About this experience
You will meet Julio Hancco known to be The Potato King. Peru was the birthplace of potatoes. You can find over 3,000 varieties of native tubers. Julio has dedicated his life to preserving over 350 varieties. With him you will learn the amazing work that goes behind a delicious native potato chip. On the way to Julio's house we will stop in the archaeological site of Ancasmarca and discover how the tale of that place resembles the Noah's Ark story. Since this experience takes you off the grid -there is no internet connection nor phone signal in the community we will visit- we'll need extra time to arrange it so please book at least seven days in advance. This experience is great for curious and adventurer travelers.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
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What is included
- Roundtrip transportation between Calca and Pampa Corral, farm visit with the Hancco family
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Guide
- Coffee and/or Tea
Not included
- Personal Expenses
Itinerary and highlights
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.
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Prol. Ucayali No. 417, Calca 08121 - From the Municipality of Calca head 30m west toward Av. Espinar and turn left onto Av. Espinar and walk 50 meters then turn right walk 90m toward Prol. Ucayali and turn right onto Prol. Ucayali. Walk another 130m and you will find the The Andean Alliance .
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Curios
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Is not recommended for handicapped travelers because there will be a mountain hike.
- Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking if you have dietary requirements.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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