Highlights
- Reserve a much sought-after table in Lima, at restaurants in the top 10 of the World's 50 Best Restaurants
- Enjoy a private dining experience with world-renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, close friend of Aracari
- Explore the delights of ancient Cusco, discovering the city’s foodie scene led by a local chef, after marveling at Machu Picchu
- Enjoy a traditional pachamanca lunch during whilst taking in expansive views over the Sacred Valley
A ten-day gastronomic adventure, Peru with Flavor is a voyage through the world’s ultimate culinary destination.
You’ll spend time exploring South America’s foodie capital, Lima – home to four of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants, including Central with Head Chef Virgilio Martinez, Maido with Head Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, Kjolle and Mayta.
Whilst in Lima, you will also taste the dishes of chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, close friend of Aracari and world-renowned expert in culinary experimentation. Your meal will be cooked by the chef himself during a private dining experience, available exclusively to our guests.
In the local markets of historic Cusco, you’ll sample authentic street food and experience the incredible diversity of Peru’s homegrown ingredients, spanning from coast to Sierra to jungle. And that’s not forgetting taking in some of the country’s most impressive scenery.
A visit to Machu Picchu, along with a variety of experiences in the breathtaking Sacred Valley are also included in this private, tailormade itinerary – which of course can be curated to match your own interests and style.
Daily Summary 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Day 1
Welcome to Lima View on map
Arrival in Peru
An Aracari representative will welcome you to Peru, should you wish - greeting you on the runway tarmac as you alight from your plane.
You’ll be presented with your welcome pack, including a pre-paid mobile phone, before being whisked off to your hotel, where we will assist with all check-in procedures.
Depending on your arrival time, we recommend beginning your culinary adventure with a reservation at one of Lima's top restaurants, such as Maido with Head Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura or Astrid y Gaston with Head Chef Gaston Acurio. Aracari will make all the arrangements for you, as you enjoy an evening that serves as the perfect introduction to Peru, the ultimate food mecca of South America.
Accommodation options
- Day 2
LimaView on map
Master Peruvian cooking or reserve a seat at the chef’s table
Today you will learn more about Peru's world-famous food through one of two exclusive experiences.
The first option, 'Lima with Zest', is a hands-on culinary experience with professional chef and close friend of Aracari, Penelope Alzamora. Penelope will lead the way through local markets, showing you how to source the very best ingredients, before heading back to her family home in bohemian district of Barranco for a private cooking lesson.
In the summer months, between January and April, guests will be invited to join Penelope at her beach house, rather at than her home in the city. Here, you’ll visit the picturesque village of San Bartolo, and enjoy a cooking class whilst taking in views of the Pacific Ocean, before taking a post-lunch dip in the sea.
If hands-on cooking isn’t for you, then you can instead choose to be wined and dined by acclaimed Peruvian chef and longtime friend of Aracari Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. In a private kitchen, you’ll sample a gourmet meal cooked by Pedro himself and enjoy wonderful conversation with the famously charismatic chef.
Accommodation options0- Day 3
LimaView on map
Explore the rich history of Lima and its food
Lima’s origins pre-date the Spanish foundations of the city by several millennia, and its museums are full of pre-Columbian treasures. Begin to unravel this rich history accompanied by our specialist guide, a professor of history, architecture, or art – dependent on your own interests.
You’ll visit an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city, dating back to around 200 BC. Before exploring the colonial area of Lima, including the Cathedral, Convent of Santo Domingo, the Main Square and Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the Continent - and still family-owned after 17 generations.
In the afternoon, take in the local food scene with a 'friend in the city', a Lima local who will guide you on our authentic ‘Urban Eats’ experience. You’ll discover the most popular eating spots for locals and sample famed Peruvian classics and criollo dishes.
In the evening dine at Central restaurant. Frequently recognized as being in the top five on the World's Top 50 Restaurants, Central delivers ambitious and worldly fusion from chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz, who has crafted a series of modern, molecular dishes using ingredients native to Peru.
Accommodation options- Day 4
Lima - Cusco - Sacred ValleyView on map
Visit Ancient Pisac, before enjoying a well-earned gourmet lunch
Today you’ll fly to Cusco where you will be met on arrival by our Aracari representative and be driven to the Sacred Valley. It’s here you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the famous Pisac market and ruins. The Inca masonry at Pisac is wonderfully preserved, and you’ll learn of its history as you take in views of the incredible mountain terraces.
Next, you’ll drive to Hacienda Sarapampa, known for producing the giant corn endemic to the valley. You’ll be greeted by hacienda’s the owners, who will take you on a private tour of the working farm and cornfields, showcasing the different stages and processes involved in cultivating corn. You will then enjoy a private seven-course lunch in the lush gardens of the hacienda and be treated to a traditional Peruvian Paso Horse demonstration – a truly unique experience.
Accommodation options
- Day 5
Sacred ValleyView on map
Discover Pre-Columbian Maras and Moray with a traditional Pachamanca lunch
This morning, you’ll head for a guided visit of the breathtaking Maras salt pans, which have been in use since Pre-Incan times. As well as stopping at enigmatic Inca terraces of Moray. Likely used for agricultural experimentation, Moray consists of several enormous circular terraces, which are truly a sight to behold.
Afterwards, you’ll journey to an organic farm to try a traditional Pachamanca lunch, cooked under the earth. Located amidst Inca terracing, the farm affords impressive views towards the snow-capped peaks of Cordillera Vilcabamba, and especially the towering Apu Veronica.
Round off your day at Cerveceria del Valle, a family-owned craft brewery producing Andean-inspired ales and lagers. One of the founders will guide you around the brewery before you sample a selection of beers on tap, made using high quality ingredients and glacial spring water from over 13,000 ft. above sea level.
Accommodation options- Day 6
Sacred Valley - Machu PicchuView on map
Explore the Ollantaytambo ruins and alight a Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Today you’ll visit the town of Ollantaytambo and its famous Inca ruins. It was here that one of the greatest battles of the Conquest was fought - and one of the few instances in which the Incas defeated the Spaniards.
From here you’ll board a Vistadome train, featuring spectacular panoramic windows offering impressive views onto the surrounding Valley. The journey takes approximately 1.5hrs to Aguas Calientes, where you will then board a bus to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu – and of course, we can also arrange private charter train services.
Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Set among mist-shrouded mountains, this man-made marvel has become a symbol for the ingenuity and prosperity of one of the most expansive empires in Latin American history: the Incas. Your expert guide will explain the history and purpose of this awe-inspiring site.
Accommodation options
- Day 7
Machu Picchu - CuscoView on map
Take in the sublime beauty of Machu Picchu
Return to Machu Picchu with your guide today, hiking to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views. Afterwards, take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo for your private transfer to Cusco, taking approximately 2 hours. Or, upgrade to the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for your ride to the ancient city. Then check-in to your blissful hotel suite for an evening of restful relaxation.
Accommodation options
- Day 8
Cusco View on map
Explore ancient and artistic Cusco
You’ll start your exploration of Cusco on foot, beginning at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square. From here you’ll visit Koricancha, the ‘Sun Temple’, the Cathedral - a repository for Cusco’s colonial art - and Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill, on the outskirts of the city.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet with our ‘friend in the city’ who will take you through some of Cusco’s most charming creative spaces and local food spots during our experience ‘Creative Footsteps and Nibbles’. Cusco’s rich history has inspired countless local visionaries to launch some of the best shops, galleries, and ateliers in Peru. On this 4-hour guided walking tour, you’ll experience the unique energy of these destinations up close, while stopping to sample local delicacies.
Accommodation options- Day 9
CuscoView on map
Immerse yourself in Peruvian gastronomy with a professional chef
Your final day in Cusco will be spent with local chef and longtime friend of Aracari, Jose Luis Lescano during our experience ‘Cusco Market Tour & Home Cooking Class’.
Beginning in Cusco’s famous Ttio market, Jose will guide you through the market stalls laden with native ingredients and introduce you to the local vendors. Once you have sourced your ingredients, you’ll take the short walk to Jose’s home in the city to begin the cooking workshop. Together with Jose, you will prepare a delicious three-course meal of traditional dishes, ideal for foodies looking to learn more about Peruvian gastronomy and influences on Peruvian cooking.
Spend your last evening relaxing, reflecting on a wonderful foodie vacation.
Accommodation options- Day 10
Cusco - Lima - DepartureView on map
Head home feeling full of adventure
You will be met at your hotel by our Aracari representative and transferred to Cusco airport for your domestic flight to Lima International Airport. We will assist you with everything you need for your international departure.
Aracari specializes in tailormade travel. Here are just some of our further trip suggestions. Contact us for more bespoke ideas to inspire your travels.
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Journey pricing as of 2024
Basic Pricing - US$7,600 per person
- Price is per person for this 10-day itinerary
- Based on a selection of hotels: Villa Barranco, Sol & Luna Hotel, El Mapi Hotel and Inkaterra La Casona
What's Included?
This journey is based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy, excluding flights (international and domestic).
- Includes all specified services in the journey description
- All transfers and entrance fees
- A welcome pack on arrival including: a pre-loaded cell phone to contact your travel consultant at any time, a printed booklet packed with insider tips alongside your detailed journey and up-to-date recommendations on dining and shopping
- Hand-selected English-speaking guides
- Specialist guides (where noted)
- 24-hour support from our locally based team
- 9 nights in a hand-picked and personally tested selection of Peru’s finest hotels
What's not Included?
- Domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- International Flights and airport taxes.
- Neither personal expenses nor any other service not specified in the itinerary.
Peru with FlavorThe ultimate culinary destination - Day 2
