Sacred Flavors: Private Culinary and Cultural Exploration of Essential Peru

Upon your arrival at Lima International Airport, our dedicated representative and private driver will extend a warm welcome to you. They will accompany you on the approximately 45-minute drive to your hotel, helping with seamless check-in procedures. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a dinner reservation at one of Lima’s globally renowned restaurants, recognized among the top 50 worldwide. Overnight at Hotel Belmond Miraflores Park.

Embark on a delightful culinary journey as you immerse yourself in an interactive gastronomic setting. Your adventure begins with a visit to a local market, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to join our chef in selecting the freshest ingredients for your upcoming cooking lesson. Engage in the hands-on preparation of traditional Peruvian dishes, including iconic delights such as ceviche, lomo salteado, or a delightful fruit sampling. Throughout the session, delve into the historical significance of each ingredient, gaining insights into Peru’s esteemed culinary heritage. As one of the world’s premier culinary destinations, Peru offers a unique chance to taste the rich history woven into its gastronomy.  Conclude this enriching experience by savoring your culinary creations under the expert guidance of our seasoned chef. This immersive cooking lesson promises not only delectable dishes but also a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry that flavors Peru’s culinary landscape.  After lunch, embark on a curated half-day journey to discover Lima, often hailed as the “City of Kings,” accompanied by an expert guide. Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Lima’s center, exploring iconic landmarks such as Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral (please note, closed on Sundays and Saturday afternoons, replaced with Santo Domingo Convent on these days), and the captivating San Francisco Monastery, featuring intriguing underground crypts.  The expedition extends through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, offering glimpses of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient ceremonial and administrative center of the Lima Culture, revered by the Incas as the “Ñaupallaqta” or Sacred Town. Delve into the beauty of Central Park in Miraflores and El Parque del Amor, also recognized as the Peruvian Love Park.  The tour culminates with a visit to the renowned Larco Museum, home to Peru’s most distinguished private collection of pre-Columbian art. This exceptional museum provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s ancient past, offering valuable insights into its rich cultural heritage.  Return to the hotel to refresh and get ready for a distinctive dining experience at Astrid y Gastón Restaurant, housed in the meticulously restored colonial mansion at La Casa Moreyra in Lima’s esteemed San Isidro district. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey featuring a captivating tasting menu. Having once held the prestigious title of the world’s #1 restaurant, Astrid y Gastón now maintains its esteemed position at 30th on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence. Overnight at Hotel Belmond Miraflores Park.

Upon your arrival at Cusco International Airport, our dedicated representative and private driver extend a warm welcome, ensuring your seamless transfer to your enchanting hotel in the Sacred Valley.  En route to the Sacred Valley, you’ll pause at the historic town of Pisac, renowned for its archaeological ruins perched atop a hill at the valley’s entrance. These ruins, segmented into four groups along the ridge – P’isaqa, Inti Watana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay – offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Inti Watana group. This section features the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana – a volcanic ritual stone serving as an astronomical clock or Inca calendar to mark the changing seasons.  Continue your journey to Hacienda Sarapampa, a living testament to the ancient Peruvian culture of corn farming that persists to this day. The Quechua term “Sarapampa” translates to “cornfield,” and the Giant White Corn grown here is a globally unique variety with exceptional characteristics and size. Domesticated since ancient times, this corn has adapted exclusively to the unique conditions of the Sacred Valley.  Explore Hacienda Sarapampa to gain insights into how corn has shaped the lives of Andeans throughout history. Visit the Giant White Corn fields, delve into the various stages of corn cultivation (fallow, sowing, hilling, and harvest), and understand its pivotal role in the economy of the Sacred Valley and the lives of its farmers.  Conclude your immersive experience with a delightful countryside 7-course lunch, potentially hosted by the gracious landowners of Hacienda Sarapampa.  Overnight at Tambo del Inka a Luxury Collection in the Sacred Valley.

Today, we will set off the Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. This site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and evidence of how it was constructed is still visible.  This fortress was believed to have been constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands.  We continue through the Sacred Valley for a stop at Pablo Seminario’s Ceramic Workshop, where we can observe creations in progress and with luck maybe even meet the artist Pablo Seminario as he mainly works in his studio year-round.  At the end of our visit, we have the opportunity to take a look at the exhibition shop and why not maybe even buy one of their unique pieces.  We continue our excursion to admire the Moray terraces, believed to be a former gigantic agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory, or a place of worship, or maybe all three. It is thought that Moray was used for plant adaptation to new climatic environments thanks to its circular terraces in immense cone-shaped depressions of 47 to 84 m that resemble giant fingerprints or contour lines.  Lunch is served at UNU Restaurant, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru.  The prix fixe menu allows guests to savor the flavors of the local cuisine which provides an opportunity to experience authentic Peruvian food.  The restaurant is known for its delightful views of the mountains, creating a serene environment for guests to enjoy their meals. As part of the set menu, guests can expect to taste the unique and diverse ingredients that characterize Peruvian gastronomy, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.  The restaurant’s focus on local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques contributes to a memorable dining experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.  After lunch, visit the Maras Saltpans and its seemingly never-ending terraces, where salt extracted from springs is stored. The use of Maras Salt dates back thousands of years and is inherited from generation to generation and managed communally. It is impressive to see the variety of colours created by the reflection of the sun’s rays in this field of salt deposits and to learn about the Incas striking ability to generate resources. Overnight at Tambo del Inka a Luxury Collection in the Sacred Valley.

Embark on an invigorating exploration of the Sacred Valley through an exhilarating kayaking adventure, revealing hidden beauty amidst breathtaking scenery. Your day begins with a comfortable transfer to the Insto Piuray Outdoor Center, where a warm welcome awaits, complete with hot beverages, water, and snacks. Take a moment to relax, absorb the surroundings, and capture memorable photos.  At the appointed time, your designated guide provides kayaking equipment, along with a comprehensive safety briefing and instructions on paddling techniques. The tour, lasting between 1 to 1.5 hours, includes a 20-minute stretching session before commencing and an optional session of breathing and immersion in ice water towards the end. Upon completion, you’ll be transferred to your next destination for a delightful lunch in the heart of nature, surrounded by breathtaking views ranging from mirror-like lakes to majestic mountains. Savor a glass of wine while admiring the stunning Andes Mountains, relishing a traditional Andean picnic lunch unlike any other. In case of windy conditions, waterproof tents and transparent covers are provided for added comfort.  After lunch, we’ll seamlessly transfer you to the Ollantaytambo Train Station to embark on the approximately 2-hour journey aboard the Vistadome or 360-degree train to the enchanting Machu Picchu. Our dedicated representative will be on hand to assist you with check-in procedures and ensure a smooth departure experience.  Dinner included at the hotel.  Overnight at Sumaq Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Commencing the day, we facilitate a morning transfer to the bus station for your journey aboard a bus that will gracefully ascend to the citadel of Machu Picchu (3,400 masl/11,150 ft) – the Lost City of the Incas. This enchanting 20-minute ride leads you to a mesmerizing destination where we embark on a guided tour of the Citadel. This architectural marvel stands as one of the most remarkable urban creations of the Inca Empire, showcasing colossal walls, intricate terraces, and ramps seamlessly integrated into the natural rock escarpments.  Indulge in a sumptuous à la carte lunch at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, complementing your Machu Picchu experience with culinary delights.  In the afternoon, we gracefully return to Ollantaytambo via train. Upon your arrival at the train station, our representative and driver will be there to meet you, ensuring a seamless transfer back to your hotel.  Overnight in Cusco at Hotel Belmond Monasterio.

For avid food enthusiasts, embark on a captivating culinary journey commencing with a guided tour of the Santo Domingo church. Built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, this historical site sets the stage for an exploration of Andean gastronomy.  Continue your sensory adventure by strolling to the lively San Pedro Market, a vibrant local mercado cherished by locals for its hot meals and fresh juices. Immerse yourself in the rich variety of regional produce, spanning fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, and handcrafted textiles. Gain insights into their diverse uses for crafting Peruvian specialties.  Wander through charming cobblestone streets to either the Chocolate Museum or Museo del Café (Coffee Museum), where tastings and insights into the origins of Peruvian cacao or coffee await. This presents the perfect opportunity to acquire delectable souvenirs or snacks for the remainder of your journey.  The exploration unfolds with a leisurely walk around the Main Square, providing glimpses of the finest Inca history and architecture. Visit the city’s significant historical monuments, each reflecting the influence of diverse cultures.  Next, venture to the district of San Blas, renowned for its winding streets and whitewashed houses adorned with blue balconies. Explore artisan workshops showcasing ceramics, sculptures, textiles, and perhaps encounter artists at work on new creations.  Continue the gastronomic odyssey with lunch at Pachapapa Restaurant, renowned for serving traditional Cusco dishes in an atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s customs, art, and mystique. Reflecting local handicrafts and cuisine passed down through generations, the restaurant offers an authentic cultural experience.  Return to your hotel for a brief respite before an evening à la carte dinner at Cicciolina Restaurant. Located just yards from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, Cicciolina is celebrated for its Peruvian cuisine influenced by Italian and Spanish flavors. Transfers to and from the restaurant are seamlessly included, ensuring a delightful conclusion to your day of culinary exploration.  Overnight in Cusco at Hotel Belmond Monasterio.

Our representative will meet you at the hotel lobby for a private 30-minute transfer to the airport.  Assistance will be provided for flight check-in procedures and all departure formalities.  Upon arrival at Lima International airport, connect with your flight back home.