Food and Culture Full Day Tour in the Sacred Valley

The Food and Culture Full Day Tour in the Sacred Valley promises an immersive exploration of Peruvian gastronomy and traditions. Visitors can look forward to savoring local street food at the vibrant Urubamba market and sharing a festive meal with an indigenous family. The tour also includes a guided visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, where guests will uncover the fascinating history and engineering marvels of the Inca civilization. With personalized attention in a small group setting, this experience offers a memorable journey through the enchanting Sacred Valley region. Intrigued? There’s more to discover about this captivating cultural adventure.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Food Tours In Cusco.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day food and culture tour in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru, with a 5.0 rating from 50 reviews.
• Includes tastings of local street food, a traditional festive meal, and entrance to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
• Provides transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• Offers a vibrant immersion in the Urubamba market, showcasing local commerce, culture, and gastronomy.
• Provides the opportunity to dine with an indigenous Peruvian family and learn about their time-honored recipes and cooking techniques.

Tour Overview

This full-day Food and Culture Tour in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru, offers participants a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

The tour has received an impressive 5.0 rating from 50 reviews, and it’s a shared group experience that can accommodate up to 15 people.

The starting price varies depending on group size, but it’s an excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Highlights include tastings of local street food, a traditional festive meal with an indigenous Peruvian family, and entrance to the renowned Ollantaytambo archaeological site.

With an air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Food and Culture Tour in the Sacred Valley includes a variety of immersive culinary and cultural experiences, such as a breakfast, lunch, snacks, and traditional dessert.

It also features tastings of local street food at the Urubamba market and a traditional festive meal with an indigenous Peruvian family.

The tour provides entry to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Throughout the day, travelers are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Infants must sit on laps, and travelers with allergies or sensitivities should consult with the guide at the start of the tour.

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers have the option to either be picked up from Cusco for an additional fee or arrive independently at the meeting point located at MVQQ+Q9F, Av. Ferrocarril, Urubamba 08660, Peru. The tour begins and ends at this central location.

Depending on the number of participants, the tour will utilize an air-conditioned vehicle. The guide, who speaks English, will meet the group at the designated spot. At the end of the tour, the group will return to the same meeting point.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Plus, infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins promptly at 9:00 am. Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Travelers should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure they can participate in the full itinerary.

The day’s activities include:

1. Sampling a variety of traditional Peruvian street foods at the Urubamba market.

2. Enjoying a festive lunch with an indigenous Peruvian family, immersing in their culture.

3. Exploring the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, a key Inca fortress.

4. Returning to the meeting point at the end of the tour, which is located at MVQQ+Q9F, Av. Ferrocarril, Urubamba 08660, Peru.

Exploring the Market

Immersion in the vibrant Urubamba market allows visitors to witness the bustling heart of local commerce and culture. Stalls overflow with a kaleidoscope of fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and enticing aromas that whet the appetite for the culinary delights to come.

Guests have the opportunity to mingle with the friendly vendors, learning about the origins and significance of the diverse array of items on display. From colorful textiles to intricately carved wooden figurines, the market offers a treasure trove of local craftsmanship.

This lively marketplace serves as the perfect prelude to the cultural feast that awaits, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Peruvian gastronomy and traditions.

Dining With Indigenous Family

After exploring the vibrant market, the tour continues with a visit to an indigenous Peruvian family’s home. Here, guests are welcomed into the family’s traditional abode, where they’ll partake in a festive meal that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The family proudly shares their time-honored recipes and cooking techniques, offering a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy the customs and flavors that have been passed down through generations.

The traditional feast includes:

1. Hearty stew made with locally sourced ingredients

2. Freshly baked bread, a staple of the Andean diet

3. An array of vibrant, flavorful side dishes

4. A sweet, traditional dessert to cap off the meal

Visiting Ollantaytambo

Following the memorable dining experience with the indigenous family, the tour then guides visitors to the renowned archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this ancient Incan fortress offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural legacy.

Visitors can explore the impressive terraced structures, temples, and storehouses that once served as a royal estate and military stronghold.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the engineering marvels and sophisticated urban planning of the Incas, who constructed this site with remarkable precision.

The excursion to Ollantaytambo allows participants to delve deeper into the fascinating history and traditions of the Sacred Valley.

Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted. Public transportation is available nearby, and infants must sit on laps during the experience. Travelers with any allergies or dietary sensitivities should consult the tour guides at the start of the tour.

This food and culture tour in the Sacred Valley has a few additional considerations:

1. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

2. Confirmation of the tour booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

3. The tour starts at 9:00 am, with the meeting point at the Tienda Ampay in Urubamba.

4. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Shared Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a shared group tour. Many tour operators offer private tour options for an additional fee, providing a more personalized experience with just your group.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Tour?

The tour does not require any special equipment or clothing. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Bringing a camera is recommended to capture the cultural experiences throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator typically allows customers to customize the itinerary to their preferences. Guests can discuss their specific interests with the guide and request changes to the standard tour schedule.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. Travelers can reschedule their tour within this window without incurring any additional fees or penalties.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions the Tour Can Accommodate?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Travelers with allergies or sensitivities should consult the tour guide at the start of the experience to ensure their needs are met.

Recap

The Food and Culture Full Day Tour in the Sacred Valley provides an authentic, immersive experience into Peruvian gastronomy and traditions.

Guests explore the vibrant Urubamba market, enjoy a festive meal with an indigenous family, and visit the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, all while receiving personalized attention in a small group setting.

This tour offers a memorable journey through the enchanting Sacred Valley region.