Well-heeled epicureans can get a true taste of the majestic landscapes, culture, and cuisine of Peru with Scott Dunn Private

When Anthony Bourdain mused on the inseparability of food, people, and landscapes, he must’ve been thinking of Peru. The land of the Inca, where the majestic Andes meets the verdant Amazon, is a grand tapestry of natural splendour. However, the landscape is not just a backdrop—it’s an active participant in daily life, shaping its people and their culinary traditions. The Peruvians, who hail from these magnificent mountains, radiate a spirit larger than life itself. Their world is a vibrant canvas painted with joyous smiles—their culture a rich mosaic of song, dance and vivid cuisine that echoes their zest for life.

Peruvian food mirrors its majestic landscapes and people. Here, the traditional three-act structure of breakfast, lunch and dinner is replaced by a gastronomic rhythm that celebrates four meals a day. The philosophy is simple yet profound: with food this exquisite, one should indulge at every opportunity.

Even so, it takes an insider—a true expert on the country’s people and culinary heritage—to help unlock doors and introduce flavours otherwise invisible to cursory visitors. If you are a gourmand who desires travel dining experiences that aren’t simply exceptional, but also deeply profound and personal, Scott Dunn Private is your best bet.

As part of its invite-only community of high-net-worth travellers, you will get to experience Peru through a meticulously curated gastronomic journey. This white-gloved door-to-the-world service is not just about luxury travel—it’s about immersing oneself in the heart of a destination and savouring its culture in the most refined and bespoke ways imaginable. With the help of your private relationship manager from Scott Dunn Private—the only point of contact you need to help you plan and take care of every detail of the trip—a week-long sojourn in Peru becomes a sensory odyssey.

Awaken Your Palate

The journey begins in Lima, one of the culinary capitals of the world. Here, Lima’s Minka Market, a vivid tableau of Peru’s culinary abundance, awaits. The air buzzes with the chatter of vendors and the aroma of fresh seafood. The market is a kaleidoscope of colours, offering a taste of the deep greens of Amazonian produce to the fiery reds of Andean peppers. Arrange for a private tour with a chef, who will introduce you to the market’s treasures, including miniature avocados, the sweet and creamy lucuma, and the custard-like cherimoya, all representing Peru’s diverse ecosystems.

After your introduction to the Peruvian palate, indulge in a lavish dining experience at any of Lima’s most sought-after restaurants. Every meal is a vivid scene of a Peruvian landscape: the freshness of the sea, the earthy robustness of Andean tubers, and the lush, vibrant flavours of the jungle. Alternatively, opt for something more intimate by attending a cooking class with a private chef, or request for a unique gastronomic experience tailor-made just for you. With the help of your private relationship manager, Peru becomes your culinary playground.

As night descends, Lima blossoms into a vibrant spectacle of lights, sounds and flavours. Districts such as Miraflores and Barranco pulse with energy. Malecón de Miraflores offers a serene escape along a coastal walkway, lined with parks, sculptures and cafes, set against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This modern hub, perched on a cliff, is a perfect spot to enjoy dinner with panoramic ocean views. The streets of Lima, alive with the enticing aromas of traditional anticuchos and the sweetness of picarones, become a stage for the city’s nocturnal culinary show. It’s a sensory ballet, inviting you to partake in the final act of Peru’s four-meal tradition. You will most certainly be spoilt for choice, but your relationship manager will have you covered with reservations at Lima’s most exclusive restaurants.

A Bountiful Land

Nestled within the Andean embrace, the Sacred Valley invites visitors to an intimate rendezvous with the land. Here, the story of the Inca empire unravels through lush terraces and ancient ruins. A must-visit for any Scott Dunn Private traveller is Hacienda Sarapampa, a charming farm that is home to Peru’s renowned giant Cusco corn. This hacienda offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage, where corn cultivation is a way of life. Surrounded by the regal Andean landscape, guests learn about the history and significance of corn in the Sacred Valley, followed by a private gourmet experience that honours this sacred crop.

No stay in Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. On the penultimate day of your sojourn, board the opulent Hiram Bingham train and savour the journey to the Lost City. The train, resplendent in its gleaming blue and gold livery, weaves through the heart of the Andes as you take in the breathtaking landscape. The dining carriage offers a menu that marries traditional Peruvian ingredients with contemporary flair. As the train rolls through the countryside, guests savour courses that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Meantime, expert tour guides, ready to lead you through the enchanting ruins of Machu Picchu, await your arrival.

At Machu Picchu, amid the enigmatic ruins, guests find themselves at the zenith of this culinary expedition. Here, the flavours of Peru, savoured throughout the journey, gain a deeper context. The ancient stones and misty peaks echo the enduring traditions of Peruvian cuisine, a reminder that each ingredient is imbued with meaning and history. This moment marks not just the end of a journey but the culmination of a rich, gastronomic narrative, where food serves as a bridge between the past and the present, the landscape and its people.

This story is brought to you by Scott Dunn Private. For more information, visit www.scottdunn.com/sg/scott-dunn-private

This story first appeared in the March 2024 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here