At Tunqui Expeditions, we believe your trekking experience should not only be about the breathtaking landscapes but also about the incredible food you enjoy along the way. That’s why we provide all meals and snacks on every trek until your final lunch after exploring Machu Picchu. For your last lunch in Aguas Calientes, or for train-based tours, you’ll have the freedom to choose from the many great restaurants in the village.
We know many trekkers are curious about the quality of food on the Inca Trail. Rest assured, our guests consistently rave about the meals prepared by our professional trekking chefs. Each dish is cooked in a small tent on a portable stove, but the results are nothing short of amazing.
Our chefs are professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, hearty lunches, flavorful dinners, and energizing snacks, all served with a smile. After a long day of hiking, you’ll enjoy a social happy hour with hot drinks and snacks, followed by a delicious buffet-style dinner that will exceed all expectations of what trekking food in the Andes can be.
Every meal is made with fresh ingredients purchased from the local markets in Cusco. All supplies are carried by our team of dedicated porters and prepared on the trail by your chef. Unlike other operators, we never use canned or dehydrated food—everything is fresh, healthy, and full of authentic Peruvian flavor.
Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies, our chefs are happy to accommodate your needs. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure your meals are prepared accordingly.
Hydration is essential during any trek. At each campsite, we collect water and boil it for at least 15 minutes to ensure it is 100% safe for you to drink. You’ll have access to plenty of clean water throughout the trek—just carry enough to last until your first lunch stop, where you can refill.
On every Tunqui Expeditions adventure trek, you’ll be treated to five meals a day:
To enhance your journey even further, we recommend bringing along some coca leaves, a traditional Andean remedy that helps with altitude.
With Tunqui Expeditions, you won’t just hike the Inca Trail—you’ll experience the best trekking food in Peru, prepared with passion and care, surrounded by the most stunning landscapes in the Andes.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we make sure your adventure is fueled by nutritious, fresh, and flavorful meals prepared daily by our professional trekking chefs. Here’s a taste of what you can expect on the trail:
Our breakfasts are designed to give you plenty of fuel for your trek. A typical breakfast may include:
To keep you energized between meals, we provide light snacks such as:
After a morning of trekking, enjoy a satisfying buffet-style lunch featuring a mix of Peruvian classics and international favorites:
Once you reach camp, relax and socialize during happy hour with hot drinks and tasty bites such as:
End your day with a delicious multi-course dinner prepared by your trekking chef. Dinner options may include:
With Tunqui Expeditions, every meal is an experience. Our chefs combine fresh local ingredients, traditional Peruvian flavors, and international favorites to keep you energized and satisfied throughout your trek.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we make sure that every meal on the Inca Trail is an experience in itself. Our professional chefs prepare fresh Peruvian and international dishes daily, using ingredients from local markets in Cusco. Here’s a sample menu of what you’ll enjoy during your 4-Day / 3-Night Classic Inca Trail trek.
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Tea Time (Happy Hour)
Dinner
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Tea Time (Happy Hour)
Dinner
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Tea Time (Happy Hour)
Dinner
Breakfast
Snack
From traditional Peruvian dishes like papa a la Huancaína, quinoa chaufa, and lomo saltado to international favorites like pasta, lasagna, and pizza, every meal is designed to give you energy while letting you experience the best of Andean cuisine.
With Tunqui Expeditions, trekking food on the Inca Trail isn’t just fuel—it’s a highlight of your adventure.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we know that one of the biggest questions trekkers have is: What will I eat on the Inca Trail? To make sure you’re fully informed, we’ve answered the most common questions about food, chefs, and meal preparation on our treks.
Our dedicated porters carry everything needed for meal preparation, including fresh ingredients, cooking utensils, and portable gas-powered stoves. By the time you arrive at camp, your trekking chef will have warm, delicious meals ready for you.
All meals are prepared by professional chefs who specialize in high-altitude trekking cuisine. Every February, when the Inca Trail is closed, our chefs receive updated food safety training to maintain the highest hygiene standards. They also work in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of Cusco, ensuring you enjoy both authentic Peruvian food and international favorites.
With Tunqui Expeditions, you’ll enjoy a variety of freshly prepared meals and snacks each day. On the 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, this includes:
The only meal not included is the final lunch in Aguas Calientes after your guided tour of Machu Picchu, giving you the chance to explore the local restaurants.
Every campsite along the Inca Trail has access to water facilities. Our chefs collect the water and boil it for at least 15 minutes to make it completely safe for cooking and drinking.
Yes! Our chefs are fully trained to prepare vegetarian meals. Simply let us know your preferences when booking your trek, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements.
Absolutely. Our chefs are also trained in preparing vegan-friendly meals. Please inform us if you are a strict vegan and provide a list of foods you cannot eat, so we can customize your menu.
Yes. We frequently cater to clients with allergies to nuts, gluten, wheat, and more. When booking your trek, please share details of your allergy so we can plan accordingly.
👉 If your allergy is severe, we recommend trekking with a friend who knows how to administer your medication in case of emergency.
All food is prepared using fresh ingredients purchased from local markets in Cusco the day before your trek. Our chefs carefully pack and store everything to keep it fresh, and our porters transport it to each campsite.
We do not use canned or dehydrated food. While our menus are planned in advance, the final dishes may vary depending on the availability of fresh products in the Cusco market.
Trekking days begin early, sometimes as early as 4 AM or 5 AM. Typical meal times are:
With Tunqui Expeditions, every meal is an experience—fresh, healthy, and prepared with care by expert chefs. From traditional Peruvian flavors to international dishes, you’ll be well-fed and energized throughout your Inca Trail adventure.
