In southern Peru’s Macusani District, circa 4,000 metre high Tantamaco is the organic native potato capital. Potatoes are indeed widely grown here and in fact originated from this part of the world. However, for me this aspect of Tantamaco was overshadowed by the awesome Andes Mountain scenery.

Stunning valley views on the drive to Tantamaco

A sign welcoming people to the town of Tantamaco, the organic native potato capital

This Tantamaco school has some of the best views of any school in the world

Farmers following donkeys on the way to the potato fields; the sacks carted by the donkeys likely contain animal manure, an organic fertiliser; note the backdrop of rocky outcrops and pre-Columbian terraces

A Tantamaco potato farmer carrying a specialised narrow shovel common in the district

Sacks of animal manure in the foreground wait for farmers tending the field

Potato fields surround a swamp in the Tantamaco valley

A run-down cemetery in front of the winding road, potato fields, rocky outcrops and snowy mountains