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  • Experiencia gastronómica y cultural en Perú: Sabores ancestrales y paisajes legendarios.

Peru, Ancestral Flavours and Legendary Landscapes

Explore the legendary landscapes of Peru, where archaeological wonders, natural diversity, and culinary traditions merge into an unforgettable experience. Beginning in Cusco, the journey leads you through the rich heritage of the Inca Empire, with visits to monumental sites like Sacsayhuamán and the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. As you venture deeper into the Andes, the towering mountains guide you to the Rainbow Mountain — one of the most breathtaking natural marvels among Peru’s legendary landscapes.

In every destination, you’ll travel through Peru’s most spectacular legendary landscapes — from sacred valleys to vibrant, naturally coloured mountains. Along the way, you’ll savour the very best of Peruvian gastronomy. Amid these majestic settings, enjoy buffet lunches and traditional dinners, and take part in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes such as ceviche — a true immersion into Peru’s authentic flavours, surrounded by scenery as unforgettable as the food.

This journey offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. You’ll alternate between the tranquillity of city life and the thrill of Andean trails, always surrounded by Peru’s awe-inspiring legendary landscapes. At the close of each day, you won’t just carry memories of striking vistas — you’ll also take with you the culinary secrets of a land rich in tradition and mysticism.

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Detailed ItineraryHIGHLIGHTSSUGGESTED HOTELSCUSTOMISE THIS TRIP

From the moment you arrive at Cusco airport, a truly unique adventure begins. The crisp Andean air greets you, and a friendly Sumaq Travel representative awaits with a warm smile, ready to accompany you to your hotel.

The journey from the airport into the heart of the ancient Inca capital is just the beginning. As you travel along Cusco’s narrow cobbled streets, your eyes are drawn to ornate colonial balconies and lively squares. The grandeur of this legendary city is unmistakable. Upon arriving at your hotel, you’re embraced by a sense of being somewhere extraordinary — the magic of Cusco is already at work.

As night falls, a welcome dinner awaits — a carefully curated menu offering traditional Peruvian flavours. It’s the perfect close to a day filled with anticipation and discovery. With its rich history and ever-present mysticism, Cusco opens its arms and invites you to uncover its secrets.

Night in: Cusco

The morning sun casts golden light over the Andean peaks as you enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel. Today’s adventure will unveil some of the most striking and enigmatic landscapes near Cusco. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide, ready to share the hidden stories of these ancient lands.

Your first stop is Moray — an archaeological site that seems to defy logic. Standing before concentric agricultural terraces that spiral deep into the earth, you wonder how the Incas engineered such a perfect natural laboratory. Your guide explains that each level created a unique microclimate, allowing for sophisticated agricultural experimentation. As you walk through the site, you’re left imagining the Incas’ deep connection to nature and their advanced farming techniques.

Next, the journey leads to the impressive Maras Salt Mines. From the viewpoint, thousands of shimmering white pools blanket the mountainside like a frozen sea. In use since pre-Inca times, these salt pans offer a stunning vista — a masterpiece of nature and human ingenuity that has endured for centuries. As you take photos, a sense of calm and reverence settles over you.

To end the day, you’ll visit Chinchero — a village where time seems to stand still. Known for its vibrant weaving traditions, women here continue to spin stories through richly coloured textiles. The main square, home to a colonial church built upon Inca foundations, reflects the blend of cultures that defines Peru’s complex history.

Back in Cusco, the evening welcomes you with a delightful dinner — a curated menu offering more local flavours. It’s the perfect moment to relax and enjoy warm hospitality. Every stop on today’s journey has left its mark. As you settle into your hotel, a deep connection to this sacred land lingers within you.

A new day begins in Cusco with a breakfast that energises you for the journey ahead. Today, you’ll explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas — a place where history and nature intertwine in every corner.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll uncover the stories of this fertile valley that once sustained the mighty Inca Empire. As your vehicle winds through the landscape, majestic mountains, rushing rivers, and endless green fields unfold before you. The crisp air fills your lungs, and you feel life here flowing just as it has for centuries.

Your first stop is Pisac, where ancient agricultural terraces rise like stairways to the sky. From high above, the valley stretches out before your eyes. Your guide explains how the Incas ingeniously used the geography to grow crops and sustain their civilisation. As you walk through the ruins and take in the view, a peaceful stillness surrounds you.

Next, enjoy a buffet lunch in the valley — a delicious experience where local flavours shine. Each bite highlights the freshness of Andean ingredients, leaving you nourished and ready to continue your journey.

After lunch, you’ll board the tourist train to Machu Picchu. As the train glides between mountains, it feels as though you’re heading toward a place filled with mystery and wonder. Panoramic windows reveal the Urubamba River flowing beside you as towering peaks stand watch. Your guide shares stories about Machu Picchu, building anticipation for the most awaited day of the journey.

As night falls, you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of Machu Picchu. After checking in to your hotel, excitement stirs — you’re now just steps away from one of the world’s great wonders. Tomorrow, the legendary Inca citadel awaits.

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for. You wake in Aguas Calientes to the gentle murmur of the Urubamba River. After an early breakfast at the hotel, you prepare to visit the crown jewel of the Inca Empire: Machu Picchu.

The bus winds its way through the mountains as the morning mist begins to lift. As majestic peaks emerge from the haze, your anticipation builds. Reaching the entrance to the citadel, a deep sense of awe washes over you. You are about to set foot on one of the most sacred and mysterious places on Earth.

Your guide leads you through Machu Picchu, where every stone seems to whisper an ancient tale. You follow the same paths once walked by the Incas, while temples and terraces reveal their advanced architecture and astronomical knowledge. From scenic viewpoints, the towering mountains embrace the citadel. The magic of this place is so powerful, you pause often — just to breathe in the energy it radiates.

After exploring the site, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. You share first impressions and reflect on the experience while emotions still run high. Between conversation and laughter, you know this day will live on vividly in your memory.

The journey continues aboard the return train to Ollantaytambo, while images of Machu Picchu remain fresh in your mind. The landscape that once felt mysterious now seems like a friend who has shared its secrets. Upon arrival, a private vehicle takes you back to Cusco, where you’ll spend the night. Exhausted but at peace, you lie down with the profound sense of having touched a piece of history.

Dawn in Cusco brings with it a sense of calm. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you prepare for a city tour that will connect you with the deep history and living culture of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

Your first stop is Cusco’s majestic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the Plaza de Armas and safeguarding centuries of religious art. As you walk through its grand halls, your guide explains how Catholic tradition was blended with Andean symbols, revealing both cultural resilience and adaptation.

Next, you visit Qorikancha, the most revered temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun. As you walk among its flawlessly cut stone walls, you can feel the precision and insight the Incas imbued into every block. Though later transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent, Qorikancha’s sacred essence remains intact — and the light that filters through the courtyards still seems to touch the divine.

The tour continues uphill to Sacsayhuamán — a vast fortress overlooking the city. Its enormous stone blocks are a powerful testament to the Incas’ ingenuity and engineering skill. From this vantage point, you gaze over Cusco as it spreads out beneath the Andean sky, like a natural extension of the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a vibrant performance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, where traditional Cusqueñan music and dance come alive. Vivid colours, ancestral sounds and graceful movements transport you to a living past where Andean traditions still pulse with strength.

As the day draws to a close and you return to your hotel, you feel that Cusco has shared some of its most intimate secrets. Today, you’ve done more than visit temples and ruins — you’ve stepped into the heart of a culture that continues to live and breathe in every corner of this magical city.

The sun has yet to fully rise as you prepare for one of the most exhilarating days of your journey — the visit to Rainbow Mountain. At dawn, you leave Cusco behind and head towards this surreal natural wonder. Before the hike begins, you enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, breathing in the crisp Andean air and gathering energy for the adventure ahead.

The route to Vinicunca — the famed Rainbow Mountain — is an experience in itself. As you travel, snow-capped peaks and remote Andean villages emerge across the horizon, painting a scene of pure wonder. Excitement builds as you arrive at the trailhead. The path winds along the slopes of the Andes, challenging your endurance, but each step brings you closer to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet.

The altitude is noticeable, but the reward is beyond words. At last, you reach the summit — and the view is truly staggering: streaks of red, yellow, green and violet sweep across the mountainside like brushstrokes on a canvas. Vinicunca is a one-of-a-kind geological phenomenon, and standing here, surrounded by surreal beauty, fills you with awe and gratitude. You pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the energy of the place, capturing the moment in photographs that will stay with you forever.

After the descent, a comforting lunch awaits you in a local restaurant nestled in the valley. Andean cuisine, with its wholesome flavours and fresh ingredients, helps restore your strength after this challenging yet deeply rewarding day.

Back in Cusco, the evening brings well-deserved rest at your hotel. As you unwind, you reflect on the grandeur of the Andes and how this journey has led you to witness some of the most impressive landscapes on Earth.

Your day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking in the peaceful morning in Cusco. Today you’ll have the chance to experience the city at your own pace — the morning is yours to wander its cobbled streets, uncover hidden historical corners, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere where colonial architecture intertwines with Inca legacy.

Following this pause for personal discovery, an unforgettable experience awaits: a Peruvian cooking class. Stepping into the kitchen, you’re enveloped by the aroma of fresh ingredients and a welcoming ambiance. With guidance from a local chef, you uncover the secrets of Peru’s celebrated cuisine — from native potatoes and maize to the essential ají peppers that define its flavours. Ceviche, the iconic national dish, takes centre stage, alongside other traditional recipes you’ll learn to prepare using authentic techniques.

Amid laughter and learning, you become immersed in the process, realising that cuisine is one of the purest expressions of a people’s culture. Then comes the most rewarding moment — the tasting. You savour your own creations, accompanied by a refreshing pisco sour, and feel the joy of having crafted something meaningful with your own hands.

With your heart and palate filled with the flavours of Peru, you return to your hotel in Cusco. It has been a day of perfect balance — rest, exploration, and culinary discovery — an experience that will remain etched in your memory alongside all the special moments lived in this magical city.

The final day of your journey arrives with a hint of nostalgia. You enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel, savouring the fresh coffee and familiar flavours that have been part of your time in Cusco. Though this adventure is drawing to a close, the memories you’ve created will stay with you forever.

After packing your bags, the Sumaq Travel team is ready to escort you to the airport. As the vehicle winds through streets that have become familiar, you find yourself replaying the unforgettable moments of your journey — majestic landscapes, ancient stories brought to life, and the warmth of the people you’ve met along the way.

Cusco has left a lasting mark — not only for its awe-inspiring monuments and Inca heritage, but for the magic that seems to linger in every corner. This journey has been more than a visit; it has been a true connection with the soul of Peru. With one final glance at the mountains surrounding you, you know this isn’t goodbye, but rather a ‘see you soon’ — because Cusco will always have a place for you whenever you choose to return.

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  1. Exclusive Culinary Experiences: Tastings and hands-on cooking classes in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, with a focus on ancestral Peruvian gastronomy.
  2. In-Depth Cultural Exploration: Guided private visits to iconic historical and archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu.
  3. Luxury Accommodation: Handpicked boutique hotels and premium stays that blend comfort with authentic character.
  4. Tailored Attention: A fully customised itinerary with expert guides — every detail designed for luxury and the highest quality experience.

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Peru, Ancestral Flavours and Legendary Landscapes

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