Visit the potato fields of Manuel Choqque
Step into the Peruvian highlands to meet Manuel Choqque, the visionary agronomist behind 300+ rare potatoes. Explore his mountain farm, taste vivid heirloom varieties, Oxalis wine and fiery uchucuta—ingredients coveted by the world’s greatest chefs.
Area
Cuzco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Community & Culture
Food & Drink
Born in Cusco, agricultural engineer Manuel Choqque is recognised by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants as one of the talents shaping the future of gastronomy. Working at the confluence of science, sustainability and culinary heritage, he has devoted his career to safeguarding Peru’s extraordinary agricultural biodiversity through the study, preservation and genetic improvement of native Andean potatoes.
Over the past decade, he has catalogued and revitalised more than 300 endangered varieties, many once on the brink of extinction. By blending ancestral farming wisdom with modern agronomy, he enhances resilience, yield and flavour, transforming his high-altitude fields into a living seed bank and research centre. These rare potatoes are now sought after by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, including Virgilio Martínez of Central in Lima.
Beyond the laboratory and the field, Choqque works closely with farming communities across the Andes, helping to reintroduce forgotten crops, support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local food systems, ensuring that traditional knowledge continues to flourish alongside innovation.
A visit to his family farm offers rare insight into this remarkable work, with tastings that reveal the remarkable diversity of Andean potatoes and their role in contemporary cuisine. Highlights include Oxalis, a wine crafted from native tubers, and uchucuta, the classic spicy sauce traditionally paired with potatoes.
Set against the vast, dramatic landscapes of the Peruvian highlands, this is an intimate and inspiring encounter with a man quietly redefining how ancient ingredients shape the modern table.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu is located in an enchanting five-hectare cloud forest garden alongside the Vilcanota River and on the edge of the village of Aguas Calientes. A great base from which to visit the awe-inspiring ruins and lost city of Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationRio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley
Nestled along the Urubamba River in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Rio Sagrado offers contemporary luxury, serene riverfront views, and immersive Andean experiences.
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View AccommodationSol Y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationEl MaPi byInkaterra
El Mapi Inn is a comfortable and functional boutique hotel decorated in a contemporary style that makes an affordable base for visiting Peru's top highlight, Machu Picchu. Located in the village of Aguas Calientes, 30 minutes drive from the ruins.
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View AccommodationSanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and therefore a very convenient base for visiting the awe-inspiring ruins and the beautiful surrounding area.
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View AccommodationCasa Andina Premium Cusco
The Casa Andina Premium Cuzco is housed in a renovated mansion in historic Cuzco in Peru, originally dating back to the 18th century, combining simple old world charm with pleasant communal areas and modern amenities.
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View AccommodationTambo Del Inka Resort & Spa
A luxury retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka offers elegant rooms, exceptional spa facilities and refined local cuisine, set beside the Urubamba River and perfectly placed for exploring Machu Picchu and the Andes.
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View AccommodationExplora Valle Sagrado
Discover Explora Valle Sagrado, a luxury lodge set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering immersive excursions, contemporary comfort, and curated Andean experiences for discerning travellers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
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View AccommodationInkaterra La Casona
A 16th-century colonial manor turned 11-suite Relais & Châteaux hideaway. In the heart of historic Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona delivers old-world grandeur, heated marble-bath suites, intimate dining and soothing spa rituals.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceTraditional Andean Wedding Ceremony
Celebrate your union at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, with a private Andean ceremony led by a traditional paq’o. Set against the Sacred Valley’s dramatic peaks, this soulful ritual honours love, nature and ancient tradition in unforgettable style.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceMagical & Hidden Cusco
Uncover Cusco beyond its monuments, exploring legends, hidden streets and Inca-era stories before ending with traditional dishes and chicha at a classic picantería—an intimate look at the city’s living history.
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View ExperienceAndean Drinks: Traditional corn beer and microbreweries
Discover Cusco’s brewing heritage through traditional chicherías and modern microbreweries, sampling ancient chicha de jora alongside innovative craft beers made with local ingredients such as Sacred Valley quinoa.
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View ExperienceMountain Lodges of Peru
A lodge-to-lodge trek through Peru’s Andes, combining remote mountain trails, authentic cultural encounters and comfortable high-altitude lodges, culminating in a rewarding arrival at Machu Picchu with depth, context and understated comfort.
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View ExperienceMaras, Moray and Ollantaytambo with picnic lunch
A full-day Sacred Valley tour visiting Moray’s circular terraces, the striking Maras Salt Pans and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Includes a scenic picnic lunch and insight into Incan engineering and history.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperienceCooking Class with tour to San Pedro Market
Discover Peru’s flavours with a guided visit to San Pedro Market, followed by a hands-on cooking class at Rooftop Kitchen Peru. Prepare a three-course Peruvian fusion menu and pisco sour while enjoying panoramic views over Cusco.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceInca Rail Machu Picchu - The First Class Train
Travel to Machu Picchu in total comfort on the Inca Rail First-Class service, enjoying views from the large picture windows and outdoor balcony as you pass through stunning landscapes in the Urubamba Valley.
Call us on 020 8682 5430 to start planning