There is little archaeological, linguistic or ethnographic evidence of the history of quinoa since we know of few religious rites associated with the use of this grain. Archaeological evidence in the Ayacucho region of Peru indicates that the domestication of quinoa began 5000 years before Christ. There are also archaeological finds consisting of quinoa seeds in ancient tombs in Tarapaca, Calama and Arica, and other regions of Peru.
When the Spanish arrived quinoa was already highly developed and widely distributed throughout the Inca territory and beyond. The first reports of quinoa came from Spaniard Pedro de Valdivia who was studying the Andean cultures. The famous chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega described the quinoa plant as the second most cultivated grain on Earth and that it resembled millet or rice. He also mentions the first time seeds were sent to Europe, which unfortunately arrived damaged and could not be germinated, possibly due to the high humidity during the journey by sea.
One evidence of the use of quinoa can be found in ceramics from the Tiahuanaco culture where it is represented with several panicles distributed along the stem. Quinoa has been cultivated in Peru since pre-Hispanic times (more than five thousand years). The area around Lake Titicaca is considered the principal origin of quinoa and where the greatest biological diversity of this species is still conserved, here there are ingenious agricultural methods for its production and it is part of the daily diet of the people of this area.
During the time of the Inca Empire, quinoa became one of their main crops and part of the basic diet of the people. Today, quinoa is cultivated in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, in the north of Argentina, and other countries. Peru and Bolivia are the main producers of this Andean grain which became very popular in the colonial period, called “wheat of the Incas” by the Spanish. Peru has a great genetic diversity of quinoa, both wild and cultivated, making it one of the biggest producers and exporters, representing a great opportunity for Peruvians in this business.
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EarthHappytraveler082024-01-20Peru with Pride The Peru Agency was great from beginning to end. From the airport pickup to the three day guided tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu. Our group of four was ably toured by Victor Hugo. His knowledge of history and culture was impressive relating the passion and pride of the areas. We would recommend Peru Agency to anyone interested in experiencing Peru at it’s best.
Fatima F2023-12-05Machu Picchu at its best! This was truly a trip of a lifetime! Yonel our guide was fantastic. He was knowledgeable and funny and made me feel safe and at ease despite my feat of heights. We hope to make the trip.back with our children one day to show them the beauty of Peru and if Yonel is around, we will request him!
Flyer272071830132023-11-30Súper viaje!!! Fue una gran experiencia de viaje, súper atentos en todo momento, nos hicieron sentir muy cómodos y seguros, tienen los mejores y más pacientes guías turísticos, el mejor sin duda alguna Yonel, a parte de brindar información de lujo es el mejor fotógrafo. Sin duda alguna regresaríamos con ellos
Jewin S2023-11-15Macchu Picchu with Yonel The Macchu Picchu views were great. But our guide Yonel really made the trip worth it. His energy and his knowledge really helped us get the most out of the experience. We really recommend going with Yonel to Macchu Picchu as he is the best guide we experienced in Cusco.
Delfina A2023-11-06Short Inca Trail & Machu Picchu We did the 1D short Inca Trail and the day after visit to Machu Picchu ruins. The experience was challenging as we are not regular hikers but we were lucky to have Jesús as guide, who helped us to find motivation and arrive to the end, also taking beautiful pictures of us being a professional photographer. Jesús is also a passionate story teller whom made our visit to Machu Picchu unforgettable by explaining us all the history of Machu Picchu.
Camelia Gica N2023-10-07Amazing experience. Amazing adventure viziting Machu Picchu. Our guide, Yonel, was very profesional, helpfull, he took care of us, give a lot of interesting information. Good job, Ionel, keep it like this.
Trail5538662023-10-05Yonel is the best Had an incredible experience and owe a big part of it to how awesome our guide Yonel was. Yonel is extremely passionate and knowledgeable on all things Machu Picchu related. Would highly recommend hiring him for your visit.
Pathfinder3102842023-10-04Sights and Sounds of Machu Picchu? Excellent views. Yonel was super good as a guide. Very warm, friendly with extensive knowledge of Machu Picchu. We took pictures from different places and also from different angles He was a joy to be with.
gina g2023-09-22Machupicchu forevermore Yonel, the guide was amasing!!! Friendly and competent. He showed us around telling us the whole story of the Incas, their education and their kings.
barwe2023-09-19Un 10!!!! Excelente la visita, nuestro guia fue Yionel. Nos impresionó con todo su conocimiento su pasión por la cultura y su alegria, su buena onda, simpatía! Un GENIO!!!! Además un fotógrafo excepcional!!!! Ojalá mucha gente pueda hacer la visita guiada con Yionel!!!!
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