Our meals on the Inca Trail
Our Gastronomy
The fundamental ingredients present in most Peruvian dishes are rice, potatoes, chicken, pork, lamb and fish. Almost all of these dishes incorporate chili, also known as Peruvian chili, which ranges from yellow to red tones, including the famous red rocoto.
Currently, in the Cusco region you can find more than 2,000 different types of potatoes. These potatoes range in color from purple and blue to yellow and brown, with various sizes and textures. Some are as small as walnuts, while others can be as large as oranges. In mountainous areas, potatoes are processed by dehydrating them.
Fresh Ingredients and Exceptional Dining on the Inca Trail
All of our meals on the Inca Trail are made with fresh ingredients purchased at the local market in Cusco. Our extraordinary porters transport everything, and our talented chef prepares it. We do not use rehydrated or canned foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious.
Every year during the low season, we train our chef to prepare exquisite breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all served with a smile. After each day of hiking, our guests will enjoy our happy hour followed by a delicious dinner that is sure to exceed all of your culinary expectations on the Inca Trail.
Gastronomy experts
Peru Travel offers one of the most exceptional food services. Our chefs are highly trained, dedicating time each year to hone their skills and create menus that stand out for their quality and flavor. Get ready to enjoy not only an excellent trekking experience, but also an extraordinary culinary experience.
Each meal is made with fresh and local ingredients, ensuring healthy and delicious dishes that will exceed all your expectations. From breakfast to dinner, every bite is a testament to Peru Travel's commitment to gastronomic excellence on the Inca Trail.
Our breakfast selection will include:
- Pancakes con un chorrito de caramelo que representan una serie de geoglifos antiguos ubicados en el Desierto de las LÃneas de Nazca (sitio de Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO) en el sur de Perú.
- Avena espesa con grandes trozos frescos de manzanas dulces.
- Pan Andino Chuta (pan tradicional horneado en hornos coloniales).
- Omelets rellenos de pimientos, apio, zanahorias, rábanos y queso.
Our snack package includes:
After our daily breakfast, our chefs prepared small care packages to take on our trip and enjoy as snacks. These packs came in handy when we needed a little boost before continuing our journey.
Each pack was carefully selected to include a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, energy bars and other nutritious snacks, ensuring we had the energy to take on the day's challenges. Thanks to these detailed preparations, we were able to stay focused and motivated throughout our adventure.
- Bananas
- Chocolate Bars, Sublime (I highly recommend purchasing some to take home with you)
- Candies – like Jolly Ranchers
- Tangerines
- Granola bars
- Apples
- Juice
Our lunch offered:
After sometimes walking for 4 hours before a full meal, our lunches always had a good balance with just the right amount of protein and portion control (we never wanted to be so full that we just felt like sleeping). Our chefs created some excellent dishes that included a variety of nutritious and tasty options. Each meal was designed to replenish our energy and keep us agile to continue the hike, offering flavors that captured the essence of local cuisine and the creativity of our chefs on the Inca Trail.
- Creamy asparagus soup
- Quinoa soup
- Vegetable soup
- Peruvian chicken salad
- Peruvian native potato chili with rice and spinach pie
- Chicken rolls
- Vegetable salads
- Russian salads
After lunch, we proceeded with our hike along the trail for an additional 4 hours before finally arriving at camp. Once we settled into our tents and freshened up, we eagerly anticipated the traditional 5pm teatime, which instantly set a relaxing tone. These teatime gatherings featured:
- A variety of teas (Coca, Anise, Chamomile, Pure Tea)
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee
- Freshly baked cookies
- Salted cookies with jam, honey and butter
- Popcorn
- Crispy wontons
Our dinner selection includes:
Our last culinary experience of the day came at dinner time with delicious three-course menus. In the privacy of their tents, our talented team of chefs prepared the following dishes with the help of a flashlight and a simple propane torch.
Dishes ranged from tasty soups and fresh salads to main courses made with local ingredients and exquisite desserts that completed our day of adventures in nature.
- Potato Soup
- Rice and Vegetable Soup
- Andean Corn Soup – more like a creamy soup
- Steamed trout in mushroom sauce with garden vegetables
- Lightly fried chicken with fresh cut fries
- Stir-fried noodles with mushrooms and steamed kale
- Apple and Cinnamon Pudding
- Chocolate Cake and Pudding
- Gelatin (yes, gelatin in the middle of the mountain range!)
