Gourmet Experiences & Outdoor Adventures in Peru - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lima & Get Oriented

Welcome to Lima, Peru! The country's largest city is home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous settlement, conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian — especially Chinese and Japanese — influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore. 

Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of many award-winning restaurants. Or take in views over the ocean in the clifftop neighborhood of Miraflores. 

Day 2: Enjoy a Peruvian Food Tour in Barranco

Today you'll have the chance to try a wide range of Peruvian snacks, street foods, traditional dishes, and drinks on a walking food tour of artsy Barranco. A local chef will teach you how to prepare Peru's most famous treats, including ceviche and pisco sours. You'll also see the preparation of regional dishes inside the kitchen of a restaurant that opened in 1937. 

Later, you'll have free time for sightseeing or exploring. Visit Peru's National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology, and History, the oldest national museum. Founded in 1826, it houses a huge collection of pottery, textiles, and gold and silver artifacts from various indigenous cultures. You could also visit the Larco Museum, located inside a mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid, to see an incredible collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver artifacts. Dine on Peruvian cuisine in a restaurant near your hotel before the journey continues tomorrow.

Day 3: Travel Along the Coast to Huacachina

Day 4: Visit the Vista Alegre Winery

Day 7: Tour Pisac & Ollantaytambo  

This morning you will depart from your hotel in Cusco and travel to Pisac, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. In this area, you'll explore ancient Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers. Next, go down to the town of Pisac, located at the bottom of the valley. This town is famous for its bustling textile market. Select from a wide assortment of colors, styles, and designs for gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.

Next, you'll stop for lunch, enjoying traditional Andean cuisine at a restaurant in a beautiful setting overlooking the Urubamba River. Then head to the ancient Incan city of Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining places in the Sacred Valley that have retained their original Inca urban planning. Walk through the streets with Inca-era canals and view the ancient houses still in use today. Climb the agricultural terraces where you can enjoy an Inca’s-eye-view of the valley. From the top, you’ll be able to see some of the quarries from where the stone for Ollantaytambo was sourced. It’s amazing to think how far these large stones were transported from, especially considering the Incas didn’t have pack animals strong enough to carry them.

Day 8: Explore Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, it's an easy 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Get an early start to beat the crowds and get the best views of the ancient ruins. The 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) and is a masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built as a seasonal residence for the emperor's family, Machu Picchu was rarely home to more than 800 people; during the royals' absence, a mere 100 servants would remain at the site to maintain the grounds. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. 

Day 9: Trek Around Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain 

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is only about 12.5 miles (20 km) from its famous sister Vinicunca. While Vinicunca attracts thousands of visitors, its smaller sister Palcoyo (16,000 ft/ 4900m) has fewer crowds and equal beauty. This mini trek is perfect for travelers who want to view the colorful rainbow mountains in a relatively shorter and more gentle trek, and a great option for those traveling with kids.

Start the morning with an early pickup. You'll stop for breakfast along the way. Your drive this morning will be along the Red River, with plenty of opportunities for photos and stops. The drive will take roughly 3.5 hours, after which you'll arrive at the starting point of the short hike. From here, the hike is approximately an hour via a short, relatively flat path. Along the way, you'll see llamas, sheep, vicuñas, and alpacas. The summit lies about 16,400 ft (5,000 m) above sea level. Once you reach the top, you'll have time to enjoy the panorama and take pictures.

At this point, it is time to hike downhill.  Once you reach the bottom, start the drive back to Cusco. You'll have the evening free to relax and enjoy one last Peruvian dinner before the trip is over.

Day 10: Depart Peru - End of Trip