Over the past decade, Peru has emerged as a global culinary leader, driven by the creativity of its chefs who have transformed traditional dishes using innovative techniques and ingredients. As its global reputation grows, there is no better place to experience the essence of Peruvian gastronomy than in its homeland on your own luxury holiday to Peru.
Lima: The Epicentre of Peruvian Gastronomy
As the heartbeat of Peru’s culinary renaissance, Lima has earned its place among the world’s gastronomic capitals. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and boasts three entries on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list-Maido, Kjolle and Mayta-each offering a unique take on Peruvian cuisine. Then there is also the famous Central, recently the world’s number one restaurant, led by Virgilio Martínez who takes diners on an extraordinary sensory journey through Peru’s ecosystems, presenting dishes inspired by altitudes ranging from beneath the ocean up to the high Andes.
Enhance your culinary adventure with a market tour guided by a top chef, where you’ll discover flavoursome ingredients and learn the secrets of preparing Peru’s iconic national dish ceviche. Whether experiencing a hole-in-the-wall seafood lunch in Lima’s colourful port district Callao or indulging in Michelin-starred establishments, the quality and flavours will astonish and delight you.
Stay at Villa Barranco, a chic boutique retreat in Lima’s bohemian Barranco district, perfectly located for discovering its exciting food scene.
"From the Andean peaks to the Amazon rainforest and its Pacific coastline, Peru offers discerning travellers a dynamic and evolving culinary and wine experience."
The Ica Region: A Fusion of Wine, Pisco, and Ancient Mysteries
In southern Peru, the desert oasis of Ica is the epicentre of Peru’s viticulture and distillation heritage. In addition to now producing some of South America’s exciting wines, Ica is renowned as the birthplace of pisco, Peru’s national spirit. We can arrange private tastings at historic distilleries and boutique vineyards, hosted by the area’s top growers and distillers.
Pair your gastronomic journey with a flight over the enigmatic Nasca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs best appreciated from the air. Explore the stunning desert landscapes of Paracas and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the ‘Peruvian Galápagos.’ home to Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales and myriad seabird species.
Relax at Hacienda La Caravedo, a seventeenth-century colonial estate and site of the world’s oldest Pisco distillery, offering exceptional hospitality in the Ica winelands.
The Sacred Valley: Savouring Culture in the Heart of Peru
Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu in the Andean highlands, the Sacred Valley is famed for its archaeological wonders and mountainous landscapes. Experience a private pachamanca lunch at a secluded private hacienda, where meats and root vegetables are slow-cooked underground with Andean herbs and spices over hot stones, honouring age-old techniques. For a deeper connection to the region’s agricultural heritage, visit José Cruz, a renowned potato farmer who cultivates over 200 unique varieties, offering insights into this Andean staple’s diversity and cultural significance.
A visit to MIL Centro, Virgilio Martínez’s high-altitude restaurant and research hub, is a must. Located near the Moray archaeological site at 3,568 metres above sea level, MIL offers a thoughtful exploration of local ingredients and their connection to the surrounding lands. Conclude your time in the Sacred Valley with a visit to Machu Picchu, Peru’s crown jewel. Walk the ancient paths of the Incas, marvel at the architectural brilliance, and absorb the awe-inspiring beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the Sacred Valley, unwind at Rio Sagrado Lodge, a nature lover’s paradise where Andean traditions meet understated luxury along the banks of the Urubamba River.
Cusco and Machu Picchu: Culinary Heritage Meets History
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, offers a vibrant culinary scene that complements its historical significance. Stroll through San Pedro Market where you can sample an array of fresh local produce and ingredients. If you’re brave, you can try traditional local delicacies such as guinea pig.
Stay at Palacio Nazarenas, a beautifully restored monastery offering unparalleled comfort and elegance in the heart of Cusco.
From a traditional pachamanca feast to cutting-edge fine dining, Peru offers a gastronomic journey unlike any other. Let us craft a bespoke itinerary that will take you behind the scenes of Peru’s culinary renaissance as you meet the country’s boldest innovators and savour its palate-expanding flavours.
