{"autoplay":"true","autoplay_speed":"3000","speed":"300","arrows":"true","dots":"true","rtl":"false"}
Overview

Culinary Journey into the Amazonas Region

Famous sarcophagi on a Peruvian culinary tourTraveling north from Lima into the Amazonas region and the Andes, travelers will discover a remote, rugged, and stunning part of Peru in a cloud forest, which is not nearly as well known as the destinations in the south. But with its ancient roots in Andean culture and archaeological sites older than even Machu Picchu, there’s a magic to this part of South America that has the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Over the centuries the region and gastronomy of the Amazonas region has been impacted by the likes of the Spanish, Italians, Germans, Polish, Armenians, and Chinese, just to name a few influences.

On your journey into subtropical northern Peru, you’ll experience the immense biodiversity of the region, as well as discover the lost civilization of the Chachapoya, known as “warriors of the clouds,” who were tall and fair skinned. Much of what is known about the Chachapoya comes from its conquerors, first the Incans, and later the Spanish. But amazingly, even though Kuelap was built between 500 and 800 AD, the walled fortress can still be seen today.

Your week-long culinary journey begins with a night in the metropolitan city of Lima. From there, you’ll head north.  The tropical region was once an Inca settlement and later a commercial center; today it’s the hub of the agricultural area, and is known for its production of rice, sugarcane, and cotton, as well as alcohol and wine.

Explore the remote ancient and cultural sites, such as the unique sarcophagi of Karajia, a place only possible to visit by hiking or by horseback (take your pick!) All other transfers will be made in comfortable cars and mini-vans. Along the way, you’ll have English-speaking escorts — long-time collaborators of The International Kitchen — and stay in a variety of charming 3-star hotels as well as a hostel; all of which will prove a comfortable base for your exploration of this vibrant and beautiful tropical region that words alone cannot do justice. (Please note: you’ll be in the magical cloud forest of the Amazonas region, not in the Amazon jungle).


Trip Details

Along with all your cultural discoveries, travelers will also partake in a variety of culinary-related highlights:

  • Your first culinary experience takes place in Lima with a fun culinary tasting tour.
  • The first cooking course is led by Chef Paul in his professional kitchen.
  • Next head to the home of a local woman to learn about the region’s tamales.
  • And last but certainly not least, cook a full Peruvian meal with a modern twist.
    Through the wide variety of cooking classes, you’ll discover the immense and unique flavors of northern Peru.

Itinerary

Day One

Order of activitites subject to change depending on dates book and schedule changes with domestic flights between Lima and Jaen.

  • Arrival to Lima and transfer to your 3-star hotel. Your escort will give you an overview of the week as you make your way to your hotel.
  • Dinner on your own.
  • Overnight.

Day Two

  • Early light breakfast, and pick-up at your hotel at 8 am.
  • This morning, enjoy a culinary walking tour through the historic city center. You will sample more than 13 Peruvian foods and drinks. All are popular on-the-go dining options among locals. Watch out, this is not the typical pisco sour and ceviche tour! We take you slightly off the beaten path food wise, while going through the Historic Center of Lima. You will discover Peru’s capital main square (Plaza de Armas) and many historic buildings! The best tour to connect with Peru’s history and local culture.
  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaen. Arrival in Jaen and transfer to the region of Amazonas (about 4 hours).
  • Arrival at the hotel Tambo Sapalanchan, this charming 3-star hotel. The lovely rooms and beautiful view will make you feel at home immediately.
  • Settle in, relax and have dinner at the restaurant.

Day Three

  • This morning you have time to explore the hotel garden, where over 1 000 trees have been replanted since the hotel was built, as well as the herbal and grocery garden. After that, it will be time for your cooking class.
  • This will be a hands-on cooking class and you will be directly in their professional kitchen. After the class, you have lunch based on your efforts.
  • In the afternoon 45-minute drive to the village of Cruzpata from where you will hike to see the Sarcophagi of Karajia (about 30 minutes downhill hike, 45 minutes uphill). Return to the hotel and some rest.
  • When you feel relaxed, come back to the restaurant for your Peruvian cocktail class with Paul. Guess what? It will be with Pisco!
  • Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Day Four

  • Today you will visit one of the region’s most spectacular archeological sites: Kuelap. You leave in the morning from Tambo Sapalanchan for a one-hour drive to Tingo Nuevo. From there you will take the new cable car, inaugurated in March 2017, to go up to Kuelap.
  • From the arrival station you walk about 30 minutes to the enormous wall of Kuelap.
  • You then have a guided visit of the fortified city of the Chachapoya civilization for about 2 – 3 hours and learn all about their traditions and beliefs and enjoy the beautiful 360° view.
  • In the afternoon, drive to the house of Perico and his mother Lola, at ACP Milpuj. This is a private nature reserve, where you can plant a tree (you will get an adoption certificate) and talk with Perico about his efforts in reforestation, raising awareness and sustainability in general.
  • Dinner at Milpuj.

Day Five

  • Breakfast at Pericos. You then have a one-hour drive to Leymebamba, where you will first visit the famous Mummy Museum. Here you will find over 200 mummies from the archaeological site Laguna de los Condores, as well as more information about the Chachapoya civilization and the arrival of the Inca in this region.
  • After the museum visit you will join a local lady to learn how to make tamales, a typical regional dish. It is made out of a corn paste in which you can incorporate some chicken or pork and then wrap it into a banana leaf before putting to boil. You can help or watch, just as you prefer, as you will realize that the wrapping part is very tricky !
  • You have lunch with the family and then participate in a weaving demonstration with the ladies from Leymebamba. You will learn about the weaving process from the wool to the final product. In the Andes, the ladies weave with a hand stool, so you will try this out.
  • In the afternoon, return to Milpuj for some rest before dinner and overnight.

Day Six

  • Breakfast at Pericos before you are leaving for Chachapoyas, more precisely to Huancas, 15 minutes from Chachapoyas. You will visit this little village with a great pottery tradition and the close by Sonche Canyon, one of the highest in the Peruvian Amazonia with over 800 m depth. Impressive view over the Canyon.
  • Return to Chachapoyas, where you will have time for lunch on your own.
  • At 3 pm, you will meet at the restaurant Amazonika in Chachapoyas for a personalized cooking-class with local chef Gaby.
  • You will first depart to the local market where you will learn about the different types of fruits, vegetables, potatoes commonly used in our regional and national cuisine. You will then start your cooking class with a lesson of a local cocktail. Later, you will start your culinary experience. You will prepare some traditional Peruvian dishes, with a modern twist, always guided by our Peruvian chef, the last step of the class will be a typical Peruvian dessert.

Day Seven

  • This morning you have some free time in Chachapoyas. The perfect opportunity to stroll around the pedestrian area and find some last souvenirs for your loved ones.
  • Around 12 noon, transfer back to the airport of Jaen (4 hours) for your flight back to Lima at 5 pm (flight not included, to be confirmed at time of booking). If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, we are happy to arrange a hotel in Lima for the night.

Trip Details

Included in the 6-Night Trip

Accommodations

  • 1 night accommodation in Lima’s 3-star Hotel Tierra Viva Miraflores Lima
  • 2 nights accommodation at the Tambo Sapalanchan Lamud
  • 2 nights at a private home in ACP Milpuj
  • 1 night accommodation at the Casona Monsante Chachapoyas

Food & Beverages

  • Daily breakfast
  • 3 lunches (beverages not included)
  • 5 dinners (beverages not included

Classes & Instructors

Along with all your cultural discoveries, travelers will also partake in a variety of culinary-related highlights:

  • Your first culinary experience takes place in Lima with a fun culinary tasting tour.
  • The first cooking course is led by Chef Paul in his professional kitchen.
  • Next head to the home of a local woman to learn about the region’s tamales.
  • And last but certainly not least, cook a full Peruvian meal with a modern twist.
    Through the wide variety of cooking classes, you’ll discover the immense and unique flavors of northern Peru.

Excursions

  • Cultural excursions to Kuelap, Karajia, and the Museum Leymebamba
  • Nature tour in the Sonche Canyon

Transfer Details

  • Group arrival transfer from Lima airpot
  • Group departure transfer to Jaen airport

Miscellaneous

  • Cocktail demonstration
  • Professional local guides
  • English-speaking escort
  • Entrance fees

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages where not stated

Accommodation Information

Costa del Sol Centro Miraflores

{"autoplay":"true","autoplay_speed":"3000","speed":"300","arrows":"true","dots":"true","rtl":"false"}

_

Lamud Tambo Sapalanchan

{"autoplay":"true","autoplay_speed":"3000","speed":"300","arrows":"true","dots":"true","rtl":"false"}

_
Private home in ACP Milpuj

_

Casona Monsante Chachapoyas
_

Pricing & Tour Dates



Pricing:
Mid-April through October

6-night Program

US$3150 per person based on double occupancy

  • Add US$600 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
  • Subtract US$300 per person when booking 4 or more people

Note that prices do not include round-trip domestic flights between Lima and Tarapoto, to be booked on your own (approximately US $200 per person).

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!


Tour Dates

Available the following weeks from mid-April through October for a minimum of 2 people. Other start dates also possible, please inquire.

2023-2024
Please inquire.

Reviews

There are no reviews at this time.


We Can Help Plan It All

We Can Help Plan It All

Flights, additional nights and tours, Transportation, and Much More…

We might not be able to pack for you, but there are tons of things we can help with to make your vacation that much better.

Contact us for more information, or you can indicate your interest during check out and we will follow up directly!

Contact Us

 


You May Also Like...


Saved
Peru
Typical hand-made boat on a culinary tour of Peru

Colors and Flavors of Northern Peru

Learn More

5 Nights Starting At $1,945

Save to Compare