The Best Trekking Food in Peru!

Enjoy the Best Chefs in the Mountains

We include all meals and snacks for every trek until the last lunch (after your tour of Machu Picchu). For your last lunch in Aguas Calientes, or for all train tours, you will have the option to dine at one of the many restaurants in Aguas Calientes village.

We understand you may be curious about the quality of the food provided by Alpaca Expeditions during the treks. While each meal is prepared by a chef in a small tent on a small stove, our reviews prove our meals to be excellent! Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, and they are all served with a smile! After completing each day’s trek, you will enjoy a social happy hour before enjoying a delicious buffet dinner, that will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations about food on Inca Trail.

All food is prepared from fresh ingredients, that are purchased in the Cusco local market. Everything is transported by the porters, and then prepared by the chef. We do not use any canned or rehydrated food. It is all fresh, healthy and delicious!

Do you have special dietary needs? No problem! We cater to vegetarians, vegans and any food allergies.

How about the water? We take tap water from each campsite and boil it for 15 minutes, so it is safe for you to drink. There is plenty of water provided during each trek, but you will only need to carry enough water to get you to the first lunch stop. You can refill your bottles at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You will be well fed during any of our Adventure Treks. Food will be provided five times a day, beginning with a big breakfast, a snack, a tremendous lunch, an afternoon tea (happy hour), and finally dinner.

You will be treated like royalty when you’re on the Trail! Please, just in case, bring some coca leaves.

Below are some of our sample menus:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, pancakes, omelettes, porridge, cereal, fruit salad, toast, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Snack: Fruit, cookies, cereal, chocolate, candies

Lunch: Corn or mushroom soup, chicken and rice, sausage, fried fish, ceviche, steak, beans, fried rice, french fries, boiled potatoes, vegetables, salad

Happy Hour: Popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee

Dinner: Stuffed chicken, vegetable tortillas, pizza, spaghetti, pork cutlet, sauteed vegetables, salad

How is our food transported on the Inca Trail?

Our porters transport ingredients, utensils, gas-powered stoves, and all cooking needs to each camp. The chefs and porters aim to prepare everything in advance, so you will be treated to warm and delicious food when you arrive at camp.

Who prepares the food on the Inca Trail?

The meals are prepared by professional chefs who specialize in trek cooking. Every year in February, when the Inca Trail is closed, our chefs learn and receive training on any new food safety guidelines to maintain hygienic food conditions while on the Inca Trail. Additionally, the culinary institute in Cusco supports our chefs and collaborates on the menus used.

What kind of food will you have on the Inca Trail?

Alpaca Expeditions will give you the chance to enjoy local delicacies. The Inca Trail includes 10 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks between meals and tea. However, the last meal after the Machu Picchu tour is not included.

Where do the porters and chef get the water to cook?

Every campsite along the Inca Trail has water facilities. Our chefs take the water from here and boil it for 15 minutes to make it safe to be part of the meals.

Can you have vegetarian meals?

Our chefs are happy to provide vegetarian meals. Please let us know your dietary needs when booking your trip.

Can you have vegan meals?

All our chefs are trained to be able to prepare vegan meals. Let us know if you are a strict vegan, and send us a list of foods you cannot eat.

If you have a food allergy or special dietary requirements, can this be accommodated?

We have many clients who have allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. When you book a trip with us, you should send details of your allergy so we can arrange your food according to your needs. If your allergy is severe, you must be accompanied by a friend on the walk who is knowledgeable about your allergy and how to administer any medication in an emergency.

How is food preserved during the hike?

All the food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are bought in the local market in Cusco a day before the trip. Our chefs are in charge of packing everything. Then, the porters transport the items the chefs need to prepare fresh meals daily. We do not use canned or dehydrated food. Therefore, the menus are a guideline, but the dishes may change based on what is available at the market for our 4 Day / 3 Night Inca Trail trek.

When are meals served?

Activities start early. Sometimes as early as 4 AM or 5 AM.

• Breakfast – approximately 5-5:30 AM
• Snacks – approximately 11 AM
• Lunch approximately 12 or 1 PM
• Tea time approximately 4 or 5 PM
• Dinner approximately 7 or 8 PM