Your Cusco trip is an adventure for the soul, but it should also be a feast for the palate. Andean cuisine is a reflection of its history and diversity, combining ancient ingredients with colonial influences. At Machu Picchu Exploration, we believe that trying local food is an essential part of cultural immersion. Here are the typical dishes you should look for and where to find them.
The Reign of Corn: Choclo con Queso (Corn with Cheese) and Cancha Serrana (Serrano Corn)
Corn (choclo) is the heart of the Andean diet. Forget the sweet version; in Cusco, corn is large, white, and served in a variety of ways:
- Choclo con Queso (Choclo with Cheese): Boiled tender corn, served with chunks of fresh Andean cheese. It’s a popular snack you’ll find in markets and on your Sacred Valley tour.
- Cancha Serrana (Serrano Corn): Roasted corn kernels without oil, served as an appetizer. It’s the Andean alternative to popcorn!
High-Altitude Dishes: Andean Powerhouse
To combat the cold and altitude, Cusco cuisine offers hearty dishes full of flavor:
- Cusco Adobo: A hearty pork stew marinated in chicha de jora (a fermented corn drink), yellow chili pepper, and spices. It’s traditionally served piping hot for breakfast, especially on Sundays, to warm the body.
- Chairo: A mountain soup made with lamb or beef, Andean potatoes, fava beans, and the special touch of chuño (dehydrated potato). It’s the perfect dish to recover after a day of exploration.
Traditional Flavors: Guinea Pig and Fresh Trout
If you’re looking for an authentic and traditional culinary experience, these are your must-haves:
- Cuy Chactado (Fried Guinea Pig): Considered a ceremonial delicacy since Inca times, it’s usually served fried and crispy, accompanied by potatoes and sauces.
- Grilled Trout: This fresh fish is caught from the rivers and lagoons of the Andes. It’s a light and delicious dish, popular in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), and ideal before or after your Machu Picchu full-day tour from Cusco.
Where to Try Authentic Cuisine?
San Blas Central Market (San Pedro): Try the local menu at affordable prices and experience everyday Cusco life.
- Quinta Restaurants: Quintas are traditional restaurants outside the tourist center, perfect for trying guinea pig or chicha. Ask your guide for a local recommendation.
- Cooking Classes: Join a class to learn how to prepare Causa Rellena or Lomo Saltado, bringing the taste of Peru home with you.
The Culinary Adventure with Machu Picchu Exploration
At Machu Picchu Exploration, our private guide Machu Picchu tours often include strategic stops at local markets or family-run restaurants. Our goal is to make your Cusco trip a complete sensory experience.
