This unique experience invites you to take part in a traditional Andean earth-oven ceremony, where gastronomy, music, and ancestral ritual come together in a memorable cultural celebration.
The preparation follows a traditional process led by six community members: two are responsible for preparing the fire and heating the volcanic stones, two guide the ceremonial elements of the ritual, and two oversee the final unveiling of the food once the cooking is complete.
The culinary ceremony itself lasts approximately five hours and is designed for small groups of eight to ten participants. Throughout the experience, a local guide explains each step of the process and its cultural significance. During the burial of the food and the ceremonial opening of the earth oven, traditional music and moments of dancing create a lively and communal atmosphere.
After about one hour and thirty minutes of cooking, the ceremony concludes with the unveiling of the earth oven and the sharing of the meal. Guests enjoy a variety of traditional Andean ingredients such as potatoes, maize, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, broad beans, peas, fruits, and different types of meat, all cooked slowly in the underground oven and served to be shared among participants.
Including transportation and the full cultural program, the complete experience lasts approximately eight hours from departure in Otavalo to the return at the end of the day.
09:00 – Tour begins, pick-up from your hotel in Otavalo. Transfer to San Clemente community, Imbabura.
10:15 – Arrival in San Clemente.
10:30 – Preparation of the traditional earth oven and heating of the volcanic stones with firewood.
11:30 – Ceremony and burial of the food in the earth oven.
12:30 – 14:00 – Cooking time and cultural activities accompanied by traditional music and dance.
14:00 – Ceremonial unveiling of the food from the earth oven.
14:30 – 15:30 – Tasting of the traditional Andean meal prepared in the earth oven.
15:30 – 17:00 – Return to Otavalo, end of tour.
Includes:
Guide
Private transportation
Community Pachamanca experience
Hands-on participation in preparing the earth oven
Traditional Pachamanca lunch included
Excludes:
Services or activities not specified in the tour itinerary
Practical Information
Difficulty level: Easy
Altitude: Between 2,580 and 2,600 meters (8,465–8,530 ft) above sea level
Climate: Andean temperate, with temperatures ranging from 12 °C to 22 °C (54–72 °F)
Important Recommendations
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat or cap
Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions
Please indicate if you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements
Bring personal medication if you have digestive sensitivities
Stay well hydrated before and after the experience
Minimum group size: 8 participants
