Once relatively unknown on the culinary map, Peruvian cuisine is now one of the top food trends. Thanks to its amazing bio diversity, along with a melting pot of cultures the country boasts a fusion of flavors and dishes. In fact, The Economist says Peru can “lay claim to one of the world’s dozen or so great cuisines.”
We invite you to join us on a culinary discovery of this great cuisine and country. It is a unique opportunity to learn about Peru’s amazing culinary history and its exciting food scene today.
Our journey begins in Lima, recently named the gastronomic capital of South America.
Here you will learn about the basics of Peruvian cuisine, discover and make ceviche, and become an expert is Pisco! Then it’s on to the famed city of Cusco to taste and learn about novoandina cuisine, home style cooking in the Sacred Valley, and a visit to the famed Machu Pichu.
Arrival in Lima and transportation to Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel, a brand new hotel located in Miraflores, one of the most central and beautiful districts of Lima.
Dinner on your own.
Day Two
Spend your first morning in Peru immersed in the best of the Peruvian cuisine and have the best teaching chefs in Peru introduce you to the quintessential basics of Peruvian cuisine. This demonstration class will teach you how to prepare Peru’s staple dishes and afterwards you will enjoy a full tasting accompanied by the best Peruvian wines.
Later enjoy a city tour of Lima with an English speaking guide. You will see the Spanish city center and get a snapshot of the most important sites: the main square, government Palace, city hall, San Francisco Monastery (including catacombs) old streets with colonial houses, the cathedral, and a great driving tour through beautiful San Isidro and Miraflores.
End your day with a Peruvian “Lonche” or Tea Time at La Bonbonniere. A legacy of English influence in Peru during the 19th century, this tradition dictates that a whoever is in a home at tea time is invited to share a light meal. Many people also like to go out to cafes as well. Choices for “Lonche” usually include, breads, a sandwich, juice, pastries or dessert. Peruvian cuisine has a wide array of sandwiches and dessert options that will challenge the idea of the typical sandwich in other parts of the world.
Overnight in Lima.
Day Three
Start your day with a visit of the local market. Here you will personally experience a little bit of the Peruvian culture in its daily life and see the variety of vegetables and fruits in the country, including those exotic products from the Andes and the Jungle.
Next stop is your first hands-on class on how to prepare the most popular Peruvian dish: El Ceviche. This class will give you the experience and all the knowledge needed to prepare the best Ceviche and all related dishes such as Tiradito and all the seafood combinations. You will enjoy ceviche for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner will be a tasting especially prepared by Rafael Osterling at one of the trendiest restaurants in Lima, Rafael Restaurant.
Overnight, Lima.
Day Four
Today you will travel to Cusco, the City of the Incas. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will have some time to get used to the altitude before your first excursion: a guided city tour of Cusco which includes a tour to Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay and Pucapucara and all the important sites downtown such as the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the Main Square, and the Cathedral.
Tonight will be your introduction to the “Novoandina” world at the MAP Café. This cuisine refers to contemporary dishes in which traditional ingredients are substituted with Andean ingredients. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate how versatile these ingredients are. The patio of the “Museo de Arte Precolombino” (Museum of Pre-Inca art) is where this restaurant is located in a special glass box, complimenting the wonderful taste with a spectacular setting. This is a 5-course tasting dinner.
Overnight, Casa Andina Cusco Classic San Blas, located in the city center.
Day Five
Excursion to the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This valley contains numerous archaeological sites and villages. It was one of the Incan Empire’s main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for corn production in Peru. Its impressive landscapes are a special favorite for photography aficionados. During the tour, you will discover the colorful market of Pisaq, the historic town of Chinchero, the legendary Ollantaytambo Fortress and its ancient village.
The culinary touch today is a visit to a working hacienda. In this activity, hosted by the farm’s owners, you will have the chance to learn about and taste a large variety of local vegetables and potatoes farmed in the area and in the hacienda. The family will prepare a home-style lunch featuring local ingredients. You can also take a tour of the hacienda grounds and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
Back in Cuzco you will have the night at your leisure. Overnight, Casa Andina Cusco Classic San Blas.
Day Six
Early train ride to the town of “Aguas Calientes” where you will take a short bus ride to the mystical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu “the Lost City of the Incas”. Prepare yourself to walk around this magical site and enjoy spectacular views. A trip to Machu Picchu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will dazzle at this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, while also having the chance to enjoy the beauty of the cloud forest and the National Park.
Back in Cuzco, enjoy a Mediterranean fusion dinner with Andean ingredients at La Cicciolina Restaurant. All the dishes focus on unusual spices and Andean accents, as well as traditional Mediterranean ingredients.
Overnight, Casa Andina Cusco Classic San Blas.
Day Seven
After completing your adventure in Cuzco, is time to go back to Lima to continue on your culinary journey. You can’t leave Peru without learning about the country’s national drink: Pisco. We have prepared a Pisco night for you. Our sommelier will teach you about the history of pisco, how is distilled and the 4 varieties of Pisco, along with the different tastes and uses of each. For dinner, Chef Pedro Miguel Scchiafino will take you in a virtual trip to the Amazon with his unique Amazon-fusion cuisine. Impossible to compare or try to prepare at home. In this dinner, we recommend to close your eyes, enjoy and experience these unique tastes and textures made to perfection by a truly inventive chef.
Overnight in Lima at the Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel.
Day Eight
Transfer to airport for departure.
PRICE PER PERSON
$2800 (2 participants)
$2600 (4 participants)
Single Supplement:
$400
INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM
Seven nights accommodation
English speaking tour guide
Two hands-on cooking classes
Two culinary demonstrations
Visit to market and fruit festival
Cultural tours as listed in itinerary (Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu)
Six dinners and lunches
Domestic flights with local airline
Entrance fees and tours
Bottled water daily
Not included: transportation from MAP Cafe (Cuzco) to hotel, alcoholic or soft drinks at meals, domestic and international airport tax, tips and gratuities, Visa fees, excess baggage fees, items of a personal nature
Available upon request for a minimum of 2 participants