Discover “Delicious Peru”

Sample Peru Travel Itinerary
A Culinary Tour of our “Delicious Peru”

Almost unknown until recently, Peruvian food is steadily conquering the palates of the most renowned chefs worldwide. It is truly one of the World’s most unique and delicious cuisines.

Ancient Summit invites you to experience a truly magical journey through Peru’s history, culture and culinary tradition.

Contact Us to begin your voyage to a country that will dazzle your taste buds along with ALL your senses!!!

Highlights

• Unique and interactive culinary experiences
• Private, authentic tours and experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Cusco
• Visit an Andean working ranch and make your own chocolate and coffee from bean to delicious
• Experience the unique south coast of Peru where the desert meets the ocean – get to know its food and history
• Visit traditional local markets
• 2 separate entrances to Machu Picchu

Travel Itinerary Highlights

Day 1 – Arrival Lima

An Ancient Summit representative will welcome and privately assist you to your hotel.

Day 2 – To Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas

Morning flight to Cusco and journey to the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas with interesting stops along the way. Light activity day as first day in the altitude.

Day 3 – Magical Sacred Valley, Coffee and Chocolate

Enjoy the very special ranch belonging to Nina’s dear friends.  Farm to table gourmet lunch then roast your own coffee beans and hand-craft chocolate the traditional way.

Day 4 – Exploring the Sacred Valley: Ancient Salt Mines and Andean Home Cooking

History and archaeology abound in the Valley along with daily local life and stunning scenery. Visit ancient Incan Salt Terraces and other special sites. Lunch at the private home of Nina’s dear friends.

Day 5 – To Machu Picchu on the Sacred Valley Luxury Train

Explore Ollantaytambo, an intact Incan town and its impressive archaeological site. Board the luxury train to Machu Picchu with gourmet lunch on board. Afternoon guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 6 – Machu Picchu to Sacred Valley

Morning visit back at our Wonder of the World.  Option to climb Huayna Picchu or other points of interest inside the Citadel. Return by train to the Sacred Valley.

Day 7 – Sacred Valley to Cusco

Travel towards Cusco enjoying a Pachamanca gourmet lunch along the way. Visit an authentic village, participate in a weaving demonstration and meet the children in the educational Center dear to Nina’s heart.

Day 8 –   Cusco

Full day private explorations of the fascinating and vibrant ancient city of Cusco, known as the Center of the Incan Empire.

Day 9 – Cusco to Lima to Paracas

Fly from Cusco to Lima and continue by private vehicle south to the Paracas region.

Day 10 – Tasting Experiences in the Region

Vineyard tours and tastings. Learn about Pisco – the national liquor of Peru. Visit a traditional local candy making workshop and craft your own.

Day 11 – Touring Paracas

Tour the Ballestas Islands “Peru’s mini Galapagos” and visit the Paracas National Reserve. Sunset toast on the highest sand dunes on the planet.

Day 12– Paracas and Lima

Explore the local fish markets and enjoy lunch with a well-known local chef. Return to Lima.

Day 13 – Lima

Visit the most famous museum in South America. Lunch at world famous restaurant.

Day 14 – Lima and home

Cooking demo and tastings – last minute shopping and private transfer to airport for flight home with best memories ever!

Detailed Peru Travel Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Lima

A warm welcome by an Ancient Summit representative and full, private assistance. For convenience tonight, stay at the only hotel located inside the Lima Airport to assure a good night’s rest and easy transition for your continued journey in the morning. Being well-rested supports acclimation to the thinner air of the majestic Andes Mountains.  WELCOME TO PERU!

Overnight: LIMA

Day 2 – Lima to Sacred Valley

We will be back to help get you checked in for the flight to Cusco.  Enjoy the view from far above the Andes. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will meet your personal Team to begin the picturesque journey towards the Sacred Valley. Today is your day to take it somewhat easy as the first day in high altitude. This also means that we suggest you select lighter food options because the altitude slows digestion and we’ll introduce you to Coca Tea*. We stop at one of Nina’s favorite eateries in the Sacred Valley for lunch and suggest relaxing at the hotel for the afternoon to let the body acclimate. Your guide is willing to go as fast or as slow as you need.
*The consumption of Coca tea, as well as chewing the leaves, increases the absorption of oxygen in the blood, which helps combat altitude sickness.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 3 – Sacred Valley

Today we visit a hidden gem and working ranch belonging to Nina’s dear friend. Enjoy a ranch style, gourmet farm to table lunch followed by what we love to call our hands-on ‘bean to delicious’ experience.  Handcraft your own chocolate and/or coffee the traditional Andean way using the ranch’s own coffee and cacao beans grown in its organic plantations in the jungle. Spending the day here is a true highlight of your time in the heavenly Sacred Valley. This is an exclusive private property that only privileged guests have access to.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 4 – Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Not to be missed are the ancient Incan Salt Terraces, the village of Maras and the fascinating agricultural experimental station at Moray which we visit this morning. After exploring, we have a specially prepared lunch awaiting you at the home of Nina’s dear friend. Wonderful home cooking and seasonal ingredients come from their own organic garden. This home is not open to the public and you will enjoy the authenticity as well as the warmth of being welcomed as Nina’s special guest. Continued explorations this afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing evening back at your hotel.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 5 – Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

This morning we drive to the ancient fortress village of Ollantaytambo. This is one of the few places the Spaniards lost a battle during the conquest and could be the reason why they never found Machu Picchu! From here we board the Sacred Valley Luxury Train where gourmet lunch is served as we enjoy our scenic journey to Machu Picchu Town (also known as Aguas Calientes). This town is perfectly positioned for the exploration of our Wonder of the World! This afternoon, we visit as much as possible before the sunset bids us goodbye for the day. A kind of sneak preview and special delight for photographers in the dramatic light changes. Delicious dinner awaits back at the hotel.

Overnight: SANCTUARY LODGE or AGUAS CALIENTES

Day 6 – Machu Picchu to Sacred Valley

Today we continue additional private tours inside Machu Picchu. Learn about this most amazing architecture and the mysterious temples to better understand the sophisticated ideas of this highly advanced culture.
*There are options to climb the Huayna Picchu Peak or other hikes inside the Citadel – please inquire with us as entry tickets must be purchased in advance.

Lunch is served back in Machu Picchu Town for a taste of the local fare.* Later this afternoon we board the train and return to the Sacred Valley where your now-familiar driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel.  Enjoy a free evening to relax and reminisce about the wonders.
*If you elect to stay at Sanctuary Lodge, the only accommodation just outside the entrance to Machu Picchu, lunch will be served at the Lodge’s private restaurant.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 7 – Sacred Valley to Cusco With Sacred Food Rituals and Exploration Along the Way

Today, we begin the journey towards Cusco stopping for yet another fascinating gastronomic experience. A culinary exploration into the ancient and spiritual side of the Andean food preparation known as the Pachamanca. Be intrigued and ultimately delighted by this ancient way of cooking in direct connection with Mother Earth.

After lunch and now full, happy and blessed by the Pachamanca ritual, we visit an authentic village whose inhabitants still practice their traditional lifestyle. Not a usual tourist stop but something we love to share with you.  This a place we are dedicated to working closely for sustainability and education of the children. Our “Moms” welcome you for a demonstration of their ancient weaving tradition and you can participate if the spirit moves you. Nina’s son, Julio, runs the after school-learning center which is operated and supported by Ancient Summit, and he is very committed to the children. Nina was involved in a Documentary  that was filmed here. Tonight, you are free to explore the city and find a special place for dinner. We are happy to share Nina’s favorites. Cusco is a wonderful at night!

Overnight: CUSCO

Day 8 – Cusco

Enjoy a private tour through the streets of Cusco. Once the principal city of the Inca empire, Cusco is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas. A city famed for its blend of Spanish and Inca cultures and has long been the inspiration for many an artist and chef. We visit the interesting central market of Cusco where we learn more about typical Andean food products, about the different varieties of local vegetables, grains and meats, as well as intriguing mysticism still active within this culture. We recommend lunch at Kion for Peruvian Chinese Fusion (known as Chifa). Today we can visit the Koricancha Temple a classic example of the fusion of Inca and Western cultures. Sacsayhuaman, as well as several other iconic archeological sites can also be visited if you wish.

Overnight: CUSCO

Day 9 – Cusco to Lima to Paracas

After some early morning free time in Cusco, we say goodbye to the Andes and return to the airport for the flight to Lima. In Lima, your new Team welcomes you and now begin the drive down the South Coast to Paracas. Stopping for lunch along the way you can select typical regional cuisine from the menu. We will arrive to Paracas in the afternoon and get settled into your luxurious hotel on the beach.

Overnight: PARACAS

Day 10 – ‘Pisco’ in Paracas

Today, back at sea level and a completely different region of Peru, we are ready for new discoveries. We have the unique opportunity to visit the oldest vineyard in Peru – Bodega Tacama where the Sommelier invites us to the cellar to learn about the interesting history of Peruvian grapes, wine and of course the preparation process for Pisco – Peru’s flagship drink and a spirit that continues to gain more international fans every day.

After this, we head over to the House of Tejas or “Casa de las Tejas. The much-loved Peruvian dessert, a Teja (pronounced TAYHA) is a dumpling-shaped confection from this region containing manjar blanco – a filling similar to dulce de leche and either dried fruits or nuts. Learn about the history of this traditional confection from Ica then make your own.

Overnight: PARACAS

Day 11 – Ballestas Islands and Sunset In The Desert

This morning is our boat tour to the Ballestas Islands known as “Peru’s mini Galapagos”. These islands have eroded over time to form countless natural caves and arches, providing a home to millions of sea birds such as Flamingos, Pelicans, and Humboldt Penguins, all able to feed in some of the richest fishing grounds in the Pacific. Next, we visit the Paracas National Reserve, where we can spot large groups of flamingos feeding on the shores. Later, get ready for another wonderful memory to be created. Ride in our dune buggies up to some of the highest sand dunes in the world for a special sunset toast – our version of afternoon tea in the desert. Another great day to add to your Peruvian memories.

Overnight: PARACAS

Day 12 – Paracas to Lima

Our seaside adventures continue today as we accompany Nina’s dear friend, Chef Ricardo on his search at the markets for the freshest seafood for his creations of the day. Lunch is at Chef Ricardo’s Tres Keros by the Sea before driving back to Lima.

Overnight: LIMA

Day 13 – Getting to Know Lima

Today we tour Peru’s capital Lima, also known as the City of Kings. which includes a visit to Larco Herrera Museum and the Huaca Pucllana a most amazing discovery right in the middle of Miraflores. We can also explore a very wonderful part of the City – Barranco, considered to be the city’s most romantic and bohemian; being the home and working place of many of Peru’s leading artists, musicians, designers and photographers. This is a great opportunity to sample some of Lima’s now world-famous cuisine for lunch, dinner or both. We love to share Nina’s favorites and can make reservations at the restaurants you select.

Overnight: LIMA

Day 14 – Lima and home

This morning we visit the local market in the San Isidro neighborhood of Lima. This market is known to have the freshest offerings in a very different environment from your visit to San Pedro Market in Cusco. Today’s lunch will involve a food demonstration and tastings after which will be time to head back to your hotel in preparation of driving back to Lima Airport for your flight home.

*We can arrange for a hotel room where you can freshen up and use it as a base camp for the day.