Peru’s lunch experiences stand as some of South America’s most rewarding food adventures. Traditional midday meals combine fresh ingredients with centuries-old cooking techniques, turning lunch into a cultural event. I’m especially fond of the Sacred Valley tours, where local families serve classic dishes like lomo saltado and ají de gallina against a backdrop of stunning Andean peaks.
The best lunch stops include hands-on cooking classes in Lima’s bustling markets and authentic home-cooked meals in mountain villages near Palcoyo. During these stops, you’ll learn cooking secrets passed down through generations while sharing stories with welcoming hosts.
What makes these meals special isn’t just the food – it’s the setting. Picture enjoying fresh ceviche after exploring the ancient Qeswachaka Inka Bridge, or sampling quinoa soup with views of the Ausangate 7 Lakes. These moments create lasting memories.
Ready to discover Peru’s finest lunch experiences? Check out our favorite food tours below.
Key Points
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The Palcoyo Mountain Excursion offers a unique lunch experience with a buffet featuring vegetarian and vegan options, complemented by cultural sights and local cuisine.
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The Gastronomic Tour from Lima includes a visit to Surquillo Market and a hands-on cooking class, culminating in a buffet lunch showcasing Peruvian classic dishes.
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The VIP Sacred Valley Tour provides a comprehensive 13-hour experience with a buffet lunch highlighting Peruvian and Cusco cuisine, accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
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The Ausangate 7 Lakes Excursion includes a guided hike and a lunch experience, allowing visitors to savor the scenic vistas and diverse flora and fauna of the region.
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The Qeswachaka Inka Bridge Private Tour offers a 12-hour experience with a local breakfast and lunch, showcasing Incan engineering and exploring Andean lagoons.
1-Day Excursion to Palcoyo Mountain + Breakfast and Lunch
For a day excursion to Palcoyo Mountain, travelers can enjoy a unique breakfast and lunch experience.
The tour includes an early pickup from Cusco hotels, followed by a 2-hour drive to the Palcoyo Mountain trailhead. Passengers fuel up with a hearty breakfast in Cusipata before continuing the journey.
After exploring the multicolored mountains and stone forest, the group stops for a buffet lunch with vegetarian and vegan options in Cusipata. The lunch provides a satisfying midday meal to refuel before the return trip to Cusco.
With a mix of cultural sights and local cuisine, this Palcoyo Mountain excursion offers a well-rounded day of adventure and dining.
Read our full review: 1-Day Excursion to Palcoyo Mountain + Breakfast and Lunch Review
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From Lima: Gastronomic Tour + Lunch + Pachacamac
This gastronomic tour from Lima takes travelers on a captivating culinary journey, showcasing Peru’s flagship dishes and traditional cooking techniques.
Priced from $205 per person, the 1-day experience includes a visit to Surquillo Market, a hands-on cooking class, and a buffet lunch highlighting Peruvian classics.
Participants will also explore the cultural and historical sites of Barranco, Chorrillos, and Pachacamac.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and value.
However, it’s not suitable for recent surgery patients, individuals over 70, or pregnant women.
Passport or ID card is required, and pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: From Lima: Gastronomic Tour + Lunch + Pachacamac Review
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Cuzco: VIP Sacred Valley Tour With Buffet Lunch
The VIP Sacred Valley Tour with Buffet Lunch from Cusco offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of this significant South American destination.
Over 13 hours, visitors can discover 5 key locations, including Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Priced from $36.00 to $33.48 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide.
Highlights include a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian and Cusco cuisine and partial entrance tickets. Visitors should bring recommended items like passports, sunglasses, and rain gear.
With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour earns praise for the guide’s friendliness and quality of explanations, making it an ideal option for those on short stays in Cusco.
Read our full review: Cuzco: VIP Sacred Valley Tour With Buffet Lunch Review
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Cusco: Excursion to Ausangate 7 Lakes + Lunch
Situated at the foothills of the Andes, the Cusco: Excursion to Ausangate 7 Lakes + Lunch offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Peru’s highland region.
Priced at £33.72 per person, this full-day adventure includes hotel pickup, transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as a guided hike to the stunning 7 lagoons.
Visitors can relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta before being dropped off near the Plaza de Armas around 6:30 p.m.
With its scenic vistas, diverse Andean flora and fauna, and inclusions like entrance fees, this excursion provides an exceptional value for travelers seeking an authentic Peruvian experience.
Read our full review: Cusco: Excursion to Ausangate 7 Lakes + Lunch Review
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Full Day || Qeswachaka Inka Bridge || Private Tour + Lunch
Priced from Kč 3,448 per person, the Full Day Private Tour + Lunch offers travelers an immersive glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s highland region.
Over 12 hours, guests will visit four Andean lagoons, explore the historic Quehue and Qeswachaka bridge, and enjoy a local breakfast and lunch.
The tour includes private transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.
Although not suitable for those with mobility or health issues, the experience promises a well-rounded introduction to the stunning natural landscapes and ancient Incan engineering that define this part of the Andes.
Read our full review: Full Day || Qeswachaka Inka Bridge || Private Tour + Lunch Review
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From Lima: Gastronomic Tour + Lunch + Lima Museums
For those seeking a deeper dive into the vibrant gastronomic scene of Peru’s capital, the From Lima: Gastronomic Tour + Lunch + Lima Museums experience offers an immersive culinary and cultural exploration.
Priced from $223.00 per person, this full-day tour takes visitors on a journey through Lima’s top attractions, including a hands-on cooking class where they’ll learn to prepare Ceviche and Pisco Sour.
The tour also includes visits to the renowned Larco Museum and the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, showcasing Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
Capped off with a buffet lunch featuring traditional dishes, this experience provides a well-rounded taste of Lima’s gastronomy and history.
Read our full review: From Lima: Gastronomic Tour + Lunch + Lima Museums Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for These Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for these lunch experiences is typically casual and comfortable. Most restaurants encourage diners to wear relaxed, informal attire that allows them to fully enjoy the culinary experience without feeling overly dressed up.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Generally, you can’t bring your own food and drinks to these lunch experiences. They’re designed to showcase the local cuisine and dining atmosphere, so you’re expected to order and enjoy the food and beverages provided by the hotel.
Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available?
Many restaurants in Peru offer dietary accommodations, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, to cater to various dietary needs. Guests should check with the hotel beforehand to ensure their preferences can be accommodated.
What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel?
The refund policy varies by restaurant, but many offer flexible cancellation options. Customers should check the specific policy when booking to understand any fees or deadlines for cancellations or changes to their reservation.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for These Tours?
There are typically no age restrictions for these tours, though some may have minimum age requirements. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the tour is suitable for travelers of all ages.
The Sum Up
Peru offers a diverse array of lunch experiences, from exclusive gastronomic tours to traditional buffet meals. Whether you’re exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking the Andes, or discovering Lima’s culinary scene, these excursions provide the opportunity to savor Peru’s rich cultural heritage and renowned cuisine. With a range of options available, travelers can find the perfect lunch experience to enhance their Peruvian adventure.