Andean Drinks: Traditional corn beer and microbreweries
Discover Cusco’s brewing heritage through traditional chicherías and modern microbreweries, sampling ancient chicha de jora alongside innovative craft beers made with local ingredients such as Sacred Valley quinoa.
Area
Cuzco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Food & Drink
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Leisurely
Chicha de jora, a lightly fermented drink made from purple or white corn, has been enjoyed in Peru since pre-Inca times and remains a traditional accompaniment to local cuisine. In Cusco, visits to time-honoured chicherías reveal where these ancestral recipes are still prepared and shared today.
The experience is complemented by stops at Cusco’s acclaimed microbreweries, where traditional barley is blended with unexpected local ingredients such as quinoa from the Sacred Valley, creating distinctive craft beers that have earned international recognition. Together, these tastings offer an engaging contrast between ancient tradition and modern innovation within Peru’s evolving brewing culture.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationTambo Del Inka Resort & Spa
A luxury retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka offers elegant rooms, exceptional spa facilities and refined local cuisine, set beside the Urubamba River and perfectly placed for exploring Machu Picchu and the Andes.
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View AccommodationInkaterra La Casona
A 16th-century colonial manor turned 11-suite Relais & Châteaux hideaway. In the heart of historic Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona delivers old-world grandeur, heated marble-bath suites, intimate dining and soothing spa rituals.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Inkaterra Machu Picchu is located in an enchanting five-hectare cloud forest garden alongside the Vilcanota River and on the edge of the village of Aguas Calientes. A great base from which to visit the awe-inspiring ruins and lost city of Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationJW Marriott El Convento Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco — a restored 16th-century convent beside the Plaza de Armas — blends colonial grandeur, 153 oxygen-enriched rooms, a spa, curated Inca-era artefacts and gateway access to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationSol Y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
A former Incan palace transformed into Cusco’s most exclusive sanctuary, Palacio Nazarenas blends timeless heritage with contemporary luxury—an intimate retreat curated to perfection.
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View AccommodationCasa Andina Premium Cusco
The Casa Andina Premium Cuzco is housed in a renovated mansion in historic Cuzco in Peru, originally dating back to the 18th century, combining simple old world charm with pleasant communal areas and modern amenities.
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View AccommodationEl MaPi byInkaterra
El Mapi Inn is a comfortable and functional boutique hotel decorated in a contemporary style that makes an affordable base for visiting Peru's top highlight, Machu Picchu. Located in the village of Aguas Calientes, 30 minutes drive from the ruins.
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View AccommodationExplora Valle Sagrado
Discover Explora Valle Sagrado, a luxury lodge set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering immersive excursions, contemporary comfort, and curated Andean experiences for discerning travellers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceMountain Lodges of Peru
A lodge-to-lodge trek through Peru’s Andes, combining remote mountain trails, authentic cultural encounters and comfortable high-altitude lodges, culminating in a rewarding arrival at Machu Picchu with depth, context and understated comfort.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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View ExperienceCooking Class with tour to San Pedro Market
Discover Peru’s flavours with a guided visit to San Pedro Market, followed by a hands-on cooking class at Rooftop Kitchen Peru. Prepare a three-course Peruvian fusion menu and pisco sour while enjoying panoramic views over Cusco.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceTraditional Andean Wedding Ceremony
Celebrate your union at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, with a private Andean ceremony led by a traditional paq’o. Set against the Sacred Valley’s dramatic peaks, this soulful ritual honours love, nature and ancient tradition in unforgettable style.
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View ExperienceInca Rail Machu Picchu - The First Class Train
Travel to Machu Picchu in total comfort on the Inca Rail First-Class service, enjoying views from the large picture windows and outdoor balcony as you pass through stunning landscapes in the Urubamba Valley.
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View ExperienceCusco Walking Tour - Half Day
Explore the magical city of Cusco on foot with a local guide taking in the rich ambience and key highlights of this fascinating city. The half day tour will take you to the Bohemian quarter, the main square and cathedral along to Mercado de San Pedro.
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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceMagical & Hidden Cusco
Uncover Cusco beyond its monuments, exploring legends, hidden streets and Inca-era stories before ending with traditional dishes and chicha at a classic picantería—an intimate look at the city’s living history.
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View ExperienceMaras, Moray and Ollantaytambo with picnic lunch
A full-day Sacred Valley tour visiting Moray’s circular terraces, the striking Maras Salt Pans and the fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Includes a scenic picnic lunch and insight into Incan engineering and history.
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