Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Chef Hector Santiago has had a strong impact on the Latin American community in Atlanta. Dining at the chef’s restaurant, Pura Vida Tapas & Bar, which he owns, offers fans a taste of Latin cuisine. The second in a series of culinary tourism trips, Hector and his wife Leslie will lead a Gastro Trek to Peru from September 4 – September 12. The group will explore the land of the Incas and the ins and outs of Peruvian culture, cooking, drinking and eating.

I visited Peru two years ago and loved it. Lima was amazing and I think overlooked when visiting Peru. The square in Lima is as beautiful as the food is delicious. We had an authentic meal for two just off of the square. The portion was huge and we only paid $6. Cusco, the city you must fly into on the way to Machu Picchu is majestic too, and cool weather fans will appreciate it. Words can’t describe how breathtaking Machu Picchu is. I would perhaps recommend skipping the Amazon jungle as it was a bit to rustic for my tastes. Pura Vida is one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants. Read my review of Pura Vida Restaurant here.

The Gastro Trek is an unforgettable culinary experience, featuring ancient and modern, rural and urban customs and foodways. Chef Santiago and English-speaking guides will lead trekkers through local markets, accompany
them to a family hacienda, and introduce them to local food artisans. The trek begins in Lima, recently named the gastronomic capital of South America, then on to Cusco to taste and learn about Novo Andina cuisine. Chef
Santiago will demonstrate Peruvian home-style cooking in the Sacred Valley, and join the group in trekking to Machu Picchu. Guests will dine in many of Peru’s finest restaurants and experience the Mistura Gastronomic Festival,
an annual Peruvian food festival.

A trip extension to Arequipa is also available, lasting August 31 until September 4. Guests are promised days of gorgeous
sites and sensational dining. To register for the trip, visit www.puravidatapas.com. For pricing and more information or questions, please contact Leslie Santiago at 404.870.9797 or Tammy Zacks of Travel by Design at 404.467.0980.

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