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True Peru
Immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of Peru with Valerie Chang & Nicholas Gill
May 9 - 15, 2023
One exclusive departure—reserve your spot
7 Day, 6 Nights
Best of Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Price from
$6,400
Per person based on double occupancy. Includes internal flight from Lima to Cusco.
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
You’re deep in the Andes, harvesting a bounty of fresh beans and añu root to cook in the earth with smoke-perfumed meat. Beside you, a villager explains this flavorful celebration of an Incan goddess not unlike Mother Earth and its importance to indigenous Andes communities—to the cycles of life and to everything around you. This ritual is a celebration of life, and a magical moment in a week overflowing with experiences you’ll never forget: climbing up a misty Andean peak on the iconic Inca Trail, sunrise over a ‘lost’ 15th-century city hemmed in by forest-clad mountains, hands-on cooking and a mixology master class in one of the world’s hottest culinary destinations. This is the true Peru, full of flavor and epic adventure.
Joining us on this incredible journey are Valerie Chang and Nicholas Gill. Born and raised in Peru, Valerie has worked alongside some of the world’s top chefs and is herself a twice-nominated James Beard ‘Rising Star Chef’. Nicholas is an award-winning photographer and culinary writer (and part-time Lima resident) who co-wrote the book Central with Peruvian mega-star chef Virgilio Martínez. Nicholas—his passion is documenting the culture of food through the lens of biodiversity and sustainability—is widely considered one of the foremost sources on Peruvian and Latin American cuisines.
If you want to jump into authentic local flavors and explore the heights of the Andes, this trip is for you. Celebrate a land where the Inca’s age-old traditions flourish in the 21st century, uncover traditions and sacred ingredients, explore artsy Lima markets and nightlife, hike the Inca Trail and experience sunrise over Machu Picchu… Join us and go deep in the true Peru.

Explore
Lima food scene, Cusco and Machu Picchu, indigenous street food and hip local barrios
Taste
Rich Peruvian flavors, colorful food markets, farm-to-table ingredients and traditional techniques
Excite
Your sense with Andes hikes, up into the sheer audaciousness of Machu Picchu
Celebrate
Ancient Incan culture, local weavers and chefs, Peru's ancient traditions with Valerie & Nicholas
Your Experience

“Many Peruvian recipes have roots that extend not just centuries, but millennia. Everywhere you go the cuisine has its own set of flavors and influences.”
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco



“Looking out over Machu Picchu at dawn is one of the most extraordinary experiences one can have in this life."
Our Hosts
Nicholas Gill
Nicholas is a James Beard-nominated and IACP-winning writer and photographer. A native of Ohio and resident of New York and Lima, Nicholas co-wrote Central (2016) and The Latin American Cookbook (2021) with Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez. Nicholas is one of the foremost experts on Latin American cuisine and a passionate advocate for biodiversity and agricultural and cultural sustainability.
Valerie Chang
Born in Chiclayo, Peru, Valerie spent her childhood in Peru helping her grandmothers cook. After moving to the United States, Valerie dreamed of culinary school (until she attended and realized it wasn’t for her) and started working in some of the world's top kitchens—Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, Albert Adrià’s Michelin-starred Pakta and Michael Solomonov’s Dizengoff. Since then, she's set off on her own and earned the James Beard’s Rising Star honors in 2019 and 2020.
Where We Sleep

Our accommodations reflect the beauty and grace of Peru, setting the tone for our week of inspired exploration.
Casa República
LimaA meticulously preserved mansion from the 1920s—all columns and finials and grandeur—this 22-room retreat is on a quiet Lima street and gives you a real sense of place. Nowhere more so than the rooftop bar. Order up a round of pisco sours at sunset, then take in the views of the beautiful bohemian sprawl that is Lima’s Barranco neighborhood.

Hacienda Urubamba
UrubambaTucked away in the countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu, this five-star hacienda-style getaway is the perfect waypost for our journey. Serenity abounds throughout the 100-acre property’s open spaces, 10-acre “earth-to-table” plantation where you can pick your own produce, local and traditional style and modern comforts. This is Sacred Valley living.

Machu Picchu Pueblo
Aguas CalientesEnter this luxurious Aguas Calientes hotel by bridge, which makes it feels like stepping into a different world. The hacienda-style hotel is set in lush rainforest vegetation, with brightly colored birds hovering over pools and through the winding nature trails you can explore. After a hard day’s walk, the spa and eucalyptus-infused steam hut will restore all your powers.

El Mercado
CuscoYou’ll be happy setting up at this one-time, colonial-era Cusco market turned boutique B&B. The 32 traditional rooms with beam ceilings boast a chic makeover, and overlook the hotel's central terrace. Filled with artesanías (handicrafts) and comfy lounges around pit fires, it’s the perfect place to stay warm, with a drink or two, on those chilly nights.

People Love Modern Adventure’s Peru
I formed bonds in unexpected ways with so many different people.
I would do exactly the same trip again!
I loved having so many opportunities to explore Peruvian culture and the landscape.
Book Peru with Valerie Chang & Nicholas Gill
Questions?
We have answers! Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure trip specialist.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations; internal flight from Lima to Cusco; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at the Hotel Casa República in Lima, Peru. The closest airport is the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). We recommend arriving one day in advance of our trip start to ensure you’re at our starting point on time. Our adventure ends in Cusco, Peru. The closest airport is the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). Your flight home or to onward travel should be scheduled to depart at 2:30pm or later from here.
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What travel documents are needed?
Citizens from the United States as well as most Western European countries do not require a visa to travel to Peru. For most travelers you will need a valid passport. It is recommended for your passport to be valid at least six months after your travel is planned. Please check with the Peru Embassy or Consulate for detailed information and full requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,200 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before January 9, 2023 and receive a full refund minus a $750 per-person service fee (due to Inca Trail Permits being made at time of booking, and additional $250 fee is applied to our standard $500 cancelation fee). If you cancel on or after January 10, 2023 there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after March 10, 2023 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).