Epicurean Journey: Food & Gastronomy of Peru

Day 1 - International Arrival & Overnight Airport Hotel

Arrival to Lima international airport.

Day 2 - Flight to Cusco & Relaxing Evening in the Sacred Valley

This morning, you'll walk back to the airport for your mid-morning flight from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met by your representative and take a private transfer through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas to your hotel. You'll have an evening of leisure to acclimate to the high altitude (9,420 feet). The hotel has a fine selection of food options and it is recommended that you have dinner at Hawa Restaurant or learn of their bespoke culinary activities on arrival. For local fare we also can recommend the delightful El Huacatay Restaurant in the nearby village of Urubamba.

Overnight: Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Day 3 - Sacred Valley Tour - Ollantaytambo Ruins & Pisac Ruins

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was a strategic cultural and societally important bastion of the Inca Empire. At the ruins of Pisac, you’ll take a guided tour of the upper section of the ruins. Here a majestic temple stands at the confluence of three valleys. You'll have lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa, a truly local farm-to-fork experience. You'll then visit Ollantaytambo, an impressive and large ruin that was one of the last strongholds for the Incas after the invasion of the Spanish.

Day 4 – Vistadome Train & Afternoon Private Tour of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was revealed to the world, when the famous historian, explorer and archaeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled upon the site whilst on an expedition in 1911. Today, your expert guide will escort you on an insightful 2 ½ hour privately guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The private tour includes stops at the Caretakers Hut, Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, Three Windowed Temple, Intihuatana/Solar Clock, and the quarry. Dinner is included at your hotel, but if you prefer a local offering, we recommend a visit to Indio Feliz to discover the French Peruvian fusion dishes at this great restaurant. Booking in advance is essential.

Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 5 - Machu Picchu Mountain Trek & Luxury Hiram Bingham Train to Cusco

Take a free morning to explore the complex of Machu Picchu once again. This is your opportunity to visit some of the other attractions that are not included on the standard tour. The entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain Trek will be included, tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain are subject to availability. In the evening, you'll take the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham Train to Poroy Station, this olde-world train includes a four-course gourmet dinner with regional wines and live entertainment.

Overnight: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Day 6 - Maras Salt Mines & Moray Ruins, Optional Lunch Mil Centro Moray

This morning, you'll head out on a private Sacred Valley tour excursion to the amazing Maras Salt Mines and ancient Moray Ruins with private service. There will be an option to have lunch at MIL Centro Restaurant in Moray - en route back to Cusco. The Mil Immersion option includes visit to nearby farmlands and an eight course tasting menu. All the brainchild of one of the premiere chefs on the planet Virgilio Martinez. It regularly makes the World Top 50 Restaurants list. Upon arrival back at your hotel, you'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax before your morning flight back to Lima.

Overnight: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Day 7 - Morning Flight to Lima, Optional Maido Restaurant & Miraflores

Today you will be taken to the airport by private transfer for your flight from Cusco to Lima. Upon arrival, your driver and guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. Here you have an option to dine at the world-class Maido Restaurant, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary wizardry led by chef Mitsuharo Tsumura. Consistently in the World Top 10 restaurants you are assured the finest dining experience.

Overnight: Hilton Hotel Miraflores Lima

Day 8 - Urban Kitchen Experience, Transfer to Airport & Connect Home

This morning we take a journey in the street and market foods of Lima, including a cooking class at Urban Kitchen. Our friend and acclaimed chef Ignacio Barrios will lead you on a fun and highly educational journey across the eclectic fusion of cultures and microclimates from the desert coast to the Andes Mountains and beyond to the Amazon Jungle. Following on, you will create your very own Peruvian culinary creation. By evening, you will be taken by private transfer to Lima airport for your international departure. By now you will an expert in the gastronomic delights of Peru!