What Food To Try in Cusco and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Cusco for 2024.
National currency: Sol, symbol — (international currency code PEN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Cusco cafes and restaurants
$2.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.85
$9.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $9.24
$4.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.46
What to Try in Cusco
Must-try Dishes
Chiriuchu - Cold meat platter - This dish features a variety of meats including guinea pig, chicken, and beef, served with roasted corn, potatoes, and salsa. Locals often indulge in this during festivities or special occasions, celebrating with family.Anticuchos - Grilled beef heart skewers - Tender skewers made from marinated beef heart, grilled to perfection, and often served with a spicy pepper sauce. A popular street food; you'll find these sizzling at stalls late in the evenings, drawing crowds looking for a hearty bite.
Ají de Gallina - Yellow chili chicken - Shredded chicken in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce made with yellow chili peppers and cheese, served over rice with boiled potatoes. It's a common lunch option, often enjoyed during gatherings or family meals.
Olluquito con Charqui - Olluquito with dried meat - A comforting stew of olluco tubers and charqui (dried meat), bringing together deep flavors and textures. Often served at traditional feasts, it’s a cherished comfort food for many locals.
Trucha Frita - Fried trout - Crispy-fried trout from the nearby rivers, typically garnished with lime and parsley. A surprising breakfast dish, enjoyed in the high-altitude towns, it’s a common sight by local markets early in the day.
Humita - Corn pudding - Made from ground corn and cheese, this steamed pudding is wrapped in corn husks. It’s primarily a seasonal dish during corn harvest festivals, and locals often enjoy it warm as a comforting snack or side during holidays.
Pachamanca - Earth-baked meat feast - A traditional meal featuring marinated meats, potatoes, and herbs, all slow-cooked in an outdoor oven beneath hot stones. It's a favorite for celebrations, bringing together people who enjoy watching the cooking process and sharing hearty bites.
By the way, don't order your anticuchos well-done! That’s a common mistake; locals savor them just a bit charred for maximum flavor.
Desserts & Drinks
Mate de Coca - (coca leaf tea) - Soothing infusion made from dried coca leaves, often sipped to alleviate altitude sickness. Locals typically enjoy it throughout the day, especially in the early mornings alongside breakfast.Pisco Sour - (classic Peruvian cocktail) - A delightful combination of pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, shaken to creamy perfection. This drink is a staple during celebrations, best enjoyed in the evening with friends.
Chicha Morada - (purple corn drink) - A refreshing beverage crafted from boiled purple corn, flavored with pineapple, cloves, and cinnamon. It's commonly served chilled and often accompanies street foods, especially during festive gatherings.
Alfajor - (sweet pastry) - A deliciously crumbly cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or powdered sugar. Perfect as a snack alongside coffee, they're often found during celebrations like Día de los Muertos.
Helado de Paila - (traditional ice cream) - Hand-churned ice cream made with fresh fruits like lucuma and passion fruit, served in a variety of bold flavors. It's especially popular on hot sunny afternoons, and locals love to grab it from street vendors after a long day of exploring.
Food and Groceries in Cusco
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.69 |
| Oranges | $0.92 |
| Potatoes | $0.92 |
| Apples | $2.16 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.62 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.8 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.55 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.7 |
| Rice | $1.08 |
| Local Cheese | $6.78 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through Cusco, one cannot help but notice how meal times are woven into the daily rhythm of life. Breakfast is typically served between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., often featuring a hearty dish of huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs) alongside fresh bread, which you can find at numerous street vendors and cafes. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, generally enjoyed between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Here, locals are spoilt for choice with menú del día offerings, where you can score a thoughtful two-course meal for around S/ 15 to S/ 25, depending on the district.
In the evening, dinner is usually lighter and takes place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in most households, with dishes often featuring quinoa or grilled meats. This simple shift in dining hours can catch visitors off guard (such as one time when I was famished at 5:30 p.m. and nothing was open).
When it comes to popular dining areas, the San Blas and San Pedro districts shine brightly. San Blas, with its artsy vibe, boasts various small restaurants where you can sample artisanal preparations. Contrastingly, near San Pedro market, you’ll find local eateries serving traditional fare at unbeatable prices—just yesterday, I enjoyed an authentic lomo saltado for only S/ 20!
Payments in Cusco can vary quite a bit. Cash is king, particularly for smaller establishments. However, it’s becoming increasingly common to see card payments accepted in higher-end spots. Be prepared for some traditional eateries to not accept cards, which means carrying some cash is essential. Oh, and before I forget, it’s worth noting that locals usually round up their bills while tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory; a small 10% is quite common if service has been good.
One local eating habit you might find yourself into is the communal style of sharing dishes at larger family tables; this fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere. However, newcomers often make the mistake of expecting restaurants to have standard opening hours. Many places may open later in the day, leaving you in search of food during off-hours.
As for making a reservation, it’s advisable for popular spots, especially on weekends. The rush and hustle of locals looking for their favorite meals can lead to longer wait times.
Moving into the months ahead, there's been a noticeable trend where certain areas, particularly those nearer to the tourist hotspots, are beginning to inch higher in price. In contrast, lesser-known spots are maintaining more reasonable rates—perfect for those on a budget.
In the evening, dinner is usually lighter and takes place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in most households, with dishes often featuring quinoa or grilled meats. This simple shift in dining hours can catch visitors off guard (such as one time when I was famished at 5:30 p.m. and nothing was open).
When it comes to popular dining areas, the San Blas and San Pedro districts shine brightly. San Blas, with its artsy vibe, boasts various small restaurants where you can sample artisanal preparations. Contrastingly, near San Pedro market, you’ll find local eateries serving traditional fare at unbeatable prices—just yesterday, I enjoyed an authentic lomo saltado for only S/ 20!
Payments in Cusco can vary quite a bit. Cash is king, particularly for smaller establishments. However, it’s becoming increasingly common to see card payments accepted in higher-end spots. Be prepared for some traditional eateries to not accept cards, which means carrying some cash is essential. Oh, and before I forget, it’s worth noting that locals usually round up their bills while tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory; a small 10% is quite common if service has been good.
One local eating habit you might find yourself into is the communal style of sharing dishes at larger family tables; this fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere. However, newcomers often make the mistake of expecting restaurants to have standard opening hours. Many places may open later in the day, leaving you in search of food during off-hours.
As for making a reservation, it’s advisable for popular spots, especially on weekends. The rush and hustle of locals looking for their favorite meals can lead to longer wait times.
Moving into the months ahead, there's been a noticeable trend where certain areas, particularly those nearer to the tourist hotspots, are beginning to inch higher in price. In contrast, lesser-known spots are maintaining more reasonable rates—perfect for those on a budget.