In this extract from “Peru: An Odyssey Across a Time-Honoured Land,” a new book published by Assouline in collaboration with Belmond, journalist Catherine Contreras invites readers to explore one of the planet’s most captivating destinations where Belmond’s hotels and trains are found throughout Peru.

High in the Andes in Patacancha village, farming traditions have been practiced for millennia in pursuit of the perfect, tasty potato.