Have you ever dreamed of being part of a film project that could not only change your life but perhaps also the future of food? Now, you have the opportunity to do exactly that!
Join us on a unique “Culinary Film Expedition” through Peru, guided by the German filmmaker Michael Tauchert, renowned for his work with Terra X on ZDF. This expedition is far more than just a trip—it is a deep exploration through all of Peru’s climatic zones, its diverse cultures, and the hidden culinary treasures of the country.
In recent years, an exciting trend has emerged in the world of haute cuisine: a return to the roots, to local, ancestral ingredients, and a commitment to responsible consumption. Peru, with its astounding variety of landscapes and traditions, stands at the heart of this movement. From the tropical rainforests to the snow-capped Andes, every village in Peru has its own unique recipes and cooking traditions, many of which trace back to pre-Columbian times.
Our expedition will take you through the vibrant markets of Peru, where you’ll immerse yourself in the colors, smells, and tastes of this extraordinary land. You will witness how young Peruvian chefs are reinterpreting the roots of their local cuisine, capturing the attention of the world. Peruvian cuisine, especially “Cozina Novoandina,” has been declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO and continues to inspire top chefs globally.
But Peru is not only known for its culinary diversity. It is also a country of global significance for climate and biodiversity. With an impressive array of over 4,000 varieties of potatoes and many other superfoods that are both nutritious and medicinally valuable, Peru plays a crucial role in global nutrition.
Be part of this adventurous film expedition and experience the magic of Peru up close. Witness how this country’s culinary revolution is transforming the world—and maybe even your own life.
Itinerary
Status as of September 2024
This approximately three-week journey takes you through all of Peru’s climate zones, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean peaks at 3,000–4,000 meters. We will travel in three SUVs with drivers—two for the guests and one for the four-person film crew. The only flight will be for filming in the Amazon.
We will visit local kitchens and their master chefs, learn about the cultivation of various products, explore local markets, and accompany farmers, fishermen, and gatherers on their excursions in the Amazon and the highland forests of Peru.
Our route takes us from the Amazon to the Pacific coast in northern Peru. From there, we head south along the archaeological Moche Route to Lima. The journey continues through the culinary heart of Peru, climbing up to Cusco. From Cusco, we travel to Lake Titicaca, then down to the southernmost tip of Peru at the Chilean border, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Arequipa. From southern Peru, we drive north along the Pan-American Highway, past the desert town of Nazca with its mysterious geoglyphs, to Pisco, the home of Peru’s national drink, Pisco Sour. The journey ends in Lima, the melting pot of all Peruvian cultures and cuisines.
This film project is not commissioned by any TV network. Your contribution finances the entire production, making you a co-producer with a stake in the project and its future use. You also have the option to participate in the post-production process, following the editing remotely if you wish.
You will not be filmed, but one of our team members may take behind-the-scenes photos and document the expedition with online activities. The scope of this media work will be discussed with all participants.
Each participant will be personally contacted during the pre-production phase, and individual wishes can be incorporated into the planning as much as possible. Online meetings will be held to discuss the itinerary in advance.
Health precautions will be taken care of by us, and oxygen will be available if needed. The expedition is flexible in its structure, allowing for new elements to be incorporated as they arise, just like in any true documentary film. It’s essentially a road movie with adventure elements. You’ll only be asked to engage physically according to your fitness level—there will be no strenuous treks, and we will select the best possible hotels.
All filming locations will be prepared and visited in advance by the director and the Peruvian production team. During a two-week scouting trip, we may be able to bring up to two guests, at a cost of approximately 4,000 euros per person, starting in Lima.
At the end of each filming day, we will hold a production meeting with all participants to plan for the next day. You may also organize an additional program, such as a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, either before or after the three-week production, with our help.
The meeting point for the group and the film crew is Lima.
Costs
The total cost of the trip is 15,000 euros per participant, based on a group size of six people. This includes all expenses from Lima onward.
Details:
- For the direct filming costs, 5,000 euros per participant is budgeted. This amount will be refunded to you in the event of successful commercialization of the film, as contractually agreed.
- Each participant will receive not only a copy of the film but also comprehensive documentation of all the products we encounter, with contact details and marketing opportunities.
- This journey is particularly interesting for those curious about importing the products we discover, especially those classified today as “power foods.”