Uchucmarca

A remote mountain village famous for its traditional pottery and ceramic workshops where indigenous families continue centuries-old techniques. Visitors can observe potters at work and purchase authentic handmade ceramics directly from artisans in their workshops.

Things to do

• Visit ceramic workshops — Observe indigenous potters using hand-wheel and coil techniques passed down through generations to create traditional vessels and decorative pieces.
• Purchase handmade pottery directly — Buy authentic ceramics including water vessels, cooking pots, and ceremonial pieces directly from artisan families at their workshop studios.
• Learn pottery techniques — Participate in hands-on workshops where local artisans teach visitors the clay preparation, wheel-throwing, and hand-modeling methods used in Uchucmarca.
• Explore the village market — Walk through the weekly market to see local agricultural products, textiles, and ceramics sold by community members and surrounding villages.
• Hike surrounding mountain trails — Trek through the Central Highlands terrain surrounding the village to experience local geography and visit neighboring farming communities.
• Visit the kiln firing process — Witness traditional wood-fired kilns where potters fire their pieces using methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Food to try

• Papa a la Huancaína — Boiled potatoes covered in a rich yellow sauce made from native Andean peppers, cheese, and peanuts, a classic highland dish of the region.
• Ceviche de trucha — Fresh mountain trout marinated in lime juice with local peppers and cilantro, reflecting the cold-water streams of the Central Highlands.
• Quinoa soup with local vegetables — Traditional broth featuring quinoa, potatoes, and seasonal highland vegetables like squash and native tubers grown by village families.
• Cuy al horno — Roasted guinea pig seasoned with cumin and served with potatoes, a ceremonial and everyday protein in Andean mountain communities.
• Fresh corn chicha — Traditional fermented corn beverage made locally by village families, served at gatherings and celebrations throughout the year.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect workshop spaces — Ask permission before photographing potters at work and avoid touching pieces in progress, as artisans maintain deep focus during the creative process.
• Learn Quechua greetings — Many residents speak Quechua as a primary language; learning basic greetings like 'Napaykullayki' shows respect for indigenous culture and enhances interactions.
• Support fair trade purchases — Buy directly from artisans rather than middlemen to ensure families receive fair compensation for their labor and traditional knowledge.
• Participate in community events — Attend local festivals and celebrations when possible, as visitors who engage respectfully are welcomed to share in traditional ceremonies and meals.