From La Paz to Uyuni: Along the Quinoa Route in Bolivia
There has been much ado about quinua this year, and whether the rising popularity of the highly nutritive grain will actually benefit the poorer Andean communities in which it's grown. Yet if the intensive Bolivian efforts to popularize quinua worldwide are any indication, Bolivia expects to benefit greatly from the grain's rising profile.
Published on 17-04-2013, por Inca World
The 50-vehicle caravan departed from Government Palace in La Paz in March, en route to Patacamaya and Sica Sica in La Paz, Challapata and Salinas de Garci Mendoza in Oruro, and Coroma in Potosí. Along the way, participants sampled a variety of quinua-based products including such as ice creams, drinks, cakes, and pizza. The project was known as the Quinoa Route, aimed at raising the profile of this rising agricultural superstar which, after intense campaigning by Bolivian president Evo Morales, was honored by the UN when it declared 2013 the International Year of Quinua. The Food & Agriculture association (FAO) even designated President Morales and the First Lady of Peru, Nadine Heredia, as international ambassadors for the grain.
The trip ended in Uyuni Salar with a closing ceremony overseen by Minister of Health Juan Carlos Calvimontes and the Governor of Potosí Felix Gonzales and festival organized by locals. Alongside traditional music and dance, artisans, agriculturalists, and housewives all spoke in their turn explaining the benefits to quinoa consumption and production. In his speech, Calvimontes declared highlighted the grain's nutritive qualities, while Vice-minister of Rural Development Victor Hugo Vásquez emphasized the environmental benefits of quinoa cultivation and reiterated the government's dedication to contribute by assisting with water, seeds, fuel, and credit aid.
Bolivia is already the world's major quinua producer, and of the 48 thousand tons grown last year, 36 were sold internationally. The type known as quinua real is considered superior and grown only in Potosí on the lands surrounding the salt flats, at around 3,700 meters above sea level.
According to the vicepresident of the National Quinua Association, Jaime Belen, Bolivia will invest 13 million bolivianos (almost two million dollars) in constructing a quinua processing plant in Uyuni in hopes of bringing more value-added products to market.
The national government has also been studying the possibility of encouraging small processing industries throughout high-production regions in order to stabilize prices (helping individual growers avoid having to sell very cheaply).
There has been much ado about quinua this year, and whether the rising popularity of the highly nutritive grain will actually benefit the poorer Andean communities in which it's grown. Yet if the intensive Bolivian efforts to popularize quinua worldwide are any indication, Bolivia expects to benefit greatly from the grain's rising profile.
Published on 17-04-2013, por Inca World
The 50-vehicle caravan departed from Government Palace in La Paz in March, en route to Patacamaya and Sica Sica in La Paz, Challapata and Salinas de Garci Mendoza in Oruro, and Coroma in Potosí. Along the way, participants sampled a variety of quinua-based products including such as ice creams, drinks, cakes, and pizza. The project was known as the Quinoa Route, aimed at raising the profile of this rising agricultural superstar which, after intense campaigning by Bolivian president Evo Morales, was honored by the UN when it declared 2013 the International Year of Quinua. The Food & Agriculture association (FAO) even designated President Morales and the First Lady of Peru, Nadine Heredia, as international ambassadors for the grain.
The trip ended in Uyuni Salar with a closing ceremony overseen by Minister of Health Juan Carlos Calvimontes and the Governor of Potosí Felix Gonzales and festival organized by locals. Alongside traditional music and dance, artisans, agriculturalists, and housewives all spoke in their turn explaining the benefits to quinoa consumption and production. In his speech, Calvimontes declared highlighted the grain's nutritive qualities, while Vice-minister of Rural Development Victor Hugo Vásquez emphasized the environmental benefits of quinoa cultivation and reiterated the government's dedication to contribute by assisting with water, seeds, fuel, and credit aid.
Bolivia is already the world's major quinua producer, and of the 48 thousand tons grown last year, 36 were sold internationally. The type known as quinua real is considered superior and grown only in Potosí on the lands surrounding the salt flats, at around 3,700 meters above sea level.
According to the vicepresident of the National Quinua Association, Jaime Belen, Bolivia will invest 13 million bolivianos (almost two million dollars) in constructing a quinua processing plant in Uyuni in hopes of bringing more value-added products to market.
The national government has also been studying the possibility of encouraging small processing industries throughout high-production regions in order to stabilize prices (helping individual growers avoid having to sell very cheaply).
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Lima's greatest devotion also walks through Cusco, departing from San Francisco Square. October dyes Peruvian streets purple with robes, incense, and fervor. We tell you how to follow the official 2026 processions in Lima and experience the Cusco replica from the Andes with practical details.
tags: lord of miracles, cusco, lima, peru processions, religious tourism, purple month
Just 11 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas, the historic district of San Jerónimo celebrates its patron saint every late September: 5 days of processions, 26+ dance troupes, a food fair, and a 16th-century church built on an Inca huaca. In 2016, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Most tourists don't know it exists; many young locals don't either. This year it starts on Monday, September 28, with the main day on Wednesday 30.
Third Sunday of September. 9 a.m. The pututos sound and 1,500 students from the National School of Sciences of Cusco set off in procession from their school to the Sacsayhuamán esplanade. They are going to compete — for real — in speed, strength, and endurance tests that replicate those the Tahuantinsuyo used to determine who was ready for adulthood. It is not a choreography. It is the Warachicuy, and in 2025 it was declared a Cultural Interest.
Are you planning to visit
Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
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Explore the best of our land
Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
