Cultural Experiences
Where Peruvian history meets hands-on chocolate making, right in the heart of Cusco's artisan quarter.
What Makes a Cultural Experience in Cusco So Special?
People come to Cusco for Machu Picchu. But the travelers who stick around — they find something better. Cultural experiences in Cusco are different from what you get in Lima or Arequipa. Here in San Blas, every cobblestone street has a story, and most of them involve food.
Our chocolate workshop is one of the most popular cultural experiences in Cusco because it connects you to something real. You're not watching a demo. You're roasting cacao beans that come from the Quillabamba valley — the same valley where Inca farmers grew cacao hundreds of years ago. You grind them by hand, you temper the chocolate yourself, and by the end of the afternoon you've got a box of pralines that you made from scratch.
Last dry season a couple from Australia told us this was the best cultural experience they had in all of Peru. Better then the Sacred Valley tour. Better then the textile market in Chinchero. They said it felt personal — like spending the afternoon with a friend who happens to be really good at making chocolate. Thats exactly what we're going for.
More Then Just Chocolate
A good cultural experience teaches you something about the place your visiting. During our workshop, we talk about how cacao fits into Cusco's history — from the Inca empire to modern-day Peruvian cuisine. You'll learn why Cusqueño chocolate tastes different from Belgian or Swiss chocolate, and what makes Peruvian cacao some of the best in the world.
We're located right next to the San Blas church, about a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. After your cultural experience, you can grab a coffee at one of the artisan cafés on Cuesta San Blas or check out the ceramics workshops nearby.
Who Books Cultural Experiences in Cusco?
Honestly — everyone. Solo travelers, honeymooners, families with little kids, backpackers taking a break from the Inca Trail. We've had school groups from Cusco and retirement groups from Canada, all in the same week. Cultural experiences like ours work because chocolate is universal. Everyone likes it, everyone can make it.
If your looking for cultural experiences near the Plaza de Armas, near San Pedro Market, or anywhere in Cusco's historic center — we're right here in San Blas. Walk-ins welcome, but booking ahead is a good idea during peak season (June through August).