From Lima’s coast to the grandeur of Cusco, through the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu, this journey through Peru explores the deep connections between landscape, history and food, tracing a story that begins with ancient civilisations and continues through to Peru’s contemporary food scene.
Beginning in Lima, one of the world’s most dynamic food cities, we take an in-depth look at Peru’s capital, exploring markets, street art and the distinct neighbourhoods of Barranco, Miraflores and Callao to understand how the country’s diverse ingredients and influences come together on the plate.
From here, the journey moves to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. In Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, grand Spanish colonial buildings stand alongside original Inca stonework, reflecting the city’s transformation following the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Here, a hands-on cooking class offers the chance to recreate the flavours of Peru back home. In the Sacred Valley, the the connection between land and food becomes clear, with visits to farms and local communities revealing agricultural practices developed over thousands of years. Time in local markets showcases vividly coloured textiles alongside regional produce, while tasting locally crafted spirits adds another dimension to the flavours of the Andes.
This leads to one of the defining moments of the trip: a guided walk and tour through Machu Picchu. Set high among the Andes, this remarkable Inca citadel reveals an extraordinary level of engineering, vision and connection to the natural world.
The journey culminates at MIL Centro, located in the highlands above Cusco where Peru’s biodiversity and ancient food systems are explored through ingredients sourced from different altitudes across the Andes. Each course reflects a distinct ecosystem, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditions encountered throughout Peru. Among it's many awards, MIL was named the Best Gastronomic Experience in the World, at the 2023 World Culinary Awards.
There’ll be stories, plenty of laughs and, of course, more than a little pisco - all shared with your host, Ben Groundwater