taste of peru: from coastal lima to andean cusco

Upon your arrival at the Lima airport, our Guest Services Representative will be waiting in the arrivals area. After picking up your luggage, walk through the doors and look for a sign with your name. Our representative will be there to provide you with assistance. You will then be transferred to your hotel located in Lima's Urban Area.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure as we pick you up for a 4-hour walking food tour in Lima's bohemian Barranco neighborhood. Indulge in 15 emblematic Peruvian dishes and drinks, such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Pisco Sour, while learning to prepare them in one of the neighborhood's oldest taverns. Unravel the historical and cultural significance behind each delicacy. Afterward, explore the renowned Larco Museum, home to the world's most extensive private collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, showcasing captivating ceramic sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. Immerse yourself in the fascinating art and culture of Peru's ancient civilizations, leaving you in awe. To complete the day, we'll assist you in booking reservations at renowned restaurants like Central, Maido, or Mayta (depending on availability), ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience. (B/ L/D)

You will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to CUS. Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our Guest Services Representative will be waiting in the arrivals area. After collecting your luggage, walk through the doors and look for a sign with your name. You will then be taken to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. After settling in, we'll continue to Hacienda Sarapampa, a family business dedicated to the production of Cusco Giant White corn. The owners have upheld the traditions associated with corn farming, backcountry cuisine, and the simple life of the hacienda for three generations. Hacienda Sara Pampa, opened to visitors in 2015, offers a unique experience on a working farm, where you can learn about Cusco Giant White corn's production, enjoy a Farm to Table lunch, and be delighted by a traditional Marinera and Peruvian Paso horse dance. Immerse yourself in the authentic taste of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch, you'll have free time to visit the Local Ruins of Pisac, explore a local Pottery art concept store, or return to the hotel for some rest. (B /L)

Join us for an extraordinary day at MIL RESTAURANT, starting around 08:30 am as we pick you up from your hotel. The Mil Immersion experience invites you to embrace a change of pace and immerse yourself in a culinary journey aligned with the surrounding environment. Explore the local communities around Mil and the fascinating Archeological Center of Moray, connecting with their customs and millenary traditions. Witness the awe-inspiring Moray ruins with their panoramic view of Incan circular terraces. Traverse the enchanting hillsides of Mil and discover a diverse array of native plants cherished by locals for their nutritional and medicinal purposes since ancient times. At MIL, indulge in captivating exhibits showcasing the artistic collaborations with women-led collectives, artisans, and producers. Savor the rich taste of chocolate crafted from the native Cusqueñan cacao known as Chuncho and experience a universe of thoughtfully prepared Andean drinks. The highlight of this enriching journey is a gastronomic experience featuring an 8-plate tasting menu crafted with products sourced from the abundant surroundings of Mil. This unforgettable adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation of Peru's culinary and cultural heritage. (B/L/D)

Join us on a day trip to Ollantaytambo, an ancient village with original Inca street planning, located 80 km (50 mi) from Cusco. We'll start the day by visiting the vibrant Urubamba market for a delightful breakfast. Continuing on, we'll pass through stunning Andean landscapes to arrive at Ollantaytambo and explore the archeological Inca fortress with its terraces and breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, along with a cerveza (beer) or chicha morada (purple corn drink). For lunch, head to Albergue restaurant and savor a traditional Pachamanca meal cooked on hot rocks. Afterward, visit The Destilería Andina, the Sacred Valley's first distillery, to experience handcrafted spirits. Our adventure will continue with a train journey to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, where history, nature, and ancient wonders converge. (B/L/D)

Join us for a mystical journey back in time to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! Marvel at the iconic view of the city with its stone steps, temples, walls, and multi-purpose structures, and soak up the dreamlike atmosphere. Your guide will accompany you on an informative tour, leading you through various sectors, entering rooms and temples, and sharing their significance. Take in the breathtaking views and the citadel's harmony with its natural surroundings. After immersing yourself in the site's powerful energy and learning its historical stories, indulge in a sumptuous Andean gastronomic lunch. Following lunch, you can opt to explore Machu Picchu once more, or return to the hotel for relaxation, waiting for our train back to the Sacred Valley. (B/L/D)

Embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to the historic village of Chinchero, where vibrant farming and weaving communities, adorned in traditional attire, go about their daily lives. Explore the fascinating Chinchero archaeological site and partake in a captivating weaving demonstration. Next, we'll visit the home of Manuel Choqque, a truly remarkable character with an inspiring life story. Here, you'll delve into the history of potato cultivation in Peru and witness a remarkable array of colored potatoes, including blue-black, gold, red, maroon, and small orange ocas, in the fields. Experience the innovative outcome of fermenting sweet potato varieties, such as oca and mashua, resulting in unique "wines" of both white and ink hues. Delight in various samples of this inventive drink. This activity allows you to uncover the secrets of Andean tubers in a country boasting the world's greatest potato diversity. Savor the flavors of colorful potatoes cooked in traditional Andean style and indulge in oca or black mashua wines, crafted by our host's creative experiments. Following this enriching experience, we'll journey to our hotel in Cusco City, where a dinner reservation awaits you at one of Cusco's finest restaurants to conclude the day. (B/L/D)

This guided tour commences with a pickup from your hotel, leading you to the sacred temple of Qoricancha, meaning "Golden Courtyard" in Quechua. During the Inca era, this site was lavishly covered in gold. However, after the Spanish conquistadors' arrival, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Colonial Church were constructed atop the original Inca foundation. Once considered the grandest temple in the Inca Empire, it was tragically despoiled by the Spanish, who melted down much of the gold and transported it to Spain. Today, what remains is the awe-inspiring Inca stonework that was utilized in its construction. Next, we'll visit Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas, flanked by two prominent edifices: the Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus (Church of the Company of Jesus). The Plaza exudes a lively atmosphere, adorned with a central statue, vibrant flower gardens, and broad pathways that invite leisurely strolls. Your guide will delve into the historical significance of this town square, which once served as the heart of the Inca Empire. Before bidding farewell, indulge in a delightful meal at an exquisite Cusco restaurant. Following this enriching experience, we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. (B/L)