{"id":27986,"date":"2018-07-13T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-12T22:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=27986&preview=true&preview_id=27986"},"modified":"2025-02-27T03:24:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T16:24:11","slug":"what-youll-eat-on-the-inca-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/what-youll-eat-on-the-inca-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat up! A typical menu camping along the Inca Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"

The idea of hiking and camping often summons thoughts of tinned food and dried rations.\u00a0Before you go loading up on snacks (it’s still advisable to take a few of your trekking favourites) you may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of food offered on Intrepid\u2019s Inca Trail<\/a> and Quarry Trail<\/a> hiking and camping trips.<\/strong><\/p>\n

All cooking equipment is taken onto the trail and taken out again, carried by the amazing team of local porters. Meals are prepared by a trained \u2018travelling chef\u2019 for the duration of the hike. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on all days spent on the trail before arriving at Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n

CHECK OUT OUR RANGE OF SMALL GROUP TREKS TO MACHU PICCHU NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What you’ll be eating<\/h3>\n

So, if it\u2019s not all sandwiches and beef jerky, what should you expect?\u00a0 On a typical day, before setting off, you might start the morning with porridge or pancakes and toast, served with coffee and tea; or take up the option to try a cup of coca tea, \u00ada sacred plant Peruvians use to cope with the effects of altitude.<\/p>\n

\"Lunch

Image by Patrick O’Neil<\/p><\/div>\n

After hiking between 4-5 hours, you\u2019ll need a nutritious meal to keep you powering through the afternoon. Lunch may consist of a hearty soup of chicken, vegetables and quinoa (a superfood for the Incas and one of Peru\u2019s agricultural exports); vegetarian options can be arranged when booking the trip. Expect to see sweet potato or avocado in some of your dishes, with bread rolls for those carbohydrates. Many travellers report back saying they\u2019re fed plenty.<\/p>\n

For dinner, the chef may prepare a beef or chicken dish with vegetables, and – if you’re lucky – dessert! If you\u2019re worried about dining outside during those cold nights on the trail, no need; there\u2019s a large tent to keep you out of the elements where you eat your main meals with the group.<\/p>\n

Aside from some of the substantial meals served during the trek, you\u2019ll also be given snacks galore, like muesli bars, fruit and sweets to keep you energised.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Image by Patrick O’Neill<\/p><\/div>\n

Your trained team<\/h3>\n

Intrepid works closely with the team to ensure they\u2019re prepared to look after the group on each trip. The guides, porters and cooks are all trained in best hygiene practices and food preparation, and are taught recipes by a trained chef that are suitable for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free travellers.<\/p>\n

If you have any dietary requirements<\/strong> or food allergies, that\u2019s okay too. Let Intrepid know when booking and you\u2019ll likely be catered for. If you have a more restrictive dietary requirement (vegan, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, etc) you can be accommodated for – you just may not get a lot of variety. It\u2019s recommended to take some of your own snacks to ensure you\u2019ve got your favourites.
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget that after the hike you\u2019ll find yourself back in Cusco, where you\u2019ll find the cobbled streets dotted with restaurants serving a fusion of Peruvian and European cuisine. Recently, Peru was named the World\u2019s Top Culinary Destination in the World Travel Awards. Ask your guide for good food recommendations – you\u2019ll have plenty to choose from!<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID\u2019S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL TIPS, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Traveller\u2019s tip: Visit San Pedro Market in Cusco before departing on your hike to put together a delicious trail mix: nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts and macadamias) and dried fruits (apricot, cranberries and sultanas), and make sure you try the dried coconut – yum!<\/p>\n

Want to know more about hiking in Peru? Check out Intrepid’s small group adventures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Feature image by Patrick O’Neill.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re worried that the food on your trek to Machu Picchu will be all soggy sandwiches and crumbly muesli bars, don’t. 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