Just like pretty much everywhere in Peru, you can find some seriously good food when you visit the area around Machu Picchu. Peru’s food scene is famous worldwide for dishes like lomo saltado, ají de gallina, causa rellena, and everyone’s favorite, ceviche. On your trip to see Machu Picchu, you’ll have chances to try these tasty dishes at different places. There are options that are easy on your wallet, as well as places offering a more upscale experience.
Eating Options During Your Machu Picchu Trip
Since Machu Picchu (located at about 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet above sea level) is almost 100 kilometers (around 62 miles) from the city of Cusco (sitting at about 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet), the place to have lunch or dinner when visiting is in the town nearby. The town often called Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the main hub for visitors and has lots of good restaurants.
Aguas Calientes, situated at a lower altitude than Cusco, around 2,040 meters (about 6,693 feet) above sea level, is packed with dining spots – over 100 of them! Most places feature Peruvian food, but you can also find Latin American, French, and Chinese options, plus pizza, coffee shops, and more. Some well-known spots include Indio Feliz, Tinkuy Buffet, Cala Tratoria, Café de París, Mapi Restaurant, and Ylla Fusion.
How Much Does Food Cost?
Restaurant prices in Aguas Calientes vary depending on the place and what’s on the menu. For example, the buffet lunch at the Tinkuy Buffet near the Machu Picchu entrance can cost around $40 USD. But don’t worry, there are places where you can eat for less. For instance, you can get a set meal (menu del día) at the town’s food market for around 8 Peruvian soles, which is about $3 USD. An average dish at a mid-range restaurant might cost somewhere between 30 to 35 soles (about $8 to $10 USD).
Budget-Friendly Places to Eat
If you’re looking to save some cash, Aguas Calientes has plenty of cheaper restaurants where you can still try classic Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, fried trout, or ceviche.
- Aguas Calientes Food Market: This is usually the most budget-friendly choice. You can get a set menu here for just 8 soles (around $3 USD). It’s located near the Main Square of Aguas Calientes (around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate cost: $3 USD
- Café de París: This is a popular bakery in Aguas Calientes. Coffee is pretty cheap, starting around $2 USD, and they have tasty cakes and pastries too. It’s located on Plazoleta Wiñaywayna in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $5 USD
- Julian Restaurant: A smaller place known for good Peruvian dishes at reasonable prices. People like their lomo saltado, ceviche, fried trout, and alpaca dishes. You can find it on Avenida Pachacutec Nº 601 in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $15 USD
- La Chuta: Another bakery option good for cakes, empanadas, pies, coffee, and juices. Prices are fair, and it’s a comfy spot, good for breakfast or a light dinner. Located on Calle Yawar Huaca Nº 107 in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $5 USD
More Popular Restaurants
Aguas Calientes also has some higher-quality and more well-known restaurants. Here, chefs often prepare classic Peruvian food alongside other Latin American and international dishes.
- Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant (at Sanctuary Lodge): This offers a nice buffet right next to the entrance to the Machu Picchu archaeological site itself. They serve Peruvian, South American, and American style food. It’s part of the fancy Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel located on Carretera Hiram Bingham Km. 7.5, near Machu Picchu (around 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet).
- Approximate cost: $40 USD
- El Indio Feliz: A famous spot in Aguas Calientes known for its great food and unique, quirky decor. Their menu has a good variety of Peruvian, Latin, and South American dishes. Find it on Calle Lloque Yupanqui 103 in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $30 USD
- El Mapi Restaurant (by Inkaterra): This is another popular buffet option run by the Inkaterra hotel group. They focus on Peruvian and South American cuisine and have a friendly bar area. Located on Avenida Pachacutec 109 in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $25 USD
- Ylla Fusion: Known for dishes that mix Peruvian food in interesting ways, they also have vegetarian choices. It’s said to have good service and nice views from its terrace. You can find it on Plaza Manco Cápac Nº 104 in Aguas Calientes.
- Approximate cost: $20 USD
What Peruvian Food to Try
Peru’s food is globally recognized as some of the best because it blends traditions from Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and other cuisines. The dishes are known for great flavor and smell.
- Ceviche: Often called Peru’s national dish. It’s made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, which cooks the fish. It’s usually mixed with things like sweet potato, onion, lettuce, and sometimes corn. The key is the strong, sour taste from the Peruvian lime.
- Lomo Saltado: A really popular dish with ties to Chinese cooking. It typically has stir-fried beef, onions, and tomatoes mixed with french fries, served with rice.
- Causa Rellena: This is a classic Peruvian starter. It’s like a layered mashed potato dish seasoned with lime and yellow chili, often filled with shredded chicken mixed with mayonnaise or avocado.
- Grilled Alpaca: While not eaten daily by most Peruvians, alpaca meat is common in tourist restaurants in the Andes. Alpaca is an animal similar to a llama that lives in the high mountains. When grilled, it’s often served like a steak.
- Fried Trout: A typical dish from the Andean region. Trout is a type of fish that tastes good and is often served simply fried with potatoes (or rice) and a side salad.
- Pizza: You’ll see lots of pizza places in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). It can be a nice change of pace. Many travelers like to have a slice with a cold Cusqueña beer.
Common Questions About Eating Near Machu Picchu
- Are there restaurants right at Machu Picchu? Most restaurants are down in the town of Aguas Calientes, about 10 kilometers (around 6 miles) away. This is where the train station is, so everyone goes through there. Right next to the Machu Picchu site entrance, there’s only one restaurant, part of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel.
- What’s considered the best restaurant? That really depends on what kind of food you like! Aguas Calientes has high-quality places serving Peruvian food, international dishes, or fusion styles. There are also plenty of pizzerias and cafes. Some popular spots mentioned include Tinkuy, El Indio Feliz, and Mapi Restaurant.
- Where can I eat the cheapest? The food stalls at the Aguas Calientes market are the most affordable option, with set meals costing about 8 Peruvian soles (less than $3 USD).
- What Peruvian dishes can I find? Lots of restaurants in Aguas Calientes specialize in Peruvian food. You can find dishes like ceviche (often trout ceviche since it’s common in the highlands), fried trout, baked guinea pig (cuy – though maybe harder to find in Aguas Calientes compared to Cusco), lomo saltado, grilled alpaca, and causa rellena.
- What’s the average cost per dish? Prices vary a lot, but for a decent quality dish at a mid-range place, you might expect to pay around 30 to 35 soles (about $8 to $10 USD).
- Where can I get pizza? Aguas Calientes has many pizzerias. Some well-known ones include Cala Tratoria, Full House, Mapacho, Palate Pizza & Burger Bar, and Inti House.
- Where can I find good ceviche? Ceviche is a must-try in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, you can find good ceviche, often made with trout, at restaurants like Indio Feliz, Julian Restaurant, Tinkuy, and Mapi Restaurant.
Where to Eat When Visiting Machu Picchu
When you’re traveling to Machu Picchu, you’ll find some great food options, just like in the rest of Peru. Peruvian food is considered one of the best cuisines in the world, famous for dishes like lomo saltado, ají de gallina, causa rellena, and especially ceviche. You can definitely try these delicious foods at different places during your trip. There are options for eating on a budget as well as places offering high-quality meals.
Since Machu Picchu is located about 100 kilometers (around 62 miles) from the city of Cusco (which sits at about 3,400 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level), you’ll likely eat lunch in the town right near the ruins. This town is called Aguas Calientes, and it’s the main spot for restaurants. Aguas Calientes is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, around 2,040 meters (about 6,693 feet) above sea level, which many travelers find a bit easier to breathe at.
Aguas Calientes has over 100 restaurants, mostly serving Peruvian food. But you can also find places with Latin American, French, Chinese food, pizza, coffee shops, and more. Some well-known restaurants there include Indio Feliz, Tinkuy Buffet, Cala Tratoria, Café de París, Mapi Restaurant, and Ylla Fusión, among others.
How Much Does Food Cost in Aguas Calientes?
Prices for food in Aguas Calientes vary depending on the restaurant and what’s on the menu. For instance, a buffet lunch at the Tinkuy Buffet, which is right near the Machu Picchu entrance, costs around $40 USD.
However, you can also find cheaper places to eat. For example, a set meal at the food market in town can cost as little as 8 Peruvian soles, which is roughly $3 USD.
Finding Budget-Friendly Eats
Aguas Calientes has plenty of inexpensive spots where you can try typical Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, fried trout, ceviche, and more without spending a lot.
- Aguas Calientes Food Market: This is usually the most budget-friendly option. You can get a set menu here for about 8 soles (around $3 USD).
- Location: Corner of the Main Square of Aguas Calientes (around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $3 USD.
- Café de Paris: This is a popular bakery in town. Coffee is pretty cheap, starting around $2 USD, and they have tasty cakes too.
- Location: Plazoleta Wiñaywayna, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $5 USD (for a light meal/coffee).
- Julian Restaurant: A smaller place known for good Peruvian dishes at a fair price. They’re liked for their lomo saltado, ceviche, fried trout, and alpaca loin.
- Location: Avenida Pachacutec Nº 601, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $15 USD (for a main dish).
- La Chuta: Another bakery where you can get good cakes, empanadas, pies, coffee, and juice. Prices are reasonable, and it’s a comfortable place, good for breakfast or a casual dinner.
- Location: Calle Yawar Huaca Nº 107, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $5 USD (for a light meal/coffee).
Popular Restaurants in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes has some higher-quality and well-known restaurants too. Chefs here prepare Peruvian dishes as well as other Latin American and international foods.
Here are a few famous ones:
- Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant (at Sanctuary Lodge): This offers a varied buffet right next to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (around 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet). It serves Peruvian, South American, and American food. It’s part of the fancy Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel.
- Location: Carretera Hiram Bingham Km. 7.5, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, near Machu Picchu entrance, around 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet – note: the hotel/restaurant is near the entrance, higher than the town).
- Approximate Cost: $40 USD (for buffet lunch).
- El Indio Feliz: Famous in Aguas Calientes for its tasty food and unique decorations. They have a varied menu featuring Peruvian, Latin, and South American dishes.
- Location: Calle Lloque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $30 USD (for a main dish).
- El Mapi Restaurant: A popular buffet option from the Inkaterra hotel group. They focus on Peruvian and South American food and also have a nice bar.
- Location: Avenida Pachacutec 109, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $25 USD (for buffet).
- Ylla Fusion: Known for dishes that mix different Peruvian food styles, with vegetarian options too. People like the good service and nice views from its terrace.
- Location: Plaza Manco Cápac Nº 104, Aguas Calientes (part of Cusco region, around 2,040 meters / 6,693 feet).
- Approximate Cost: $20 USD (for a main dish).
What Peruvian Food to Try
Peruvian food is celebrated worldwide for mixing traditions from Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and other cuisines, creating dishes with great flavor and aroma. Some of the best restaurants globally are Peruvian right now. When you’re near Machu Picchu, try some of these classic dishes:
- Ceviche: This is Peru’s national dish. It’s typically made with fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, often mixed with sweet potato, onion, and sometimes other ingredients. The key is the quality of the fish and the tangy lime marinade, often called leche de tigre (“tiger’s milk”).
- Lomo Saltado: A very popular stir-fry dish influenced by Chinese cooking. It usually has strips of beef cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes peppers, often served over or with french fries and a side of rice.
- Causa Rellena: A layered potato dish, often served cold as a starter. Mashed yellow potato is seasoned with lime and yellow chili, then layered with fillings like shredded chicken mixed with mayonnaise or avocado.
- Grilled Alpaca: Alpaca meat comes from a South American camelid found in the Andes. While traditionally not eaten everywhere in Peru, it’s commonly found on menus in tourist restaurants and is often served grilled like a steak or kebab.
- Fried Trout: A common dish in the Peruvian highlands, using fresh trout from local rivers or farms. It’s usually served whole and fried, often with potatoes (like boiled or french fries) and a simple salad. It’s quite tasty and widely available.
- Pizzas: You’ll find lots of pizzerias in Aguas Calientes. It’s a comfortable option, especially after a long day of exploring. Many travelers pair their pizza with a bottle of local Cusqueña beer.
Quick Answers About Eating Near Machu Picchu
- Are there restaurants right at the Machu Picchu ruins? Most places to eat are in the town of Aguas Calientes, about a 10 km distance. This town is where the train station is, so everyone passes through it. There’s only one restaurant right next to the archaeological site, at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel.
- What’s considered the best restaurant? That really depends on what you like! Aguas Calientes has lots of good places with different types of food – Peruvian, international, fusion. Some highly-rated ones include Tinkuy Buffet, El Indio Feliz, Mapi Restaurant, and others.
- What’s the cheapest option? The food stalls at the Aguas Calientes market offer the most affordable meals, with set menus costing around 8 Peruvian soles (less than $3 USD).
- What Peruvian dishes can I find? Plenty! Restaurants in Aguas Calientes specializing in Peruvian food serve dishes like ceviche (especially trout ceviche), fried trout, roasted guinea pig (cuy – though this might be more common in Cusco city), lomo saltado, grilled alpaca, and causa rellena.
- How much does an average meal cost? Prices vary a lot. For a main dish at a mid-range restaurant, you might expect to pay around 30 to 35 soles (about $8 to $10 USD), but it can be more or less depending on the place and dish.
- Where can I get pizza? Aguas Calientes has many pizzerias. Some popular ones include Cala Tratoria, Full House, Mapacho, and Palate Pizza & Burger Bar.
- Where can I find good ceviche? Ceviche is a Peruvian must-try. Many restaurants in Aguas Calientes serve it, often made with trout. Places like Indio Feliz, Julian Restaurant, Tinkuy Restaurant, and Mapi Restaurant are known for their ceviche.