Cooking Classes on the Treks to Machu Picchu
Trekking to Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting adventures in Peru. But imagine if, during this journey, you also learned how to cook traditional Peruvian food! This is the unique experience offered by Alpaca Expeditions—they combine trekking with fun and educational cooking classes. It’s a new way to explore not just the mountains, but also the culture and flavors of Peru.
More and more people are now looking for immersive travel experiences. They want to do more than just see beautiful places—they want to taste the food, meet the people, and learn new skills. Cooking on the trail is a perfect way to do that. You get to hike amazing trails and also take part in a special cooking class with the trekking chefs.
We make this possible by offering hands-on cooking experiences during the trek. You’ll learn how to prepare delicious dishes like lomo saltado or quinoa soup using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a fun and tasty way to understand Peruvian culture.
So, if you love hiking and want to try something new, Alpaca Expeditions gives you the perfect mix of adventure and food. This journey to Machu Picchu will stay with you forever!
The Fusion of Trekking and Culinary Arts
Combining trekking and cooking classes is a fun and special way to enjoy your journey to Machu Picchu. As you hike through the beautiful Andes Mountains, you also get a chance to learn how to cook real Peruvian food. This mix of adventure and culture makes your trip more exciting and meaningful.

When you join a cooking class during your trek, you do more than just walk through nature—you become part of the local traditions. You will learn how to use fresh, local ingredients like potatoes, quinoa, and herbs. Local chefs or trained guides teach you step-by-step how to make dishes such as lomo saltado or quinoa soup. This gives you a real taste of Peru and its rich food culture.
These cooking classes help you connect with the people and the land. You learn about the history behind the dishes and how food has been part of life in the Andes for centuries. It also creates fun memories with your fellow hikers as you cook and eat together.
Overall, the fusion of trekking and cooking makes the Machu Picchu journey not just a hike, but a full cultural experience you’ll never forget. It’s a perfect way to enjoy both nature and local traditions.
Alpaca Expeditions’ Culinary Experience
Alpaca Expeditions offers something special for travelers on the way to Machu Picchu — fun and hands-on cooking classes during the trek. These classes let hikers do more than just walk through beautiful landscapes. They also get to learn how to cook real Peruvian food while surrounded by nature.
During these classes, the dining tents become mini kitchens. Alpaca Expeditions sets up everything with clean and safe cooking equipment. A friendly and trained chef leads the class, showing travelers step-by-step how to prepare local dishes.
One of the favorite meals to cook is Lomo Saltado, a tasty Peruvian stir-fry made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Travelers get to chop, stir, and taste while learning about the ingredients and culture behind each dish. The chefs explain how these meals are part of Peru’s food traditions, and everyone gets to enjoy what they’ve made together.
These cooking classes add a fun and meaningful break to the trek. It’s not just about reaching Machu Picchu — it’s also about enjoying every moment along the way.
Learning to Cook Like an Inca
When you join a trek to Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expeditions, you get more than a hike—you also get the chance to learn how to cook like the ancient Inca people. During the trek, expert chefs guide travelers through fun and hands-on cooking classes. These sessions often take place at the campsite in the evening, where the dining tent turns into a mini kitchen.

One of the popular dishes taught is Lomo Saltado, a tasty stir-fry made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and Peruvian spices. Another favorite is Quinoa Soup, which is healthy and filling—perfect after a long day of hiking. These dishes are made using local ingredients, such as fresh vegetables, herbs, and native potatoes.
Past travelers have loved these cooking classes. Many say it was their favorite part of the trip. One guest shared, “It felt amazing to cook under the stars in the Andes and learn something new about Peru’s culture.”
These classes also teach traditional cooking methods used by Andean communities. Instead of gas stoves, chefs often use hot stones or simple pans over an open flame. It’s a great way to connect with nature, history, and food—all at once!
Enhancing the Trekking Experience
Cooking classes on the trek to Machu Picchu add something very special to the journey. They allow you to do more than just hike and see beautiful views—you get to connect with the local culture through food.
Learning how to cook traditional Peruvian dishes like quinoa soup or lomo saltado helps you understand what life is like in the Andes. These meals are made with fresh, local ingredients and are full of flavor and history.
Food is a big part of Peruvian culture. By cooking and eating these dishes, you learn how people in the mountains live and what they eat every day. It’s like tasting a piece of their heritage. The cooking class becomes a fun and educational break from the hike.
Also, cooking together brings people closer. Trekkers laugh, share stories, and enjoy meals side by side. It helps build friendship and team spirit.
Companies like Alpaca Expeditions make this experience possible by adding these special cooking classes to their treks. It’s not just about reaching Machu Picchu—it’s about enjoying the full journey.
Conclusion
Combining trekking with cooking classes makes your trip to Machu Picchu extra special. It’s not just about walking through mountains and seeing old Inca sites—it’s also about learning how to cook traditional Peruvian food.
This makes your journey more fun and meaningful. While hiking with Alpaca Expeditions, you get the chance to join a cooking class in the middle of nature. You’ll learn from skilled chefs, use fresh local ingredients, and cook dishes like lomo saltado or quinoa soup. You even eat what you cook!
These experiences help you understand Peruvian culture better and connect with the local way of life. You also get to bond with your group, laugh, and share meals together. It’s a beautiful mix of adventure, learning, and great food.
Alpaca Expeditions offers these unique moments on the trail, giving you more than just a regular hike. Their team works hard to make your journey safe, fun, and unforgettable.
So, if you want to walk to Machu Picchu and enjoy tasty food along the way, this is the perfect trip for you.
Embark on a flavorful adventure. Book your trek with Alpaca Expeditions today!
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.