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When traveling to Peru, especially if you're heading to the iconic Machu Picchu, indulging in the country's rich culinary heritage is a must. Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous ingredients and flavors from various cultures, making it one of the most diverse and exciting food scenes in the world.

Start your culinary journey in Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you can savor traditional dishes like cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), a delicacy that has been consumed since the Inca Empire. Don’t miss alpaca steak, which is lean and flavorful, often served with a side of quinoa or local vegetables.

Another must-try dish is ceviche, a refreshing dish made from fresh fish marinated in lime juice, spiced with chili peppers, and served with sweet potatoes and corn. It's a staple of coastal cuisine and can be found in many restaurants in Cusco and beyond.

For a truly unique experience, try pachamanca, a traditional Andean dish cooked in an underground oven using hot stones. This communal meal is often prepared for special occasions and features a variety of meats, potatoes, and vegetables.

Make sure to sample aji de gallina, a creamy chicken dish made with aji amarillo peppers, nuts, and cheese, served over rice. It’s a comforting dish that reflects the home-cooked flavors of Peru.

While in the Sacred Valley, don’t forget to try chicha morada, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made from purple corn, and mate de coca, an herbal tea made from coca leaves, which is popular among locals and can help with altitude sickness.

For dessert, indulge in picarones, sweet potato doughnuts drizzled with honey syrup, or turrón de doña pepa, a traditional Peruvian nougat, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

To enhance your food experience, consider joining a local food tour or cooking class in Cusco. This way, you can learn about the ingredients and techniques that make Peruvian cuisine so unique.

Finally, remember that dining in Peru can vary from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, so embrace the diversity and try a bit of everything!