Peruvian Gastro Tour

Peru is quite a spectacular destination as you will discover during this fascinating six-day tour exploring the country. Visit the Imperial City, discover the exquisite cuisine at various culinary museums, and tour the beautiful historic centre of the city with its quaint squares and old residences. Have the most surprising adventure discovering Machu Picchu, the mesmerising lost city located on top of an Andean peak. Join this tour and have a memorable Peruvian experience! 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Cusco: Discover the former Inca capital, where the ruins of the former civilisation and the Spanish colonial legacy provide impressive attractions such as the Baroque Cathedral, the Sacsayhuaman, as well as Puka Pukara archaeological sites.

Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas is hidden on top of an Andean peak, offering spectacular views of the mountains and a glimpse into the fascinating Inca past.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CUSCO

Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, our transportation service and a representative will escort you to your selected hotel. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30 hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. The rest of the afternoon is free; alternatively, you can book one of our optional tours. In the evening enjoy a three-course dinner at Pachapapa, a restaurant renowned for its authentic Andean cuisine and its distinctive Cusco-style picantería atmosphere The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore this vibrant city.   

Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas (private basis):

A unique tour that includes visits to the most important attractions between Cusco and Puno. Being the first to explore breath-taking archeological sites Tipón and its impressive rural colonial mansion where the Incas constructed an impressive irrigation system in harmony with nature that is still perceived by the surrounding population. In Pikillacta, the best-preserved pre-Inca cities we´ll follow the remains of the Wari culture, ancestor of the Incas, and in the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, also called "The Sistine Chapel of America” we´ll see the Wari´s marvelous original pipe organ. Take the most advantage of our tour and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Notes: Private service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 4.5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Andahuaylillas and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).

Cusco City tour and nearby Archaeological sites (shared basis):

Catch a glimpse of the charming city of Cusco during our Cusco city tour and visit this old capital of the Inca Empire and its nearby archeological sites. With our guide you start with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex and one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then, to wrap up our tour, visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Notes: Shared service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral, and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 2: CUSCO

Join a gastronomic tour that includes a visit to the Chocomuseo, and the Pisco Museum; two ideal places in which to learn about the production process of each of these staples, from raw ingredient to end product. To make things even more enticing, in each one of them you will get to enjoy a taste! At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 3: CUSCO MARAS – MORAY – SACRED VALLEY (75 Km - 2 hrs)

Start your journey towards Maras, an impressive Inca salt exploitation complex. These are large salt deposits, still in operation, from which salt was extracted and exchanged for products from other parts of the Empire. Next, visit Moray to contemplate the mysterious circular concentric platforms that were found here. Some scholars believe the place used to be an agricultural research centre: the external platforms would have been at higher temperatures than the internal ones, simulating the conditions of the different ecological floors of the Andes. After this visit, you’ll be transferred to UNU Tiobamba restaurant. It’s an excellent place to experience the rich gastronomy and culture of Chinchero in an environment that combines comfort, authenticity, and natural beauty with the stunning landscapes around it. When finished return to your hotel in the valley. 
Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: SACRED VALLEY

After breakfast travel to the Pisac market, which features a wide range of stores that exhibit and sell products made by the residents, including textiles, carvings, and replicas of ancient Inca artifacts. After exploring the market, visit Ollantaytambo Park. The town of Ollantaytambo is a great example of the Inca's urban planning, which is still evident today. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered and destroyed the town, only to rebuild it as part of his empire. Today, the archaeological complex is considered one of the most important sites of the Inca Empire. For lunch, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious pachamanca, a traditional Inca dish cooked in hot rocks underground, with its name meaning "earth oven" in Quechua. Begin this experience by participating in preparing the pachamanca and learning about its rich history and culture. The menu includes chicken, pork, and lamb, a side with Andean potatoes, sweet potatoes, organic vegetables, homemade salad, traditional sauces, and purple corn drink (chicha morada). This activity lasts for 2 hours.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 5: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (115km – 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, your trip to Machu Picchu starts with a transfer to Ollanta train station, where you board a train towards the town of Aguas Calientes on a journey lasting around an hour and a half. Aguas Calientes has a handicrafts market, restaurants, and accommodations of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night next to the mountain and then visit it early the next morning. After a short transfer, arrive at Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and resting place for Inca Pachacuti. Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’, and was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor. Return to Ollanta station by train with one last transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6: DEPART CUSCO

After a tasty breakfast, a transportation service will take you from your hotel to the airport. 

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.