Compare Peru Culinary Tour by Access Trips vs Premium Peru in Depth by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Peru Tour Begins

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to our Peru culinary tour! Prepare yourself for one of the most fascinating, colorful and culture-rich countries on the planet. Also prepare for some of the world’s best food! We will pick you up at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport and drive you to our comfortable hotel. If your flight arrives before dinner, you’ll get your first taste of delicious Peruvian cuisine at one of the world’s top restaurants.

Day 2: Lima Culinary Scene

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Lima is the most cosmopolitan of all Peruvian cities, a vibrant economic hub and home to three of the world’s top 50 restaurants. After breakfast we’ll set off to visit bustling Surquillo market where we’ll mingle with the locals and taste some of the Peru’s delicious native fruits. Next we’ll learn the secrets of making the perfect ceviche in a chef-led demonstration, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit a gourmet coffee producer at his flagship coffee shop in Lima’s bohemian and historic district of Barranco. We’ll sip some fantastic coffee and learn how the coffee industry impacts local farmers. We’ll end the day sampling Pisco, Peru’s national spirit. Or you can just enjoy a Pisco Sour! This evening is yours to enjoy one of Lima’s many incredible restaurants. Please note that many top Lima restaurants require reservations far in advance, so please let us know if you would like our help with that.

Day 3: Explore Downtown Lima & Chinatown

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

This morning we’ll head to the historic center of Lima, with its striking colonial buildings and colorful streets. We’ll stop in at the stunningly well preserved Casa de Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas to be inhabited by descendants of the same family. Dating back to the 1500s, it has been home to the de Aliaga family for 17 generations.

Next we’ll stroll through Lima’s Barrio Chino, or Chinatown, historic home to Peru’s small but culturally important Chinese community. Our friend Liliana is general manager of Lima’s top Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food) restaurant, and she will graciously lead us on a tour of her restaurant’s kitchen. Afterward we’ll join her in the dining room for an exclusive tasting menu. Her English is excellent and she shares fascinating insights into Peru’s Chinese history.

We’ll make our way back to Barranco to Lima’s most outstanding gelato shop. Using Italian techniques and local Peruvian ingredients like chocolate, coffee and its myriad native fruits, we’ll meet the young partners who are pioneering this delectable treat in Lima.

Tonight you are free to discover dinner on your own. Please let us know if you would like us to assist you with restaurant reservations.

Day 4: Cusco Cooking Class

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning we’ll get up early and head to the airport for a short hour and twenty minute flight to Cusco. We’ve intentionally kept today’s schedule light to give you time to adjust to the altitude. You may need a rest at your hotel, but if you feel up to it, this is a great time to soak up Cusco’s culture-rich atmosphere. In the late afternoon we’ll head to a charming local restaurant for a hands-on cooking class. Starting in the bar, you’ll learn how to make a delicious Pisco sour before heading into the kitchen to prepare delicious scrumptious Andean delicacies that will soon become your dinner.

Day 5: Explore Cusco

Cusco’s vibrant San Pedro market is one of the most fascinating places to people watch as Quechua villagers come from the surrounding areas to sell their produce. We’ll continue on for a tour of Cusco’s most important historic sites. Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire, from the 13th Century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th Century. Because of its importance to the Incas, the Spanish then made it their center for colonialization of the entire Andean region.  The Spanish invested heavily in building incredible structures on top of the Inca sites. We’ll tour the Plaza de Armas, with its impressive cathedral, Qorikancha, or Temple of the Sun God, and the Iglesia de Compañia de Jesus, where you can climb up the towers for an bird’s eye view of the square. We’ll then head out to explore the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca fortress perched high above Cusco. This evening is free for you to explore on your own. If you would like to try guinea pig, an Andean delicacy, your guide will be happy to recommend some of his favorite “cuy” restaurants.

Day 6: Village Pachamanca

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today we’re off to a small village near Pisac, in the Sacred Valley. We’ll spend the morning with three lovely ladies who invite us into their home for a pachamanca celebration. Dating back to Inca times, this ancient tradition is not unlike a barbeque, where sharing a meal demonstrates appreciation and reverence for the edible gifts that come from the earth. Meaning – literally – “earth pot,” a pachamanca is an oven created out of stones or clay bricks lining a hole in the ground. A fire is lit inside until it is hot enough to put in heaps of marinated meat, vegetables and potatoes. Traditionally the meal is hearty and provides sustenance to farmers working out in the fields, as well as a welcome break to collectively savor and share the rewards of their labors.

The entire process takes several hours, so we will take a break and explore the colorful Pisac market. This is a great place to pick up some souvenirs, or just to people watch and photograph. We’ll then return to the village as our hosts pull the meat, veggies and potatoes out of the earth oven and join us to enjoy the steaming hot meal together.

This evening is once again free for you to enjoy Cusco.

Day 7: Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We have a big day today as we load up the van and venture deep into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chinchero, our highest altitude of the tour at just over 12,300 feet. Chinchero is a weaver’s village, and we’ll visit a women’s weaving cooperative to learn how they make natural dies and spin alpaca fiber. Next we’ll tour the village church and Inca agricultural ruins. If it’s the right time of year we’ll visit some local farmers to watch how they dehydrate potatoes to store for the winter months.

We’ll then head to Moray, a site of Inca ruins that were used for agricultural experiments. Taking advantage of the micro-climates, the Incas studied how crops grew at different altitudes and adapted those crops for broader farming use.

After a picnic lunch at Moray, we’ll visit the salt ponds at Mara. Mineral rich and excellent for cooking, these ponds are owned by villagers and have been mined since Inca times. We’ll walk right out to the ponds, which are terraced on the side of a mountain.

We’ll come to the end of the road at Ollantaytambo, and explore the vast Inca ceremonial center built into the hill overlooking the town. Then we’ll hop on a train and ride about two and a half hours to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. We will arrive just in time to check into our hotel and head out for a quick dinner. You’ll want to go to bed early tonight because tomorrow is a big day and it starts early!

Day 8: Revel in the Splendor of Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today is the day many have been waiting for. Built on a ridge and surrounded by sacred peaks, the improbable setting for the architectural masterpiece of Machu Picchu is just as awe-inspiring as the ruins themselves. Starting with a 5am wake-up, we’ll take an early shuttle to Machu Picchu, arriving at dawn. Machu Picchu was built in harmony with the sun and the moon, and watching the sun rise over the sacred site will be a memory you’ll savor for a lifetime. We’ll have several hours to tour the ruins. After the guided tour you can wander at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere. Those who reserved in advance will head to Wayna Picchu (the iconic mountain situated just behind the ruins) at 10am for the short but very strenuous climb. The ascent takes a little over an hour and the feeling of satisfaction when you reach the peak, along with the bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu, will take your breath away.

We’ll return to Aguas Calientes in time to catch an afternoon train back to Cusco. Tonight we will celebrate the end of our incredible tour with a delicious farewell dinner of Novoandina cuisine.

Day 9: Peru Tour Ends

Meals: Breakfast

Alas, our tour ends today and it is time to fly to Lima and then home. You may choose to spend a few extra days in Cusco or to join us for a tour extension to Lake Titicaca.

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in Lima, Peru’s lively capital city. When you arrive, you'll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here, you'll meet your small group of fellow travellers and your local leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive in Lima early, the city is full of bars converted from old mansions, so you may like to head out for your first pisco sour. After your meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner. Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and this evening you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants, with views surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef offers up traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists in a one-of-a-kind environment.

Day 2 Arequipa

Start the day with a walking tour with your leader through downtown Lima. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Later, catch a flight to Arequipa – a beautiful Spanish colonial city. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa’s buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar, giving the city an appearance like no other. Situated in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano, the city also boasts a truly remarkable backdrop.

Day 3 Arequipa

This morning, meet a local guide who’s an expert on all things Arequipa and set out on a tour of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, then continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery while your guide shares stories of the city’s history along the way. Stop by the San Ignacio Chapel to appreciate its mural paintings. Visit the beautiful Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with another local expert guide who will discuss the many layers of the building’s history – from its construction in 1656 to its subsequent destructions and rebuilds. The afternoon is free your own discoveries. Why not pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca or take part in an active adventure in the surrounding hills and rivers. Or maybe visit the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480.

Day 4 Colca Canyon

This morning, drive through the Altiplano high plains to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local Indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and the area is dotted with traditional Indian villages with locals in colourful dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 m) to enjoy views of the landscape below. Drive to the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to soak up the local hot springs, then continue to the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. With a prime location along the rugged Colca River, this resort offers tranquillity and comfort. The grounds feature tumbling waterfalls, organic gardens and pools, making this the perfect spot to explore. With modern rooms, first-class service and fantastic amenities, this stay is one to remember.

Day 5 Lake Titicaca

Rise early this morning to visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often be seen soaring in the air. After lunch, begin the drive to Puno. On the way, you'll stop off at the Sillustani archaeological site for about an hour, where you'll climb to the top of the hill to appreciate the ruined 'chullpas', or funeral towers. These towers were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is full of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is renowned for its traditional dances.

Day 6 Lake Titicaca

See the striking scenery and unique cultures of the area on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. This morning, depart from the port in Puno for the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Call into Taquile Island, where you'll spend an hour walking to the top of the hill to see local traditional clothing and shops for woollen handicrafts. Explore this extraordinary place before traveling back to Puno for the evening. Back at your hotel, enjoy sunset over Lake Titicaca, while you sample wine and cheese in the garden.

Day 7 Cusco

Rise early and travel to Cusco. The journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, including a visit to the Raqchi Archaeological Site. Arrive in Cusco by late afternoon. Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3450 m above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the city’s altitude. After settling in at the hotel, take a casual walk around Plaza de Armas with your leader and pick up some excellent dinner recommendations along the way.

Day 8 Cusco

This morning, discover the best of Cusco on a walking tour. First, enjoy a special tour of the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral with a local historian guide. Built on top of an Incan palace, the building is now one of Cusco’s greatest repositories of art, and your guide will share its history from past to present. Then, tour the Coricancha Temple with another local guide. The temple was once covered in sheets of gold that were eventually removed to raise a ransom for the life of Atahualpa, and later the Spanish demolished the temple to build a Dominican church on its foundations. Soon after, head to the colourful San Pedro market. The rest of the day is yours – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts.

Day 9 Ollantaytambo

Today you'll head for the Sacred Valley. Just outside of Cusco, visit the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The massive stone blocks forming the settlement's walls give you an idea of the ingenuity of the Inca. Continue on to the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Afterwards, visit AMA – a local restaurant specializing in organic produce, and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley while enjoying a snack and drink. Continue to Willoq community to take part in an ancient cooking ritual known as pachamanca. This cooking method, which dates back to the time of the Inca empire, sees meats and vegetables marinaded in spices cooked slowly in the earth. You will also learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – and you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Later, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Inca settlement, this is one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. Explore the archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River and towering sets of terraces.

Day 10 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

Today’s journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes will reveal some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Board the 360 Machu Picchu Train – with high domed windows in each carriage, there’s few better ways to view the magical Andes Mountains. The train also features an open-air observation carriage so you can marvel at the landscape from every angle. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, briefly drop your belongings off at your hotel, then take a short bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.

Day 11 Cusco

Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to Machu Picchu for another morning uncovering its secrets. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. The sight of the ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush backdrop of forested mountain is one you’re sure to remember. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you'll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.

Day 12 Amazon Jungle

Today you will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive in the afternoon, take a bus to the port where you will board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380 hectare-private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and see how many caimans you can spot lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner is a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients to create a meal to remember.

Day 13 Amazon Jungle

After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws along the way. After lunch you may like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa, before you meet your group for dinner.

Day 14 Lima

This morning, travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Lima, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy a few hours at leisure to explore any of the city’s sights you may have missed the first time around, then get back together with your fellow travellers and leader for dinner. Overlooking an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site and serving up a delectable menu of Peruvian delights, this final dinner is sure to leave you with a lasting memory of your time in Peru.

Day 15 Lima

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Lima, just speak to your booking agent.