​Cusco Gastronomy & Machu Picchu Tour 7d/6n

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco – Walking Tour of the Imperial City

Welcome to the Ancient City of Cusco!
Arrive in the charming city of Cusco, where our Kallpa Representative will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in the heart of the Inca city in Peru.  Relax and have an early lunch before starting the exciting walking tour of Cusco. In the afternoon we will walk through traditional streets and visit the wonderful Cathedral at the Plaza de Armas, and then on to the Qoricancha the Temple of the Sun. From here take a scenic stroll to the picturesque San Pedro local market for a colorful cultural experience. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city.

Day 2: Sacred Valley – Maras Salineras – Moray – Ollantaytambo (B, L)

This morning after a delicious breakfast, we will depart Cusco with our knowledgeable guide who is fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua. We will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and towards the Maras Salineras (salt mines) of Peru. These salt pans are made up of thousands of small pools of the white natural salt and the extraction of the salt is done by hand. After, gazing at the stunning white salt pools from the viewpoint, we will continue to Moray. At first glance of the Moray circular terraces, you will be in awe of this Inca archaeological zone created for agricultural purposes by the Incas. Following our incredible tour, we will go to Mama Nancy´s house to have a Peruvian typical lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Then, we will drop you off at your comfortable hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Day 3: Andean Cooking Class – Ollantaytambo (B, L)

Today we will experience a Peruvian Andean culinary cooking class with Mamá Nancy who will teach us how to prepare the delicious Uchucuta or ají, which is a traditional hot sauce from Cusco, the perfect accompaniment to every dish. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will learn to prepare the famous Chicha de jora (fermented corn drink) once a sacred drink of the Incas. It is a tedious task but worth the time preparing the natural chicha de jora that can also have medicinal cures. Now you get to taste the chicha but since it is not fermented for more than 1 week you will not feel the effects like beer. Afterwards, we will leave you at your hotel in Ollantaytambo to reminisce your fantastic day.

Day 4: Patacancha Homestay – Pachamanca Experience (B, L, D)

In the morning we will board our private transport with our expert guide and drive on a road above Ollantaytambo to the Patacancha Community located in the highlands of Peru. We will be welcomed by Mama Elena and her family and many llamas and alpacas that are roaming the area. Experience a Pachamanca, which is cooking with an earthenware pot under the ground, a traditional dish cooked in an oven with hot stones that we will build together with the people from the community. Elena and her husband are experts in Peruvian Andean gastronomy, and they are the leaders of their community, and connoisseurs of native, aromatic, and medicinal plants.
To prepare this dish, we will collect local native herbs, which are the base of preparing this traditional delicacy, which combines meat, chicken, cheese, potatoes, vegetables, corn, sweet potatoes, beans, sweet plantains, and others. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the Peruvian Andean Community.  Then enjoy a home cooked dinner by Mama Elena before going to your room to get well rested.

Day 5: Traditional Inca Ceremony – Aguas Calientes (B, L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, before partaking in an ancestral Andean ceremony with an Andean priest. Papá Roger will give his thanks for the excellent food and crop production and animals that Pachamama or “mother earth” has offered us. In Andean culture, it is vital to thank Mother Earth, to ensure the future production of crops, health, love, family, animals, and other wishes. We will celebrate with flowers, chicha, singing, and dancing giving gratitude to Pachamama. After our Peruvian Andean blessing, we will return to Ollantaytambo to have lunch before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco (B)

Our long-awaited day has finally arrived, to visit the almighty Machu Picchu in Peru. We will take a bus up to the ruins and enjoy the old road that leads to this Wonder of the Modern World. Take pleasure in a guided tour of the citadel for 2 hours, with detailed insight of the history, architecture, flora, and fauna that surrounds the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu built by the Incas.  After a great visit of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch before taking the train to the Ollantaytambo station, where our private transport will be waiting to take us to Cusco.

Day 7: Depart Cusco (B)

A phenomonal trip comes to an end, taking with us cherished memories of Cusco, Peru
Our Kallpa Representative will take you to the Cusco airport at the scheduled time to connect to your flight to Lima.

Included:

• Professional English Spanish – Quechua speaking guide
• Briefing before the start of tour
• Private transport for your excursion
• 5 Nights in the best hotels in Peru of your choice
• 1 Homestays
• All meals on the itinerary (B= Breakfast L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals on request at no extra cost. (Home cooked meals during the homestay using organic fresh ingredients from the region)
• All admissions as per itinerary to include Machu Picchu
• Train of your choice round trip
• Round Trip Shuttle Bus at Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit and oxygen

Services NOT Included:

• Domestic Flights (we can book for you)
• Meals not mentioned on itinerary
• Any unforeseen expenses
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned on the itinerary
• Huayna Picchu (please request upon booking9
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities