2024 Luxury Cuisine and Culture Tour of Peru

Arrival to Lima and private transfer to your hotel the Belmond Miraflores Park. Accommodation in an ocean view deluxe suite.

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

After breakfast, start your flavours of Peru tour off with a visit to one of Lima's symbolic markets to see the amazing variety of fish, fruit, and vegetables used in Peruvian cuisine. You will be equipped with a list of names and descriptions of food you will encounter to help you enjoy the visit.
Afterwards, you will watch as the chefs from a famous restaurant demonstrate how to prepare Peru's main dishes and you will also learn how to make an exquisite typical Peruvian dish yourself. Enjoy the lunch you prepared before a private visit of colonial and modern Lima, starting in the centre of this vibrant, metropolis. The tour will include a visit of the cathedral, dating from 1654 which still houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro in the foyer; the Main Square, with the original bronze fountain built in 1650, the Government Palace where the President has his official residence and the San Francisco Convent, with its famous catacombs. Finally, the tour will end with a chance to visit the museo de Pedro de Osma, located in the traditional district of Barranco. The Museum has one of the best painting collections in Peru with pieces dating back to the 16th century. The paintings from well-known artists are on linen cloth, metal, wood, glass and leather. Antique pieces of furniture, silver, sculptures and textiles complete the collection. Don Pedro de Osma Gildemeister laid the foundation of the Museum Pedro de Osma with his personal collection, which includes religious images, portraits and scenery from Peru (Cuzco, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Trujillo and others).
Tonight, you will enjoy dinner at Lima's foremost restaurant, Centrale, winner of the coveted top restaurant in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurant list for two years in a row in 2014 and 2015. After an amazing gourmet tasting dinner return to your hotel.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, private drive to the north of Lima towards the lost city of Caral, at over 5000 years old, it is the oldest archaeological city of the Americas, We will drive for approximately 3 hours until Kilometer 184, before reaching the village of Supe. Then we take a detour on a dirt road driving along the left bank of the Supe River until the ruins of Caral. Once in Caral, we will start a walking tour with our local guide. Due to the bad conditions of the road, we will have to walk for about 800 metres to reach the main entrance of Caral. During our excursion we will see the zone known as Sacred Fire, a little temple in which a fireplace was found with remains of coal, bones, seeds and quartz. Later on we will see one of the most outstanding buildings of Caral known as the amphitheatre, where lies a circular plaza with ceremonial features, where archaeologist believes the men of Caral carried out religious ceremonies. Later on we will reach the Greater Pyramid, a strikingly large building located in a dominating position within the urban plan of Caral. It is said that officials standing on the highest part of this pyramid could monitor not only the activities going on the city, but also a large part of the capital area in the middle valley. At this site they found the corpse of a young man who was probably sacrificed in honor to the local gods. Archaeologist have also discovered walls decorated with small figures and collars made of shark teeth. It is believed that the Great Pyramid was the most impressive public building and was also the centre of the political, administrative and religious power. From one side of the pyramid you will be able to make out the green valley of Caral that lies just behind the pyramid. Following the tour, we will reach the pyramid called Huanca, a small building overlooking a mysterious monolith. Archaeologists believe that this monolith was used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes. A boxed lunch will be provided. Return to Lima. Refresh and set out for another wonderful gourmet dinner at IK Restaurant.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and private transfer to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley, the Belmond Rio Sagrado. Accommodation in a Villa. Lunch is on your own. Relax and unwind in the beautiful valley location. Enjoy some spa treatments or go for a gentle stroll in the valley. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Pisco making activity using herbs from the orchard and finish with a Pisco tasting session before dinner at the hotel.

Meals: B & D

After breakfast, private drive to the town of Chinchero where we shall visit the authentic market before visiting the weaving workshop run by the Centro de Textiles under the leading influence of Nilda Callanaupa, a Quechua weaver and scholar. Nilda was born in Chinchero and as many of the ancient weaving techniques Nilda learned from her elders were in danger of disappearing, Nilda founded the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC). The CTTC has supported weavers from several highland villages, who have revived these skills and traditions. Nilda's mission to explore and preserve traditional weaving techniques is a calling of great importance. In Peru, weaving is much more than an art form or a practical necessity. Andean textiles honour Pacha Mama, Mother Earth.
You will have ample opportunity of watching the weavers and participating yourself. Shortly after, a visit to a ceramist family and his workshop with an opportunity to experiment and learn about the ancient Inca ceramic techniques still thriving today. Lunch at the Huayoccari Hacienda, overlooking the Sacred Valley and which dates back to the seventeenth century. The hacienda is owned by one of the most prominent landowners in the Sacred Valley and is home to beautiful gardens producing native ingredients that are used in the restaurant's kitchen. These include corn, quinoa, fruit and aromatic herbs. Enjoy a set meal in this marvellous country residence before continuing your trip to the village of Pisac and its famous market, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. Return to your hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, a visit to the Inca site of Moray. This is a fascinating, unique ruin; a fabulous amphitheater of terracing that was used as an agricultural experimental site by the Incas by taking advantage of the microclimates produced by the varying altitude to breed new varieties of their crops. From here we start our trek downhill to the village of Maras and the salt pans of Maras. The salt pans are an unforgettable site where the people from Maras have diverted a salt-laden spring coming out of the hillside, evaporating the water to collect salt, as their ancestors have done for centuries. We will walk among the salt pans, witnessing a scene largely unchanged from Inca times. From the salt pans we continue our trek to the bottom of the valley before rejoining our car for the private transfer to your restaurant for lunch, the Hawa. Return in the afternoon to your hotel for a free evening.

Meals: B & L

After breakfast, with just a small night bag (your main luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Cuzco), board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train directly from your hotels private railway station for the journey onto Aguas Calientes (please note the Hiram Bingham does not operate on Sundays). This Orient Express train is the most exclusive way to visit Machu Picchu and includes a hearty brunch onboard the train. A private guide will also accompany you on your train journey and will be there to answer any questions. You will also enjoy the company of fellow travellers onboard this luxury train complete with 1920s styled Pullman carriages. Each carriage has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs.
The bar car is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail accompanied by live Peruvian music. The observation car is furnished with large cushioned seats, making it the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the Peruvian landscape unfold as you gently ride towards Machu Picchu. As you disembark, you will be assisted with your luggage and welcomed to take the short walk to the bus terminal where a private bus will be waiting for all Hiram Bingham passengers. The short ride up to Machu Picchu will meander through breathtaking mountain scenery up to the ancient Inca citadel. At the very entrance to Machu Picchu, your hotel, the Sanctuary Lodge hotel is located. Welcome and check in to your suite. Afterwards, a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

Meals: B, L & D

Opportunity to return to the site and enjoy a wonderful sunrise over Machu Picchu or if you prefer, enjoy a good rest and return midmorning. Breakfast at your hotel.
Time for some private reflection today and take any of the several paths around various parts of the site. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains, or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Either way, your day of self discovery will be a day never to be forgotten. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant.
In the afternoon, return back down to Aguas Calientes and transfer to your wonderfully located residence, a thoughtfully designed villa located in the heart of a cloud forest, the Relais and Chateaux Inkaterra Villa. The villas comprise a private terrace and plunge pool, overlooking a lush garden with private entrance. You will register in the privacy of your villa and enjoy extended VIP treatment including 24 hour butler service. Each villa suite has an open wood-burning fireplace, plus sitting and dining areas. With tranquil views of the private garden, the expansive marble bathrooms offer indoor and open-air showers, a tub, and a separate commode area. Accommodation and dinner served in your villa or in the dining room.

Meals: B, L & D

Enjoy the morning in your tranquil villa or take an excursion in the grounds including an orchid walk, a bird watching excursion or if you prefer just return once more to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before enjoying afternoon tea and returning back to Cuzco onboard the Hiram Bingham train (please note the Hiram Bingham does not operate on Sundays) in the early evening. Return in style and enjoy cocktails onboard followed by a four course dinner. Arrival to Poroy after 9PM, reception and transfer to Cusco, the ancient city of the Incas. Transfer to your hotel, the Palacio Nazarenas in a premium suite.

Meals: B, L & D

Today is a private day for you to absorb the ambience of this ancient city and walk along the many cobbled streets or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes watching the world go by.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, enjoy a private tour of Cuzco including the Qoricancha temple or temple of the Sun, the Cathedral and the Main Square. Later, venture out of the city to visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco city, Qenko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. Return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner at the Map Café Gourmet restaurant.

Meals: B

After breakfast, enjoy a lunch culinary experience. You will first visit San Pedro Market, the biggest and most famous in the city, affording a very colorful and unique experience. Here, you will be introduced to some of the local products with certain varieties of corn and potatoes, their uses, and the stories behind their names. You will have the opportunity to taste exotic fruits such as Lúcuma, Chirimoya, Granadilla, Pacay, Pepino, Aguaymanto, and others, depending on the season. You will then return to the kitchens to learn how to make a local Peruvian appetizer, main course and dessert. Finally, it is time for you to enjoy your creation. Free afternoon in Cuzco.

Meals: B, L & D

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima and connect with your flight home.

Meals: B