A TASTE OF PERU (8 NIGHTS)

Local Culinary Experience with Penelope Alzamora

There are many ways to get to know a city, but we believe that one of the most interesting and pleasurable ways is through its food. This is especially true of Lima, with the infinity of textures, colors, aromas, and flavors that this generous land provides. The rich culinary history and traditions are truly the pride of Peruvians, so any attempt to understand the local Lima culture must go through its cuisine. 
Celebrity chef Penélope Alzamora will share her favorite local market and help you pick out the freshest ingredients for your meal, and shows you a few of her favorite parts of Barranco as well. Perhaps stop to enjoy some local, organic coffee before returning to Penélope´s apartment for a pisco sour and a cooking class to remember. You will learn essential Peruvian culinary techniques while preparing a full menu of ceviches and tapas, then you will feast upon your gourmet creations while enjoying the beautiful view of Lima´s coast.

Please allow approximately five hours for the entire experience.

Farm to Table at Hacienda Sarapampa

Experience the legacy of Hacienda Sarapampa as its third-generation owners welcome you on an intimate journey through their historic property. Walk the fields where giant white Andean corn has been cultivated for generations, gaining insight into its history, spiritual significance, and enduring role in local traditions. Along the way, observe skilled hands at work, preserving age-old agricultural practices. The experience culminates in a farm-to-table feast, where every dish tells a story of the land. 

Please allow approximately 3 hours for the entire experience. 

Visit Maras & Moray

Set in the peaceful pastures of the Sacred Valley lie several enormous circular, terraced depressions in the earth, whose purpose remains uncertain. Although their crop circle-like appearance invites otherworldly hypotheses, we think these unusual Inca ruins were actually a sophisticated crop laboratory designed to study the optimum growing conditions for different species. Continue on to the salt mines of Maras, where seeing the locals mine for salt by hand is truly a unique experience. You will have the option to buy some salt directly from the source, supporting the local economy and making an excellent souvenir. 

Please allow approximately four hours for the entire experience.

Locals Only Sacred Valley

This “locals only” take on the Sacred Valley allows adventurous travelers to avoid the masses and get a look at (and taste of) the rural treasures that the locals have enjoyed for generations. The itinerary is flexible depending on the preferences of the traveler, as well as the goings-ons of the particular day. Choose between markets, small villages, local farms, learning traditional cooking, meeting artisans and more. Whatever you choose, prepare for an authentic encounter in the heart of the Andes. 

Please allow up to four hours for the entire experience.

Explore Machu Picchu

Meet your guide at the exit of the train station or in the lobby of your hotel for a short walk to the bus station and a 20-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu Citadel (elevation: 8,000 ft. – 2,432 m.a.s.l.). Scratching the surface of the heavens from its place atop the grandest of mountaintop pedestals, it is easy to lose yourself in the mystique and grandeur of this enigmatic citadel. Soak in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant archeological sites on the planet while your guide helps you uncover the secrets behind key areas of interest such as the Sun Dial, the Guard House, the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun.

Please allow approximately three hours for the guided route and four hours for the entire experience | You must show your passport in order to be allowed to enter Machu Picchu Citadel.

Locals Only Cusco

This “locals only” take on Cusco allows adventurous travelers to avoid the masses and get a look at (and taste of) the authentic treasures that the locals have enjoyed for generations. The itinerary is flexible depending on the preferences of the traveler, as well as the goings-ons of the particular day. Choose between markets, learning traditional cooking, meeting artisans and more. Whatever you choose, prepare for an authentic encounter in the heart of the Andes. 

Please allow up to four hours for the entire experience

Drink & Discover Cusco

Cusco has been a mecca for creativity and culture for centuries. Not only does the ancient Inca capital boast extensive culinary traditions and artistic heritage, the city has seen the birth of a number of delightful cocktails. Visit three renowned Cusquenan bars to create three distinct Pisco cocktails, sampling and discovering as you mix. 

Please allow approximately two and a half hours for the entire experience.