Peru has been lauded by many as the gastronomic capital of South America. Now, you have a chance to make sure for that. Luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure launches Culinary Tour of Peru, a new, food-focused private tour that immerses sophisticated travelers in-depth private cultural and culinary touring, cooking classes, tasting tours, market visits and reservations at Peru’s best restaurants. 9-Days Journey begin in Lima, the cosmopolitan Peruvian capital and the heart of the country’s burgeoning food scene. Culinary highlights in Lima range from traditional to contemporary Novoandina (new Andean) and include unique fusion styles such as Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian). One day, take a private tasting tour of the city, stopping at a vibrant market and local cafes to sample indigenous produce and local snacks.
Learn to make Peru’s iconic ceviche (marinated fish) and pisco sour during a private cooking class, and then enjoy lunch at one of Peru’s top restaurants. Also take a private, insider-led tour of the impressive historic district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), see a spectacular pre-Columbian art collection, and browse boutiques for high-quality local goods, such as crafts and cooking utensils. At night, enjoy reservations at Lima’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Next, fly to Cusco, and transfer through the beautiful countryside to the Sacred Valley (Urubamba Valley), a river valley with the high peaks of the Andes towering overhead. During private touring with your own guide and driver, experience the best of the local culture, such as visits to indigenous markets and villages, meetings with renowned local weavers, tours of outstanding archaeological sites such as Ollantaytambo and a private cooking class. Perhaps also visit terraced salt evaporation ponds to learn how this natural resource is harvested by local people. One evening, enjoy a traditional pachamanca dinner.
Continue to spectacular Machu Picchu, and spend one night near the ruins. With your expert private guide, explore the site and learn about its fascinating history. Also visit a local tea plantation to learn how tea is grown and processed in the region.
Return to beautiful Cusco aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train. Stay at the city’s most exclusive luxury hotel, which is set in a colonial-era palace. During private touring with your guide, walk through Cusco’s narrow streets and learn about the city’s Inca and Spanish history. Also visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops, and discover Peru’s prized cacao at a private chocolate-making class. In the evenings, enjoy dining reservations at Cusco’s top restaurants.
Priced at $11,055 per person (double occupancy), this tour can be further customized based on individual culinary interests.