Cusco food tour
CUSCO FOOD TOUR - Most visit the timeless city of Cusco to explore the Incan history. But beyond the Inca stonework and old Spanish balconies, lies one of Peru's best culinary cities. The scent of charcoal, corn, and slow-cooked pork drifts through streets that have been feeding people for centuries. This is a city where empires overlap, and nowhere is that more obvious than on the plate.
Our Cusco food tour traces a route through the historic centre, weaving between plazas, backstreets, markets and local eateries over four hours and 15+ tastings. Youβll try pan con lomito β a stir-fried beef sandwich that speaks directly to the countryβs Chinese heritage β before spooning up arroz chaufa, where wok-fired rice carries the unmistakable imprint of Cantonese technique adapted to Andean ingredients. Traditional trout ceviche cuts clean and sharp, pulled from cold mountain waters rather than the Pacific, dressed with citrus and chilli in a high-altitude twist on Peruβs most famous dish.
Thereβs comfort here too like Causa limeΓ±a, layers of potato, chilli, and tuna, tamales steamed in husks, papa rellena crisped and golden, and butifarra sandwiches stacked with pork and salsa criolla.
There's more too. Rocoto relleno brings heat and depth, its stuffed pepper brought by colonial kitchens. And traditional cuy, roasted guinea pig, an Andean classic so important to Peru's culinary history it's painted onto the table of the Last Supper in the city's cathedral. Sign off on a sweet note with classic fried picarones, fried purple dough sweetened with syrup and eaten hot and crisp.
This isnβt fine dining. Itβs an authentic look and Cusco's traditional Andean cuisine through the eyes of a local tastemaker.
Why this tour is awesome
Cuscoβs food scene is a complex blend of influencers from Inca staples, colonial Spain, Chinese technique, and Amazonian ingredients which all collide here.
With 15+ tastings over four hours, this isnβt a light introduction. Itβs a deep dive into the authentic food scene of the city from highland soups and street-side sandwiches to Andean soups and wok-fried rice.
What makes this tour stand out is the detail. Not just what youβre eating, but why it exists. Why Chinese cooking techniques became part of Peruvian identity. Why corn here looks and tastes nothing like anywhere else. Why a guinea pig ends up at the centre of a religious painting.
Your guide
A proud CusqueΓ±a, Cristina brings a warm and welcoming energy to every tour. She enjoys connecting with guests and introducing them to the flavours, markets, and daily rhythms of Cusco through a localβs perspective.
Your guide
Nataly is passionate about Cuscoβs food scene, from traditional Andean dishes to hidden local favourites. She loves guiding guests through the cityβs flavours, uncovering the spots and bites that most visitors would never find on their own.
Your guide
Born in Cusco, Teddy is fascinated by the cityβs rich history and cultural layers. He brings the past to life through engaging stories, connecting Cuscoβs food and traditions to its Inca and colonial heritage.
Your guide
Born and raised in Cusco, Alcira has a deep connection to the cityβs Andean roots and traditions. She loves sharing the stories behind local dishes and ingredients, helping guests understand the cultural heritage that shapes everyday life in Cusco.
Join our daily 15+ tasting tour of Cusco
Led by one of our Cusco tastemakers
Try Peru's iconic causa limeΓ±a
Taste a Peruvian pork butifarra
The food heroes of Cusco
A crispy pastry salteΓ±a de carne
A trio of ceviche de trucha, Peruvian seafood rice, and causa limeΓ±a
Explore Cusco's food scene with 15+ tastings over 4 hours
Taste cuy, an Andean classic
Pair with local drinks like purple corn chicha morada
Sign off with crispy Peruvian beignets
Includes
- Price US $65 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 15+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 11am - 3pm
- Guides Led by one of our superb Cusco food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Walking tour
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Pick up / drop off Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable as meat and seafood are used in 8-9 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and dairy are used in 13-14 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pescatarian Unsuitable as meat is used in 7-8 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pork Possible, though pork is used in 2-3 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Halal Unsuitable for a halal diet as no vendors are certified
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Unsuitable as gluten is present in 8-9 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Lactose intolerance Possible, though butter, milk or cheese is used in 4-5 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Possible, though peanuts are used in 1-2 tastings (out of 15 total). There are no known tree nuts
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Possible, though fish / seafood is used in 3-4 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join the Cusco food tour, use the calendar to select your date and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, pleaseΒ contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any allergies, pleaseΒ contact usΒ before booking.
What to expect
Our Cusco food tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food that locals eat. Itβs an easy-paced walking tour with plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way.
Meeting point
This Cusco food tour departs from outside theΒ Mercado Wanchaq market just east of the historical centre.Β It's easy to reach by taxi from most of the hotels in the city. There will be more details on your booking confirmation.Β
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps