Peru: Traditions of the Sacred Valley

Discover the gastronomy, history and culture of the Peruvian capital city. Set off from your hotel in a private vehicle and drive to a bustling local market. Take in the sights, sounds and aromas as your guide shares fascinating details about the region’s culinary heritage. Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the UNESCO-listed historic center dotted with grand mansions, cathedrals, and national landmarks. Stop to taste cocktails made of pisco, distilled beverage made with grapes, and Peruvian cacao known for its distinctive taste. You will then head to a restaurant in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood, where a chef will show you how to make ceviche. After a light lunch, explore Barranco, the Bohemian part of town, distinguished by its colorful streets and artsy vibe. Before the tour winds up, sample picarones, a traditional dessert made with sweet potatoes.

(Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings and lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

After a drive through the picturesque countryside, arrive at the sleepy village of Pisac, along the banks of the Urubamba River. Head up to the Pisac archaeological complex, which features four sections on a mountain ridge. See the spectacular agricultural terraces and the main fortress, called Q’alla Q’assa. At the back towards Kitamayo Gorge, Inca burial sites adorn the cliff walls. Nearby, there’s the pink granite ceremonial complex, highlighted by the Sun Temple. Continue to the citadel sector. Further ahead is Kinchiraqay that has thatched red adobe granaries. Learn about Pisac’s history, its connection to the partridge, and its significance in the Inca Empire. Later, visit the bustling market in Pisac town, with stalls selling colorful local handicrafts and souvenirs. Take time to enjoy the diversity of Peruvian products, and try regional street foods. Stop for lunch at Sarapampa Hacienda. Also located on the banks of Urubamba River, the hacienda has produced Cusco’s famous giant white corn for three generations. Members of the Sumar family, who own the property, will greet you and tell you about the ancient methods they use to produce this traditional crop. Then gather around the table to enjoy a meal that draws on the rich farming heritage of the Sacred Valley and features traditional dishes. Soak in the intimate atmosphere that feels more like a family get together than a meal in a restaurant, before you drive back to your hotel.

(Duration: full day: Start time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees included)

Enjoy a visit to a special potato farm and discover ancient Inca architecture during this tour. Your guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you to Manuel Choqque’s farm. Choqque is an agricultural engineer who has turned his fields into a laboratory that features over 300 varieties of potato. He will tell you all about the nutritional and culinary benefits of these novel potatoes that come in different colors, tastes and textures. Taste ‘Miskioca’, a wine of Choqque’s invention made from a variety of Andean tuber. Learn how to prepare a spicy sauce called ‘uchucuta’ that is eaten with potatoes, before relishing lunch at the farm. Then, visit the archeological site of Moray to see the ruins of an ancient Inca construction consisting of a series of concentric stone terraces with a built-in irrigation system. The largest terrace descends to a depth of 150m. Listen as your guide tells you how this site was used for agricultural research. After that, proceed to the salt ponds in Maras, which have been used since Inca times. Walk to the vantage point to soak in stunning views of the white pans set against the green mountain slopes, before returning to your hotel.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs (but flexible); Private activity and transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 – 1.5 hrs; Meals included: lunch & wine tasting; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees are included)

A Pachamanca is a traditional way of preparing food in the Andes which involves cooking food in an oven that is built out of stones placed underground. The stones are heated by a wood fire and once brought to a very high temperature they are placed carefully with the vegetables, meat and seasoning. The food is then covered with grass and banana leaves before being covered by a mound of earth. After 45 minutes the meal is dug out straight from the earth and ready to enjoy. This is an unparalleled culinary experience in a traditional farm with a view of the Temple of Ollantaytambo. Visit the local market and if you wish, you can also get an insight into the daily work of the people on the farm and even help them – or just relax and enjoy the incomparable landscape.

(Duration: 5-6 hours; starts from 9:30, Private Activity, Lunch included).

Start your visit to the most iconic archaeological wonder of South America, taking the ’Voyager’ Train in the evening from Ollantaytambo Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo. As the train winds its way through the scenic Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands, Enjoy stunning views of the Peruvian countryside, while gliding past lush-green terraced fields and towering mountains. Enter the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest and journey across the rugged Andean Plateau. Arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before your epic adventure continues the following morning.

(Duration: 3.5 hrs; Time of day: evening; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Visit the lost city of the Incas with a private local guide. Learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Marvel at the surroundings and soak in the wonders of this magical place, hidden amongst the green summits of the high Andean cloud forest. In the afternoon, after lunch, take the Vistadome train to Cusco. (Guided Machu Picchu tour lasts about 2.5 hours; with local guide. Private activity & transfers; Lunch Included)

Discover Cusco’s heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes. )

Visit a local market in Cusco learning about the regional produce. Interact with a chef and the local producers in this traditional Andean market, discovering a different element of Cusco’s history. Return to the cooking place for a private culinary lesson, starting with the preparation of the famous Pisco Sour drink and then moving on to entrées and main courses. Interact with the chef at his house where between stories and pictures you will get the most out of this culinary lesson, of course ending with a tasting of the delicacies prepared.

(Duration: 3 hrs approx; Private Activity; Lunch Included)