From Arequipa: Pisco and Wine Tour Through the Majes Valley

Exploring the rich cultural heritage and distinct flavors of Peru’s Majes Valley, this pisco and wine tour from Arequipa promises an immersive experience. Explore the region’s history at the Toro Muerto petroglyphs, then savor local wines and piscos at two acclaimed wineries. With expert guidance, transportation, and a included meal, this 12-hour excursion offers a captivating blend of discovery and indulgence. What can visitors expect to uncover on this remarkable journey?

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Key Points

A day-long tour from Arequipa exploring the Majes Valley, including visits to Toro Muerto petroglyphs and two wineries for tastings of local wines and piscos.
The tour provides insights into the rich pre-Columbian heritage and winemaking traditions of the region through guided experiences.
Guests can expect a tasting session highlighting the unique terroir and production methods that shape the flavors of the wines and piscos.
While the tour offers a cultural and wine/pisco experience, some travelers have noted a limited focus on the winery visits.
Recommendations suggest checking availability and setting proper expectations regarding the balance between cultural and wine/pisco elements of the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Pisco and Wine Tour through the Majes Valley," takes place in Arequipa, Peru, and lasts approximately 12 hours.

Priced from $50 per person, it’s available for booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes visiting the Toro Muerto petroglyphs, touring two wineries for tastings, and enjoying an included meal.

Visiting ancient petroglyphs, touring two wineries, and savoring an included meal – a blend of culture and cuisine.

Transportation, guides, and entry tickets are provided.

While reviews are mixed, with some disappointment about the focus, the tour offers a combination of cultural and culinary experiences for travelers to consider.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Exploring Toro Muerto Petroglyphs

Situated about an hour’s drive from Arequipa, the Toro Muerto petroglyphs offer visitors a glimpse into the artistic legacies of three ancient Andean cultures – the Incas, Wari, and Collagua.

Covering an expansive area, the petroglyphs feature thousands of intricate rock carvings depicting geometric patterns, animals, and human figures.

The guided tour provides insights into the cultural significance and techniques used by these civilizations.

Exploring the site’s rugged landscape and studying the evocative images etched into the rock offers a unique window into the region’s rich pre-Columbian heritage.

Discovering the First Winery

After exploring the ancient petroglyphs, the tour takes visitors to their first winery in the Majes Valley.

Here, an expert guide leads them through the production facilities, explaining the intricate process of making the region’s signature wines and piscos. Guests learn about the unique microclimates and soil compositions that give the Majes Valley’s vintages their distinct flavors.

The highlight is the tasting, where travelers can savor the complex notes of the artisanal offerings.

This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the winemaking craft thriving in this picturesque Peruvian region.

Tasting the Wines and Piscos

Visitors eagerly await the tasting portion of the tour, where they can sample the region’s renowned wines and piscos. At the first winery, an expert guide leads them through the process, highlighting the unique terroir and production methods. The group then settles in for a guided tasting, savoring the complex flavors.

| Wine/Pisco | Tasting Notes | Pairing Suggestion |

| — | — | — |

| Malbec | Rich, full-bodied with notes of dark berries and spice | Grilled steak or lamb |

| Pisco Sour | Smooth, balanced blend of pisco, lime, and egg white | Seafood ceviche |

| Quebranta Pisco | Clean, aromatic with subtle sweetness | Paired with dark chocolate |

| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, refreshing with citrus and herbal undertones | Grilled fish or salads |

The tasting allows visitors to deepen their appreciation for the region’s winemaking and pisco distilling traditions.

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Lunch in the Majes Valley

With the wine and pisco tastings behind them, the group now looks forward to lunch in the heart of the Majes Valley.

The guide recommends trying the local shrimp-based dishes, which showcase the region’s abundant seafood. Travelers can enjoy these specialties at a recommended restaurant, taking in the stunning views of the valley.

Lunch provides a chance to refuel and reflect on the cultural and culinary highlights of the day’s experiences.

After the meal, the group will visit a second winery to learn more about the production processes and sample additional wines and piscos.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Visiting the Second Winery

The group’s next stop is a second winery, where they’ll get an in-depth look at the production processes behind Peru’s renowned wines and piscos.

An expert guide leads them through the facility, explaining the intricate methods used to craft the region’s signature beverages. Visitors observe the fermentation tanks, distillation equipment, and aging cellars, gaining a deeper appreciation for the time and care required.

The tour culminates in a tasting, allowing them to sample the winery’s finest offerings and compare the distinct flavors and aromas.

The tasting allows visitors to sample the winery’s finest offerings and compare their distinct flavors and aromas.

With newfound knowledge, the group departs, eager to savor the Majes Valley’s liquid treasures.

Learning the Production Processes

The group tours the second winery’s facilities, where an expert guide leads them through the intricate processes behind Peru’s renowned wines and piscos.

They learn how the grapes are hand-harvested, crushed, and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. The guide explains the art of distillation, where the fermented liquid is heated to extract the pure alcohol to create pisco.

Visitors witness the meticulous barrel aging, blending, and bottling procedures that give each wine and pisco its distinct character.

With newfound appreciation, the group samples the winery’s award-winning products, savoring the flavors that embody the rich Majes Valley terroir.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on the single review provided, customers appeared to have mixed experiences with the Pisco and Wine Tour through the Majes Valley.

While the tour guide’s performance received positive remarks, some travelers were disappointed that the focus wasn’t primarily on wineries as the tour title suggested.

The brief visit to a single winery at the end of the long trip was cited as a letdown.

To ensure satisfaction, it’s recommended to check availability and book in advance.

Travelers should also consider the tour’s balance between cultural sites and wine/pisco experiences to set proper expectations.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Children’s Activities Included in the Tour?

The tour does not appear to include any specific children’s activities. It’s focused on visits to cultural sites, wineries, and wine/pisco tastings, which may not be particularly engaging for younger travelers.

Can We Take Photos During the Winery Tours?

Yes, visitors are typically allowed to take photos during the winery tours. However, it’s best to check with the guide beforehand and respect any restrictions or designated photo areas within the winery.

Is There Any Dress Code or Special Requirements for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the tour. Dress casually and be prepared for some walking outdoors at the wineries and cultural sites.

Do the Wineries Offer Other Products Besides Wine and Pisco?

The tour wineries may offer other products besides wine and pisco, such as gourmet foods, artisanal crafts, or locally-sourced produce. However, the primary focus of the tour is on experiencing the region’s wine and pisco production.

Can We Purchase Bottles of Wine or Pisco Directly From the Wineries?

Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of wine and pisco directly from the wineries visited on the tour. The tour includes tastings and time to shop, allowing travelers to bring home their favorite local wines and spirits.

The Sum Up

The Pisco and Wine Tour through the Majes Valley from Arequipa offers an immersive cultural and culinary experience. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, savor local wines and piscos, and learn about the winemaking process. With transportation, guides, and a included meal, this tour provides a delightful blend of history and taste for wine and culture enthusiasts.