Peru Culinary Tour
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Though Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, Lima is the capital of Peruvian cuisine, which has become world-renowned. For the sixth consecutive year, Peru was once again named the world's Top Culinary Destination at the World Travel Awards. Reinforcing the Culinary Award, in 2017 three of Lima's restaurants were included in the influential World's 50 Best Restaurants Guide
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DAY 1 ARRIVE LIMA
Arrival, meet and transfer to the Atemporal Hotel Overnight in Lima. DAY 2 LIMA B/L Special City Tour (Santo Domingo Convent + Casa Aliaga) + Barranco At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at the hotel to begin a tour of the city's main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to get a chance to explore the square on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Next, we will make our way to Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. Then, we will visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Next, you will head to Chinatown, an essential hub of commercial life for the city’s Chinese population, which has also played an important role in shaping both the cuisine and social make-up of Lima and Peru more widely. This makes for the perfect lunch stop at a chifa (a term used in Peru to refer to a style of Chinese cooking in which the ingredients originally used from China were substituted by those available in Peru) and chance to sample some of the neighborhood’s finest Chinese food. From here, with hunger fully satisfied, we delve into the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, a mecca for artists and writers alike. Look out for the quirky streets, Republican-style houses and places of interest such as the Parque Central, Old Library, Bajada de los Baños and Bridge of Sighs, all of which provided a source of inspiration for Chabuca Granda, one of Peru’s most famous composers. Finally, having explored some of the many fascinating sides of the city, a relaxed walk around the thought-provoking Mario Testino or ‘MATE’ Museum rounds off this cultural expedition. As one of the 21st century’s most influential and groundbreaking fashion and portrait photographers, the exhibits here will showcase an entirely alternative side to the ever-evolving Lima lifestyle. DAY 3 LIMA B / L/ D Breakfast, then visit a typical market in Lima. The smells and colors are intense and inviting. Our host will be Penelope Alzamora, a Peruvian chef who studied and worked in Boston and San Francisco before settling back in Lima. First, we will select ingredients from a sea of possibilities: enormous corn ears, splendid peppers, thick-bodied and multicolored potatoes.With our dish in mind, Penelope will teach us to choose the best ingredients. After a couple of hours, it will be time to get to work. Our chef will take us home for a Peruvian cooking lesson like no other. We will cut vegetables, fry onions, blend peppers, season, and mix and serve the dishes we have chosen from a list of typical Peruvian fare. The result is sure to be gratifying. This cooking experience will provide a delightfully simple and hands-on, yet profound, opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and history. This is about a 5 hour experience. Penelope Alzamora was born in Lima. Thanks to her amazing foodie parents, a master-baker grandmother and a nanny who introduced her to traditional Peruvian gastronomy, Penelope became passionate about cooking. After high school, Penelope studied hotel management in Newbury College (Boston) and Culinary Arts in Johnson & Wells (Providence). Upon graduation, she started a successful catering business in Lima, and in 1995 opened with her dad and other partners the well-known “Bohemia Café y Mas” restaurant. In 2002 Penelope married and moved to the San Francisco bay area, were she taught at the Tante Marie Cooking School (ranked this year one of the Top Ten Schools in the country by leading newspapers and magazines). Penelope has now settled in Lima, her time being devoted to both her family and cooking classes. As we sip some Pisco Sours and prepare our own ceviche and other Peruvian trademark dishes, Penelope will masterfully guide us through certain aspects of Peruvian history that can be best, and maybe even only, explained through the country´s world-class gastronomy. Return to the hotel. In the evening, transfer to Cala Restaurant for dinner. Here, Peru's ample seafood variety is prepared using a masterful blend of Peruvian and Mediterranean styles. Overnight in Lima. 
DAY 4 LIMA / SACRED VALLEY B/L
Breakfast then transfer to Lima's airport. Flight LIM/CUS (not included) Arrival in Cusco, meet and we will continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley. 28 km away from Cusco, we will find Chinchero village, famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles, and for its Sunday fair, where local people dress in traditional colorful outfits and travel down from their villages to trade their goods. We will walk along its traditional alleyways, next to our guide, and visit the weavers’ workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, who in 1996 decided to bring together like-minded women who shared her passion for weaving, and in time was able to motivate younger women who had lost interest in weaving to learn from their elders and connect once more with this ancestral art. This visit will be greatly enriched with the explanation of the protagonist of this story, Nilda Callañaupa. Then, we will head towards the Salt Pans of Maras., the sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times. The journey will continue until we reach the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site's system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150 m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature. Iskay Maras Home, a nice house and a family restaurant will offer Pachamanca services (Andean technique and ceremony practiced for thousands of years where food is cooked with hot stones underground) Overnight in Sacred Valley at Sol Y Luna Hotel (superior room) DAY 5 SACRED VALLEY B/L Breakfast, This morning, we will continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley, a few miles farther along, we will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork. Afterward, we will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We will discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. Be delighted with a 3-course lunch, Farm to Table experience based on local culinary and family recipes while learning about the culture of Giant White Cusco corn production in the Sacred Valley. |
DAY 6 SACRED VALLEY /MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO B/L
Breakfast, We will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and go to the train Station. The comfortable train ride from there to the station at Aguas Calientes is packed full of spectacular vistas. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the admission fee to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. We will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes train station and catch the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, private transfer to the El Mercado Hotel Overnight in Cusco. DAY 7 CUSCO B/L/D Breakfast, At the scheduled time, we will begin the exploration to the nearby ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision; Qenqo, the religious center; we will enjoy a panoramic view of Puca-Pucara, the red fortress and then we will visit Tambomachay with their water fountains. Afterwards, our tour continues in the Imperial City, we will stroll through the Main Square, where we will discover the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. We will continue with a visit to one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. At the agreed time we will transfer you to the chosen restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. When you finish, we will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel. (Lunch Menu at Pachapapa Restaurant) Later we will live a culinary experience with a unique vision of the food and culture of Peru using regional products such as quinoa, yellow peppers and trout. From the hand of a chef we will create gourmet fusion dishes and enjoy the most spectacular views that the city has to offer. We will start touring the traditional outdoor market of San Pedro. Then we will go to the kitchen facilities of the Rooftop Kitchen, to start the cooking lesson while enjoying the views. We will prepare an appetizer, a main course and a pisco sour. Overnight in Cusco at El Mercado. DAY 8 CUSCO B Breakfast, then transfer to Cusco's airport for flight CUS/LIM (not included) for International connection or added extension Sample 2021 price per person, double occupancy with 2 people and mentioned hotels: US$4106 (can quote with more people)
Can quote with 3*-5* hotels and can add on an Amazon extension or make other changes Lima - Hotel Atemporal Room Type: Lab https://www.atemporal.pe/
Valle Sagrado - Sol y Luna Room Type: Superior https://www.hotelsolyluna.com/es/ Cusco - El Mercado Room Type: Superior https://www.elmercadocusco.com/ 
INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED: • International and domestic airfare • Travel and health insurance • Tips for guides, drivers and waiters • Expenses of personal nature • Any additional not specified in the program
Very important • Prices valid for foreign tourists • Prices subject to change without notice due to variation in taxes • Prices not valid for special dates; Easter, National Holiday July 26th to 30th, Inti Raymi Jun 22nd to 26th, Christmas and New year. PERU RAIL : Carry-on Baggage Allowance (Train to Machu Picchu)
Each passenger may take : 1 bag or back pack – 05 kg/11 lb – 62 inches/157 cm (length + height + width) * Baggage that exceeds the measures will not be allowed * All luggage which exceed the dimension described above, can be transported on a luggage car available with additional payment. Notes: * Please, note that this is a preliminary quotation subject to availability; some changes might apply prior to confirmation. * The passport number is COMPULSORY to issue bus tickets, train tickets and /or airline tickets. * Passengers must have a valid passport to enter the country. Your passport should be valid for 6 months from your scheduled return date. * Please let us know the name of the passengers as it appears in their passports to avoid any inconvenience with the train tickets, bus tickets, airline tickets, etc. (as once are issued, not any modifications are allowed) * It's important to mention the kind of room (matrimonial or twin) when you confirm the booking. Exemption from Sales Tax Foreign visitors (not residents in Peru) are exempt from the 18% VAT (Sales Tax) in accommodation and meals where the passengers are staying. This exemption is already included in our prices. The only documents to validate this exemption are: PASSPORT + MIGRATION CARD. Please note that these documents are mandatory. |
