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Best Food in Cusco: A 2026 Guide
🍲 Must-Try Cusco Dishes
Start with lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with fries and rice, found at almost every menĂş del dĂa spot for S/ 15 to S/ 25. Another classic i… 🍲 Must-Try Cusco Dishes
Start with lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with fries and rice, found at almost every menĂş del dĂa spot for S/ 15 to S/ 25. Another classic is aji de gallina, a creamy chicken stew with yellow chili and walnuts, best paired with fresh bread at Mercado San Pedro. For something hearty, try chairo, a thick soup with lamb, chuño (freeze-dried potato), and vegetables, especially on cold mornings.
🏛️ Where to Eat in Centro
The historic center is packed with options, from budget menus to upscale Andean cuisine. For a splurge, book a table at Chicha por GastĂłn Acurio (Calle Plaza Regocijo 261), where mains run S/ 40 to S/ 60 and open from noon to 11 PM. For a quick bite, head to PanaderĂa San Blas (Calle Carmen Bajo 211) for empanadas and coffee under S/ 10.
🌮 Street Food and Markets
Mercado San Pedro (Calle Tupac Amaru) is the city's food hub, with stalls serving fresh juice, tamales, and chicharrĂłn from early morning until late afternoon. Try a bowl of caldo de gallina (hen soup) for S/ 8 to S/ 12 at the market's second floor. On weekends, look for anticuchos (skewered beef heart) grills near Plaza San Francisco, priced around S/ 10 per skewer.
🌿 Andean Fine Dining
Cusco has become a destination for modern Andean cuisine, with tasting menus that highlight local ingredients like quinoa, maca, and native potatoes. MAP Café (Plaza Nazarenas 231) offers a 7-course tasting menu for around S/ 180, open from noon to 10 PM. For a more intimate experience, reserve at Cicciolina (Calle Triunfo 393), where tapas and mains range from S/ 30 to S/ 70.
🥖 Breakfast and Bakeries
Start your day with a traditional desayuno cusqueño: bread, cheese, and a hot beverage at any local panaderĂa. PanaderĂa La Canasta (Calle Suecia 343) opens at 6 AM and sells fresh rolls and empanadas for under S/ 5. For a sit-down breakfast, try CafĂ© Valeriana (Calle Pumacurco 336) for avocado toast and coffee around S/ 20 to S/ 30.
🍽️ Vegetarian and Vegan Eats
Cusco's vegetarian scene has grown, with several spots offering creative plant-based versions of Peruvian classics. Green Point (Calle Carmen Bajo 235) serves vegan lomo saltado and bowls for S/ 20 to S/ 30, open from 9 AM to 10 PM. Another favorite is El Encuentro (Calle Tecsecocha 476), a cozy vegetarian restaurant with set lunches for S/ 15.
🍰 Sweet Treats and Desserts
Don't miss the chance to try suspiro a la limeña, a silky caramel mousse topped with meringue, found at many restaurants for around S/ 12. For ice cream, head to Qucharitas (Calle Plateros 361), where you can build your own bowl with exotic fruit flavors for S/ 10 to S/ 15. Also look for churros filled with manjar blanco at street carts near the Plaza de Armas in the evenings.
đź’ˇ Practical Food Tips
Lunch is the main meal in Cusco, and many restaurants offer a menĂş del dĂa (soup, main, and drink) for S/ 10 to S/ 20 between noon and 3 PM. Dinner tends to be lighter and starts later, around 7 PM. Carry small bills for street food and markets, as many vendors don't accept cards, and always drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Start with lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with fries and rice, found at almost every menĂş del dĂa spot for S/ 15 to S/ 25. Another classic i… 🍲 Must-Try Cusco Dishes
Start with lomo saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes served with fries and rice, found at almost every menĂş del dĂa spot for S/ 15 to S/ 25. Another classic is aji de gallina, a creamy chicken stew with yellow chili and walnuts, best paired with fresh bread at Mercado San Pedro. For something hearty, try chairo, a thick soup with lamb, chuño (freeze-dried potato), and vegetables, especially on cold mornings.
🏛️ Where to Eat in Centro
The historic center is packed with options, from budget menus to upscale Andean cuisine. For a splurge, book a table at Chicha por GastĂłn Acurio (Calle Plaza Regocijo 261), where mains run S/ 40 to S/ 60 and open from noon to 11 PM. For a quick bite, head to PanaderĂa San Blas (Calle Carmen Bajo 211) for empanadas and coffee under S/ 10.
🌮 Street Food and Markets
Mercado San Pedro (Calle Tupac Amaru) is the city's food hub, with stalls serving fresh juice, tamales, and chicharrĂłn from early morning until late afternoon. Try a bowl of caldo de gallina (hen soup) for S/ 8 to S/ 12 at the market's second floor. On weekends, look for anticuchos (skewered beef heart) grills near Plaza San Francisco, priced around S/ 10 per skewer.
🌿 Andean Fine Dining
Cusco has become a destination for modern Andean cuisine, with tasting menus that highlight local ingredients like quinoa, maca, and native potatoes. MAP Café (Plaza Nazarenas 231) offers a 7-course tasting menu for around S/ 180, open from noon to 10 PM. For a more intimate experience, reserve at Cicciolina (Calle Triunfo 393), where tapas and mains range from S/ 30 to S/ 70.
🥖 Breakfast and Bakeries
Start your day with a traditional desayuno cusqueño: bread, cheese, and a hot beverage at any local panaderĂa. PanaderĂa La Canasta (Calle Suecia 343) opens at 6 AM and sells fresh rolls and empanadas for under S/ 5. For a sit-down breakfast, try CafĂ© Valeriana (Calle Pumacurco 336) for avocado toast and coffee around S/ 20 to S/ 30.
🍽️ Vegetarian and Vegan Eats
Cusco's vegetarian scene has grown, with several spots offering creative plant-based versions of Peruvian classics. Green Point (Calle Carmen Bajo 235) serves vegan lomo saltado and bowls for S/ 20 to S/ 30, open from 9 AM to 10 PM. Another favorite is El Encuentro (Calle Tecsecocha 476), a cozy vegetarian restaurant with set lunches for S/ 15.
🍰 Sweet Treats and Desserts
Don't miss the chance to try suspiro a la limeña, a silky caramel mousse topped with meringue, found at many restaurants for around S/ 12. For ice cream, head to Qucharitas (Calle Plateros 361), where you can build your own bowl with exotic fruit flavors for S/ 10 to S/ 15. Also look for churros filled with manjar blanco at street carts near the Plaza de Armas in the evenings.
đź’ˇ Practical Food Tips
Lunch is the main meal in Cusco, and many restaurants offer a menĂş del dĂa (soup, main, and drink) for S/ 10 to S/ 20 between noon and 3 PM. Dinner tends to be lighter and starts later, around 7 PM. Carry small bills for street food and markets, as many vendors don't accept cards, and always drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Become a Local Guide
in Cusco to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Cusco and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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Appreciate the detail on chairo, though I'd swap the anticuchos rec for the salchipapa carts near Av. El Sol at night, cheaper and harder to get wrong.
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Skip Qucharitas and get helado de lĂşcuma from the carts outside San Blas instead, it's cheaper and less crowded.
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3 Days in Cusco: Itinerary 2026
🗺️ Day 1: Historic Center
Start your first day acclimatizing with a gentle walk through Plaza de Armas, visiting the Cusco Cathedral (open 10am-6pm, entry 25 soles). At 11am, explore the Qorikanch… 🗺️ Day 1: Historic Center
Start your first day acclimatizing with a gentle walk through Plaza de Armas, visiting the Cusco Cathedral (open 10am-6pm, entry 25 soles). At 11am, explore the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), a 15-minute walk from the plaza, and then wander the bohemian San Blas neighborhood for lunch at a local cafe like Cafe Cultural (set menu 15-20 soles). In the afternoon, join a free walking tour (tips expected) that covers the main squares and hidden alleys, ending around 5pm. For dinner, try anticuchos at a street stall near Plaza San Francisco (5-10 soles).
🏞️ Day 2: Sacred Valley
Take an early colectivo (shared van) from Calle Pavitos to Pisac (1 hour, 5 soles) and arrive by 8am to explore the ruins before the crowds. From Pisac, catch another colectivo to Urubamba (45 minutes, 5 soles) and then to Ollantaytambo (30 minutes, 3 soles) to see the impressive fortress (entry 70 soles with partial tourist ticket). Return to Cusco by colectivo from Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours, 10 soles) or take the train if you have tickets for Machu Picchu the next day. Have dinner near your hotel; try chicha morada and lomo saltado at a local picanteria.
đźš‚ Day 3: Machu Picchu
Book an early train from Poroy (30 minutes from Cusco center) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; the 6am departure gets you to the ruins by 8am. Take the bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes, $12 one-way) and explore with a guide (entry 152 soles, book online in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take an afternoon train back to Cusco, arriving by 7pm. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower pace, spend the morning exploring the San Pedro Market and the Inca Museum (entry 10 soles) before a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the plaza.
🚌 Getting Around
Cusco's historic center is walkable, but hills and altitude make taxis useful; a short ride within the center costs 5-7 soles. For the Sacred Valley, colectivos from Calle Pavitos are the cheapest option (5-10 soles per leg), while private tours cost 50-100 soles per person. To Machu Picchu, trains leave from Poroy (20 minutes from center) or Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours by bus, 10 soles). Allow 30 minutes to reach Poroy by taxi (20-25 soles).
🍽️ Where to Eat
For a hearty lunch, try the set menus (almuerzo) at Mercado San Pedro (10-15 soles) or at Pachapapa in San Blas (25-30 soles). Dinner options include Cicciolina (tapas, 30-50 soles) near the plaza or Chicha by GastĂłn Acurio (mains 40-60 soles) on Calle Regocijo. For quick bites, grab empanadas from a bakery on Calle Procuradores (3-5 soles) or anticuchos from street stalls near Plaza San Francisco in the evening (5-10 soles).
🏨 Where to Stay
The historic center around Plaza de Armas is convenient but noisy; consider San Blas for a quieter atmosphere with boutique hotels (from $50/night). For budget options, hostels in the center offer dorms from $10-15/night. If you're taking an early train to Machu Picchu, staying near Poroy or in Ollantaytambo the night before can save time.
đź’ˇ Practical Tips
Acclimatize by taking it easy on day one, drinking coca tea, and avoiding heavy meals. Buy a tourist ticket (Boleto TurĂstico, 130 soles) for access to multiple sites, valid for 10 days. Book Machu Picchu entry and train tickets at least a month in advance, especially in peak season (June-August). Carry small change for buses and markets, and always negotiate taxi fares before getting in.
Start your first day acclimatizing with a gentle walk through Plaza de Armas, visiting the Cusco Cathedral (open 10am-6pm, entry 25 soles). At 11am, explore the Qorikanch… 🗺️ Day 1: Historic Center
Start your first day acclimatizing with a gentle walk through Plaza de Armas, visiting the Cusco Cathedral (open 10am-6pm, entry 25 soles). At 11am, explore the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), a 15-minute walk from the plaza, and then wander the bohemian San Blas neighborhood for lunch at a local cafe like Cafe Cultural (set menu 15-20 soles). In the afternoon, join a free walking tour (tips expected) that covers the main squares and hidden alleys, ending around 5pm. For dinner, try anticuchos at a street stall near Plaza San Francisco (5-10 soles).
🏞️ Day 2: Sacred Valley
Take an early colectivo (shared van) from Calle Pavitos to Pisac (1 hour, 5 soles) and arrive by 8am to explore the ruins before the crowds. From Pisac, catch another colectivo to Urubamba (45 minutes, 5 soles) and then to Ollantaytambo (30 minutes, 3 soles) to see the impressive fortress (entry 70 soles with partial tourist ticket). Return to Cusco by colectivo from Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours, 10 soles) or take the train if you have tickets for Machu Picchu the next day. Have dinner near your hotel; try chicha morada and lomo saltado at a local picanteria.
đźš‚ Day 3: Machu Picchu
Book an early train from Poroy (30 minutes from Cusco center) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; the 6am departure gets you to the ruins by 8am. Take the bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes, $12 one-way) and explore with a guide (entry 152 soles, book online in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take an afternoon train back to Cusco, arriving by 7pm. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower pace, spend the morning exploring the San Pedro Market and the Inca Museum (entry 10 soles) before a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the plaza.
🚌 Getting Around
Cusco's historic center is walkable, but hills and altitude make taxis useful; a short ride within the center costs 5-7 soles. For the Sacred Valley, colectivos from Calle Pavitos are the cheapest option (5-10 soles per leg), while private tours cost 50-100 soles per person. To Machu Picchu, trains leave from Poroy (20 minutes from center) or Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours by bus, 10 soles). Allow 30 minutes to reach Poroy by taxi (20-25 soles).
🍽️ Where to Eat
For a hearty lunch, try the set menus (almuerzo) at Mercado San Pedro (10-15 soles) or at Pachapapa in San Blas (25-30 soles). Dinner options include Cicciolina (tapas, 30-50 soles) near the plaza or Chicha by GastĂłn Acurio (mains 40-60 soles) on Calle Regocijo. For quick bites, grab empanadas from a bakery on Calle Procuradores (3-5 soles) or anticuchos from street stalls near Plaza San Francisco in the evening (5-10 soles).
🏨 Where to Stay
The historic center around Plaza de Armas is convenient but noisy; consider San Blas for a quieter atmosphere with boutique hotels (from $50/night). For budget options, hostels in the center offer dorms from $10-15/night. If you're taking an early train to Machu Picchu, staying near Poroy or in Ollantaytambo the night before can save time.
đź’ˇ Practical Tips
Acclimatize by taking it easy on day one, drinking coca tea, and avoiding heavy meals. Buy a tourist ticket (Boleto TurĂstico, 130 soles) for access to multiple sites, valid for 10 days. Book Machu Picchu entry and train tickets at least a month in advance, especially in peak season (June-August). Carry small change for buses and markets, and always negotiate taxi fares before getting in.
Become a Local Guide
in Cusco to earn up to $50.00/hour by helping travelers that are interested in Cusco and want to connect to learn about the current climate, discover hidden gems, or get help planning their itinerary.
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Skip the Pisac taxi and walk down instead, the trail to the village takes 30 min and passes quieter terraces
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worth adding a rest day buffer after machu picchu, altitude plus that 4am wakeup wrecked me for two days after
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Calle Procuradores empanadas, go before noon.
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