What to Eat in Cusco: 6 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks of the Peruvian Andes
Cusco’s been adding its fair share of dishes and drinks to the Peruvian menu for centuries and these six are the ones to be sure to save room for.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link on my blog and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Wondering what to eat in Cusco? The Peruvian Andes are a place where ancient traditions seep right into the unique local flavors that appear on your plate, scent the air after dark, and stack tall at market stalls. You don’t want to miss this region’s best dishes and drinks, all of which can be found on Cusco’s cobblestone streets. From hearty soups to exotic meats, Cusco’s traditional cuisine is as rich in history as it is in taste. Whether you’re acclimating to the high altitude or exploring Incan ruins, these must-try Andean dishes and drinks will make your trip truly unforgettable.
1. Choclo con Queso
Image by DEYSER GUEVARA CORONEL from Pixabay
A quintessential street food in Cusco, choclo con queso is a perfect blend of salty and sweet. This dish features giant Andean corn served in its husk alongside a generous hunk of queso paria, a soft and creamy cheese made from local cow’s milk. You’ll find choclo con queso sold by street vendors with steaming metal pots and stacks of cheese wheels — an authentic taste of the Andes that’s perfect for snacking.
2. Adobo
Photo by Kirk K from Flickr
Start your morning like a local with a hearty bowl of adobo, a spicy pork soup known as the ultimate hangover cure. This beloved Andean dish combines tender pork, onions, garlic, and rocoto peppers in a flavorful red broth. Variations exist across southern Peru, but you’ll find the best versions in Cusco’s picanterías (traditional eateries) or chicharronerías.
3. Cuy (Guinea Pig)
Photo by Dtarazona from Wikimedia Commons
If you’re feeling adventurous, try cuy, the most exotic dish in the Peruvian Andes. While guinea pigs are pets elsewhere, they’ve been a culinary staple in Peru for centuries. In Cusco, cuy is typically served al horno (oven-roasted), but you may also find it served chactado (fried) too. This crispy, flavorful dish is often paired with potatoes and a side of aji, what Peruvians call spicy sauce. Cuy is a must-try for those looking to experience authentic Andean culture and cuisine. in the Cusco region.
4. Alpaca and Llama
Photo by Justin Marx from Flickr
Alpacas and llamas are iconic symbols of Peru, and their meat has been a key part of the Andean diet for generations. Whether skewered as anticuchos or served as tender steaks, alpaca and llama meat is lean, sweet, and packed with flavor. Don’t miss trying charqui (Andean-style jerky), a traditional snack that dates back to Incan times.
5. Pachamanca
Photo by Luis Dominguez from Pexels
You’ll need a bit of patience if you plan to sample this Andean dish. The pachamanca is as much an experience as it is a meal. A medley of marinated meats, beans, potatoes, and humitas are cooked for several hours under the earth by hot stones. Once ready, the earth oven is opened up and its now smoky and tender contents are dished up on plates for all to enjoy. The pachamanca tradition dates back to Incan times when its preparation was meant to both pay tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and celebrate her life-giving fertility.
6. Chicha de Jora
Photo by Mi Peru from Flickr
This popular Andean alcoholic beverage (1–3% ABV) is prepared with a local yellow corn called jora. Don’t let its saliva-activated fermentation process put you off from giving the sacred drink of the Incas a try. Its soup-like consistency and slightly sour flavor go down easily. Before you know it, you’ll be ordering another colossal-sized glass. To find it, just look for homes and restaurants donning a red bag or flag on a stick – the signal that a fresh batch is ready.
Tips for Exploring Cusco’s Culinary Scene
Eat Local: Visit markets like San Pedro Market or San Blas Market for authentic local cuisine made with the freshest ingredients.
Be Adventurous: Don’t shy away from trying new flavors and unique dishes. None of Cusco’s traditional cuisine is too far out from what your tastebuds are already familiar with anyway.
Acclimatize Slowly: Remember you’re at 11,000 feet above sea level! Start with lighter meals as you adjust to Cusco’s high altitude.
Cusco’s cuisine is a gateway to Andean culture and history. By sampling these traditional dishes and drinks, you’ll not only satisfy your appetite but also deepen your connection to the land of the Incas. Buen provecho!
Support the Blog While You Travel
Travel and give back to the blog by booking things like your hotels, tours, and trip insurance through the links below. When you use these links, they send a bit back my way at no additional cost to you. Your support is much appreciated!
Accommodations: Booking.com for hotels, HostelWorld for hostels, and Vrbo for vacation rentals
Tours & Experiences: Viator, GetYourGuide, and TripAdvisor for tours and experiences or GuruWalk for free walking tours
Flights: WayAway for booking, Hopper for knowing when to book, and Going for flight deal alerts
Buses, Shuttles & Transfers: Bookaway or 12Go for shuttles or transfers and BusBud for bus tickets
SIM Cards & eSIMS: Airalo for eSIMS or Drimsim’s universal SIM card
Trip Insurance: Squaremouth, WorldTrips, and World Nomads
Learn Spanish: Rosetta Stone, Babbel, and Pimsleur
Visit my Travel Resources page for even more ways to support the blog with your travel purchases.
What to Read Next
