Ceviche to chocolate: a culinary tour of Peru
Embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Peru on this seven-day trip. Begin in Lima with a food tour in the bohemian Barranco district, savoring iconic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Fly to the Sacred Valley to visit Maras and Moray, enjoying a farm-to-table lunch and the Maras Salt Flats. Explore Ollantaytambo’s archaeological wonders and tuck into a traditional Pachamanca lunch before taking a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Discover the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, then head to Cusco for a cooking class and market visit, concluding your trip with a final stroll in Cusco before departing from Lima. This is a wonderful adventure taking in the vibrant and diverse flavors of Peru!
Services
Included:
- Bespoke, handcrafted itinerary
- Buying local to support communities
- Accommodation in your preferred hotel category
- Select meals depending on the itinerary
- Arranged in-trip transportation (driver, car rental or public transport)
- Excursions and authentic experiences led by expert guides
- Sightseeing entrance fees to select attractions
- 24/7 in-destination assistance
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa charges
- Tips/gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Lima
Welcome to Lima!
Lima
Culinary adventures in Lima
Lima - Sacred Valley
Journey into the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Savor a traditional Pachamanca lunch
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Marvel at the majesty of Machu Picchu
Cusco
Take a cooking class in Cusco
Cusco - Lima
Farewell, Peru
Detailed Itinerary
Lima
Day 1: Welcome to Lima!
Arrive into Lima, the vibrant and historic capital of Peru, where you'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your travels or heading out to explore your surroundings.
We'd recommend taking a stroll along the ocean-view promenade, visiting the Amano Museum for its displays of Peruvian textiles and archaeological materials, touring the pyramids of Huaca Pucllana in the Miraflores district, or marveling at pre-Columbian art at the Larco Museum.
Lima
Day 2: Culinary adventures in Lima
Good morning, Lima! Your first flavor-packed foodie experience is on the cards this morning. You'll take a guided food tour of the artistic and bohemian district of Barranco, sampling local dishes such as ceviche and lomo saltado and enjoying a first-hand experience of Peruvian culture as you interact with your local hosts.
The afternoon is then free for you to spend at leisure, with a selection of optional activities to choose from. You could dine at a local pisco bar to sample different types of pisco cocktails, or else explore Lima’s impressive café scene and dive into the worlds of Peruvian chocolate and coffee with a hands-on workshop.
Lima - Sacred Valley
Day 3: Journey into the Sacred Valley
Optionally, enjoy breakfast this morning at a local café, where you'll get to taste the traditional Peruvian bread, pan de tres leches. Then, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco, where you'll be taken to your hotel to settle in.
After some rest time, head out to explore the high plateaus of Maras and Moray, where you'll engage with a local farmer, learn about Andean agriculture, savor creative potato-based treats, and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in the farmer's home.
After lunch, visit the iconic Maras Salt Flats, a stunning pre-Inca terraced salt complex, and optionally take a scenic downhill hike to the valley base (an excursion of one to two hours), where transport to your hotel in the Sacred Valley awaits.
Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Savor a traditional Pachamanca lunch
Begin your day in the charming Inca village of Ollantaytambo, exploring its remarkable archaeological site in the serene morning hours, followed by a traditional Andean Pachamanca lunch. This method involves cooking local ingredients underground, using heated stones for a uniquely flavorful experience.
After lunch, transfer to the town of Aguas Calientes by train, a scenic journey and lovely opportunity for you to unwind as you soak up Peru's rural beauty. Check into your hotel on arrival, and if you have energy to spare, set out to explore the town known as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 5: Marvel at the majesty of Machu Picchu
An exciting program awaits today - after all, you'll be exploring the iconic grounds of Machu Picchu!
Start your day with an ascent to the ancient Inca citadel for a guided tour, discovering its history and hidden gems with help from a seasoned expert. This 15th-century landmark was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and showcases impressive feats of Inca civil engineering alongside, of course, breathtaking landscapes.
Return to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch, before making an afternoon transfer back to Cusco. Check into your hotel on arrival and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, exploring the attractions you most wish to tick off your sightseeing list.
Cusco
Day 6: Take a cooking class in Cusco
Today, you will join a cooking class in Cusco. Start by visiting the Mercado Central de San Pedro, where you will encounter the many tastes, colors and typical aromas of the Andes. After exploring the market, head to a local kitchen where you will get the chance to hone your culinary skills under the guidance of an experienced chef.
Optionally, spend the rest of the day exploring the historic sites of Cusco, such as Sacsayhuamán and the Coricancha Inca temple of the sun. As the sun sets, make sure to plan an enjoyable night out in the city - it's your last one in Peru, after all!
Cusco - Lima
Day 7: Farewell, Peru
In the morning, take a final walk around Cusco, stopping at local shops for food souvenirs to bring home with you. Then, at a suitable time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Lima, where your international connecting flight awaits. Safe travels and visit again soon!
