Experience Peru like never before on this immersive 15-day culinary journey designed for travelers who crave authentic flavors, meaningful connections, and unforgettable landscapes.
Begin in Lima, South America’s culinary capital, where street food tours and Amazonian-inspired dining set the tone. Journey deep into the Amazon rainforest to connect with conservation projects, local harvesters, and the extraordinary biodiversity of the region.
From there, travel slowly through the Sacred Valley, exploring Inca ruins, traditional markets, and family-run farms. Participate in hands-on cooking classes, savor ancestral feasts like the Andean pachamanca, and follow the cacao and coffee route through lush cloud forests on your way to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.
Throughout the trip, you’ll travel responsibly, support local communities, and discover the stories behind Peru’s world-renowned cuisine—one region, one flavor, one encounter at a time.
Price Includes
What to Bring
Upon your arrival at Lima Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the chance to rest and freshen up before our first evening together.
Tonight, we begin the journey with a unique culinary experience that highlights the incredible diversity of Amazonian ingredients from Peru. From forest-foraged fruits to exotic herbs and roots, the chef will take you on a culinary journey through a refined tasting menu, paired with a signature cocktail. This intimate welcome dinner in Lima sets the tone for the days ahead — a journey full of discovery, culture, and flavor.
Included:
– Airport pickup with assistance and private transfer to your hotel.
– Welcome dinner with curated Amazonian tasting menu.
– Overnight stay in Lima (double room).
Not included:
– Additional drinks in the tasting menu.
– Early check-in or late check-out (available upon request).
Begin the day with a 4-hour walking food tour in Lima’s Historic Center, exploring the heart of the city with your guide. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the colonial old town, starting at the iconic Hotel Bolívar.
From there, continue through Lima’s vibrant Chinatown and the city’s largest local market, sampling beloved Peruvian street food staples that Limeños enjoy daily. As you taste these authentic flavors, your guide will share insights into Peru’s colonial past, modern-day life, and the city’s dynamic informal economy. This experience is designed so that you can truly feel like a real Lima resident, while taking in some of the city’s most emblematic architectural masterpieces of Spanish and Moorish heritage that define this UNESCO-listed area.
After some time to rest in the afternoon, your evening continues with a special multicourse Nikkei dinner at one of the pioneering restaurants of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in Lima. You will be guided through the history and evolution of this unique fusion, and will learn about the role of this restaurant in it.
Included:
– Historic Center Street Food Tour (4 hours) with tastings.
– Transfers between hotel and tour starting point.
– Multicourse Nikkei dinner.
– Overnight stay in Lima (double room).
Not included:
– Tips or personal expenses.
This morning, your guide will accompany you to one of Peru’s most respected artisan chocolate projects. During this private tasting, led by award-winning specialists, you will delve into Peru’s cacao and coffee culture, learning how beans are sourced, fermented, roasted, and transformed into fine products.
Sample a curated selection of single-origin chocolates and specialty coffees before enjoying a gentle walking tour through Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, known for its colonial mansions, vibrant street art, galleries, and ocean views. Your guide will share stories about the neighborhood’s cultural heritage and contemporary creative scene.
For lunch, we’ll take you to a beloved local huarique (hidden eatery) run by a family of fishermen celebrated for its traditional coastal cuisine using the fresh catch of the day. This informal yet authentic setting has earned admiration from locals and renowned chefs alike.
The afternoon is free for you to relax or continue exploring Lima at your own pace.
Included:
– Private cacao & coffee tasting.
– Barranco walking tour.
– Lunch (shared “Picoteo” style experience).
– Overnight stay in Lima (double room).
Not included:
– Dinner.
– Tips or personal purchases.
Optional suggestion: Tonight is a great opportunity to explore Lima’s world-class dining scene on your own. If you wish to book a table at Maido or Central (both among the world’s best restaurants), we recommend making reservations in advance—let us know if you would like assistance.
This morning, you will take a domestic flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Peru’s southern Amazon rainforest. Upon arrival, a member of the Brazil nut harvester (castañeros) community will welcome you and introduce you to the landscapes and people involved in local conservation efforts.
Scenic Boat Ride and Lunch with the Castañeros Family (12:00 PM):
Enjoy a peaceful 10-minute motorboat ride to the enchanting Fundo Lazo along the Madre de Dios River, surrounded by the lush Amazon rainforest. Be warmly welcomed by the Castañeros Family and savor traditional Amazonian dishes prepared with local ingredients as your hosts share stories about their community and conservation initiatives.
Boat Transfer to the lodge, Deep Excursion into Taricaya Ecoreserve and Canopy Walkway (2:00 PM):
After lunch, a one-hour journey will take you deeper into the jungle, with opportunities to spot unique Amazonian wildlife. After settling into your bungalow at the lodge, embark on a guided excursion into the Taricaya Ecoreserve and experience its thrilling canopy walkway with panoramic views of the treetops and a closer connection with Amazonian flora and fauna.
Optional Night Walk (6:30 PM):
Discover the magic of the jungle at night, listening to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife offering a unique perspective on the Amazon’s vibrant ecosystem.
Welcome Dinner (8:00 PM):
Conclude your day with a delicious welcome dinner, highlighting local ingredients and flavors. This meal is the perfect time to unwind and get to know your fellow travelers while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Amazon.
Included:
– Private airport transfer.
– Domestic flight Lima – Puerto Maldonado.
– Airport pick-up & river transfers.
– Lodging at the EcoLodge.
– Lunch and dinner.
– Entrance fees to all reserves and sites in the itinerary.
Not included:
– Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snacks.
Sunrise & Breakfast to-go, Journey to the Sandoval Lake (5:00 AM):
Start your day early with a serene sunrise over the Madre de Dios River. Enjoy a packed breakfast while going on a scenic motorboat ride to the iconic Sandoval Lake, located within the Tambopata National Reserve. Enjoy a 3 km hike through the rainforest to reach this peaceful lake, home to unique Amazonian wildlife, including giant river otters and a rich variety of colorful birdlife. A guided rowboat excursion led by a naturalist will help you spot wildlife and understand the ecosystem’s importance. Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Return to the Lodge & Lunch (11:00 AM):
Hike back to your boat and return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch (12:30 PM) featuring local flavors and ingredients.
Visit Taricaya Wildlife Rescue Center (2:00 PM):
In the afternoon, visit one of the leading conservation projects in Tambopata, where you will encounter a variety of rescued wildlife including macaws, toucans, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguarondis, bush dogs, river turtles, tortoises, and Andean Spectacled bears . Depending on the day’s needs, you may assist professionals (including biologists, veterinarians, and interns) in preparing diets, distributing food, ensuring the cleaning and care of housed animals or helping in the nursery if there are babies. During your visit, you’ll also see the artificial beaches of the Taricaya turtle project. Between July and September, watch for flags marking turtle nests relocated to protect them from poachers until they hatch and are released back to their original beach in November.
Night River Cruise (6:00 PM):
As the sun sets, embark on a magical evening cruise along the river to experience the sounds and movement of the nocturnal wildlife and admire the beauty of the starlit Amazon rainforest at night.
End the day with a hearty dinner and share your experiences with fellow travelers.
Included:
– River transfers as per itinerary.
– Lodging at the EcoLodge.
– Lunch, and dinner.
Not included:
– Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snacks.
Breakfast at the Lodge & Motorboat Journey to Palma Real Community (6:15 AM):
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the lodge for a day of cultural immersion and culinary exploration. A one-hour motorboat journey takes you to the Ese-Eja indigenous community of Palma Real.
Visit to Shi’oi Handcraft House (8:15 AM):
At Shi’oi Handcraft House the Ese-Eja community’s artisans will share their skills and heritage. Witness the creation of traditional crafts and learn about their cultural significance in this immersive experience.
Brazil Nut Forest Exploration & Lunch on the River (10:00 AM):
Take a short motorboat ride and discover the sustainable harvesting process of Brazil nuts from local harvesters. Gain hands-on insight into the sustainable methods used to preserve this vital resource, which plays an essential role in the Amazonian ecosystem. Savor a freshly prepared meal served on the motorboat while gliding along the tranquil Amazon waterways.
Amazonian Gastronomy at the Biodiversity Table (2:00 PM):
Arrive at Warayo Lodge for an immersive Amazonian gastronomy experience at the renowned “Biodiversity Table”: a feast where each dish tells a story, celebrating the Amazon’s diverse bounty, highlighting exotic fruits, roots, and herbs.
Conservation Talk & Dinner (7:30 PM):
Return to the lodge for an engaging conservation talk about ongoing efforts to protect the Amazon’s fragile ecosystem. Conclude the day with a hearty dinner, celebrating the experiences and connections made during your journey.
Included:
– River transfers.
– Lodging at the EcoLodge.
– Lunch and dinner.
– Entrance fees to all reserves and sites in the itinerary.
Not included:
– Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snacks.
Optional Early Morning Walk & Mammal Sighting (5:30 AM):
Begin with a tranquil walk through the Amazon rainforest. This peaceful experience offers a chance to spot mammals in their natural habitat while soaking in the serenity of the jungle awakening.
Amazonian Breakfast & Departure (7:00 AM):
Enjoy a final Amazonian breakfast before departing for Puerto Maldonado.
Visit the Agroforestry Farm of Castañero Niño Herrera & the Amazon Nut Processing Plant (9:30 AM):
Visit the agroforestry farm of Niño Herrera, where you will learn the process of making chocolate from cacao plants. Participate in this hands-on experience that highlights the integration of sustainable agriculture and local traditions. Tour the processing plant operated by the Amazon nut collectors of the Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Gain insights into the sustainable harvesting and processing of Brazil nuts, a vital resource for local communities.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport in Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will overnight for gentle acclimatization.
Included:
– River transfer.
– Lunch (box lunch).
– Airport transfer in Puerto Maldonado.
– Flight Puerto Maldonado – Cusco.
– Pickup at the airport in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.
– Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo (double room).
Not included:
– Dinner.
After breakfast, set off for the high plains of Maras and Moray. Begin with a visit to the striking salt terraces of Maras, where local families have harvested salt for generations using ancestral techniques. Continue to Moray, an impressive circular Inca terrace complex believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for testing different microclimates.
By midday, arrive at a hidden botanical distillery in the Sacred Valley. Here, a traditional pachamanca lunch will be prepared—an ancient Andean cooking method using hot stones buried in the earth. Enjoy this slow-cooked feast of native potatoes, meats, and aromatic herbs in an open-air setting.
After lunch, take part in a hands-on workshop to create your own herbal liquor using Andean botanicals, roots, and spices. In the late afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo for a guided walking tour of the town and its spectacular Inca archaeological complex, famous for its terraces and temples framed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Included:
– Private transportation and guided visits to Maras & Moray.
– Entrance fees to all sites visited.
– Pachamanca lunch at the botanical distillery.
– Guided visit to Ollantaytambo town and archaeological site.
– Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo (double room).
Not included:
– Dinner.
– Drinks and snacks outside the included tastings.
– Tips for guides or hosts.
Note: The reason why dinner is not included is that both breakfast and lunch will be abundant and fulfilling. Additionally, at high altitude, digestion tends to be slower, so it’s important to keep the evenings light to ensure comfort.
Travel to the community of Huayllafara to explore traditional Andean agriculture. Visit farms cultivating traditional crops (corn, potatoes, ‘oca’, ‘añu’, lupin, quinoa, beans, etc.) and taste local products depending on the season. You will also visit a vegetable garden recently added to the local gastronomy circuit.
Local farmers will guide you through ancestral techniques such as preparing ‘chuño’ and ‘moraya’, washing and processing quinoa, and brewing ‘chicha de jora’.
Return to Lamay for a hands-on cooking class. Prepare classic Peruvian dishes with local ingredients and enjoy a Pisco Sour or sample different types of Pisco. After the activities, you will be taken back to your hotel.
Included:
– Private agriculture and gastronomy tour with transportation in Lamay.
– Lunch.
– Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo (double room).
Not included:
– Dinner.
Depart early (6:00 AM) from Ollantaytambo, crossing the scenic Abra Málaga Pass (4,300 m) and descending into the lush upper jungle. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes from high Andean plains to tropical valleys rich in banana, coffee, and cacao plantations.
Arrive at Julia’s house (1,500 m), where she or a family member will guide you through their plantations. Learn about coffee, fruits, and cacao. Get hands-on by crafting your own chocolate and indulge in a delightful tasting experience.
After an (early) lunch, continue to a trailhead for a beautiful hike (2–2.5 hours, with some steep sections) or take a shorter route of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (as an option if you suffer from vertigo, for example) to Alejandro’s house. Spend the afternoon relaxing at his farm and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight stay at Alejandro’s nice accommodation. Some rooms share a bathroom with a hot shower; other rooms have this ensuite.
Included:
– Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Huayopata.
– Chocolate experience and lunch at Julia’s house.
– Transfer to trailhead.
– Dinner and overnight stay at Alejandro’s house (homestay, double room).
Tips: Bring enough water to stay hydrated in the hike. Take only a small backpack for these 3 days (max. 6 kilos). You can keep your luggage at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Alejandro’s coffee farm, learning the process from harvesting the beans to your own cup of coffee from one of Peru’s best specialists. Around 11am, hike (approx. 40 min) to the main road and transfer to Santa Teresa.
You can enjoy lunch at a nice restaurant in Santa Teresa (we recommend Kat Café), but if you´d like to visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo we recommend having lunch there or at the train station.
For the afternoon you have two options (please let us know in advance): You can visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo (about 10 minutes from Santa Teresa) and then take the train from the Hidroelectrica train station to Aguas Calientes. You have to be at the train station at 14:20h the latest (your guide will keep track of time). Alternatively, if you´re up for a bit more trekking, continue on foot from the Hidroelectrica station to Aguas Calientes (approx. 2,5 to 3,5 hours) – a really nice walk, mostly flat which also provides a first glimpse on Machu Picchu from below.
Free evening in Aguas Calientes. You will probably want to go to bed early, to be among the first ones to go to the Machu Picchu entrance: the gates open at 06:00am!
Included:
– Breakfast and coffee tour at Alejandro’s farm.
– Private transportation for the day.
– Lunch.
– Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (double room).
Not included:
– Entrance to Cocalmayo hot springs (optional).
– Train ticket Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (optional, can be pre-booked).
– Dinner.
Early in the morning, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (departure time arranged with your guide). Often referred as “The Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and spectacular sets of ruins in the world. It is located at 2,430 meters above the Urubamba river. The Incas started building it around AD 1430 as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, strategically located between deep canyons and impressive mountains called Apus (deities for the Incas), so it was well hidden and well protected. Explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour (2–2.5 hours) to uncover its history, significance, and awe-inspiring location between steep canyons and sacred mountains.
For the more active, you can choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5-hour climb) for panoramic views of the citadel, Huayna Picchu, and the Urubamba River. Note: This must be arranged in advance as it requires a separate entrance ticket and fixed time slot.
In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transfer to Cusco, stopping to collect your stored luggage at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Included:
– Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu roundtrip (starting 05:30).
– Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
– Private guided tour of Machu Picchu (2–2.5 hours, guide departs after tour).
– Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition 74 service, 14:55–16:31).
– Private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
– Overnight stay in Cusco (double room).
Not included:
– Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
– Dinner in Cusco.
Begin your day by visiting a local market with Seledonia, a passionate home cook, to discover fresh Andean ingredients and taste seasonal fruits. Continue to her family restaurant for a hands-on cooking class where you will prepare traditional dishes and enjoy them for lunch, paired with a Pisco Sour.
In the afternoon, explore Cusco’s cultural treasures: visit the archaeological site of Qenqo, walk to the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, and finish in San Blas, the city’s bohemian district filled with artisan shops and narrow streets.
Included:
– Private market visit and cooking class (Seledonia’s Mesa).
– Lunch during cooking class.
– Walking city tour.
– Overnight stay in Cusco (double room).
Not included:
– Dinner.
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to relax, explore its vibrant streets, or shop for local crafts at your own pace.
In the evening, gather for a special Farewell Dinner: a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing, celebrating the flavors of Peru and the memories made throughout your journey.
Included:
– Seven-course tasting menu with wine pairing.
– Overnight stay in Cusco (double room).
Not included:
– Other meals and drinks during the day.
After a free morning in Cusco, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will connect with your international departure.
Included:
– Private transfer to Cusco airport (two hours before departure).
– Domestic flight Cusco – Lima (as mentioned in your booking).
Choosing longer trips and slow travel is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. On this tour, you will primarily use the most sustainable transportation methods available, limiting short-haul flights whenever possible.
By traveling slowly, you gain a deeper cultural immersion, connecting with local communities and contributing to their economies in meaningful ways.This approach not only affirms the value of their traditions and way of life, but also helps restore pride in cultural identities that are often overlooked or even disparaged by fellow citizens. From staying in locally owned lodges to enjoying farm-to-table Amazonian cuisine and visiting indigenous communities and conservation projects, every step of this journey supports responsible tourism practices.
In addition, the tour collaborates with wildlife rescue initiatives, reforestation efforts, and agroforestry farms, helping preserve the Amazon rainforest and the Sacred Valley’s agricultural heritage.
If you return home with a renewed awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity, honoring cultural diversity, and supporting the economies of the world’s most remote corners—then our mission has been fulfilled
Alejandro lived in Peru for 23 years, so rest assured he has savored every flavor in the very places you’ll explore on this journey. This itinerary is truly one of his signature creations—crafted to bring you the nicest culinary and convivial experiences within the time at hand. His passion for food traces back to his early training in Advanced Restaurant Management in Málaga, and where better to put that knowledge into practice than in Peru, a country once perfectly described as ‘epic’ when it comes to food.
Alejandro: “I’m thrilled to share one of the most special journeys I’ve had the pleasure of designing. This journey takes you deep into Peru’s heart, where history, culture, sustainability, and world-class cuisine come together. From elegant city dinners in iconic venues and hands-on cooking classes with chefs, to meeting local producers and traveling to Machu Picchu, every moment is designed to connect you with the country’s rich flavors and traditions. Behind this itinerary are countless hours of research, collaboration, and a genuine love for showcasing the most authentic, diverse, wild, and flavorful side of Peru“.
This itinerary is available from March to December, to avoid the rainy season. You can read more details about the reasons in our blog.
This is a moderately active tour, including walking tours in Lima and Cusco, and hikes in the Sacred Valley and Amazon. Some parts of the tour have a medium difficulty due to altitude exposure (up to 3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and heat and humidity. Most activities are accessible to travelers with a moderate fitness level.
Daily breakfasts are included, along with selected lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary). Many culinary experiences—such as street food tours, tasting menus, and traditional meals—are part of the program.
Most hotels in cities and towns have reliable Wi-Fi. In the Amazon and some remote areas, connectivity is limited. A satellite phone is available in the lodge for urgent messages.
Yes, Peru is generally a safe country to visit, especially in the main tourist regions such as Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, and the Amazon. Millions of travelers visit Peru each year without experiencing any safety issues.
That said, as in many destinations, petty theft (like pickpocketing) can occur in crowded areas or on public transportation, so we recommend taking common-sense precautions like keeping valuables secure and avoiding displaying expensive items in busy places.
Our tours are designed with safety in mind. We work with trusted local partners, arrange private or secure transport when necessary, and provide you with up-to-date information before and during your trip.
You can read more about this topic in our Blog.
Just send us a message using the tour inquiry form in this page.
This itinerary is completely suitable for families! The activities, accommodations, and pace of the trip are perfectly suited for enjoying it as a family group
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
