Chefs & Gastronomy

At Local Trekkers Peru, we know that good food is an essential part of a great adventure. That’s why, throughout your Inca Trail journey, we make sure you enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience. All meals and snacks are included from the first day of the trek until the last lunch, just after your visit to the Inca citadel. For your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, or on tours that include a return train ride, you’ll have the freedom to choose from the town’s excellent restaurants and experience a perfect end to your trip.

We know many travelers wonder how we manage to prepare such delicious meals in the middle of the mountains. The answer is simple: passion, organization, and experience. Our professional chefs specialize in trekking cuisine and prepare each dish with dedication, even in the most rustic conditions and limited resources. Although we cook in small tents with portable stoves, every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack is carefully prepared to exceed your expectations. Plus, after each day, our traditional happy hour awaits you, a perfect time to relax and spend time with your companions before enjoying a delicious buffet-style dinner that will delight your palate.

The quality of our cuisine is achieved through the use of fresh, local ingredients, carefully selected in Cusco’s markets. Our porters transport each ingredient to the camps, where the chefs transform simple products into dishes full of flavor, color, and energy. At Local Trekkers Peru, we don’t use processed, canned, or rehydrated foods; everything is natural, healthy, and freshly prepared. We also understand that every traveler has different needs, which is why we offer vegetarian and vegan options and menus adapted for people with food allergies. Please inform us of your preferences at the time of booking so we can customize your experience.

Regarding water, we ensure that it is completely safe at all times. At each Inca Trail camp, our chefs collect water from available sources and boil it for at least 15 minutes before using it to prepare food and drinks. You’ll always have fresh water ready to refill your bottles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you only need to carry the amount you need between each leg.

At Local Trekkers Peru, we take care of every detail of your diet so you have the energy you need for every stage of the trek. Throughout your adventure, you’ll enjoy hearty, nutritious, and flavorful meals that will make your experience even more special. Our goal is for you to feel treated like home, for each dish to be a pleasant surprise, and for you to remember every moment of your trip not only for the scenery and history, but also for the excellent cuisine that will accompany you every step of the way to Machu Picchu.

Our menus combine typical Peruvian dishes with international options, always using fresh, local ingredients to ensure the highest quality. From nutritious breakfasts and energizing lunches to comforting dinners, each meal is carefully thought out to complement your trekking experience.

In this section, you’ll find examples of our menus so you can discover the variety of flavors that will accompany you on your journey. Whether you prefer vegetarian, vegan, or traditional options, our culinary team ensures you enjoy every bite as you explore one of the most breathtaking routes in the world.

Cooks and Food

At Local Trekkers Peru, we know that good nutrition is essential to enjoying the trek. That’s why our porters carefully transport all the fresh ingredients, cooking utensils, gas stoves, pots, dishes, and other equipment needed to prepare each meal.

The entire process is perfectly organized: our chefs and porters plan every detail in advance so that when you arrive at your camp, you can enjoy a hot, fresh, and delicious meal, freshly prepared, without worrying about a thing..

All our meals are prepared by professional chefs specialized in trekking cuisine. They are not only masters of preparing nutritious and energizing dishes, but also deeply passionate about gastronomy.

In addition, each year during February—when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance—our chefs receive intensive training on new food safety regulations, healthy cooking techniques, and hygiene controls.

We are supported by the Culinary Institute of Cusco, which collaborates with us to design balanced and varied menus, designed to keep your energy levels at their peak throughout the trek.

At Local Trekkers Peru, we want your culinary experience to be as unforgettable as the hike itself. During the Inca Trail, our chefs prepare 10 complete meals, which include:

  • Balanced lunches with carbohydrates, proteins, and fresh vegetables.
  • Warm dinners to comfort you after a day of trekking.
  • Snacks and energy-boosting snacks during the trek.

Important: The last meal after visiting Machu Picchu is not included, as the tour ends at the historic sanctuary.

Throughout the Inca Trail, you’ll find campsites with access to water. Our chefs obtain water from these sources and boil it for a full 15 minutes to ensure its safety before using it in preparing food and drinks. This way, you can eat and drink with complete confidence.

At Local Trekkers Peru, we cater to your dietary needs so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest:

Our chefs prepare delicious and balanced 100% vegetarian options. Just let us know when you book so we can plan your special menu.

If you’re a strict vegan, we also have chefs trained to prepare menus free of animal products. To better serve you, we’ll ask you for a list of foods you don’t eat.

We’ve worked with numerous travelers with allergies to nuts, gluten, wheat, dairy, and other ingredients. If this applies to you, please let us know when booking so we can customize your menu and ensure your safety.

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