Singular Culinary Experiences in the Sacred Valley

Singular Culinary Experiences in the Sacred Valley

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN SACRED VALLEY IN PERU

Most tourists in Peru go straight from Cuzco to Machu Picchu without stopping. They miss what’s in between: the Sacred Valley where chefs take food and adventure to new heights. In the Sacred Valley chefs pick the region’s purple corn, local herbs (at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level) and 4,000 varieties of potato by the Andes mountains. Here, the earthy flavors are wholly different from ceviche, the coastal food for which Peru is globally known.

As you tour the sacred valley and explore Inca sites and local markets, take note of these places to eat in the Sacred Valley and elevate your Andean experience. It will be the highlight of your trip. Yummy!!!

Restaurants in Ollantaytambo

peru-culinary-principal

Chuncho

Located in the main square, it has a menu based on the flavors, ingredients and traditions of Ollantaytambo in the Urubamba valley and the Cusco region.
It mainly uses organic ingredients from its farm attached to the El Albergue hotel, while its bar makes the best cocktails in the region, using its own cañazo (a regional liquor made from sugar cane), whiskey and herbal liqueurs. The restaurant has phone charging stations built into the tables and a redesigned bar made from an old truck.

Phone: +51 979 797 638
Address: Chaupi Calle, Ollantaytambo 08676, Perú

El Albergue Restaurant & Café Mayu

Josefina Rimachi's hands are worth gold. The cook who gave temple to the menu of El Albergue Restaurant and who now runs the Chuncho stove, the successful traditional food proposal that Joaquín Randall inaugurated in 2018 in his native Ollantaytambo.
You will find a fusion menu with international dishes (homemade pastas, Ollanta’s best burger and a great brunch) with touches of the Andes (alpaca steak, tacu tacu). It’s a good place to set up a pachamanca lunch at their farm and you can also pick up coffee that they roast on-site, have a local beer while waiting for a train, or pick up a lunch box for Machu Picchu.

Phone: +51 84 204014
Address: Estación de Tren, Av. Ferrocarril 1, Ollantaytambo 08675, Perú

Pachar Taproom - Cervecería del Valle Sagrado

Just outside of Ollantaytambo, this tap room from the region’s best brewery has a menu of draft beers that are produced in the back (ask about a tour), like a red ale made with the seeds of the airampo cactus fruit and an American style pale ale, among others. They have a pub menu with dishes like yogurt fried chicken livers, a BBQ platter, and a few burgers.

Phone: 997-452-050
Address: Carretera Urubamba-Ollantaytambo

Places to eat in Urubamba

peru-culinary-Giancarlo-Aponte02

El Huacatay

Pío Vásquez's farm-to-table restaurant in an adobe building in Urubamba, which little by little has become one of the most creative cuisines in the region. It is not only a place where each dish is an experience for the senses, but also a refuge where the atmosphere and aesthetics are part of the charm.

Phone: +51 84 201790
Address: Jiron Arica 620, Urubamba, Valle Sagrado de los Incas.

Mercado Municipal

The products are more localized at Urubamba’s primary produce market than in Cusco’s Mercado San Pedro. Much of the produce is grown or foraged for in the Sacred Valley and tends to be highly seasonal, so ­­– aside of the standard tubers, corn, and chiles – you might see things here you rarely see elsewhere, like a wild curcubit called acocha or the red berry called capulí.

Address: Jiron Comercio Jiron Sucre, Urubamba Peru
Phone: +51 984 804

Mercado Municipal

The products are more localized at Urubamba’s primary produce market than in Cusco’s Mercado San Pedro. Much of the produce is grown or foraged for in the Sacred Valley and tends to be highly seasonal, so ­­– aside of the standard tubers, corn, and chiles – you might see things here you rarely see elsewhere, like a wild curcubit called acocha or the red berry called capulí.

Address: Jiron Comercio Jiron Sucre, Urubamba Peru
Phone: +51 984 804

Where to eat in Moray

MIL restaurant (Chef Virgilio Martinez)

The experience focuses on eating at 11,700 ft. above sea level. But Mil, Virgilio Martínez's space overlooking the archaeological complex of the Moray terraces, is much more: it is an interpretation center based on complicity with two Andean communities, whose knowledge of the area and the products and their field work become inspiration and 'mise en place' to develop a tasting menu based on high altitude ecosystems.

Each plate and drink pairing aims to tell the stories of the roots, tubers, legumes, fruits and aromatic herbs and the cultures that help bring them to life. Their 8-course tasting menu includes all ingredients Virgilio has discovered at an elevation of 11,706 feet above sea level.

You can learn about Chef Virgilio Martínez and watch on Netflix's Chef Table or National Geographic’s Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, and you’ll start to get the jest of his unbridled passion for native Peruvian ingredients.

Good to know: As for September 2021, the restaurant is not open to the public on a regular basis, as they used to. They will only be attending to special requests.

Phone: 51 926 948 088
Reservations: reservas@milcentro.pe

Restaurant in Pisac

Hornos Coloniales

In one corner of the main square in Pisac and elsewhere in the city there are several colonial-style clay ovens, such as the Horno Colonial San Francisco, which dates back to 1830. Most bake empanadas and breads, although several also cook guinea pig ( guinea pig) and potatoes in the ovens.

Pumachayoc Horno Colonial

This is the only "colonial oven" or traditional oven in Pisac that mixes its own artisan flours that come from the surrounding Andean communities.

Run by Ernestina, her son Federico, and daughter-in-law Scarlet, this is a family business with a love for local culture and traditions. The focus is on organic produce made with local ingredients and the house specialty is empanada, a type of puff pastry that is filled with a selection of sweet and savory fillings cooked in a traditional clay oven.

Good to know: You can also take an empanadas class which is a fun activity for both adults and families traveling with children.
Address: Av. Federico Zamalloa S/N, Pisac
Phone: (+51) 84 203 120

Restaurants in Aguas Calientes

Chullpi

The sister restaurant of the Cusco restaurant of the same name by José Luján Vargas. The menu is quite similar, the Chullpi Machu Picchu is a modern and minimalist restaurant that is known for the delicious food it serves. Situated in an off-the-beaten-path location and bequeathing visitors with views of the train tracks, this restaurant is a one-of-a-kind place to enjoy a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Excellent service and very reasonable prices.

Address: Avenida Imperio de los Incas 140.
Phone: +51 84 211350

Café Inkaterra

The relaxed atmosphere of this upscale hotel restaurant makes it one of the best establishments in the city. Both an experience and a destination, Café Inkaterra offers an intimate setting overlooking the Vilcanota River. It is the ideal place for travelers to relax, away from the crowds, after visiting the ancient Citadel of Machu Picchu and waiting for their train after check out. The prices are almost the same as in other restaurants in the city, but the quality of the Andean novo menu is quite good. Dishes jump between perfectly prepared Peruvian classics like lomo saltado (sautéed beef and potatoes) and casual international dishes like lasagna or burgers. The tea comes from the property's plantation.

Phone: 084/211-122
 Address: Km 10, Línea Férrea Cusco-Quillabamba

Go beyond the plate to experience the day-to-day life of the local communities and explore this peaceful corner of the Andes with colonial towns and isolated weaving villages. Check our Culinary Tours in Peru.

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Updated Information and Travel Requirements to visit Peru

peru in luxury island encabezado

Updated Information and Travel Requirements to visit Peru

Many people are eager to start planning travel after receiving their COVID vaccine. And countries are once again open to international visitors—typically, with fewer entry requirements for those who are fully vaccinated. There is still a lot to consider before traveling.

peru culinary principal

Important Update for travelers arriving in Peru this November

  • All cities are on a ‘moderate level of alert’. The daily curfew from 2 am to 4 am.
 
  • The use of a mask is mandatory throughout the country, as well as the use of double masks in closed places, such as airports, shopping centers, banks, supermarkets, among others.
 
  • The use of beaches is allowed in some regions including Lima, Tumbes, and Piura.
 
  • Since July 15th, 2021, it is again possible to buy permits for the 4/3 day-trek and 5/4 day-trek Inca trail. 
 
  • Since October 11th it is possible to buy authorizations for 2022.

For more information on the new rules for the Inca trail as well as visits to Machu Picchu check out our page on New Rules to visit Machu Picchu.  

peru-active-adventure-train dance

Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers:

  • The border to Peru is open.
 
  • Travelers from South Africa or who have made a stopover in South Africa in the last 14 days are still not allowed to enter Peruvian territory until October 31st.
 
  • You will need to show a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test, issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the plane to Lima. We recommend double-checking the entry requirements with your airline before flying.
 
  • Full vaccination no longer waives the need to get a PCR test (as was previously announced). It is necessary for all travelers over the age of 12 to present a negative result from a PCR test.
 
  • It is no longer necessary to go into a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
 
 
  • Children under the age of 12 only need to present a medical certificate of good health upon arrival in Peru.
 
  • Currently, all land borders are temporarily closed, thus suspending arrival to Peru by land.
 
  • You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance.

Travel guidelines continue to change, so travelers should check their destination country’s official government websites—and the CDC website—regularly before and during any trip.

Contact Us if you have any questions or if you want to start planning your trip for 2022.

Machu Picchu Entry and NEW Regulations (As of November 2021)

travel to peru

Machu Picchu Entry and NEW Regulations (As of November 2021)

Peru Tourism

Find travel guidelines, recommendations, and updated information to visit Machu Picchu.

  • The current daily capacity for Machu Picchu is 2244 spaces. During the pandemic, this maximum capacity was reduced to 40% (897 spaces). Capacity has gone up to 100% again. This is subject to change according to changes in alert levels in the future. We strongly recommend travelers planning to visit Machu Picchu to buy their tickets ASAP since availability has become rather limited.
 
  • Temperature will be taken before entry, visitors registering more than 37.5°C (99.5° F) or more won’t be allowed to enter the site.
 
  • Groups will have a maximum of 9 (8 visitors and a guide).
 
  • Children under 3 years of age do not need to pay an entrance fee. Children aged between 3 and 17 years can pay a reduced entrance fee. The reduced student rate only applies to 18 to 25-year-olds who can present a university student card (the ISIC Card is not valid).
 
  • During the Machu Picchu tour, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) between visitors is suggested, and for groups, at least 20 meters (66 ft).
 
  • The visit has a maximum duration of 4 hours.
 
  • Wearing of a mask is compulsory during the entire visit to Machu Picchu.
 
  • To comply with safety and health protocols throughout the travel experience, measures to keep social distancing have been implemented. Socially distanced markings on the floor for the waiting line to board the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu can now be found. At train stations, one seat has to remain empty between passengers.
 
  • Antibacterial hand gel is available at train and bus stations, etc.
peru-active-adventure-train dance

About PeruRAil and IncaRail

  • PeruRail and IncaRail have resumed their operation on November 1st 2020. Both companies have implemented safety protocols.
 
  • All passengers must show their ID along with their digital boarding pass.
 
  • Boarding will be done exclusively by means of showing your digital boarding pass (on your smartphone).
 
  • Before boarding the trains, the symptomatology form must be submitted in digital format, through a sworn statement. In the case of children under 14 years old, they may only travel with at least one of their parents/guardians. Find the sworn statement for each rail company:
 
  • General Form: Peru Rail / Inca Rail
 
  • Children under 14 years old: Peru Rail / Inca Rail
 
  • Over 65 years old: Peru Rail / Inca Rail
 
  • Wearing of a mask and a face shield on board is compulsory.
 
  • Temperature checks will be carried out on board.
 
  • As of November 29th, 2020, the new capacity of the trains has been upped to 100%.
 
  • Consuming food onboard is not permitted.
 
  • The Hiram Bingham train will only operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until June 30th, 2022.

Hours & Admissions

  • Visits to Machu Picchu begin at 06:00 am. The site closes at 05:30 pm.
 
  • There are 9 visit slots from Monday to Sunday, the first from 6:00 am to 7:00 am and the last from 2:00 pm through 3:00 pm.
 
  • Visitors should take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu max. 30 minutes before the start of the assigned visitation time slot.
 
  • As you see in the picture below, signage and floor markings allow for compliance with social distancing.
 
  • Wearing of a mask during your visit is compulsory.
 
  • Due to the limited number of tickets to Machu Picchu on sale, we recommend you first check slot availability and based on that look for a suitable train frequency.
 
  • Entrance availability can be checked online here.

Shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Similar to the trains, the capacity of the shuttle buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and vice-versa is 100%. Wearing a mask and a face shield on board is compulsory.

Admission to the Inca Trail

  • Since July 15th, 2021, it is again possible to buy permits for the 4/3 and 5/4 Inca trail. From October 11th, it will possible to buy permits for 2022.
  • For the 2-day and 4-day Inca Trail, the maximum number of hikers joining a group is 7, while for the remainder of options there can be 8 hikers in a group without considering the guide or porter. In total, the maximum number of visitors per group can be 25 people consisting of 8 tourists, 1 guide, and 10-16 support people (such as porters).
  • Before starting the hike, visitors must sign an affidavit of health found here.
  • Body temperature checks will be made at the starting point as well as at different checkpoints throughout the trial

Currently, the Inca trail is run at 50% capacity:

 

For the 4-day Inca Trail there are 250 spaces at a time

For the 2-day Inca Trail there are 125 spaces at a time

From 2022 the Inca Trail should run at 100% capacity with up to 10 hikers per group.

 

Access to Wayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain

The new rules for Machu Picchu also include guidelines for visits to Wayna Picchu and ‘Machu Picchu Mountain’ which have both already opened to visitors again.

 

Machu Picchu Mountain has 400 spaces a day distributed into 2 entrance times: 06:00 a.m. and 08:00 a.m.

 

Wayna Picchu has 200 spaces a day distributed into 4 entrance times: 06:00 a.m., 08;00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 pm.

Contact Us if you have any questions or if you want to start planning your trip for 2022. It is key to book in advance to guarantee your visit to Machu Picchu and secure your accommodations. 

Best Places to visit in Peru

Best Places to visit in Peru

Peru is one of the most visited countries of South America. It has many archaeological centers, dreamy natural and scenic sites, majestic pre-Columbian and colonial temples, ancestral pre-Inca and Inca palaces, colonial architecture and extraordinary gastronomy. Also Peru has excellent medicinal waters, biodiversity, traditional towns, millenary culture, fine textiles, varied handicrafts ... and the greatest living culture in South America.


Machu Picchu is a must-see destination, but Peru is also home to Kuelap and Chavin de Huantar, Caral and Chan Chan, the Nasca Lines, Sipan and so much more. In this article we mention the best destinations to visit in Peru but bear in mind that there is much more to visit and do.

Machu Picchu

The lost city of the Incas is one of the seven wonders of the world and it is the most essential place to visit in Peru. This ancient Inca citadel remained hidden among the mountains and thick vegetation for centuries, until it was discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Machu Picchu is located about 130 kilometers from Cusco, above 2500 meters of altitude between the peaks Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, two magnificent viewpoints of the ruins, to which you can climb.

The most mystical and spectacular way to get there is by doing the Inca trail, traveling the more than 40 kilometers that in 4 days, through incredible roads and steps of ancient stones, lush forests, valleys and mountains wrapped in dense fog, will take us even the dream of many travelers.

Another way to get to the old citadel is to start at a point closer to Machu Picchu, which will save us 2 days of walking, or take a train to Aguascalientes that will be your home base to explore Machu Picchu.

Keep in mind that there is a limited number of tickets to visit Machu Picchu per day and they sell out quickly, so you have to book as far in advance as possible.

Cuzco

Another place to visit in Peru is Cuzco. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is one of the most beautiful cities in America and our favorite in Peru. This ancient capital of the Inca Empire preserves very few buildings from this time, although in some of the colonial buildings you can see Inca remains on its walls, such as the twelve-angle stone. Cuzco is the city where people fly to visit Machu Picchu and also the beautiful Sacred Valley.

The Plaza de Armas in Cuzco is the epicenter of the city, in which its cathedral stands out, a place chosen by many inhabitants to spend a few hours in the afternoon, enjoying the life of Cuzco.

Other of the great attractions of the city is to walk through the beautiful artisan neighborhood of San Blas, get lost in the San Pedro market, see the Inca remains of the Temple of the Moon or enter the Santo Domingo Convent, built on the Temple of the sun.

If you have more time, it is well worth doing a walking route to see the Inca ruins of Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenqo and the spectacular fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which are very close to the city of Cuzco.

Sacred Valley

Between Písac and Ollantaytambo, on the banks of the Urubamba River, is the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to its climate and geography, this fertile valley was one of the main sources of food supply of the Inca empire where the archaeological ruins of several Inca settlements remain and where you can also visit several traditional towns from the colonial era.

One of the most popular places to visit in the Sacred Valley is Pisac’s artisan market and the Inca archaeological remains.

Other essential places to visit are the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the town of Chinchero, the salt mines of Maras and Moray, an agricultural research centers of the Inca empire.

Titicaca Lake

Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is located very close to the city of Puno at 3,800 meters of altitude. This immense lake, in which its calm blue waters blend into the sky, is one of the most essential places to visit in Peru.

To tour the lake and visit the islands of Uros and Taquile from Puno you can take a boat in the port. The houses and most of the articles are made of reeds, and you can even sail on a reed boat and although we generally found it a very touristy visit, we believe that it is worth knowing its history and its community.

Another island that can be visited is the Island of Taquile, more than two hours by boat from Puno, where you can also spend the night on the island sleeping in one of its neighbors' houses.

The Colca Canyon

Typical Andean vegetation surrounds one of the deepest canyons in the world: The Colca Canyon. This is the perfect setting for extreme sports as well as relaxing horseback riding, all under the watchful gaze of the monarch of these skies, the condor. Horseback riding itineraries usually begin at the Cruz del Condor viewing point, from where it is possible to appreciate the full splendor of the canyon.

Iquitos – The Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon can be reached from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. Puerto Maldonado is more accessible and cheaper than Iquitos, although over time it has become a tourist attraction that can distort the true image of the vast and wild Amazon.

Iquitos can only be reached by plane from Lima, so being in a more remote place will allow you to experience the most authentic Amazon, although as we mentioned earlier, the price is more expensive.

In this area, the lodges are located in the middle of the Amazon jungle and all offer a transfer service in small rafts from Iquitos, although the journey can last several hours.

The days in the lodge will be spent enjoying nature, taking walking routes through the jungle to see the fauna and flora, other times you will raft through its narrow rivers and at night, there are many tours to see the nocturnal animals.

Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands

This national reserve forms a unique ecosystem in the world, which combines a desert area with a great marine diversity due to the great abundance of food in the form of plankton.

We highly recommend visiting this protected natural area with a guide, especially places such as the red beach, the fossil deposits, the fauna and the archaeological remains of the ancient Paracas Culture who will give you so much knowledge and understanding of the history of this area of the country.

Very close to Paracas is another of the places to visit in Peru, the Ballestas Islands, small rocky islands where colonies of of Humboldt penguins and other animals can be witnessed from boats.

Arequipa, known as the white city and built above 2,000 meters of altitude, in the desert mountains of the Andes, is together with Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in Peru, dominated by white volcanic stone houses, which together with the historic center were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Our favorite place in Arequipa is Santa Catalina monastery, a small citadel with beautiful streets, houses and cloisters where you can get lost for hours.

Other must-visit in Arequipa is the Plaza de Armas with its Cathedral, the Church of the Company and its cloisters, the Casa del Moral and the Carmen Alto or Yanahuara viewpoint, with magnificent visits to the city and the Misti volcano.

Huacachina Oasis

This spectacular Chilean national park offers some of the best trekking in the world. Here, you will spend up to 8 hours a day hiking in the wild, but with some of the world’s most stunning viewpoints, there is no way you’ll get bored. For the W trek some hiking experience is highly recommended. (This is the big difference with the treks to Fitz Roy Mountain where there are many trekking opportunities for people of all ages and no experience is needed).

The best time to visit Chilean Patagonia is November to early March (summertime in the southern hemisphere). Although you'll compete with heavy crowds during this peak season, the weather is ideal for exploring Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego. The W Trek in Torres del Paine is undoubtedly one of the best treks in Patagonia. This “W” shaped hiking trail highlights the best of Torres del Paine National Park, including Grey glacier, the French Valley and the Towers’ Base Viewpoint.

Nazca Lines

One of the great archaeological mysteries of history is found in the arid Nazca desert. Between 700 BC and 200 AD the Nazca culture developed in this area, in which its inhabitants created the Nazca Lines, removing the red stones and leaving the white sandstone underneath, thus forming huge geoglyphs with human, animal or geometric figures. The only way to see the figures is to fly over the Nazca lines by plane from its small airport located near the town of Nazca.

Other visits that are very worthwhile in Nazca, is the Chauchilla Cemetery, a necropolis from pre-Inca times, which is a perfect complement to the overflight of the Nazca Lines.

A good way to learn about the great history of Lima, Cusco and the surrounding Inca ruins, is to book tours with one of our local guides. They are engaging and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their culture and their history. The guides make the difference and are responsible for all the unforgettable experiences that you will have in Peru.

We offer tailor-made holidays to Peru and other countries in South America. Tell us your interests, preferred travel dates and we will design your ideal trip. We handle all the details from start to finish. All you do is show up!

CHECK OUR BEST SELLER TRIPS TO PERU

Contact us for questions or further information or if you are looking for local experts who can help you planning your trip.

Other recomended destinations:

PATAGONIA

URUGUAY

CHILE

BUENOS AIRES

BOLIVIA

BRAZIL

Best Restaurants to eat in Lima

Best Restaurants to eat in Lima

Peruvian food, one of the most successful gastronomies in the world, confirmed that it is not just a fad. The Peruvian capital is the only one that has two gastronomic strongholds among the top 15 on the planet. In addition, it adds nine among the best half hundred in Latin America.

Thus, Lima is established as the main regional destination for lovers of good food. Central (ranked 4), Maido (13) and Astrid & Gastón (30) are the stars of this unstoppable ascent. It seems incredible, but until 2010 no Peruvian was on the list of the 50 best, chosen by almost a thousand experts from around the world. One of the keys has been experimentation with the country's generous biodiversity, testing and disseminating new Andean and Amazonian products.

Below you will find our suggested list of best restaurants in Lima. Keep in mind that all the restaurants mentioned by our team are exceptional. But it is important that you read our thoughts and comments since some restaurants are for people with a more adventurous palate and do not mind not being used to certain flavors while others are more traditional places with typical Peruvian dishes and familiar flavors.

What are some of your favorite Lima restaurants? Let us know in the comments!

Central

If you want to experience a truly evening of dining and if you have an adventurous flavor palette, you will appreciate Central. The flagship restaurant of Peruvian chef, Virgilio Martinez offers an innovative tasting menu that ranges between 11 to 17 courses ( estimated USD 160 per person – drinks pairing menu are available separately). Each course at Central corresponds to a specific altitude, highlighting the ingredients that are native to that area. From sea level in Lima to the high Andes of Cusco, the rage of ingredients is both intriguing and rewarding.

Tip: Central is world renowned and justifiably so. Please note that reservations only open up three months prior and fill up very quickly. For this reason, reservations for Central must be made far in advance.

Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco. Phone: (+51 1) 242-8515

Kjolle

Owned by Pia León, the best chef in Latin America, Kjolle is considered one of the best restaurants of Lima. It is possible to eat à la carte, but we recommend that you go for the eight-course tasting menu, which mainly showcases ingredients from the Peruvian Amazon. In the tasting menu, find ingredients such as olluco ( a tuber similar to a potato), kiwicha (similar to quinoa) and tumbo (banana passionfruit). If you order à la carte, try the paiche, an Amazonian fish with yuca, cocona (an Amazon fruit) and mishkina (Amazonian spices).

Tip: Like Central, this is a restaurant that is excellent for people who have an adventurous palette, have an appreciation for art and design and want to experience a truly unique dinning experience. This restaurant is not a good option for you if you are expecting familiar flavors and if you have a small appetite.

Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Phone: (+51 1) 242-8575

Maido (Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food)

For a multi-sensory dining experience, Maido (by acclaimed chef Mitsuharu Tsumura) is an excellent choice. Maido makes use of the fresh ingredients from the sea using Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavors. Peru has the second-largest Japanese group in the diaspora located in South America, which is why Japanese food and culinary techniques have strongly influenced the traditional Peruvian cooking style.

A very popular dish at Maido, tiradito, is a favorite for Lima’s residents. While the main ingredients are quite simple — thinly sliced fish — Maido sauce makes this dish exquisite. Adventurous eaters can also try the tasting menu for a wide variety of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. Nigiris, seafood stew, guinea pig and leche de tigre are some of the possible bites on the tasting menu.

Tip: You don’t need to order the full Nikkei tasting experience. Reservations open two months prior and we recommend booking as early as possible.

Address: San Martin 399, Miraflores. Phone: (+51 1) 313-5100

Astrid & Gaston

Astrid & Gaston, is among Lima’s top dining options. Peruvian chefs Astrid Gutsche and Gaston Acurio. Acurio left law school in his third year of study to pursue his real passion: food. He and Astrid met while he was studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and they moved to Peru to open a French restaurant.

The menu offered at Astrid & Gaston changes every six months, presenting innovative contrasts and compliments of colors, flavors and textures. Try their famous cuy pekines (Pekinese guinea pig) and Punch A&G, one of Lima’s best Pisco Punch cocktails.

Address: Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro. Phone: (+51 1) 442-2777

Mayta

Since 2008, Mayta has evolved into a top restaurant in Lima. The name Mayta comes from the indigenous language, Aymara, meaning “noble land”. An homage to Peru and its incredible biodiversity, Mayta represents the best of Peruvian cuisine.

Led by chef Jaime Pesaque, the menu covers some traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, but also expands into international territories. Besides ceviche, try the arroz con pato, rice with duck, a staple of Northern Peru, or risotto de chupe, a risotto with flavoring of an Arequipa favorite, spicy shrimp stew.

Mayta also has one of the best pisco bars in Lima. Try the classic pisco sour, a chilcano or any number of specialties of the house.

Address: Av. La Mar 1285, Miraflores, Phone: (+51) 937-220-734 and (+51 1) 422-6708

Isolina

Isolina is one of the best restaurants in Barranco, Lima’s bohemian neighborhood. One of the best traditional Peruvian restaurants, Isolina revives techniques and flavors long lost to time.

Best known for their stews, chilcanos and old tavern feel, Isolina’s chef, José del Castillo, followed in his mother’s footsteps to create his own restaurant. His mother, Isolina Vargas, was the proud restaurateur of La Red, a staple of Lima’s culinary scene from 1981 to 2009. Castillo opened Isolina in her honor, reviving recipes of Lima’s past.

Dishes like cau cau con sangrecita, a tripe and potato stew with blood sausage, and guiso de mollejas, a chicken sweetbread stew, are among the unique options at Isolina. Fans of more typical food options can try their version of lomo saltado, a beef stir-fry, or seco de asado de tira, a cilantro and beef stew. Keep in mind the main dishes are massive, with plenty to share between 3 people.

Address: Av. San Martín 101, Barranco. Phone: (+51 1) 247 5075

La Mar

Gaston Acurio's cebichería is one of the most popular lunch spots in Lima. Decor is minimal, but the menu offers a wide selection of delicious seafood dishes. Start with a ceviche tasting (various types of fish or shellfish marinated in lemon juice) or a chalana de causa (various appetizers of mashed potatoes filled with seafood and mayonnaise). Then try the spicy seafood (seafood sauteed in a spicy cream sauce) or one of the catch of the day.

Tip: The portions are large and can be shared. The place does not accept reservations, it is first come first serve.

Address: Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores, Phone: (+51 1) 421-3365.

Cala

Cala is one of the few dining options facing the sea in Lima with a privileged view. The kitchen offers an innovative selection of Peruvian nouveau cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Signature dishes include grilled grouper served with olive gazpacho, lamb ravioli with pumpkin confit, and grilled tuna over polenta. The desserts are also excellent; try the lucuma tiramisu made with a fruit found only in Peru.

Address: Playa Barranquito, Circuito de Playas, Barranco. Phone: (+51-01) 477-2020.

Maras

Piqueras' flagship restaurant was named after the famous Maras salt mines, near Cusco. It is located inside the Westin Hotel in the ritzy neighborhood of San Isidro. The restaurant's design is contemporary and the bar area, open terrace, main dining room, or dining privately at the chef's table are worth visiting.

Delight in the menu of Arroces y Pastas and try the delicate but impressive black rice, a juicy black rice with squid and grilled clams garnished with hints of saffron and smoked sweet paprika. Alternatively, try the famous oxtail, oxtail cylinders with sautéed spinach, mashed potatoes and vegetables with lemon verbena essence.

Address: Calle Amador Merino Reyna 589, San Isidro. Phone: (+51 1) 201-5023

El Bodegon

This restaurant is a small but mighty contender on this list of best restaurants in Lima. Big portions of classic dishes make this restaurant in Miraflores district, a great option for a hearty meal. Start with a pastel de choclo (a sweet corn pie), or causa con cangrejo (a spicy crab and mashed potato casserole). Classic entrees at El Bodegon are: aji de gallina ( a spicy chicken stew), and el lomito al jugo el Bodegon ( a beef stir-fry). For dessert order the chocolate cake or mille-feuille, two of the best desserts in Lima.

Address: Av. Tarapaca 197, Miraflores. Phone: (+51 1) 444-4704.

We hope you enjoy learning about the best restaurants in Lima. Make sure to check out our recommended Peru Tours

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!

Best Restaurants in Cusco

Best Restaurants in Cusco

Peru has one of the most exquisite and varied cuisines in the world. Chefs have had success adapting various varieties of indigenous ingredients while keeping the possibility of outside food influences open.
The cuisine of Peru is an invitation to discover fragrant flavors and smells that are as authentic as they are ancient. Andean cuisine is heated in a wood oven, the mud from the highlands brings together the smells and flavors associated with it. Meats, tubers, grains, and herbs are used in a wide variety of simple but delicious dishes.
Cusco food is characterized not only by its flavor and the masterful combination of typical Andean products of the region, but also by being one of the living expressions of Peruvian culture.

Pachapapa

The Pachapapa Restaurant in the city of Cusco is located in the Plazoleta de San Blas, a bohemian and very popular neighborhood in the historic capital of the Inca Empire. This busy place offers traditional flavors of Cusco regional food without losing the traditional touch, that is why the food is cooked in clay pots and wood-fired stone ovens.
There are different rooms, from the charming interior spaces and its large outdoor terrace, you have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes such as Pachamanca, Causa Stuffed with smoked trout, which arrives covered in avocado, tomato and bathed in mayonnaise between layers of seasoned yellow potatoes with chili. Occasionally, you might be surprised by a live Peruvian band playing traditional music for a treat.

Good to know: One of the best dish of Pachapapa is the Anticucho de Alpaca. It consists of small pieces of meat (the richest are from the heart), seasoned with chili, skewered by a straw and then roasted over charcoal. The word anticucho comes from Quechua language: Kucho is cutting, cutting, art and action of cutting.

Pachapapa: Traditional Peruvian Cuisine.
Address: Plazoleta San Blas 120, Cusco
Reservations: +51 84 241318
Good to know: Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.

MAP CAFÉ

The MAP Café menu covers a gastronomic itinerary of ancient indigenous products, such as quinoa, kiwicha or the incomparable Andean potatoes, reinterpreted in creations that, without neglecting their Andean roots, take on a cosmopolitan and innovative sense. You can't miss the grilled alpaca loin, served with Andean tuber cake, grilled asparagus, fresh asparagus salad ; or the sealed lamb steak with creamy green bean puree, citrus-braised onions, liquid corn croquettes, feta cheese and confit cherry tomato.
Good to know: Our team strongly recommends all who visit Cusco to visit this gem and heritage of the Imperial City: The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. The MAP offers its visitors a complete trip, which includes not only the Inca cultural legacy but also a first class gastronomic experience.

MAP CAFÉ: International New-Andean Style Haute Cuisine;
Reservations: +51 84 242476
Address: Nazarenas 231, Cusco
Good to know: As of September 2021 the restaurant is temporarily closed for the prevention of covid-19.

LIMO

Limo enjoys one of the best locations of any restaurant in Cusco, on the upper floor of an ancient colonial building overlooking the gorgeous Plaza de Armas itself. Inside is divided into a Pisco bar, main restaurant and balcony area, all sharing relaxing and tasteful décor.

Good to know: The ceviche is fresh, and the small plates are simply excellent.

Limo – Novo Andino (Peruvian- Japanese fusion);
Reservations: +51 (0)84 424 068
Address: 2nd Floor, 236 Portal de Carnes, Plaza de Arma, Cusco

Organika

Located in the historic center five minutes from the Plaza de Armas, Organica is an organic and healthy restaurant that serves fresh food prepared with products harvested from its own farm located in Urubamba, the Sacred Valley. It's a cozy little restaurant that's always busy (and for good reason). Organica is a must see when venturing through Cusco.

Good to Know: Bear in mind that not all dishes are vegetarian, meat and fish options are also available. We really like: vegetarian lasagna, organic salad, fettuccine pesto, and healthy plant extracts.

Peruvian and International, Healthy Eating.
Address: Ataud 154, Cusco
Reservations: +51 84 772448

Chicha

Chicha is about regional food: the produce, traditions and culture from each location elevated with good culinary techniques, working with responsibility and by the hand of the local producers. The restaurant is located only one block from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and it is also another great spot for vegetarians and for those who love cocktails.

The menu is mostly Peruvian with staples such as causa – mashed native potatoes topped with trout, avocado, quail’s egg and hot red pepper; ceviche; adobo – a rich meat stew; and, of course, guinea pig. Even the more cosmopolitan pizza includes alpaca in its topping. I can recommend the grilled octopus with pickled radish and micro herbs and the pork chicharron with native potato fries, “giant corn” and fresh herb huacatay sauce. It is a huge, well-cooked portion that would satisfy even the healthiest of appetites.

Good to know: This is one of the most reasonable restaurants of legendary Gaston Acurio.
Phone: +51 (0)84 240 520/240 717
Address: 261 Plaza Regocijo, 2nd floor, Cusco

Uchu

Ucho is located near the beautiful Plaza Nazarenas, home to four of the most charming, luxurious and exclusive hotels in Cusco. If you are lucky enough to stay here, take a short walk down the hill from the plaza and slide into the modest courtyard that leads to this "steakhouse".

Don't expect to run into great steaks. The food is primarily Peruvian - entrees include causes, as well as a variety of classic ceviche dishes. All delicious. The main attraction is the generous entrees of various types of fish, meat and seafood, served on heavy slabs of volcanic stone.

Good to know: Very reasonable prices and generous servings.
Address: 135 Calle Palacio, Cusco
Opening Hours: daily from 12:30pm to 11pm
Reservations: +51 (0)84 246 598; uchu@cuzcodining.com

Morena Peruvian Cuisine

Morena stands out among the best restaurants in Cusco as one that specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant serves delicious and nutritious food from all over Peru, showcasing the diversity of Peruvian cuisine. Morena’s menu will take you on a culinary journey from the coast to the Amazon and up to the Andes.

Good to know: There are many vegetarian options.

Reservations: +51 84 265409
Address: 348-B Calle Plateros Cusco

Kion Peruvian Chinese

Thanks to the enormous wave of Chinese immigrants that came to Peru at the beginning of the XX century, today we can enjoy this unique food that combines the best flavors of both Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, which is so popular among local Peruvians and tourists alike. The best restaurant in Cusco to try this fusion is Kion. Impressive food presentation, beautiful interior, and flavors you will remember long after your trip.

Good to know: order several dishes to share.
Reservations: +51 84 431862; kion@cuscorestaurants.com
Address: : Calle Triunfo 370, 2nd floor, Cusco

Before you travel to Cuzco

Cuzco is 11,154 feet above sea level. If you are arriving from Lima, which is at sea level, it is recommended that you refrain from eating highly spicy foods *, as this can be a factor in the feeling of altitude sickness or "soroche". It is also recommended to drink only bottled water. The main restaurants in Cuzco can prepare typical or traditional meals with a low content of seasonings and fats at the request of tourists. Given the height of the city, the digestion of food may take longer than normal.

* The first day you arrive in Cusco we recommend that you avoid alcohol and big heavy meals. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. * Spend a couple of days in Cuzco to settle in and prepare for your trip to Machu Picchu.

We hope you enjoy learning about the best restaurants in Cuzco. Make sure to check out our recommended Trips to Peru

Contact us to start planning your own dream trip today!