Local produce, cultural identity and gratitude to Mother Earth give life to a tradition that is very much alive at Santiago de Okola: apthapi.
Sharing a meal with other members of the community is an ancient custom in many villages in the Bolivian highlands.
At Santiago de Okola, apthapi is a deeply felt tradition: here, each participant brings produce harvested from their own land, which is then prepared together with other members of the community. Beans, quinoa, mote and potatoes are the main ingredients of this convivial event.
Before the meal, it is time to set the table for the diners. The aguayos – large cloths that the Andean women usually use to carry small children or heavy objects – are placed in position and each woman arranges what she has brought and prepared with great care. The next step is to invite the diners in to taste the delicacies: each person can take whatever they prefer. The communities of Lake Titicaca accompany their apthapi with kaswira, a sort of sandwich breaded with white quinoa and fried in oil: the result is a sort of Andean flatbread that people eat as a snack.
The meaning of apthapi goes far beyond food: its purpose is to share a particular moment or experience, so it is not surprising that it is used at most festivals, social and family events. Apthapi is an opportunity to exchange views, enjoy the company of friends, and also to thank Mother Earth for her bounty at the harvest.
Participating in an apthapi is one of the best ways to share a dining experience with the villagers. Do you want to learn more? Write to us for more information and to get in touch with the community of Santiago de Okola.
Additional Info
It is recommended to bring warm clothing for windy and cold weather conditions, a bathing suit, comfortable footprint shoes, a cap, a hat, sunglasses and a camera.
Where
Community of Santiago de Okola, municipality of Puerto Carabuco, department of La Paz
Transportation
By public transport
From El Alto at the Interprovincial Terminal with the Altiplano Transport Union company; departure time available from 5:00 a.m.; the price of the ticket is Bs 15 per person one way.
By private transport
From La Paz by National Route 2 to Huarinas; from there on highway 16 to Santiago de Okola. Average duration of the trip: 2 or 3 hours.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.