Experience the world-famous flavors of Peru on an immersive private food tour through Lima, the country’s vibrant capital. Begin your culinary journey in the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its colorful murals, colonial architecture, and artistic energy. Sip on rich Peruvian coffee at a local café, then wander through charming galleries and artisan shops that reflect the area’s creative soul. As you cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, take in stories of love, legend, and local tradition.

Next, dive into the sensory wonders of a traditional market, where you’ll discover an array of exotic fruits, native spices, and regional ingredients. Your guide will introduce you to the diverse influences: Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian, that have shaped Peru’s unique and dynamic cuisine over centuries.

Continue your tour into the elegant neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores, where the coastal breeze and scenic views set the stage for hands-on culinary fun. Join a professional chef to learn how to prepare classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche, made with freshly caught seafood and bright citrus, and master the art of mixing the perfect Pisco Sour, Peru’s beloved national cocktail.

By the end of this flavorful adventure, you’ll not only have tasted the soul of Peruvian cuisine, you’ll understand the stories, cultures, and traditions behind every bite.

Following your food and city tour, you’ll be transferred in private comfort to Paracas, located further south along the coast, where the adventure continues.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the port to begin your boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you’ll pass the El Candelabro, a massive and mysterious geoglyph etched into the hillside, its origins still debated by historians and archaeologists.

Continue your journey to the islands, where you’ll encounter incredible marine wildlife, including playful sea lions, flocks of seabirds, and even Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat.

After returning to Paracas, enjoy lunch at your leisure before a private transfer to your hotel in Nazca, where your adventure continues.

Today, immerse yourself in the mystery and wonder of ancient Peru with a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, the most complete and awe-inspiring way to view these legendary geoglyphs. Created between 500 BC and 500 AD, these enormous desert etchings remain one of the world’s greatest archaeological enigmas.

From the air, you’ll spot iconic figures such as the hummingbird, monkey, and spider, each one holding deep symbolic meaning for both ancient and modern Peruvian cultures. Your expert guide will share the fascinating history, theories, and enduring mysteries surrounding these massive designs, from astronomical calendars to ritual pathways.

After your flight, enjoy a relaxing lunch before your private transfer back to Lima, reflecting on the ancient ingenuity and cultural richness you’ve witnessed.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Arequipa, one of Peru’s most beautiful and historic cities. Nestled between dramatic mountain ranges and volcanoes, Arequipa is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture built from white volcanic stone, earning it the nickname La Ciudad Blanca (The White City).

At an altitude of 2,335 meters (7,550 feet), this is a great time to acclimatize: stay hydrated, take it easy, and consider trying coca tea, an ancient Andean remedy for altitude adjustment. In the afternoon, explore the city at your own pace. Sample Arequipa’s famous cuisine at a traditional picantería, or head to one of the city’s scenic rooftop restaurants to enjoy dinner with sweeping views of the sunset over the surrounding volcanoes.

Today marks the beginning of your journey into the heart of the Andes, as we travel to Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon. The scenic 3-hour drive by private car offers a breathtaking panorama of high-altitude landscapes, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, open plains, and herds of vicuñas and alpacas roaming freely through the wild.

Arrive in Chivay, a charming yet culturally significant village nestled in the Colca Valley. It serves as the starting point for exploring the canyon and is home to three distinct ethnic groups: the Kollawas, Cabanas, and Ccaccatapay, each preserving ancient Andean traditions.

You’ll be taken to your lodge, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Unwind with a spa treatment, or enjoy a soothing soak in the La Calera hot springs, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

From Chivay, continue your journey with your expert guide into the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world, plunging between 1,000 and 4,000 meters, making it even deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Arrive at the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, the best place to witness the majestic Andean condors in flight. With wingspans reaching up to 3 meters (10–12 feet), these powerful birds glide effortlessly across the canyon, offering a truly unforgettable sight against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and sweeping valleys.

After taking in the panoramic views, your journey continues by private car toward Puno, crossing the vast Altiplano. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, a protected area created to conserve wild vicuñas, a rare and graceful relative of the llama, often spotted grazing in the open plains.

You’ll arrive in Puno by evening, this charming lakeside town sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and your next destination for exploration.

Today, experience the magic of Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest and the world’s highest navigable lake.

Begin with a guided kayaking adventure from Isla Esteves, paddling across calm waters with stunning views of snow-capped Bolivian peaks and reed-lined shores. Along the way, spot native wildlife and take in the tranquil beauty of the lake.

Arrive at the floating Uros Islands, where you’ll meet the local community and learn how they’ve sustained their reed-built homes and traditions for centuries.

Continue to Taquile Island, known for its UNESCO-recognized textile art. Here, you’ll see male weavers at work and enjoy a lakefront lunch prepared by island families. Take in the peaceful rhythms of Quechua life and panoramic Andean views.

Return to Puno in the afternoon for a well-earned rest after a day of adventure and cultural discovery.

Today, you’ll journey from the tranquil shores of Lake Titicaca to the high-altitude jewel of the Andes: Cusco. One popular option is to travel by tourist coach along the famed Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), a scenic and enriching ride that includes guided stops at key historical and cultural sites. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to stretch your legs, take in the breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before arriving in Cusco in the early evening.

For a more elevated experience, consider the luxury train ride across the Peruvian Altiplano, where panoramic windows offer stunning views of rolling highland plains dotted with llamas and alpacas, rustic villages, and snow-capped peaks, a truly memorable way to arrive in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

Today, you will dive into the vibrant living history and culture of Cusco. Your guided tour begins at the heart of the city, the bustling Plaza de Armas, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings. From there, we’ll move on to the sacred Qoricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god. Although the Spanish conquest stripped the temple of its lavish gold, the remaining stone walls still stand as a testament to the precision and skill of Incan engineering.

Next, we’ll delve into the vibrant daily life of Cusco at the San Pedro Market. This lively market is the perfect place to experience local culture firsthand. Wander among stalls brimming with fresh produce, exotic fruits, and traditional goods. It’s a feast for the senses, filled with colors, aromas, and sounds.

We’ll then continue our adventure to the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Strategically positioned on a hill overlooking Cusco, this fortress is renowned for its colossal limestone blocks, carefully carved and assembled without mortar, a stunning example of Incan architectural brilliance. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below and the rugged Andean landscapes that surround it.

Today you’ll explore two of Peru’s most iconic sites in the Sacred Valley: the Maras salt mines, where hundreds of cascading pools create a striking patchwork across the mountainside, still harvested using techniques passed down through generations; and the circular terraces of Moray, a breathtaking display of Inca agricultural ingenuity that continues to hold mysteries. 

Savor a gourmet lunch featuring the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Sacred Valley, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions.

For a unique twist, choose to explore these extraordinary sites on horseback for a serene experience, or opt for an exhilarating ATV ride to add a dash of adventure to your journey.

Today is the awe-inspiring day you’ve been waiting for – your journey to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Ollantaytambo to board your scenic train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town. Sit back and enjoy the ride through lush valleys and mist-covered peaks.

Upon arrival, take a short shuttle ride to the entrance of the citadel. Your expert guide will lead you in discovering the history, myths, and legends that surround this ancient Incan masterpiece. Ascend to the stunning panoramic viewpoints, where the ruins are framed by dramatic green mountains.

After the tour, descend back to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch. Later in the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, your private driver will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax and reflect on an unforgettable day.

Optional: For an added adventure, consider hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – talk to your travel designer for more information. 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at the scheduled time and transferred in private comfort to the airport for your onward journey. As you make your way home, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had; from exploring ancient Inca geoglyphs from the air and tasting world-renowned cuisine to witnessing breathtaking landscapes and connecting with vibrant local cultures.

We hope your time in Peru has left you with lasting memories, meaningful encounters, and a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of this remarkable country. Thank you for traveling with us, we look forward to welcoming you back someday for another unforgettable adventure.