Peru’s food scene captivates with a mix of ancient traditions and modern innovations, attracting anyone who loves good food. It’s not just eating—it’s a story of thousands of years of crops and cooking, blending old flavors with fresh ideas, gaining recognition worldwide.
Cusco, the old Inca heart, is perfect for diving into Peru’s culinary past. Right in the Sacred Valley, it offers everything from highland crops to jungle fruits nearby. This historic hub creates dishes that tell Peru’s story with every bite.
Peru’s cuisine originates from one of the most diverse agricultural systems on earth:
Over 3,000 potato varieties
Numerous types of corn
Ingredients rarely found outside South America
The country’s geographic diversity—coastal deserts, high mountains, and the Amazon jungle—creates endless culinary possibilities.
Historical influences:
Pre-Columbian civilizations developed smart farming and cooking techniques
Spanish arrival introduced new ingredients and methods
Later waves of Chinese, Japanese, and Italian immigrants enriched the culinary landscape
Today, Peruvian cuisine blends old tastes with modern twists, making it a global hotspot for food lovers. Lima frequently ranks among the top culinary destinations in the world.
Around Cusco, the highlands grow unique crops that have fed locals for centuries:
Quinoa: Called the “mother grain,” high in protein, thriving where other crops fail. Eating it here is a unique experience due to traditional cooking methods.
Potatoes: Central to Andean life, with dozens of varieties—purple, yellow, small, large—preserving ancient agricultural knowledge. Freeze-drying techniques keep them edible year-round.
Corn: Large-kernel choclo is used in many dishes and fermented into chicha, a traditional drink for celebrations or daily life.
These ingredients highlight the richness of the Andes and Peru’s agricultural heritage.
Ceviche:
Peru’s iconic fish dish
Lime “cooks” the fish fresh
Coastal versions use sea fish, while highland versions may use lake trout
Lomo Saltado:
Fusion of Chinese stir-fry with Peruvian ingredients
Beef, potatoes, onions, aji amarillo peppers
Represents modern Peruvian cuisine adapting to local tastes
Aji de Gallina:
Creamy chicken dish with aji amarillo peppers, dairy, bread, and nuts
Illustrates the fusion of ancient flavors with European influences
Recipes vary locally, giving each version a unique touch
Every dish in Cusco reflects local ingredients and centuries of culinary evolution, combining authenticity with creativity.
These two trail both end at the famous Inca City, but they offer totally different experiences while traversing the massive Andean ranges around Cusco.
One requires tickets bought far in advance and follows ancient stone steps, while the other showcases ice fields and can be decided last minute.
Your choice depends on:
How much you’ve hiked before
Budget
Desired views
Timing of your Cusco trip
This guide helps you pick the right
Choosing Salkantay or Inca trail is a major decision for your Peru trip. Both finish at Inca City, but:
Inca Trail : Follows real Inca stone tracks, crosses ruins and misty woods.
Salkantay Trail : Goes under the towering Salkantay Peak, offering wild ice views and shifting landscapes from high mountains to lowlands.
Knowing these contrasts helps match your stamina, preferences, and travel timing.
Overview:
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Max height: 4,650 meters
Best time: April–October
Salkantay trail has become the go-to alternative to the Inca Trail for its stunning mountain scenery and authentic local experience.
Highlights:
Crosses Salkantay Mountain (6,000+ m)
Mix of high crossings and misty forest drops
Shows varied Peruvian landscapes: coffee fields, subtropical forests, glacial lows, rivers
Encounters with Quechua locals
Pros:
No advance tickets required
Flexible planning
Stunning mountain and ice views
Fewer crowds than Inca trail
Authentic local encounters
Diverse terrain from peaks to forests
Cons:
Few Inca ruins along the main route
High altitude crossing is challenging
Views may vary with weather
Last stretch to Inca City requires bus or train
Overview:
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Max height: 4,215 meters
Best time: May–September
The Inca Trail is the classic route walked by the Incas themselves. It’s a World Heritage site with stone paths, tunnels, and stairs over 500 years old.
Highlights:
Visit Inca ruins: Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Runkurakay, Wayllabamba
End at the Sun Gate at dawn
Scenic highlands, misty woods, flowers, birds, and ancient stepped fields
Pros:
Authentic Inca trail with historical significance
Many ruins and old spots
Famous Sun Gate dawn view
Guides provide deep historical context
Cons:
Tickets must be bought 6+ months in advance
Expensive
Crowded during peak season
Strict rules, limited daily groups
Less wild mountain scenery than Salkantay
Fixed itinerary
Inca trail : Tickets required 6–8 months in advance; max 500 people/day with guides
Salkantay trail : No tickets required; flexible start dates; unlimited spots
Inca trail : $600–$800 (4 days)
Salkantay trail : $300–$500 (5 days)
Salkantay offers camp or lodge options; Inca trail includes ticket charges and fixed groups
Inca trail : Misty woods, stone steps, old ruins
Salkantay trail : Snowy peaks, glaciers, rivers, changing weather zones
Inca trail : Max 4,215 m, steady rock steps, requires endurance
Salkantay trail : Max 4,650 m, steep mountain crossings, solid stamina needed
Salkantay trail : Interactions with Quechua communities, traditional practices
Inca trail : Ancient Inca spots, historic significance, certified guides
Clear skies, less rain
Sharp peak views
Easier trekking
Busy, but services are reliable
Fewer crowds, greener landscapes
Rain gear needed
February closure for maintenance
Tip: Edge months (April, May, September, October) offer good weather with fewer people and cheaper accommodations.
Both trail include:
Certified guide
Food (from first lunch to last breakfast)
Camping gear (tents, mats, dining setup)
Porters for luggage and group gear
Transport to trail start and return to Cusco
Inca City ticket and guided tour
Extras for Inca trail :
Official government tickets
Set camp locations with basic facilities
Historical Inca trail information
Extras for Salkantay trail :
Choice of camp or eco-lodge stays
Hot water stop at Cocalmayo (weather permitting)
Coffee tour
Optional zip-line or bike activities
Go Inca trail if:
You can plan 6+ months ahead
Interested in historical significance and ancient ruins
Want the classic Sun Gate dawn view
Okay with higher cost and crowds
Prefer a fixed guided route
Pick Salkantay trail if:
You want last-minute planning flexibility
Love wild peaks and glaciers
Enjoy interacting with local communities
Seek better value for money
Prefer fewer crowds and diverse landscapes
Salas Travel offers both Salkantay and Inca trail tours with local guides, full services, and in-depth knowledge of the region.
Why Salas Travel:
Local Cusco expertise and cultural ties
Certified guides for both trails
Full packages including tickets, gear, food, and transportation
Eco-friendly practices supporting local communities
24/7 support and emergency assistance
Transparent pricing
Plan your walk with Salas Travel for a true Peruvian experience and make your journey to Inca City unforgettable.
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