Lucmabamba is a town in Peru. It is in the district of Santa Teresa within the province of La Convención. This destination is known for its comfortable climate and beautiful plants. It is located near the base of the Temple of the Moon, an ancient Inca ceremonial center located on the banks of the Urubamba River.
The land is between 1,800 and 2,000 meters above sea level, which makes it perfect for growing great coffee. Some of the types of coffee beans that are grown here include bourbon, typica, and caturra. They are famous all over the world for their delicious aroma and flavor, coming from the rich soil of the Peruvian Amazon jungle.
This place is different from the typical tourist routes in Peru because it's away from the crowds. It's a six-hour drive from the city, going through the mountains, to reach it. It's a great place to enjoy nature before reaching Machu Picchu.
Here are some important facts about Lucmabamba, Peru.
- District: Santa Teresa
- Province: The Convention
- Region: Cusco
- Altitude: 2062 masl
- Community: Lucmabamba
- Altitude: 1800 - 2000 masl
Location and Accessibility: Lucmabamba is in Santa Teresa
The Santa Teresa district is located 1,811 meters above sea level on the right bank of the Urubamba River. It is the main access point for the coffee farms of Lucmabamba. There are three ways to reach this area:
- Railway (Train): You board the train in Ollantaytambo toward the Hydroelectric station (going through the Machu Picchu Town route). The trip takes about three hours, and it's important to buy tickets ahead of time because there are a lot of people who want to go.
- Land Route (Amazon Route): From Ollantaytambo, you can take a private transport up to the Abra Malaga Reserve, which is 4,000 meters above sea level. The route goes around the Veronica mountain and through the Ipal sector of the high jungle until you reach your destination. The trip takes about five hours.
- Public Transportation: From the bus terminals in Cusco (where you can catch buses to Quillabamba), you will travel to the town of Santa Maria. At this point, you must switch to local shared vehicles that go directly to the capital of the district.
Tourist Routes and Experiences in Lucmabamba
The main attraction of the area is the "Coffee Route," a tour where visitors get to be part of the production process, not just spectators. Here, you can participate in everything from picking and selecting the beans to roasting and grinding them by hand. Then, you can taste one of the best high-altitude coffees. Local groups like the "Flower of the Coffee Producers Association", "Quellomayo" and "Huadquiña" are leading this project.
Besides the farming experience, Santa Teresa is also a place where people can enjoy nature and learn about the area's history. Not far from the coffee farms is Llactapata, an Inca lookout point where you can see Machu Picchu. There are also the famous Cocalmayo hot springs, which have clear waters that are great for relaxing after a hike. The food also uses native potatoes and fresh fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, and local bananas.
If you want to include Lucmabamba in your travel plan, you should know that this town is an important stop on the main jungle routes. Below, we suggest the trips that pass through this area, as well as other popular options in the region:
- These are the routes that go through Lucmabamba: There are three options: the Salkantay Trek (5 days), the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu Trek, and the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu.
Other classic adventures in Cusco: There are four day and two day Inca Trail tours. There is also a five day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu and a five day Choquequirao Trek.
Information about the Salkantay Shelters in Lucmabamba
In this area, you will discover how the mix of tropical climate and Andean land creates perfect conditions for growing specialty coffee beans. The experience here is more than just tasting. It lets you understand how the techniques used to roast the coffee affect the flavor. You'll learn how these techniques affect the quality of the coffee.
One of the highlights is the work of the Coffee Flower Association, a group of local businesswomen dedicated to handmade processing. Their work guarantees an export product and represents the heart of hospitality in Lucmabamba, offering a cultural stop for travelers walking the Salkantay route.
