Our Gastronomy
Food on the Inca Trail hits different.
After hours of hiking through the Andes, a hot, well-prepared meal can feel like a reward, and that’s exactly how our food is designed. This isn’t just fuel, but part of the adventure.
Peru is one of the world’s great food destinations, and even out on the trail, you’ll taste that diversity. Meals are prepared using local Andean ingredients like potatoes, grains, vegetables, meats, and traditional spices, chosen to keep you energized and satisfied at altitude.
Everything we serve is made with trekkers in mind. Portions are generous, flavors are familiar but exciting, and meals are balanced to help your body recover after long days on the trail. Expect warm soups, hearty plates, fresh sides, and hot drinks enjoyed in the middle of the mountains.
Most travelers are genuinely surprised by the quality and variety of the food. Eating this well, this far from civilization, becomes one of those moments you didn’t know you were looking forward to, until you’re there.
Chef Specialists
Great trail food doesn’t just happen, it takes skill, planning, and experience.
Our trekking chefs are trained to cook in remote, high-altitude conditions, where weather, limited equipment, and long days are all part of the job. They know how to turn simple setups into hot, satisfying meals that hit the spot after hours of hiking.
Chefs work hand-in-hand with our guides and porter team to keep everything running smoothly. Meals arrive on time, portions are generous, and food is prepared with attention to hygiene and safety, even deep in the mountains.
They also understand what hikers need. Meals are designed to restore energy, support recovery, and stay easy on your stomach at altitude. Special diets like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated with advance notice.
Meals While Trekking
Long days on the Inca Trail demand real food. Every meal is planned to keep you moving, help you recover, and give you something to look forward to once the hiking boots come off.
You’ll eat hot, freshly prepared meals each day, combining comforting flavors with classic Peruvian dishes. Simple, filling, and surprisingly good especially considering where you are.
Breakfasts
Day 1
A strong start with warm porridge, freshly baked toast, butter, and jam. Pancakes with fruit salad and yogurt add extra fuel. Hot chocolate, coffee, and teas are always available.
Day 2
A hearty breakfast featuring omelettes and fresh bread, served with hot chocolate, espresso, and herbal teas to power you through the day.
Day 3
A lighter morning with cake for breakfast: a welcome treat before the final push on the trail.
Lunches
Day 1
Creamy avocado to start, followed by steamed trout in red dressing with garlic bread and soup. Natural juices and teas help you recharge.
Day 2
Maize soup with garlic bread, then an asparagus appetizer and classic lomo saltado with rice and vegetables. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Day 3
Causa rellena as an appetizer, followed by quinoa soup and steak with beans, fresh salad, sweet potatoes, and garlic bread. Passion fruit juice and herbal teas are served.
Dinners
Day 1
Vegetable soup to warm you up, followed by spaghetti with two sauces. Chocolate pudding and hot tea wrap up the evening.
Day 2
Chicken drumsticks with rice, mashed potatoes, and fresh salad. A sweet maize dessert and herbal teas finish the meal.
Day 3
Rolled chicken with dressing and pasta, served with Russian salad. Dessert includes peaches with jelly and wine, a well-earned celebration after days on the trail.
Some of Our Typical Dishes
The food on the Inca Trail isn’t fancy, but it’s real, satisfying, and exactly what your body wants after a long day of hiking. Our menus feature classic Peruvian dishes adapted for life at altitude, combining flavor, comfort, and solid energy.
Pachamanca
Inspired by ancient Andean cooking traditions, this dish brings together seasoned meats and vegetables with deep, earthy flavors. It’s a taste of history, served trail-style.
Lomo Saltado
A Peruvian classic that never disappoints. Tender beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, served with rice for a filling, no-nonsense meal.
Rocoto Relleno
Stuffed rocoto peppers packed with flavor. Bold but balanced, this regional favorite delivers warmth without overpowering your palate.
Causa Rellena
Layers of seasoned potatoes filled with flavorful ingredients like chicken or avocado. Cool, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying, especially at altitude.
Quinoa Soup
A high-altitude staple. Warm, nutritious, and rich in protein, quinoa soup helps you refuel and stay comfortable in the mountains.
Fresh Trout Dishes
Locally sourced trout prepared simply with herbs and fresh ingredients. Light, protein-rich, and a welcome change during the trek.
Pollo a la Brasa
Peruvian-style roasted chicken seasoned with traditional spices. Juicy, filling, and perfect for restoring energy after a long hike.
Papa a la Huancaína
Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy cheese sauce and mild spices. A classic comfort dish that highlights Peru’s famous potatoes.
Russian Salad
A chilled mix of vegetables with light dressing. Fresh and refreshing, offering contrast to warm meals on the trail.
Sweet Desserts and Fruit
From cake in the morning to fruit and jelly at night, desserts add a simple but satisfying reward at the end of each day.
