A 3-Hour Guided Food Tour With 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa

Arequipa, the white city of Peru, boasts a rich culinary heritage that beckons adventurous foodies. Set out on a guided food tour and uncover the city’s iconic restaurants, where you’ll savor a delectable array of traditional dishes. From the iconic Rocoto Relleno to the unique Cuy Chactado, this 3-hour experience promises an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s gastronomic traditions. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll not only indulge in the flavors but also explore the history and significance of each plate. With a maximum group size of eight, this award-winning tour offers an intimate and exclusive glimpse into the heart of Arequipa’s vibrant food scene.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Food Tours In Arequipa.

Key Points

• A 3-hour guided food tour that visits 4 renowned restaurants in Arequipa, Peru, offering a diverse range of traditional and fusion Peruvian dishes.
• Includes 6 tasting plates, 3 drinks, and a dessert, providing a comprehensive culinary experience of Arequipa’s gastronomic heritage.
• Highlights local specialties like Papas Nativas y Lomo Saltado de Alpaca, Rocoto Relleno, Ocopa, Cuy Chactado, and fusion sushi rolls.
• Offers an inclusive experience with accessibility features and flexibility for mobility aids, catering to all visitors.
• Highly rated with a 5.0 score and a Badge of Excellence, based on 76 positive reviews emphasizing the delicious food and personalized guidance.

Tour Overview

The 3-hour guided food tour in Arequipa, Peru allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic restaurants and indulge in a diverse array of local flavors through tasting plates and paired drinks.

Participants will visit 4 renowned establishments, experiencing a true culinary adventure. The tour includes 6 different plates, 3 drinks, and dessert, providing a comprehensive taste of Arequipa’s vibrant food scene.

With a Badge of Excellence and 76 glowing reviews, this tour is rated 5.0, making it a must-do for any foodie visiting the city.

Whether you’re seeking traditional Peruvian dishes or unique fusion creations, this guided experience promises to delight your senses and leave you with an appreciation for Arequipa’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Menu Highlights

Arequipa’s food tour boasts a tantalizing menu, featuring a diverse array of local specialties and flavors. Theres some good starters like Papas Nativas y Lomo Saltado de Alpaca (native potatoes and fried alpaca sirloin) and Quinoa with Aji de gallina (quinoa, chicken, milk, nuts), showcasing the region’s culinary heritage. The main dishes are equally impressive, with options like Rocoto Relleno (ground beef, chili pepper, vegetables, olives, egg, raisins), Ocopa (boiled potatoes with huacatay sauce), and the iconic Cuy Chactado (fried guinea pig with corn, potatoes, and spices). To cater to the large Japanese community, the tour also includes a selection of sushi rolls. For dessert, visitors can savor the traditional Sanjo or Helado de queso.

Starters	Main Dishes
Papas Nativas y Lomo Saltado de Alpaca	Rocoto Relleno
Quinoa with Aji de gallina	Ocopa
	Cuy Chactado
	Sushi rolls

Meeting Details

The food tour kicks off at 1:00 PM at Plaza San Francisco, located at C. Zela 202 in Arequipa 04001, Peru, with participants returning to the same meeting point upon completion.

This 3-hour guided experience accommodates a maximum group size of 8 travelers.

The tour is accessible for those in wheelchairs or with strollers, and service animals are allowed.

The meeting location is conveniently situated near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to arrive.

For those who need to cancel, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins, providing flexibility for participants.

Accessibility and Additional Info

The food tour is wheelchair accessible and allows strollers. Service animals are permitted, and the meeting location is conveniently situated near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to arrive. Participants can also take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

The tour offers several additional benefits:

1. Accessibility for all visitors, ensuring an inclusive experience.

2. Flexibility to bring along any necessary mobility aids or equipment.

3. Convenience for those relying on public transportation to reach the meeting point.

4. Peace of mind with the option to cancel the tour at short notice without penalty.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers who’ve experienced the food tour in Arequipa consistently praise the delicious traditional foods and knowledgeable guides who provide historical context about the dishes.

The positive reviews highlight the participants’ appreciation for learning about the origins and significance of the local cuisine.

Guides are noted for their friendliness and ability to personalize the experience, making it feel like a unique and authentic journey through Arequipa’s culinary heritage.

Papas Nativas Y Lomo Saltado De Alpaca

Papas nativas y lomo saltado de alpaca, a starter dish featured on the Arequipa food tour, showcases the region’s culinary diversity by blending native potatoes with seared alpaca sirloin.

The dish highlights:

1. The vibrant colors and unique textures of Peruvian potatoes, which range from deep purple to golden yellow.

2. The rich, gamey flavor of alpaca meat, a staple protein in the Andes mountains.

3. The use of traditional Peruvian cooking techniques, like lomo saltado, which combines sautéed ingredients in a wok.

4. The harmonious fusion of indigenous ingredients and European influences, reflecting Arequipa’s diverse cultural heritage.

This appetizer sets the stage for the culinary adventure to come, whetting the appetite for more local flavors.

Rocoto Relleno and Ocopa

Rocoto relleno and ocopa are two iconic main dishes featured on the Arequipa food tour, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage and diversity.

Rocoto relleno is a stuffed chili pepper dish made with ground beef, vegetables, olives, and raisins. It’s a signature dish that exemplifies the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine.

Ocopa, on the other hand, is a unique preparation of boiled potatoes served with a creamy, flavorful huacatay sauce. The sauce, made with the fragrant Peruvian black mint, adds a delightful twist to the simple yet satisfying dish.

Both rocoto relleno and ocopa provide tour participants with an authentic taste of Arequipa’s vibrant food culture, leaving a lasting impression of the city’s gastronomic treasures.

Cuy Chactado and Sushi Rolls

Along With the traditional Peruvian dishes, the Arequipa food tour also highlights the influence of the city’s large Japanese community, featuring sushi rolls as a menu highlight.

The tour introduces guests to four mouthwatering varieties of sushi, each showcasing the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

Another standout item is the Cuy Chactado, or fried guinea pig, served with corn, potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. This local delicacy is a must-try for adventurous eaters, offering a unique culinary experience.

The tour provides the perfect opportunity to explore Arequipa’s diverse and flavorful gastronomy, from time-honored Peruvian staples to the city’s global culinary influences.

1. Sushi rolls featuring Japanese and Peruvian flavors

2. Cuy Chactado, a traditional fried guinea pig dish

3. Fusion of local and international cuisines

4. Diverse and delectable dining experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience as participants explore the iconic restaurants and local flavors of Arequipa together with the knowledgeable guide.

Is the Meeting Point Easily Accessible by Public Transport?

The meeting point for the tour is located near public transportation in Arequipa. The tour’s starting point, Plaza San Francisco, is conveniently situated and easily accessible for participants using buses, taxis, or other forms of public transit.

Can the Tour Be Booked at Short Notice?

Yes, the tour can be booked at short notice. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers to make last-minute plans. This provides flexibility for those seeking a spontaneous gastronomic adventure.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Travelers with specific needs should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure their requirements are met during the experience.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Restaurant During the Tour?

The tour spends approximately 45 minutes at each of the 4 iconic restaurants, allowing guests to sample a variety of traditional Arequipan dishes and drinks. The guide provides historical context and personalized recommendations throughout the experience.

Recap

This guided food tour offers an immersive culinary experience in Arequipa, Peru.

Visitors can savor a variety of traditional dishes, including the iconic Rocoto Relleno and Cuy Chactado, while learning about the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an intimate and insightful exploration of Arequipa’s vibrant food culture.