PERU WITH FLAVOR

Peru did fusion cuisine hundreds of years before it was cool. Take some beef that indulged European tastes and one kind of over 3000 indigenous potatoes, then stir fry them with vegetables Chinese-style and you’ll get lomo saltado - a dish that is unmistakably Peruvian. Want to go 100% local? The ceviche might be a top contender, although it’s not uncommon to get the Japanese sashimi inspired one. Peru cultivated, mixed, and simmered many cultures from East and West. It is one of the most eclectic cuisines in the world. Pisco sour might be your best bet in finding something that is purely Peruvian. Make sure to first give some to Pachamama (Mother Earth) before taking a sip!

10-DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One: International Arrival   

After landing at the San Jua An English-speaking Aracari representative will be expecting you from your international arrival with a sign bearing your name.  This evening, you will enjoy dinner at La Gloria restaurant. We have booked a table for you.  

Day FIVE: Guided Visit to Maras & Moray

 In the afternoon, you will visit Maras, the site of the remarkable and unusual Salinas, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and not far from Urubamba. This site consists of a huge number of watered terraces that collect salt by evaporation from the saline waters that gush from an underground stream.  

DAY NINE: URBAN EATS

Having exploded onto the global food scene, Peru is now widely regarded as one of the world‟s principal food travel destinations. Home to colourful dishes inspired by the country‟s dramatically diverse geography, rich ethnic make-up and long culinary history, on today‟s sampling tour you will savour some of the flavours that have helped put Peru on the world food map. 

Day Two: Lima with Zest

There are many ways to get to know a city, but one of the most gratifying and interesting is through its food. This is especially true of Lima, with the infinity of textures, colors, aromas and flavors that this generous land provides. “Lima With Zest” is a hands-on experience that gets everyone involved, from searching for a variety of local and seasonal ingredients from vendors at a local market right down to the preparation and presentation of a cuisine that is based on ancient traditions and long-established culinary styles. 

Day SIX: Guided Visit to Ollantaytambo Town & Fortress  

After breakfast and a short transfer to the Manzano Histórico we’ll begin our bike ride to Salentein’s Killka Art Gallery. Enjoy a lunch in the Killka building followed by a visit and grand wine tasting at the impressive Salentein cellar. Situated in the middle of 455 hectares of vineyards below the eastern slopes of the Andes, the Salentein winery is known for classical varietals, old vine preservation, and European production methods that yield world-class wines. Finish the day with a pleasant ride through the vineyards back to our hotel. This evening we’ll regroup for a drink amongst the vineyards before we sit down for our farewell dinner paired with some of Uco Valleys finest wines.

Day Three: Into the Past  

One of the main fascinations of Lima is the concentration of ancient history in the area; not only do the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia, its museums are full of the artistic treasures of magnificent pre- Columbian civilizations that flourished throughout the coastal deserts of Peru. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history and discover the complex past of this fascinating city with a visit to an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city. 

Day SEVEN: Second Day at Machu Picchu

Hike to Inti Punku, or “Sun Gate,” the original gateway to Machu Picchu that approaches the site along the Inca trail. Here you will find the most superb views of the ruins and the surrounding landscapes. Another option is to take a strenuous hike up Huayna Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu, which provides unique and stunning views of the ruins below.  From here you may extend your hike to the mysterious Temple of the Moon, an exquisite example of Inca masonry. Alternatively, you may choose to climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, located south of the archaeological site and offering spectacular panoramic views from above. 

DAY FOUR: TRANSFER To AIRPORT

Following your visit to Awanacancha continue on to Pisac where you will experience the sights and sounds of the town‟s famous market, with a variety of handcrafts and fresh produce. Afterwards, continue on to the Pisac ruins. With Inca masonry of superlative quality, the stunning terracing following the contours of the mountain and superior view of the valley will leave you in awe. 

DAY EIGHT: In and Around Cusco

Cusco (3,400m/11,155ft) is without a doubt the most beautiful town in Peru and arguably in South America. It was considered the navel of the earth and was the capital of Tahuantinsuyo (the Inca Empire), an empire that, at its peak, stretched northwards to the south of Colombia, southwards to northern Chile and Argentina, and eastwards across the Andes to the Amazon basin. 

DAY Ten

Transfer Hotel to Airport for International Flight