Local operator · Plaza Túpac Amaru, Magdalena del Mar
A foodie guide takes eight guests at most through markets, neighbourhood eateries and old institutions in Magdalena del Mar and Pueblo Libre for more than 14 tastings. Pick it for an evening out, food most visitors never find, and one of the smallest groups on the site.
This is a new tour with 5 reviews, all 5 stars, and it does something the others do not: it runs at night, well off the tourist map. The price covers 14 tastings or more across 6 to 7 stops, bottled water, local drinks and a pisco sour. Groups are capped at eight, and the evening lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the pace. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
The operator lays out the menu in detail. You start in the Amazon with chaufa amazónico, fried rice of Chinese origin loaded with rainforest ingredients, and tacacho, smoky plantain with pork crackling and ají de cocona. Then papa rellena with an ice-cold chicha morada, ceviche with crisp yuquitas, and anticuchos off the charcoal with quail eggs and ají de huacatay, the black-mint sauce. The route moves into Pueblo Libre, one of Lima's oldest neighbourhoods, for freshly baked caramanducas, and guests say the night ends in one of Peru's oldest taverns.
Check your diet first. The operator says it cannot cater for vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerance or halal diets. Pescatarians, gluten intolerance, mild nut or seafood allergies and no-pork diets can work, though some tastings will be off-limits. It is not suitable for pregnant women. Guests name Diego as the guide, and one says he had back-up eateries ready when places were closed on a Monday.
Meet on Jirón Bolognesi in Magdalena del Mar.
Chaufa amazónico and tacacho with ají de cocona.
A stuffed, fried potato with a cold glass of chicha morada.
Ceviche with yuquitas, then beef heart off the charcoal with quail eggs.
Caramanducas and, guests say, a last stop in an old tavern.
★★★★★Diego is an excellent guide who knows Lima very well. He took us to parts of Lima we wouldn’t have known about, showing us truly authentic Peruvian food. The portions are great and you get to enjoy so much of the classical Peruvian food. [...] The Ceviche is incredible and you finish the evening in one of Peru’s oldest taverns. [...]
★★★★★Without a doubt, this was one of the best tours we took in Peru. Our guide, Diego, took us to places off the beaten tourist path; possessing extensive historical and culinary knowledge, he explained the various dishes and how they are prepared. [...]
★★★★★Bring your appetite. You won't leave this tour hungry! The variety of food was personally selected by Diego, our guide, to ensure we got all the flavors of Peruvian food. Everything was delicious. [...]
★★★★★This tour set the bar for the other tours I will be doing during my stay in Peru. Diego was a fantastic tour guide and was very passionate about the food on the tour. [...] It was like having dinner with a friend. [...]
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In the evening. Pick a date on the booking page to see the start time. It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours.
No. The operator says it cannot cater for vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerance or halal diets. Pescatarians can join, though some tastings will not suit them.
At Plaza Túpac Amaru on Jirón Bolognesi in Magdalena del Mar. There is no hotel pickup.
Eight at most. The operator takes private and larger groups on request.
Ready to book
An evening of 14 tastings or more in the old streets, with a pisco sour, for eight guests at most.
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