The Administration in Cusco is responsible for getting all food supplies to Cocha Cashu. Food and vegetables are shipped from Cusco every 30 days and in some cases every 15 days to ensure that researchers have a greater variety of foods. We have menus prepared by a nutritionist, thus ensuring the balance you need to be well nourished.

The station is managed under two regimes:

1st. – Generally, during the period from January to June the number of researchers is small (fewer than 5 researchers), so we do not provide cooking services and the residents should help themselves with regard to cooking. They have access to a well equipped kitchen and supplies sent from Cusco. Note that well equipped does not imply the availability of a refrigerator. Often, residents organize themselves to cook in turns so that each person is free from the kitchen job most days.

2nd. – Roughly between July and December, a second regime takes over. During this period, a larger group of researchers is usually present (15 to 20 people) and the Station has a full-time cook to prepare meals. The Cocha Cashu menu now is more varied because we have fresh supplies every 15 days, but primarily consists of beef and soy, rice or pasta with beans, tuna, tomato sauce, cheese, canned vegetables, spices and fresh products, whatever is in season, such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets, cabbage, etc.. Also, we exchange products with our Matsigenka neighbors such as cassava, bananas, avocados, papayas, hot peppers, and occasionally other products.

It is important that each researcher and assistant who enters Cocha Cashu completes the relevant section in the Cocha Cashu Waiver 130318 to indicate whether you are vegetarian or have any food allergies.

Photo: Fortunato Rayan