culture & gastronomy

Upon arrival at Cusco, you will enjoy local street food. We’ll transfer you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, descending through the Andean mountains for better acclimatization. We’ll stop at La Base Lamay for a healthy, local lunch—perfect for your first day in the valley. In the afternoon, enjoy the Lamay Village Experience, a gentle walk through this charming Andean town. We’ll visit the 17th-century church, rich in art and history. Meet Anacleto at his traditional bakery and hear stories of daily life in Lamay. Learn about guinea pig breeding with Abel or Yoni and how tradition becomes livelihood. Discover the preparation of chicha de jora, a culturally significant fermented corn drink, and enjoy a tasting. After the experience, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in Lamay or the Sacred Valley.

We begin the day with a visit to the Inkariy Museum, where we explore the origins, worldview, and legacy of Peru’s ancient civilizations through immersive and educational exhibits. This introduction helps us understand the cultural and historical context of the Sacred Valley and its people. We then travel to the town of Calca to visit its traditional local market, here we meet Las Caseras (local vendors) , discover seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, and Andean ingredients, and experience daily life in the valley. After the market visit, we continue to Lamay. We take part in the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca, an ancestral Andean cooking technique using hot stones and earth. While the meal is being prepared, we learn about its cultural significance and the relationship between food, nature, and celebration. We end the day sharing this meaningful meal, enjoying authentic flavors and a deep connection to Andean traditions and local life.

On this immersive gastronomic experience in the Sacred Valley, we explore Andean agriculture, biodiversity, and traditional cuisine. Our day begins in Huayllafara, a community of Lamay, where local families welcome us and share their ancestral knowledge. We walk through traditional farms, learning about Inca agricultural techniques and native crops adapted to the Andes. Along the way, we taste fresh local products and discover their nutritional and cultural value. Participants take part in seasonal farming activities such as harvesting corn and washing quinoa. We also explore traditional food preparation methods, including Huattia in an earthen oven and the making of Uchucuta (hot sauce). This hands-on experience connects food, land, and community in an authentic way. The day ends with a healthy, locally prepared lunch shared with our hosts. After this meaningful cultural exchange, we return to our accommodations.

Starting with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, we transfer to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu. Our guide will meet you on your arrival at the train station in Aguas Calenientes (aka Machu Pichu Village) and take you to the bus stop for the 30-minute drive to the archaeological site. After your guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. The guide will drop you at a restaurant for lunch or to the train station for your return to Ollantaytambo. Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco City.

In the morning, we will drive to Sacsayhuaman and neighboring archaeological sites, where we will discover the impressive architecture and learn how the ancient cultures of Cusco integrated their presence with the natural landscape of the Andes. After the visit, we will hike down the ¨Inca Trail¨ to the San Blas bohemian neighborhood, to enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional restaurant. After lunch, we will start our tour of the city walking through art galleries filled with colonial handicrafts and Andean textiles. Then we will visit the Cathedral, Qoricancha (the Temple of the Sun) and the Plaza de Armas. If time allows we can go to the Pre-Colombian art museum or other iconic places in the city of Cusco. Then back to the hotel.

Last day in Cusco. Today we will have a free morning to enjoy in our hotel or to walk around city of Cusco. Time to get ready to be transferred to the airport and fly back to Lima or to our next destination.