A 7-Day Travel Food Guide: The Wonders of Peru What to do, Eat and more

I’ve always wanted to explore South America and see another World Wonder, so I visited Peru on my sixth continent. It was my FIRST time in that part of the world, and I was super excited.

I purchased a flight with Delta Airlines for about £1009, a bit more than I usually pay. But since August was a busy travel time, I already pre-empted that I would be spending a bit for my flights.

About Peru

Peru is made for me as a traveller; it is a destination for the travel foodies who love adventure and live for the gastronomic culture. From the iconic Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Lima, Peru offers a diverse and enriching travel experience that captures the hearts of adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. 

Peru Entry requierment 

Entry requirements for travellers to Peru can vary based on nationality. British, Canadian and U.S. citizens do not require a visa for visiting and travelling to Peru. If you travel to Peru, check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section for Peru’s current entry restrictions and requirements.  

Nigerian citizens require a visa for Peru. Apply at the nearest Peruvian embassy/consulate with a valid passport, application form, photo, travel details, accommodation proof, and financial documentation.

Where and what to eat in Peru

When I mentioned that the food in Peru was good, did you think I was joking?! 

Peru is known for being a top spot for culinary travel globally, and I can certainly attest to it now I have tasted the food myself! These were some of my favourite dishes:

• The world-famous dish – Ceviche, a fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice and chilli peppers. 
• For a taste of tradition, try Lomo Saltado, a savoury stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and onions, often served with rice and fries. 
• Adventurous eaters can sample “Anticuchos,” grilled skewers usually made with beef hearts. 
• And if you’re daring, try “Cuy” (guinea pig) – a delicacy in Peru. 
• I would also highly recommend “Picarones,” delicious street food treats. 

Eating local food while travelling offers a range of benefits, both for the traveller and the local community. I highly recommend trying these dishes. Below are further details on the restaurants and activities I did.

1 Week itinerary for Peru: 

I was on a mission to try as many Peruvian dishes as possible, and I did ok! Carry on reading for a complete guide with where I stayed, what I ate and all the activities I got up to. Please note that this trip was planned and executed by GoJolley. The trip cost me $2150, which was roughly around £1709: 

Day 1 Rest Get ready for a trip of a lifetime

I arrived late in the evening and checked into my hotel – Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport, opposite the airport. The following day, I was picked up from my hotel and taken to Pullman Lima Miraflores to enjoy the rooftop pool and rest before the trip started. 

Day 2 Explore the capital city of Lima 

The morning started early, having breakfast and then spending the day exploring Lima. The hotel, Pullman Lima Miraflores, served lots of delicious local food like:

• Empanadas, 
• Lomo Saltodo
• Tamales
• Chichirron
• Pollo a la brasa 

Be sure to get your hands on these fantastic dishes; you won’t regret connecting with the destination through food! 

•  Explore the city of Lima and its colonial architecture and emerging culinary scene. You can book a tour here. 
• We ate at a vibrant restaurant called @rusticacostaverde, where I had Anticuchos de Corazon (grilled heart) with chips/fries, their fast food in Peru and the Chicha Morada.
• We returned to the airport in the evening to fly out to Cusco. You can pre-book your flights with Latam Airlines here. We arrived at our hotel – Hilton Garden Inn Cusco. 

Day 3 Delving into Local Life and Visit the Sacred Valley

Today, we experienced interactions with the local community in the village of Chinchero. I could see how locals dyed alpaca wool with the region’s natural plants. You can book the tour here. 

• In the afternoon we were taking the mountains for pictures with the Alpacas. Here, I discovered my love for coco leaves, which helped with altitude sickness. Later in the afternoon, we went to The Sacred Valley, a region of natural beauty. It is known as the Inca ruins and serves the indigenous communities. This is unreal seen, and I would highly recommend it.
• We had a delicious buffet lunch at a stunning restaurant called .@tunuparestaurantes. It was a buffet-style restaurant with everything Peruvian food. I tried many Peruvian foods, including alpaca meat, Lomo Saltado, La Huacaina and much more.
• The evening came, and we boarded a train for Aguas Calientes. Once there, we stayed at Casa del Sol Machupicchu. The accommodations were charming and radiated authenticity, creating a genuinely delightful atmosphere.

Day 4 – Unveiling the Marvels of Machu Picchu:

We set out early for the world’s most renowned archaeological treasure, Machu Picchu. I had wanted to go here for the longest time and was surprised I made it. 

Things to remember: You must bring your passport when visiting Machu Picchu because it is a mandatory requirement for entry. The Peruvian government implemented this rule to enhance security, control visitor numbers, and prevent fraudulent tickets.

• Numerous routes take you to Machu Picchu, catering to different preferences. A popular choice is the four-day trek known as the Inca Trail. Alternatively, if time is limited, opting for the train is an excellent option, accessible from this location. It’s advisable to secure your train tickets well in advance, given their rapid booking rate – get train tickets here. 
• Securing bus tickets for your journey to Machu Picchu is also essential, and you can conveniently book here. For an optimal experience, opt for the earliest available bus. It’s critical to be aware that the site has a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed at any time.
• I recommend a tour guide for this tour to learn the history and the essence of the World Wonder. They can unravel the historical significance and importance of Machu Picchu. To arrange your tour guide, you can make your booking right here.

Opting for the morning tour allows you to return in time for lunch, offering the chance to savour a local delicacy at @sami.en.trujillo: Cuy, also known as guinea pig. Later in the evening, you can board the train for your journey back to Ollantaytambo.

Day 5 – Hike to the most unreal scenes of Rainbow Mountain 

The day began at 4 a.m. with another early start – an energetic “whoop!” included. We were back at Hilton Garden Inn Cusco and picked up for a two-hour drive to Cusipata, where we paused for breakfast – the breakfast included soups, bread, fruits, and coco leaves tea. By this point, I had taken to chewing coca leaves like candy, a local custom. You can book the tour here. 

• The Rainbow Mountain experience is incredible, and I wholeheartedly recommend a guided hiking tour. Throughout the journey, as we marvelled at the breathtaking mountain scenery, we also had the opportunity to encounter alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
• After breakfast, we journeyed for another hour, reaching the hike’s starting point at 5,200 meters. The walk posed a challenge, but conquering it was an emotional experience – I shed a tear at the top. 
• While there was the option to rent a horse for approximately $20, I assure you that the sense of accomplishment after completing the 3.5-kilometer trek to Rainbow Mountain is unparalleled. I recommend preparing for this hike as if you were gearing up for the gym – get as fit as possible. I would suggest using the stair master.
• It’s important to note that due to the high altitude, spending at most 30 minutes at the top is advised. Returning down was a breeze and can be accomplished within an hour. 
•  We had an hour’s drive before we were welcomed to a local lunch, which included soup, rice and alpaca meat.

Day 6 – The Enchanting Streets of Cusco:

As the trip ended, we set out on our last day to visit Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. As it was the final day and we had such an intense amount of walking, we started the day later than the other days and strolled to the city centre. You can book your tour here. 

• We had lunch at the famous restaurant Morena Peruvian Kitchen – @morena_cusco, which I have written a full review of here. 
• We also visited the San Pedro market, the Temple of the Sun, and the Convent of Santo Domingo. 

Day 7 – Goodbye 

It was time to say see you later to everyone and close the trip. I caught my flight to the next country, Colombia! 

Other resources for Peru

• My Instagram page has detailed reels and specifics of my visit to Peru. 
• The restaurants that I enjoyed and ate at are here. 
• I travelled with GoJolley, so I recommend checking them out if you ever consider a group trip. 
• Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
• Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Peru. 
• I used Airlo, an e-sim card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279. 

Saying see you later in Peru for now

Peru is a land of contrasts and an absolute gastronomic adventure! From Machu Picchu’s heights to my hike in Rainbow Mountain, this captivating country offers a spectrum of experiences that left an indelible mark on my heart.

Whether you’re drawn to the enigmatic ruins of ancient civilisations or the vibrant culture of its cities, Peru has something to offer every type of explorer. Your journey through this South American gem promises unforgettable memories and insights into the rich tapestry of Peru’s history, culture, and nature.

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