Curator’s statement
Peru has always felt like a land where the sacred and the everyday live side by side. From the breathtaking energy of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to vibrant markets filled with colorful produce, it offers travelers a chance to connect deeply with both spirit and nature. For me, exploring Peru through a vegan lens highlights the abundance of plant-based traditions woven into the culture—simple, nourishing foods that honor both the body and the land. This guide is an invitation to discover Peru’s sacred sites while savoring its mindful, compassionate cuisine.
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Things to do in Peru
Staying at the Mountain View Experience means waking up to epic mountain views and sharing the grounds with the sweetest llamas.
Explore Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is complete without experiencing the awe of Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan citadel offers breathtaking views, mystical energy, and a glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.
Wander the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is dotted with traditional villages, colorful markets, and terraced ruins. It’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy plant-based meals prepared with fresh Andean produce.
Visit Cusco’s historic center
Once the capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant artisan shops make it a lively base for exploration. Don’t miss the many vegan cafés tucked around the city.
Discover Moray & Maras
Explore the mysterious agricultural terraces of Moray and the stunning salt flats of Maras. These sites reveal the ingenuity of the Inca and are surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
Hike to Humantay Lake
A turquoise glacial lake nestled high in the Andes, Humantay is a spectacular day hike. The journey offers both spiritual connection and breathtaking nature.
Experience Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Located in Cusco, this sacred temple once glittered with gold and remains a powerful site to honor Peru’s spiritual heritage.
Savor vegan dining in Cusco
Cusco has become a hub for vegan travelers, offering everything from quinoa bowls to creative plant-based takes on Peruvian classics. Try local spots like Green Point or El Encuentro.
Shop ethical markets
Browse artisanal markets in Pisac or Cusco for handwoven textiles, jewelry, and crafts. Supporting fair-trade artisans allows you to take home a piece of Peru’s culture.
Explore Ollantaytambo
This ancient town is both a living Incan village and an archeological wonder. Wander its narrow streets, explore the ruins, and enjoy vegan-friendly meals with stunning mountain backdrops.
Connect with cacao ceremonies
Peru is home to some of the world’s finest cacao. Join a cacao ceremony or simply savor a warm cup of ceremonial cacao as part of your mindful travel experience.
Places to eat & drink in Peru
Kula Café & Restaurant (Pisac): A cozy, health-food café with a creative menu blending vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian options. They serve smoothies, hot drinks, raw and baked treats, bowls, and pizzas, and often attract expats and travelers looking for nourishing meals.
Sacred Sushi & Curry Sunday (Pisac/Sacred Valley event): A weekly gathering (Sunday afternoons) serving vegan food. It often attracts expats and travelers.
Vida Vegan Bistro: A 100% vegan eatery in Cusco that blends local ingredients with some international flavors.
Green Point: A fully vegan restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco, with a varied menu of Peruvian and international plant-based dishes.
Chia Vegan Kitchen: Known for flavorful vegan mains like quinoa dishes, rice bowls, curries, etc. A hotspot for vegan travelers.
Need to know
Traveling through Peru is as much about the energy as it is about the scenery. Whether you’re wandering ancient ruins or sipping cacao in a local café, there’s a sense of deep connection to both the land and the people. I traveled mostly solo and always felt completely safe—the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the Peruvian people made every moment feel welcoming.
A few extra tips
Altitude awareness: Many sacred sites, including Cusco and Ollantaytambo, are at high elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and allow time to acclimate.
Pack layers: Weather can shift quickly in the Andes, so bring versatile clothing for sunny days, cool evenings, and sudden rain showers.
Respect local traditions: Sacred sites are still deeply spiritual places for locals. Approach with reverence, and if you join a ceremony, be open and respectful.
Cash and connectivity: While ATMs are available in larger towns, smaller markets and villages often prefer cash. Wi-Fi can be spotty, so download maps and keep offline resources handy.
Vegan-friendly: Peru’s markets and restaurants are full of fresh produce, quinoa, corn, and cacao. Even outside vegan cafés, it’s easy to request plant-based meals.
Above all, let yourself slow down and soak in the magic. Peru isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that nourishes body, mind, and spirit.
Travel Advisor
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Peru page.