Day 15: Performances and Pachamanca

June 01, 2026

Hola, familias,

Today was a special day. We woke up in performance mode. Lights, camera, action. The morning was packed with performances combining both American and Peruvian cultures. We started with a beautiful rendition of Hotel California featuring Matt and Jonah on guitar. Right after, the dance Murohn and Nilesh made was lit and we performed with a 110% energy. After a farewell at the school, we quickly scurried back and started to prepare for Pachamanca.

We worked tirelessly: stoking the fire encased in the rock oven, washing potatoes, making the sauce, and grinding the corn for tamales. Once the fire was prepared, we watched as Don Tomas and the Tios steadily dismantled the oven and covered the food in rocks and spices. To fight our stomachs groaning, we passed time by making friendship bracelets, playing street games, and enjoying each other's company.

The Pachamanca was finally ready, so we gracefully lined up and then proceeded to devour our plates. The meats were juicy, the potatoes were savory, and the tamales were cooked to perfection. After a full meal, some of us headed to the plaza to have dessert and others just blissfully enjoyed themselves in a food coma.

Christopher, Johanes, and the other families then taught a bunch of traditional Andean dances and had us dress up in traditional clothing to immerse ourselves in the culture. After a beautiful time dancing and laughing, we gathered for an emotional reflection circle. Tears, laughter, and hugging consumed us all for an hour and a half.

Now we gotta run, because we have to pack for Machu Picchu. We can say with confidence that our time of Zurite was probably one of the greatest experiences of our lives, and we will miss our families, friends, and the community a lot.

Peace,

Nilesh and Evan