Hot brewed cacao drink, raw cocoa fruit, cacao beans, and caco nibs
Hot brewed cacao drink, raw cocoa fruit, cacao beans, and caco nibs

A Taste of Cusco: Chocolate, Coffee and Pisco Tour, Cusco

Overview

This tour in and around Cusco's city center highlights three Peruvian specialties: chocolate, coffee, and pisco. The tour begins at the Coffee Museum where visitors will learn all about the unique characteristics of Peruvian arabica beans and why they make such a fine cup of Joe. There will also be an opportunity to sample several different varieties of Peruvian coffee. 

The gastronomic trail continues with a stop at the ChocoMuseum. It's filled with exhibits detailing the chocolate-production process beginning with the fruit of the cacao tree and ending with the rich deliciousness that we all know and love. It includes lessons on how to prepare cacao tea and hot chocolate, both of which played important roles in Incan culture, as well as making chocolate from scratch The tour ends with a visit to the Pisco Republic bar and restaurant for a celebration of pisco—a type of brandy made from grapes—which is Peru's signature liquor. The day concludes with a pisco tasting accompanied by typical Peruvian snacks. 

Itineraries with A Taste of Cusco: Chocolate, Coffee and Pisco Tour

Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 8 Days

Explore the essential highlights of Peru on this 8-day itinerary. Begin in the metropolitan capital city of Lima, and explore the vibrant city by bike. Then, head to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and get a taste of the local culture on a culinary tour. Next, discover the beautiful textiles and incredible ruins of the Sacred Valley, and spend a full day taking in the majesty of Machu Picchu. Top it all off by summiting the colorful rainbow mountain - the perfect photo op!

Peru Cities & History: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca - 11 Days

Explore Peru's coast, mountains, and southern region in this 11-day trip. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire, to explore archaeological sites and the stunning Sacred Valley. Visit the famed Machu Picchu citadel, then keep going south to Lake Titicaca—South America's largest lake—to explore cultures who predate the Inca by millennia. Take a tour onto the lake to see the floating reed islands, textile weaving, and ancient stone ruins. Whether by plane or bus, you will be amazed at how quickly the landscape changes as you discover Peru.

Cities, Nature, and Archaeology in Peru - 12 Days

From metropolitan cities and ancient Inca ruins to remote jungle lodges, this 12-day exploration of Peru's history and nature is perfect for the adventurous traveler. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to imperial Cusco. Explore 15th-century archaeological sites, colorful textile markets, and the famed Machu Picchu estate. Hike to see the colorful Rainbow Mountain, then spend 2 days deep in the Amazon exploring the jungle and seeing rare wildlife. Visit Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru to see steep glaciated peaks and icy alpine lakes.

Cusco, Short Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca - 9 Days

Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, along with Machu Picchu, and the largest lake in South America on this 9-day exploration of local Peruvian culture.  Start in metropolitan Lima, then head to Cusco to experience the local culture and culinary traditions. Continue on to the Sacred Valley to visit its ancient ruins and colorful textile markets. Next, spend a day visiting the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. Finally, venture to Lake Titicaca to see its floating islands and intricate hand-made crafts.