Rural Community Tourism in the Potato Park – Sacred Valley

Rural community tourism in the Potato Park, nestled in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offers a captivating 6-hour experience that celebrates the region’s rich biological and cultural tapestry. Visitors dive into an immersive journey, engaging with local communities to learn about traditional agricultural practices, the conservation of native potato varieties, and sustainable environmental management. But this is more than just a tour – it’s an opportunity to truly appreciate the community’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding their biocultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who partake in this meaningful adventure. What unfolds next is a tapestry of traditions, flavors, and insights that will forever transform one’s understanding of this remarkable corner of the world.

Key Points

• The 6-hour rural community tourism experience in Potato Park focuses on showcasing the biological and cultural diversity of the biocultural territory.

• The activity aims to highlight innovation in environmental management and training of the local Paru Paru communities to safeguard natural and cultural heritage.

• Visitors can learn about the conservation of native potato varieties and traditional agricultural practices adapted to climate change.

• The immersive experience includes a welcoming ceremony, tasting of native potatoes, and a typical lunch featuring dishes made with local ingredients.

• The community-based initiative promotes a sustainable, integrated approach to foster a thriving biocultural oasis in the Sacred Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Activity

The activity is a 6-hour rural community tourism experience in the Potato Park, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the biocultural territory focused on biological and cultural diversity.

It starts at varied times based on availability and is offered in English and Spanish. Pickup from the hotel lobby is included, with guests waiting 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The activity highlights innovation in environmental management and the training of local Paru Paru peasant communities, who integrate and manage the experience.

Pricing and Reservation Details

The activity is priced from €96.77 per person. Reservations can be made without any upfront payment, and participants can pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pricing	Reservation
From €96.77 per person	Reserve now, pay later
	No upfront payment required
Cancellation
Free up to 24 hours in advance	Full refund

Experience Highlights

Biocultural Territory focused on biological and cultural diversity, as the Potato Park innovates in environmental management and trains local populations.

The community-based initiative aims to safeguard the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Visitors will witness integrated management of the territory by ParuParu peasant communities.

They’ll learn about the Park’s efforts to conserve native potato varieties and traditional agricultural practices adapted to climate change. The experience highlights the integration of biological and cultural diversity, showcasing the communities’ commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Through this immersive encounter, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the Potato Park’s holistic approach to preserving its unique biocultural resources.

Itinerary

The excursion kicks off with a pickup from the hotel lobby at 8:30 am, followed by a 40-minute journey to the Pisac and Paru Paru community.

Visitors are welcomed with flowers and local musicians. At 10:00 am, they get to taste native potatoes prepared by the Women of Culinary Art Qachum Waqachi.

This is followed by an exhibition on native potatoes and climate change adaptation. After a short walk through Kinsa Qocha to observe the flora and fauna, the group heads to Chawaytire for a typical lunch based on native potatoes.

The excursion concludes with a 30-minute trip back to Cusco, ending at 1:10 pm.

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Important Information

For the excursion, visitors are advised to bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Sharp objects, weapons, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.

Guests should ensure they book the excursion at least one day in advance and provide their WhatsApp number and hotel name.

The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, and pickup from the hotel lobby is included, with guests waiting 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup and Transportation

Picking up guests from their hotel is a crucial aspect of the Rural Community Tourism in the Potato Park excursion. Guests will be asked to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before their scheduled departure time.

The journey to Pisac and Paru Paru community takes approximately 40 minutes. During the trip, guests will have the opportunity to:

1. Admire the stunning Sacred Valley scenery.
2. Anticipate the culture that awaits them.
3. Mentally prepare for the unique experience they’re about to embark on.

The pickup service ensures a seamless start to the excursion, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich biocultural diversity of the Potato Park.

Culinary Experiences

Upon arriving at the Paru Paru community, guests are welcomed with a ceremony involving flowers and local musicians. This sets the tone for an immersive cultural experience, which includes a tasting of native potatoes by the Women of Culinary Art Qachum Waqachi. Guests learn about the important role of potatoes in the community’s climate change adaptation efforts through an informative exhibition. The culinary highlight is a typical lunch in Chawaytire, featuring dishes made with a variety of native potatoes. This farm-to-table experience showcases the community’s commitment to preserving its biocultural heritage.

Potato Dish	Description	Ingredients
Papas a la Huancaina	Potatoes in a creamy, spicy sauce	Potatoes, cheese, evaporated milk, aji amarillo, lettuce, hard-boiled eggs
Causa Rellena	Layered potato and meat/seafood dish	Mashed potatoes, chicken/tuna, onions, carrots, mayonnaise
Pachamanca	Traditional Andean underground oven-cooked meal	Potatoes, meat, vegetables, herbs

Environmental Management and Training

The Paru Paru community actively manages its biocultural territory, focusing on both biological and cultural diversity.

Through innovative environmental management practices, the community trains local populations on three key aspects:

1. Sustainable agriculture techniques that promote climate change adaptation and protect native potato varieties.
2. Ecologically-sound waste management systems that minimize environmental impact.
3. Renewable energy solutions, like solar power, to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.

This integrated approach allows the Paru Paru community to effectively steward its natural resources while empowering residents with essential environmental knowledge and skills.

The result is a thriving, sustainable biocultural oasis in the Sacred Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Individuals can book the tour, and it will run regardless of the number of participants, according to the information provided in the overview of the activity.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, as the activity provider is flexible and willing to accommodate special requests from guests. Additional experiences can be added for an extra cost and must be booked in advance.

What Is the Level of Physical Difficulty for the Excursion?

The excursion has a moderate level of difficulty. It includes a short walk through the Kinsa Qocha area, but the terrain is mostly flat and suitable for most fitness levels. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for light physical activity.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for Participants?

The activity doesn’t appear to have any age or mobility restrictions. It’s suitable for participants of various ages and physical capabilities as it involves light walking and a typical Peruvian lunch.

Can I Purchase Additional Native Potato Products During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional native potato products during the tour. The itinerary includes a tasting and exhibition, allowing visitors to learn about and purchase these specialty products directly from the local women’s culinary group.

Recap

Rural community tourism in the Potato Park offers an enriching cultural experience. Visitors enjoy the region’s biological and agricultural heritage, engaging with locals and savoring native potato dishes. The program’s focus on conservation and sustainable practices ensures a meaningful journey that celebrates the community’s biocultural treasures. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the Potato Park’s vibrant traditions and commitment to environmental stewardship.

You can check if your dates are available here: