UJ 23 BEST OF THE BEST 2019

CUSCO: THE INCA EMPIRE
ANCIENT SCIENCE IN
THE LABORATORIES OF
THE ANDES
Archaeology, Culture and Gastronomy
5 hours AM Upon Request
Pachamama, Mother Earth, was generous to the Inca, giving
them fertile valleys, beautiful scenery and valuable crops which
continue to supply much of the people’s diet until today.
LimaTours
The development of agriculture during the Inca empire was
advanced, even so far as creating “laboratories” to monitor
the crops. This is what happed at Moray, one of the most
mysterious archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley, with its
circular terraces on descending levels. Each level has a different
temperature, so they could be used to plant various crops and
see which growing conditions – and which region – would give
the best results. A particular irrigation system in each terrace
allowed the zones to grow up to 250 different products.
LimaTours
Tubers have been a key component in the diet of Andean
communities for centuries. With technological advances
and new growing techniques, these foods have evolved and
spread to every dining table in the world. But on the heights
of Chinchero, the oca – a particular type of Andean tuber - is
not only filling the plates but also the cups and glasses.
Manuel Choqque is an agricultural engineer. After years
of working in his father’s fields, he decided to turn things
around. And so his oca wine project was born, creating a
drink with a remarkable flavour which has been perfected
over time. Today, Manuel offers a tasting experience to
explain his creation and how he has been able to improve
oca production using natural methods to increase its health
benefits. Are you tempted to try it?
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