the park’s adaptation to climate change through an exhibition on native potatoes.

The local communities’ stewardship of this unique biocultural territory showcases their commitment to preserving both the environment and their cultural heritage.

Itinerary and Highlights

A morning pickup from the hotel kicks off the rural community tourism experience in the Potato Park.

Travelers then journey to Pisac and the community of Paru Paru, where they receive a warm welcome with flowers and local music.

An interpretation of the Potato Park follows, highlighting the diversity of native potatoes, collaborative conservation efforts, and botanical seed acquisition.

After a tasting of native potatoes by the Women’s Collective, visitors explore the Kinsa Qocha area to observe the local flora and fauna.

The excursion concludes with a typical lunch based on native potatoes and other local products in the community of Chawaytire.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This rural community tourism experience includes the pick-up from the hotel and a delicious lunch, with a tasty snack along the way.

Guests will enjoy a warm welcome with flowers and musicians upon arrival in the community of Paru Paru.

The tour also covers an interpretation of the Potato Park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts, as well as a short walk to view the local flora and fauna.

While the tour includes all these activities, it excludes any meals not specifically mentioned, allowing guests to explore the area’s cuisine on their own.

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Language and Group Size

Live tour guides are available in both Spanish and English for this rural community tourism experience. This private group tour offers a chance to fully learn about the cultural and environmental significance of the Potato Park.

The key features regarding language and group size include:

1. Bilingual guides: Knowledgeable tour guides fluent in both Spanish and English provide in-depth insights and interpretations throughout the excursion.

2. Private group experience: This is a private tour, allowing for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the Potato Park and its communities.

3. Flexible scheduling: Availability and participant numbers can be checked to accommodate your desired start time and group size.

Potato Park: Indigenous Biocultural Territory

The Potato Park is an Indigenous Biocultural Heritage Territory, dedicated to preserving the biological and cultural diversity of the region.

It focuses on integrated management and empowerment of local farming communities, like Paru Paru, to innovate environmental practices. The park showcases the diversity of native potatoes and collaborative conservation efforts.

Visitors can learn about the adaptation of potatoes to climate change through interactive exhibitions.

The Potato Park exemplifies the importance of preserving biocultural territories, where biological and cultural diversity are intrinsically linked and protected by indigenous stewardship.

Conservation and Empowerment of Locals

Community-led conservation efforts lie at the heart of the Potato Park, where local farming communities like Paru Paru collaboratively manage the territory’s biological and cultural diversity.

The park’s innovative approach empowers these indigenous populations, who:

1. Maintain traditional agricultural practices to conserve native potato varieties.
2. Utilize their extensive knowledge of the land to monitor and protect the park’s rich biodiversity.
3. Administer the territory through their own governance structures, ensuring the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.

This model of community-driven environmental stewardship has positioned the Potato Park as a model for sustainable, culturally-sensitive rural development, where local voices are at the forefront of conservation efforts.

Tasting Native Potatoes and Local Cuisine

Alongside the Potato Park’s innovative conservation efforts, visitors can enjoy the region’s rich culinary heritage. The Women’s Collective of Culinary Art Qachum Waqachi welcomes guests with a tasting of native potatoes, showcasing the diverse varieties that have been cultivated for generations. Visitors then enjoy a typical lunch in Chawaytire, featuring dishes made with these local ingredients. The meal highlights the deep connection between the community, the land, and the biodiversity that sustains them.

Native Potato Varieties	Culinary Delights
Peruanita	Potato Stew
Huayro	Potato Croquettes
Yungay	Potato Salad
Canchan	Potato Soup
Ccompis	Potato Fritters

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Excursion?

The excursion provides pick-up transportation from the hotel to the starting points of the tour. Visitors are then transported by vehicle to the various locations throughout the itinerary before returning to Cusco at the end of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. All meals and snacks are provided as part of the excursion. Participants should plan to fully experience the local cuisine and specialties offered during the tour.

Is There an Option for a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Menu?

Yes, the tour offers a vegetarian menu option. Guests can request this when booking, and the local women’s collective will prepare a special lunch based on native potatoes and other local vegetarian ingredients.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos and videos during the tour. The experience encourages capturing the cultural and environmental highlights of the visit to the Potato Park community.

Is There an Age Limit or Restriction for This Activity?

There’s no age limit or restriction for this activity. The tour is suitable for all ages, allowing families and individuals of any age to participate and learn about the cultural and environmental significance of the Potato Park.

Recap

The Potato Park’s rural community tourism offers an immersive cultural experience that showcases the region’s rich Indigenous heritage. Visitors can explore native potato varieties, witness cultural performances, and learn about sustainable farming practices. This experience empowers local communities, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters a deeper connection between guests and the land’s cultural significance.

You can check if your dates are available here: