Food on Our Treks: Fresh, Nutritious, and Delicious

At Qoricancha Expeditions, we understand that the experience of trekking to Machu Picchu encompasses more than just the breathtaking landscapes,  it's also about the pleasure of savoring exquisite cuisine in the heart of the Andes. Our trekking chefs meticulously craft every meal to be a culinary highlight, blending the energy you need with flavors you'll love.
Our menus are meticulously curated to align nutritional requirements for high-altitude hiking with the cultural immersion of sampling authentic Andean and Peruvian cuisine. All ingredients are purchased from local Cusco markets, supporting local farmers and small producers while ensuring the highest quality for our customers.
 

1. Our products are made with fresh, local ingredients

We source fresh produce, grains, and proteins directly from local farmers. The region is renowned for its vibrant produce, including the iconic rainbow-colored potatoes of the Andes, premium golden quinoa, and fresh trout sourced from pristine mountain rivers. Many of the ingredients used in our products are organic, cultivated without the use of chemicals in the fertile valleys surrounding Cusco.
This initiative not only fosters sustainable tourism practices but also provides visitors with an authentic cultural experience, offering a genuine glimpse into Peruvian life.

2. Variety is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment

Our trekking menus are designed to avoid repetition, ensuring that each meal offers a unique and unexpected experience.

•    Breakfast offerings include omelets, fluffy pancakes with local honey, freshly baked bread, yogurt with fruit, and warm         ing coca tea or coffee.
•    Lunches are often a mix of traditional dishes like lomo saltado (Peruvian beef stir fry), trout with herbs, quinoa soup, or       vegetarian stews, always served with salads and sides.
•    Dinners are the perfect way to reward yourself after a day of hiking. You can choose from comforting soups, creamy           pasta dishes, roasted meats, or stuffed peppers, all followed by a sweet dessert like caramel flan or fruit salad.
•    Snacks such as nuts, chocolate, granola bars, and candies are provided daily to ensure you have the energy you need         on the trail.

3. We are pleased to accommodate special diets

Your dietary preferences are our priority. Our chefs are trained to adapt every recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring that guests with specific food preferences or restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-intolerance, or allergies, can enjoy a diverse and delicious dining experience. We kindly request this information during the booking process to facilitate effective planning and shopping.
For us, this is not an "extra service",  it's part of ensuring your trek is comfortable and inclusive for all participants.

4. Ensuring a hygienic and safe preparation process is paramount

Maintaining a high level of cleanliness is of the utmost importance in a mountainous environment. Our portable kitchens are equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel cooking equipment, food-safe containers, and purified water for cooking and washing. All ingredients are handled with care, and our chefs maintain high hygiene standards at all times. Even in remote campsites, your meals are prepared with the same level of safety as in a home kitchen. The only difference is the million-dollar view.

5. A dining experience with a view

We believe that the location of one's dining experience is as important as the food itself. Our spacious dining tents are set up with tables, chairs, and tablecloths, creating a cozy atmosphere even at 4,200 meters above sea level. While the sun rises over the snowy peaks, guests can enjoy breakfast. Lunch is often served beside a crystal-clear stream, and dinner is often under a sky full of brilliant Andean stars.
Meals are an opportunity to foster connections with your group, your guides, and the natural beauty of your surroundings.

In summary, Qoricancha Expeditions offers trekkers a unique culinary experience, providing fresh, locally inspired, and meticulously prepared meals that enhance each day's hike, transforming it into a memorable adventure.