Culinary Tour of Peru

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Peru has been lauded by many as the gastronomic capital of South America. This exclusive private tour features in-depth private cultural and culinary touring, cooking classes, tasting tours, market visits and reservations at Peru's best restaurants.

Begin in Lima, the cosmopolitan Peruvian capital and the heart of the country's burgeoning food scene. Culinary highlights in Lima range from traditional to contemporary Novoandina (new Andean) and include unique fusion styles such as Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian). One day, take a private tasting tour of the city, stopping at a vibrant market and local cafes to sample indigenous produce and local snacks. Learn to make Peru's iconic ceviche (marinated fish) and pisco sour during a private cooking class, and then have lunch at one of Lima’s top restaurants. Also, learn about the origins and influences of Peruvian cuisine during a private lecture by a local specialist. Another day, enjoy a private Nikkei cooking class. During private, insider-led cultural touring of Lima’s impressive historic district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), see a spectacular pre-Columbian art collection, and browse boutiques for high-quality local goods such as crafts and cooking utensils. Each night, enjoy reservations at Lima's most acclaimed restaurants.

Next, fly to Cusco, and transfer through the beautiful countryside to the Sacred Valley (Urubamba Valley), a river valley with the high peaks of the Andes towering overhead. During private touring with your own guide and driver, experience the best of the local culture, such as visits to indigenous markets and villages, meetings with renowned local weavers, tours of outstanding archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo and a private cooking class. Perhaps also visit terraced salt evaporation ponds to learn how this natural resource is harvested by local people. One evening, enjoy a traditional pachamanca dinner, in which meat, vegetables and other ingredients are covered and cooked in an underground pit.

Continue to Machu Picchu for one night. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the site and ensure that you have the opportunity to explore the grounds after most tourists have left. Spend the following day exploring the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before continuing on the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. Stay in an oxygenated room at the best luxury hotel in the former Inca capital. During private touring with your guide, walk through Cusco's narrow streets and learn about the city's Inca and Spanish history. Also visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops, and discover Peru's prized cacao at a private chocolate-making class. In the evenings, enjoy dining reservations at Cusco's top restaurants.

On the final day, fly back to Lima where you will be assisted to the international terminal for your onward flight.

This tour can be further customized based on individual culinary interests.