Our best foodie experiences in peru

13th February 2026

Peru is one of the world’s leading food destinations. Home to the Andean highlands, lush Amazon Rainforest and nutrient rich Pacific coastline, it is no wonder it offers an extraordinary variety of native ingredients. Combine this with Peru’s rich ancient heritage and diverse foreign influences, the result is an exploding and ever evolving cuisine of bold flavours.

Why is peru so renowned for its food?

A popular Latin saying goes ‘Barriga Llena, Corazon Contento’ which translates to ‘A full belly, a happy heart’ and nowhere does this ring truer than in Peru. Food is deeply revered; from the way ingredients are cultivated to how meals are prepared and shared with family and friends. Behind every dish is a story, one that reflects the country’s beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, and generous spirit.

If you’re planning a holiday to Peru, exploring its cuisine is not just a highlight, it’s an essential part of the journey. Below, we explore some of the best food experiences in Peru, delving into the history, traditions and cultural influences that make them so special.

Ceviche – Peru’s National Dish

Ceviche is the most iconic dish in Peruvian cuisine and a symbol of national identity, with origins dating back over thousands of years. Traditionally prepared using raw fish marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with chili, onions and coriander, this simple dish celebrates the freshness of ingredients from the sea and the land.

Thanks to its prime coastal location, Lima is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to enjoy ceviche, so whether savoured at a traditional cevicheria or one of the capital’s many world-class restaurants, it is a must-try dish whilst in the city. For the optimum experience, eat it in the morning or early afternoon, when the fish is at its freshest.

To master the art of ceviche, join our Introduction to Peru Gastronomy tour in Lima. Wander through a local Peruvian market, navigating the colourful stalls before stepping into the kitchen with an expert local chef to prepare your own fresh ceviche. Our Slow Travel: Peru In-Depth itinerary includes this and is a great way to get under the skin of local Peru.

Lomo Saltado – Peru’s Fusion of Cultures

Lomo Saltado emerged in late 19^th century, when Chinese immigrant cooks began adapting traditional Cantonese stir-fry techniques to local ingredients. This fusion gave rise to Chifa cuisine, a uniquely Peruvian interpretation of Chinese cooking. Cooking over intense heat in a wok, they combined tender strips of beef with soy sauce, vinegar and added red onions, tomatoes, aji amarillo and served it with rice and French fries.

On one plate, you’ll find Spanish introduced beef, Indigenous Peruvian ingredients, and traditional Chinese cooking, highlighting Peru’s layered culinary history. This hearty dish is a popular among locals and should be tried at least once during your holiday in Peru. Speak to one of our travel experts and let us recommend some of our favourite restaurants found throughout the country where you can sample Lomo Saltado.

Giant White Corn – An ancient staple

Set deep within the Sacred Valley, Hacienda Sarapampa is a third-generation, family-run working farm dedicated to the cultivation of Cusco’s Giant White Corn. A crop grown here since pre-Colombian and colonial times and an integral part of the region’s agricultural heritage. A visit to the farm, offers an insight to the traditional farming techniques still used today and provides a unique cultural experience.

Enjoy a true Peruvian farm-to-table experience that celebrates the flavours of the Sacred Valley with recipes from the family grandmother’s cookbook, prepared with ingredients harvested from the farm’s own vegetable garden. Combine a visit to the Hacienda with Pisac Market and ruins for a fully immersive day exploring Andean cuisine and culture. Spend time in the Scared Valley trying Giant white corn and other Peruvian classics in a rural setting, learning more about local cultures, cooking and traditions, on our Peru Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure.

Flavours of The Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is home to a variety of exotic ingredients. Staples like cassava and green plantain form the base of many traditional dishes, while Amazonian fruits such as camu camu, acai, and passionfruit are well known for their exceptional health benefits. Fresh river fish, sustainably sourced from the Amazon’s waterways, also plays a vital role in the region’s vibrant cuisine.

For a truly immersive experience, board the luxury Delfin III Amazon cruise. Here, wildlife, lush landscapes, local communities, and rainforest cuisine come together in one unforgettable experience. Every menu is crafted using the freshest Amazonian produce sourced either from Delfin’s very own garden or directly from local communities.

Throughout your itinerary, you’ll visit villages to gain insight into local life, learn ancestral fishing techniques, sample jungle fruits you may never have encountered before, and even try your hand at preparing a traditional local dish. Take a look at our Luxury Peru Adventure and see how an Amazon cruise fits seamlessly into a wider Peru itinerary.

Summary

Food in Peru is a core part of the journey and one of the best ways to really get to know the destination and better understand its history, indigenous traditions, and rich biodiversity. From vibrant street food tours in Lima to hands-on Peru cooking classes and meaningful visits to local communities, we suggest the best culinary experiences to ensure you make the most of this amazing destination.

Start planning your tailor-made Peru holiday with our travel experts today and discover the flavours that make Peru one of the most exciting travel destinations to visit. Whether travelling as a couple, family or solo getaway Peru has something for everyone, so contact us here.

Read more on the best things to do in Peru.

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