PERU CULINARY ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary
A Peruvian adventure for your taste buds.
Peru’s diverse geography, history and vibrant culture, along with its exotic flavours have made it one of the most exciting culinary destinations on earth.
Your tastebuds will be on overdrive during this is an epic gastronomic adventure to the amazing country. This Peru Culinary Tour is to a land shrouded in mystery and birthplace of the New World’s most advanced society, the Incan Empire.
Abundant with culinary delights, Peruvian cuisine has fast become recognized as one of the most varied and exquisite on the planet. With the transcendental influence of flavours and ingredients from Spain, Africa, China, Japan, and Italy, Peruvian cuisine offers a succulent fusion of aromas and sensations in its millenary creations.
The jewel of South America will be sure to send your camera and tastebuds into overdrive with its jaw-dropping sights and terrain, colourful markets, and incredible delicacies. Home to a unique and proud population which continues to maintain its rich culture and identity, prepare to be welcomed with open arms and pisco sours!
Please note that this Peru culinary adventure is fully customizable and can be tweaked to best suit your travel needs and desires.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LIMA
Welcome to Lima – the City of Kings and the bustling gateway to Peru! Lima is an ethnic melting pot of ethnicities, featuring incredible pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. Lima was inhabited by pre-Columbian groups centuries before it was founded by Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on the day of the Three Kings (Epiphany). Often referred to as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”, its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world.
As today is an arrival day, there are no pre-arranged activities though your tour leader will leave a note for you at the reception regarding meeting for dinner this evening.
- Meals: -/-/-
- Accommodation: Miraflores Hotel
Day 2: LIMA CITY EXPLORATION
This morning we have a guided sightseeing tour of the highlights of colonial Lima including the colourful Plaza de Armas which is on UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage List. We then continue to the Gastronomy Museum, located in Lima’s old post office. Offering a tour of more than 500 years of history and ancestral wisdom that gave way to a fusion of flavours from other cultures. Taking the three geographical regions of Peru, each with its huge biodiversity and the culinary influences of immigrants into consideration, the Museum of Peruvian Gastronomy explains the history and development of Peruvian cuisine as well as the fusion of different flavours of four continents which make Peruvian food to what it is today.
Lunch will be at a nice local restaurant where you will have your first experience with Peruvian cuisine along with a cocktail and cooking demonstration.
Tonight we dine at one of Lima’s finest restaurants. Peruvian biodiversity is astounding and is reflected in its incredible cuisine.
- Meals: B/L/D
- Accommodation: Miraflores Hotel
DAY 3: LIMA – FISHMARKET, FRUIT MARKET, URBAN GARDENS, BARRANCO
Before dawn this morning we visit the mythical fish market of Terminal Pesquero de Villa Maria del Triunfo. The fish terminal moves approximately 120 tons of seafood daily, which is about 40 percent of the total seafood sold in the fish-crazy city of Lima. It is home to more than 1,000 workers, wholesalers, retailers and workers. A sanctuary for seafood lovers! At the terminal,, you can find more than 200 varieties of fresh and saltwater fish, along with shrimp, octopus, squid, and a number of crustaceans.
Breakfast will be on our way to Lima’s most important biohuerto (urban community gardens) which is managed by the National Agrarian University (La Molina). Here we will discover and learn about native Peruvian crops as well as the recent movement and importance of these urban gardens, continue to Barranco, stopping in a market to have also a demonstration of native Peruvian fruits, seafood lunch to complement the experience at Canta Rana.
After lunch, we proceed to Bisetti Café, coffee beans demonstration and why not a cup of coffee with a cake or pie! Beer aficionados have long had it rough here in Peru but things are changing! This afternoon we have a tour and sampling of the new brews from the Barranco Brewing Company located in the charming Bohemian district of Barranco.
- Meals: B/L/-
- Accommodation: Miraflores Hotel
Day 4: LIMA TO THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Early morning we fly from Lima to Cusco – the heart of the Incan Empire. Cusco is a colonial as well as an archaeological gem and at an elevation of 3400m, Cusco will literally take your breath away. It is for this reason that after arriving in Cusco we continue to a more comfortable elevation of 2800m of the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley).
Chinchero, known as the birthplace of the rainbow, is famous for its traditionally dressed villagers, Incan terraces, and colourful Sunday indigenous market. We have time to explore and perhaps see women weaving their intricate textile designs in a cooperative. On our way to the Sacred Valley, we will visit the archaeological complex of Moray which is an unusual Incan site consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 30 m deep. The purpose of these depressions is uncertain, but their depth and orientation with respect to wind and sun create a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C between the top and bottom. It is possible that Moray was an Inca agricultural experiment station where they studied climatic conditions on a wide variety of crops.
Weather permitting, we will also visit the spectacular site of Maras salt pans where the locals have been mining salt since pre-Incan times! We continue to our charming accommodation in the Sacred Valley.
- Meals: B/L/-
- Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel
Day 5: OLLANTAYTAMBO & URUBAMBA
This morning we visit a local market located in Urubamba. Here we will immerse ourselves into the local market, an authentic cultural experience that will excite all 5 senses. New smells, colours, textures, sounds, and tastes will introduce you to a new cuisine concept.
From the marketplace, we continue to a lunch spot near Ollantaytambo, where we will meet the chefs who will teach us how to create the traditional dish, Pachamanca. Pachamanca, which dates back to the time of the Incan Empire, is a dish buried under the ground and cooked over hot stones, which features different kinds of meat (chicken, lamb, pork, or guinea pig) marinated in regional spices and served with vegetables and sides like humitas (corn mash and cheese pastries). The flavour that the warm earth lends to the ingredients is remarkable. After helping prepare the ingredients and placing them underground, we participate in a Pachamama ceremony worshiping Mother Earth and thanking her for the food we will eat. After the ceremony, the Pachamanca will be opened and dishes will be served.
Next we visit a “Chicheria” reward ourselves with chicha! Chicha is a corn beer prepared by germinating maize, extracting the malt sugars, boiling the wort, and fermenting it in large vessels, traditionally huge earthenware vats, for several days. The process is essentially the same as the process for the production of regular beer. It is traditionally prepared from a specific kind of yellow maize (Jora) and is usually referred to as chicha de Jora. It has a pale straw colourr, a slightly milky appearance, and a slightly sour aftertaste, reminiscent of hard apple cider. It is drunk either young and sweet or mature and strong containing contains a slight amount of alcohol, between 1-3%.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel with a typical Peruvian menu and traditional entertainment.
- Meals: B/L/-
- Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel
Day 6: MACHU PICCHU – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
We rise early this morning and travel by train to the town of Machu Picchu (formerly Aguas Calientes) located at the base of the magnificent UNESCO site Machu Picchu archaeological site. From here we take a bus up the snaking road to the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. The holy city of Machu Picchu was built in stone among the flanks of two hills belonging to the eastern mountain range of the Andes, descending into the Amazonian upper sylvan. Archaeologists believe that the Inca “Virgins of the Sun” took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. There is no doubt that Machu Picchu represents an extraordinary example of architecture and engineering.
The site of Machu Picchu dates to the 15th century and first received international attention in 1911 when it was visited by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Ever since Machu Picchu has received visitors from around the world. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We have a two-hour guided tour of the most important structures at Machu Picchu before having free time for independent exploration of the site.
Dinner tonight will be at a wonderful restaurant in the village.
- Meals: B/-/D
- Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Hotel
Day 7: COOKING CLASS TO CUSCO
Last moments to soak up in this beautifully bewildering Caribbean Island before departure. You will be transferred to the airport to connect with your flights.
- Fly back home or ask to extend your stay!
- Meals: B/-/-
This morning we have a personalized cooking class taught by the resident chef at the Sumaq Hotel; a journey of sensations to experience the traditional cuisine of southern Peru.
At Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel’s Qunuq Restaurant, we find exquisite typical Peruvian dishes made from trout marinated in citrus fruit juice and seasoned with hot pepper. We also have the opportunity to discover the Peruvian flagship drink, the Pisco Sour, or another exotic cocktail made with native fruits that grow in the area.
Afternoon departure by train to Cusco or nearby station of Poroy and transfer to the hotel in Cusco.
There are endless dinner options for you to choose from in Cusco. As dinner is on your own tonight, ask your tour leader for suggestions.
- Meals: B/L/-
- Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 8: CUSCO TOUR & COOKING CLASS
Cusco has been deemed “The Archaeological Capital of the Americas” and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. Cusco (Qosqo in Quechua) was the capital of the mighty Inca Empire from the 13th century until 1532 when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The Inca had incredible foresight in regards to city planning and Cusco beautifully exemplifies this. Cusco was planned as an effigy in the shape of a puma, representing the Inca god of lightning.
This morning we explore some of Cusco’s colonial highlights, as well as the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
Tonight we have a private cooking class as we dine at Rooftop Kitchen.
- Meals: B/-/D
- Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 9: CUSCO – MARKET, PISCO, & FREE TIME
We enjoy a morning visit to the San Pedro Market, located in the artistic district of San Blas area, as well as Casa Concha, which houses artifacts from Machu Picchu that were recently returned to Peru from Yale University.
Lunch today is at Green’s Organic Restaurant, a place where food is the considered basis for a healthy life balance and well-being. Greens offers dishes made with organic products and are constantly searching for local suppliers that preserve traditional and sustainable agricultural and breeding practices.
This afternoon is free for you to enjoy this vibrant city and perhaps do some last minute shopping! Early this evening we visit the Museum of the Pisco with a local “Pisquero”. You will learn how to make a Pisco cocktail with a Pisquero, a term used to describe someone who is passionate and learned in the arts of pisco. In general, pisco is to be savoured and appreciated among friends. It is a drink that brings smiles and happiness, camaraderie, and spirit.
We will carry this spirit with us to our farewell dinner at one of Cusco’s finest restaurants MAP Cafe.
- Meals: B/L/D
- Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 10: DEPARTURE DAY
Today we transfer to the airport in Cusco for our flights to Lima an then connections to our international flights.
(Please make sure your international flight departs in the evening or the following morning)
- Meals: Breakfast
OR
EXTEND YOUR STAY IN PERU! (ask us for details)
4 day/3 nights in an Amazon Jungle Lodge
AND/OR
3 days/2 nights in Nazca Lines and Ballesta Islands
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
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