Are you planning your next vacation in South America? Then this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy gastronomy in Peru. Without a doubt, Peru has established itself as a leading country in the culinary world. In fact, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 will take place in Lima.
For this reason, thousands of travelers come to Peru to delight their taste buds with unique dishes. However, a trip to Peru is not complete without discovering the wonders of Cusco. Therefore, at Trails to Machu Picchu, we have created this guide that combines gastronomy with the adventure of visiting Machu Picchu.
The Secrets of Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. In fact, Peru has become a global culinary powerhouse and continues to win over the taste buds of thousands of travelers. Therefore, it is no surprise that Lima was chosen to host the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Restaurants event. Here’s what makes gastronomy in Peru so special.
- Peru has four natural regions: the coast, the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Peruvian Sea. This diversity makes its ingredients truly unique.
- Unlike supermarkets, traditional markets in Peru serve as places where people shop, socialize, and build community. Families can find ingredients from every region of the country in these markets.
The Peruvian Sea
The Peruvian Sea is home to hundreds of seafood species. According to the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), it contains more than 1,000 species of mollusks and over 730 species of crustaceans.
The Andes
The Peruvian Andes offer thousands of varieties of native tubers, colorful corn, aromatic herbs, and medicinal plants. In addition, Andean cuisine has preserved a culinary tradition that dates back thousands of years. Local cooks still prepare many dishes using cooking techniques that originated during the Inca Empire.
In communities such as Huilloc, whose people are considered descendants of the Incas, families prepare traditional dishes like Pachamanca by following ancestral cooking methods.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Peruvian rainforest includes part of the Amazon Basin. Since the Peruvian Amazon is home to Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, it provides fascinating fruits, distinctive flavors, and unique culinary techniques for seasoning meats.
Amazonian fruits contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and medicinal properties. Fruits such as cocona and aguaje help balance hormones.
The Coast
Peruvian coastal cuisine stands out for its fresh flavors thanks to its extensive use of seafood, and many dishes reflect Peru’s rich fusion cuisine.
- Chinese, Japanese, African, and many other immigrant communities influenced numerous traditional dishes that people enjoy throughout the country today.
- Lima is recognized as the capital of Peruvian gastronomy. The city is home to world-renowned restaurants such as Central and Maido.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 in Lima
For the first time in history, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants will take place in South America, with Lima as the host city. People often refer to this prestigious event as the Oscars of Gastronomy because of its global importance. At Trails to Machu Picchu, we want to share everything you need to know about this event in Peru.
- The event will take place on November 4, 2026.
- The organizers originally announced Abu Dhabi as the host city, but they changed the venue in July.
- The event recognizes the world’s best restaurants, bars, hotels, and wineries.
- Thousands of culinary experts travel around the world for months before the event and cast ten votes for the nominated restaurants.
- The event also features conferences such as #50BestTalks and networking events.
Cusco: a Destination of Flavor and Culture
Peru’s culinary scene extends across the entire country, and without a doubt, Cusco plays a leading role. Besides natural wonders such as Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the world wonder Machu Picchu, Cusco is also home to the Giant White Corn of Urubamba, a unique variety found nowhere else in the world.
You will also enjoy traditional dishes that feature local ingredients and unique cooking techniques.
Delight Your Palate with Chiriuchu
People traditionally serve Chiriuchu during the Corpus Christi celebration. This iconic dish includes boiled chicken, cochayuyo (seaweed), roasted guinea pig, corn omelet, and toasted corn.
Challenge Your Senses with Huatia
People traditionally prepare Huatia during the dry season. The dish includes native potatoes, añu, and broad beans, which cooks bake underground in an earthen oven that they heat beforehand.
Try Traditional Roasted Guinea Pig
Roasted guinea pig is undoubtedly a favorite among both locals and international visitors. Cooks prepare it in traditional clay ovens and season it with local herbs such as huacatay, giving it its distinctive flavor.
If you would like to taste local fruits or buy medicinal herbs, you should definitely visit San Pedro Market. This iconic market is famous for its wide variety of local products and vibrant atmosphere.
Combine Adventure and Gastronomy
You should not leave Peru without visiting the breathtaking mountains of the Cusco Andes. For this reason, Trails to Machu Picchu offers tours that combine trekking with outstanding culinary experiences.
- On our trekking routes to Machu Picchu, including the Lares Trek, Salkantay Trek, and Inca Trail, you will enjoy the very best of gastronomy in Peru every step of the way. Our professional chefs accompany every group and prepare meals that are not only nutritious but also exceptionally delicious.
- Our Sacred Valley Tour also includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, allowing you to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine while exploring the heart of the ancient Inca civilization.
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