Jess at Sea

When I signed up to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I knew the views would be unforgettable – misty mountains, ancient ruins, and the iconic Sun Gate. What I didn’t expect? That the food would be incredible too!

Yes, you read that right. On a four-day hike through the Andes with GAdventures (not a sponsored post but I genuinely was amazed by the food on this trek!), we had a chef and a team of porters who somehow whipped up full breakfasts, three-course lunches, hearty dinners, and even a cake (yes, a real cake!) in the middle of the mountains. Honestly, I still don’t know how they managed it – portable stoves and a sprinkle of Peruvian magic, I guess.

Here’s a look at everything I ate on the Inca Trail. Spoiler: it was so much more than trail mix.

Day One: Foodie Fuel for the First Trekking Day

🥐 Breakfast

Before even reaching the start of the trail, we stopped at a local family’s home for a proper continental breakfast. Think fresh bread with ham and cheese, creamy yogurt, juice, and a steaming cup of coffee to kick off the adventure. Simple, filling, and the perfect energy boost before the first big hike.

🍌 Trail Snacks

No one goes hungry on the Inca Trail. At the start of the trail, we were handed a little paper bag of snacks to enjoy along the way. It included healthy bars, a banana, and a passionfruit – a sweet surprise and a taste of Peru’s incredible fruit.

And because trekking works up a serious appetite, I even treated myself to an ice cream at one of the small shops along the trail. Hiking calories don’t count, right?

🥑 Lunch

Lunch blew me away. We kicked things off with guacamole and soup, then were served salmon with rice. Yes – fresh salmon in the Andes! It was warm, delicious, and honestly way fancier than I expected in the middle of a mountain pass.

☕ Tea Time

In the late afternoon, just when energy levels dipped, it was “tea time.” We gathered in the dining tent to sip hot chocolate and enjoy biscuits with jam. It felt cozy and comforting, like an alpine afternoon tea.

🍲 Dinner

Dinner started with another hearty soup (a staple on the trek), followed by chicken with rice. After a long day of hiking, it was exactly the kind of meal my body needed – warm, filling, and absolutely satisfying.

By the end of Day One, I was already wondering how on earth our chef could top it. Little did I know that over the next few days, the meals would get even more impressive!

Day Two: Conquering Dead Woman’s Pass

🍳 Breakfast

Coca tea, homemade bread, porridge, and… an omelette! (Yes, the chef literally carried eggs in his giant pack up the mountain 🤯).

🥟 Snacks

Some Peruvian treats I’d brought along, perfect for energy boosts during the climb.

🍝 Lunch

This was a feast: soup, pasta bake, chicken bites, veggies, and even an onion ring, followed by a purple corn pudding for dessert.

☕ Tea Time

Popcorn, jam and biscuits, plus (of course) more hot chocolate.

🥘 Dinner

A lighter meal of soup and grilled chicken with vegetables to end a big day of trekking.

Day Three: Jungle Trails & Surprise Cake 🎂

🥞 Breakfast

Coca tea, toast, and the highlight: banana cream pancakes drizzled with caramel sauce. Yes please.

🍛 Lunch

A huge buffet spread: soup, fried rice, beef stir fry, vegetables, chips, and ceviche!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the chef surprised us with a full marble cake, complete with icing!! In the Andes. Unreal.

🍬 Snacks

Candy and Peruvian cookies I’d brought with me to make it through our longest day of trekking.

🍗 Dinner

Another hearty combo of soup and fried chicken with vegetables.

Day Four: The Final Push to Machu Picchu

🍯 Breakfast

A quick pre-dawn meal of bread with honey bright and early at 4am.

🥪 “Second Breakfast”

A sandwich at the Sun Gate, with the sun rising over Machu Picchu – just a casual view.

🍹 Celebration Lunch

After exploring the ruins, we headed down to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned feast. I treated myself to a strawberry pisco sour, alpaca stir fry, and even guinea pig – a true Peruvian specialty. It was the perfect finale to four days of trekking and feasting.

The Inca Trail was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – but thanks to our incredible chef and porters, I was never hungry for a second. From pancakes and pasta bakes to ceviche and cake, the food was a highlight all on its own.

If you’re worried about what you’ll be eating on the Inca Trail, let me reassure you: you’ll be blown away. Just remember to bring your appetite – because trekking in the Andes is as much a culinary adventure as it is a physical one.

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