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Fresh produce at a market

Flavors of Peru

Example 8 Day Tour
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What better way is there to learn the culture of a country than meeting its people in the markets and tasting its specialties? Enjoy this 8-day Flavors of Peru tour, one of the best culinary tours in Peru while visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Savor traditional dishes like lomo saltado and causa in Barranco. This is a more relaxed, culturally focused Peru tour with an emphasis on the flavors and gastronomy of Peru.
Another amazing meal in PeruHow often have we seen this photo?  Why not take it yourself!Peru tours, Machu Picchu ToursFriendly vendors at the Cusco marketFirst UM Alumni trip to PeruPeru tours, Machu Picchu ToursPeru cuisine vendorCourtesy of Museo Larco Herrera RestaurantTartia Maracuya. Courtesy of Museo Larco HerreraOur dishes: Causa, Lomo Saltado, Avocado salad & Quinoa soupA small family waiting for the busPeru tours, Machu Picchu ToursPeru tours, Machu Picchu ToursChicarron de Cuy at Huaca PucllanaPapa Amarilla Runtus at Huaca Pucllana in Lima, PeruTartita Limon. Courtesy of Museo Larco HerreraCorvina Costra at Huaca Pucllana RestaurantFresh produce at a market
Highlights
  • Savor 15 Peruvian delicacies in Barranco's artistic streetscape tour
  • Explore Chocomuseo and Pisco Museum, discovering their production secrets
  • Witness Andean traditions at the Living Museum of Yucay
  • Rise early and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima on the flight of your choice today. A transport service picks you up from the airport per your scheduled arrival time and transports you to your hotel, Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro in Lima. Settle into your room and rest up for your Peru travel ahead.

Lima, the capital of Peru, stands as a contemporary metropolis steeped in history, boasting a population of around 10 million residents. It is immersed in a dynamic phase of cultural and economic transformation that is truly captivating.

Day 2: Barranco Culinary Experience | City Tour

Try 15 different foods and drinks from Peru in Barranco, a really pretty, artsy, and bohemian neighborhood in Lima. You'll get to eat traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and causa, and even learn how to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour. You can also join the biodiversity workshop and taste chocolates. While walking around Barranco for 4 hours, you'll also hear interesting stories about the history and culture related to each dish you try.

After lunch, explore Lima's historic old town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is brimming with captivating historical structures. Your journey commences in the traditional Pueblo Libre district. Here, a must-visit is the Larco Museum, housed within a meticulously restored viceregal mansion constructed atop a pre-Columbian pyramid dating back to the seventh century. The museum proudly showcases an extensive assortment of pre-Hispanic gold and silver artifacts, alongside a collection of artistic pieces with erotic themes.

Following this, proceed to Casa Aliaga, a colonial estate bestowed upon one of Francisco Pizarro's captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. Remarkably, this is the sole surviving residence from that era, still under the ownership of the same family. Continue your exploration with a scenic tour through the colonial heart of the city. Take in the sights of the Main Square, where the magnificent architecture of the Spanish Empire stands before you. Marvel at Lima's 16th-century Cathedral, a testament to history. Conclude your excursion by returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Cusco

Enjoy a nice breakfast at your hotel before heading to Lima's airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon your arrival in Cusco, a representative will be there to greet you, welcome you to the Imperial City, and facilitate your transfer to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax.

Day 4: Walking Tour | Chocomuseo | The Pisco Museum

Take part in a half-day walking tour that starts at the Coricancha Temple – a place of great significance within the city. It used to be a really important place where the Incas worshipped the Sun God but later, because of the Spanish influence, it converted into a convent. Following this historical visit, you can explore the remarkable Cusco Cathedral, built between 1560 and 1664. After that, the tour concludes with a visit to the San Pedro market. This market has a huge variety of products from various parts of the region.

Note: The visit to the San Pedro market can be substituted with a trip to Casa Concha, an ancient colonial mansion that hosts an impressive collection of Inca artifacts from Machu Picchu.

Join a delightful food adventure that includes a trip to the Chocomuseo and the Pisco Museum. These two fantastic places are perfect for learning about the production process of each of these staples, from raw ingredients to end product. What's even more exciting is that you'll get to taste their creations at each stop! When the tour ends, you'll head back to your hotel, having enjoyed a truly special experience.

Day 5: Chinchero | Ollantaytambo | The Living Museum of Yucay | El Albergue Hotel

Begin your morning with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Later in the day, a transport service will be arranged to pick you up from your hotel. This transport will take you to the town of Chinchero, located within the Sacred Valley. Chinchero stands out for its exceptional view of the landscape and its authentic Cusco urban atmosphere. What makes this place truly special is not only its picturesque setting but also the dedication of its residents to preserve the rich traditions and knowledge passed down from the Incas. This reverence for their heritage is evident in their clothing and the intricate crafts they produce.

As you explore Chinchero, you'll have the opportunity to witness the impressive agricultural platforms and the striking seventeenth-century church. This church, constructed atop an ancient Inca palace, holds historical significance as one of Peru's earliest Catholic structures. Your journey through the Sacred Valley continues as you make your way to Ollantaytambo, pausing at a scenic viewpoint to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery before proceeding to the Living Museum of Yucay.

The Living Museum of Yucay is more than just a museum; it serves as a hub for understanding Andean traditions. Here, you can observe captivating demonstrations of traditional textile, ceramic, and silverware craftsmanship using millenary Inca techniques. This is also home to alpacas, llamas, and sheep, allowing you to get an up-close experience with these animals and even feed them.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the town of Ollantaytambo. Delight in a delicious lunch that captures the essence of the local flavors. As you stroll through the town's streets, you'll discover that the urban layout established by the Incas still remains intact, a testament to the enduring legacy of their city planning, and has remained inhabited over the years, maintaining its authenticity.

At El Albergue Hotel, treat your taste buds to a classic Peruvian dish called Pachamanca. It's made by seasoning beef, pork, chicken, and guinea pigs with chili peppers and special local spices. These meats are cooked together with potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and beans inside an underground clay pot heated with hot stones. It's a one-of-a-kind and delicious experience!

Upon completion of the tour, return to your hotel to rest.

Note: The Chinchero market is included if your visit falls on a Sunday.

Day 6: Explore Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu

Your journey begins with a cozy transportation service that transports you to Ollantaytambo Station, your gateway to the town of Aguas Calientes, nestled closest to the iconic Machu Picchu. Take the picturesque train ride that travels for about an hour and a half. During the ride, you'll see beautiful views of the Andes mountains and the surrounding areas. Upon your train's arrival at Aguas Calientes, a knowledgeable guide awaits, ready to accompany you to the bus departure point. A short bus ride of just 25 minutes transports you to Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas."

This archaeological site is believed to have been constructed in 1450 by Inca Pachacutec as his vacation home. But around a hundred years later, the city was abandoned when the Spanish took over. Luckily, it didn't get destroyed like many other Inca settlements that were hit by devastation. Guided by the expert, delve into the origins and significance of this remarkable city as you explore its remarkable monuments.

After a fulfilling tour, the journey continues as you board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where a delightful lunch awaits at your chosen restaurant. After lunch, take time to explore the charming village.

Please note: The lunchtime might differ depending on when you enter the citadel. Additionally, due to the citadel's limited capacity, it is recommended to confirm your booking at the earliest to secure your tickets, as availability is subject to change.

Day 7: Explore Machu Picchu | Return to Cusco

Today, you can explore Machu Picchu's ancient ruins once more. Begin your day early with the hope of catching the sunrise over the mountains at Machu Picchu, which is truly spectacular. Depending on your preferences and whether you've already arranged permits, you can either arrive early to hike up Huayna Picchu for incredible views of the area or opt for a more leisurely walk through the extensive ruins while your guide shares stories about the city's past inhabitants.

*It's important to note that the basic re-entry permit is included in the tour's cost. If you want to hike and require additional permits, it's recommended to reserve them when booking your tour due to limited availability and the associated extra costs.

After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes for an afternoon train to Cusco.

Day 8: Fly Home

  • 1 Breakfast
A transportation service will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Cusco airport, ensuring you can catch your flight and depart from the city.

Accommodations

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) - Hotels

Lima - Hotels

Cusco - Hotels

Sacred Valley - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$2,054

Notes

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We thought long and hard about including meals for the culinary tour but decided that we wanted to promote flexibility for our travelers to choose their restaurants and menu items. For that reason, some lunches and most dinners are not included. The establishments listed in the itinerary are great recommendations, and the guide will help personalize your experience and discuss the various options based on your preferences so that you can have a taste of Peru! Learn more about Peruvian cuisine and recipes for dishes you can experience in Peru by clicking here to read this article.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Round Trip Vistadome train
  • Entries to Machu Picchu - 2 Daily Entrance Fees
  • View the Documents Tab in MyTrips for your Inca Trail Packing List
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Lima - Cusco - Lima
  • Optional Excursions - $20 for hiking passes at Machu Picchu on second day

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
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