Magical Mystery Culinary Adventure in Lima and Machu Picchu

(An Edible Destinations Epic Culinary Journey)

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$5,998 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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8 days | 7 nights

Machu Picchu and Lima - Peru's Hidden Gifts

Lima, the capital city of Peru, boasts a world-renowned culinary scene that has earned it the title of "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas." Lima's culinary identity is deeply rooted in the fusion of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a diverse and mouthwatering array of dishes. The result is a unique synthesis of the culture, traditions and flavors of four continents, all enriching each other. This immersive eight day adventure includes many opportunities to taste Peru, along with cooking classes, cultural tours and ample free time to explore. With a thriving street food culture and an abundance of world-class restaurants, Lima's culinary scene is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a delectable journey through Peru's rich gastronomic heritage. Next up along your journey is Cusco. A historic city located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Cusco is a captivating blend of ancient Inca heritage and Spanish colonial influence. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is known for its beautifully preserved architecture, characterized by Inca stone walls and Spanish colonial buildings with ornate balconies. Finally, you'll rise early and experience the sunrise from a unique vantage point from within the ruins of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," is an ancient archaeological wonder nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and historical significance.

Magical Mystery Culinary Adventure in Lima and Machu Picchu

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ Testimonials

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•7 Nights Accommodation

•Round-Trip Airport Transfers

•Daily Breakfast

•Guided Lima Market Visit

•Ceviche Class

•Lima Guided City Tour

•Cusco Guided City Tour

•NovoAndina Tasting Dinner

•Guided Sacred Valley Tour

•Pisac Guided Market Visit

•Dancing Horses Lunch

•Cusquenian Cooking Class

•Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes

•Guided Machu Picchu Tour

•Lunch at the Sumaq

•Farewell Lunch

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Tour Designed to Accommodate Your Dates

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

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Day 1

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Transportation | Arrival In Lima | Hotel Check-In

Upon arrival in Lima, expect a warm greeting from your guide, who’ll assist you with transportation to your hotel. Once checked into the Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores hotel, you’ll have the evening at your leisure. This chic and contemporary hotel houses an extensive collection of both modern and colonial-era art for guests to enjoy. In addition, the luxury accommodations include amenities like a heated pool, gym, salon and massage room, wifi, restaurant and bar. Casa Andina Miraflores offers stunning views of the area and the Pacific, and is well-located for exploring the city on foot.

Day 2

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Market Visit, Ceviche Class & City Tour

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and then head to the city’s Main Market for an exotic fruit tasting and to purchase ingredients for today’s cooking class. Here, you’ll find amazing local produce and have the chance to experience a bit of daily Peruvian life. Once you’ve gotten the day’s provisions, it’s on to your cooking class, where you’ll learn varied ceviche preparations. In its classic form, ceviche is a symphony of flavor, containing cubes of raw fish, lime juice, chopped onion and minced Peruvian ají limo and/or rocoto (Andean chili peppers). The mixture is marinated and served at room temperature with cancha (toasted kernels of maize), slices of cooked sweet potato and/or white potato, and yuyo (seaweed). Watch and learn as your chef makes traditional fresh ceviche for you to enjoy immediately. Next, you’ll learn to fix a ceviche mixto, as well as a tiradito, which differs from ceviche in that it contains no onions and utilizes a different slicing technique on the fish. Full of good food and new culinary knowledge, venture into the city for a guided tour of Lima, where you can take in the main square, Presedential Palace, Great Wall Park and more. Your tour concludes with a panoramic view of the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. You’ll have the evening to yourself—why not hit the town and find yourself in one of Lima’s many delicious restaurants?

Day 3

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Cusco City Tour | El Mercado Tunqui Cusco Hotel (2 nights ) | Novoandina Tasting Dinner

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, fly off for your next destination, Cusco [domestic flights between Lima and Cusco not included in your package]. Take some time to adjust to the altitude and get settled in your new accommodation, El Mercado Tunqui Cusco Hotel. This gorgeous mountain lodge, which was formerly the site of the city market strives to deliver an authentic and enjoyable Peruvian experience. The rooms are comfortable and stylish, building on the original décor, and come complete with modern amenities like smart TVs, wifi, private bathrooms, in-room safes and more. There's an onsite bar and restaurant as well, where you can enjoy fresh market fare and tapas outdoors in the courtyard. In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour of Cusco, where you'll have the chance to encounter various important archeological sites dating back to the Incan empire, along with some more modern structures, like the beautiful Cusco Cathedral. Upon the completion of your tour, you'll head to the Museum of Pre-Inca Art to take in a seven-course tasting menu of novoandina cuisine. This culinary movement focuses on the innovative use of native ingredients to present new and exciting dishes. During your tasting dinner, discover dishes like olive-perfumed salmon over yellow potatoes, quinoa ragu with truffle essence, slow-roasted suckling lamb from the highlands of Ayaviri, warm chocolate truffles with pisco-infused aguaymanto fruit and other delightful culinary surprises.

Day 4

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Sacred Valley Tour, Pisac Market Visit & Dancing Horses Lunch

Today, head out for your guided tour of the Sacred Valley, once the heart of the Incan Empire. There is much to see in this lush valley, including the Ollantaytambo Fortress—the site of one of the few Incan victories against the Spanish Conquistadors—and the strikingly beautiful salt mines of Maras. Next, take a trip to Pisac Market, a lively square where local artisans and farmers come together to sell their wares. While shopping the market, you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind pieces of art, jewelry and other souvenirs. There’s plenty of time to stroll through the narrow streets and peruse the seemingly endless options for local, handmade goods. For lunch, take a load off at Sol y Luna, and enjoy fresh, seasonal cuisine, much of which is made from produce grown in the restaurant’s own organic garden. To complement the local fare is a show of traditional Peruvian dancing horses, sure to be an exciting spectacle! The evening is yours to rest and relax, or explore the city on your own.

Day 5

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Cusquenian Cooking Class | Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes | Dinner | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (1 night)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll likely be inspired to create a Peruvian meal of your own. You’ll have your chance at today’s home-style Cusquenian cooking class. Discover, touch and taste many of the area’s staple vegetables and then join a local chef to build a delicious meal around them. Dine on the fruits of your labor before setting out for a tour of an organic plantation. Next, begin your journey to the magical ruins of Machu Picchu. Upon boarding the luxurious Vistadome train, you’ll immediately be immersed in Andean culture. Take in stunning panoramas as you pass through the Sacred Valley in a train designed to maximize viewing of the landscape. During your ride, you’ll enjoy snacks made with local ingredients, as well as traditional Andean music and cultural dances. Tonight, savor an intimate dinner in a magnificent riverside restaurant, then retire to your cozy accommodations in the adjoining Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel.

Day 6

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Machu Picchu Tour | Lunch at the Sumaq | El Mercado Tunqui Cusco Hotel (1 night)

Today, rise early and experience the sunrise from the unique vantage point of the ruins of Machu Picchu. Then, stay for your guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas. An exaltation of stone, the jeweled citadel remains one of Peru’s most attractive mysteries. There are many theories about Machu Picchu’s creation and use, but there’s no question it is one of the most impressive and breathtaking sites you will ever visit. Discovering Machu Picchu will certainly work up an appetite, so your next stop is lunch among the magnificence of the surrounding mountains. The haute cuisine at The Sumaq features traditional Peruvian dishes prepared with exotic ingredients from southern Peru, which blend local tradition with style, creativity and international flavor. Next, head back to Cusco and El Mercado Tunqui hotel and delight in some free time on your final evening.

Day 7

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Return to Lima | Free Afternoon to Explore | Dinner at Astrid & Gaston

After breakfast and your flight to Lima [domestic flights between Cusco and Lima not included in your package], check in to your hotel and spend your afternoon exploring the city or resting. Say farewell to Peru in style with a fabulous tasting dinner at Astrid & Gaston. Taste bites are specially selected by chef and restaurateur Gastón Acurio, who is considered one of the world's foremost ambassadors of Peruvian cuisine. You have the option to include a wine pairing, or wine maridaje, with your meal. Take your time and enjoy—not only is this one of the world's 50 best restaurants, it's also the last stop on your magical mystery tour of Peru.

Day 8

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Breakfast | Check-Out | Transfers to Airport

After breakfast, you'll be transported back to the Lima airport for your flight home, where you'll certainly want to share your newfound love of Peruvian cuisine and culture!

Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores

Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores hotel is a chic and contemporary hotel which houses an extensive collection of both modern and colonial-era art for guests to enjoy. In addition, the luxury accommodations include amenities like a heated pool, gym, salon and massage room, wifi, restaurant and bar. Casa Andina Miraflores offers stunning views of the area and the Pacific, and is well-located for exploring the city on foot.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.

Casa Andina Premium Hotel Cusco

Casa Andina Premium hotel is located just 5 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) of Cusco and a few steps away from the main tourist attractions of the city. It is a beautiful 17th century house that will take you back to the Republic Era of Peru due to its colonial courtyards and balconies. The onsite restaurant, Alma, combines tradition and local ingredients resulting in a modern and warm presentation of both international and domestic dishes. A breakfast buffet is served daily with a varied menu.

Lima, Peru•Cusco, Peru•Aguas Calientes, Peru

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

“

Superior trip and service and accommodations were first class. The dining experience was also over the top! Cooking classes were great and we received first class service. Every day was a new adventure and I can’t express how we received the best in local guides and drivers! Thank you for this once in a lifetime experience!

Karen - September 2018

Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category Member of ASTA