Food tours in Cusco
A food tour is the quickest way to eat your way around Cusco. The most comfortable months are May to September, with highs around 70°F (21°C) and about 2 rainy days a month.
Photo: gertrudis2010, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top food tours in Cusco
Cusco Food Walking Tour & Central MarketFrom $60View 
The 10 Tastings of Cusco With Locals: Private Food TourFrom $86View 
Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market TourFrom $65View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
What to eat and drink in Cusco
Expect to taste the local staples. Ones to look for:
- Cuy
- Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish for celebrations.
- Alpaca
- Lean, mild red meat from the Andes, often grilled as steaks or skewers.
- Lomo saltado
- Beef stir-fried with onion, tomato and soy sauce, served with chips and rice.
- Chicha
- A traditional Andean drink of fermented corn; the purple chicha morada is non-alcoholic.
- Pisco sour
- A cocktail of pisco (grape brandy), lime, sugar and egg white.
How to pick a good food tour
- Skip a big meal beforehand: most tours serve the equivalent of lunch or dinner across six to ten stops.
- Small groups of 12 or fewer get served faster and fit into tiny counters and bars.
- Check what's included. Some tours count drinks as stops, others charge for them on the day.
- Ask about dietary swaps before you book. Many tours can replace meat or gluten dishes if they know ahead.
Cusco month by month
Averages for Cusco, 1991–1920.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 69 (21) | 69 (20) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 70 (21) | 69 (21) | 69 (21) | 71 (22) | 71 (22) | 71 (22) | 72 (22) | 70 (21) |
| Low °F (°C) | 46 (8) | 46 (8) | 46 (8) | 43 (6) | 38 (4) | 35 (2) | 34 (1) | 37 (3) | 41 (5) | 44 (7) | 46 (8) | 46 (8) |
| Rainy days | 20 | 17 | 16 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 17 |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:22 pm | 6:18 pm | 6:02 pm | 5:42 pm | 5:29 pm | 5:28 pm | 5:36 pm | 5:42 pm | 5:44 pm | 5:45 pm | 5:54 pm | 6:10 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for food tours in Cusco?
May to September. Expect highs around 70°F (21°C) and about 2 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and February.
What food is Cusco known for?
Cuy: roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish for celebrations. Alpaca: lean, mild red meat from the Andes, often grilled as steaks or skewers. Lomo saltado: beef stir-fried with onion, tomato and soy sauce, served with chips and rice.
Where can I book food tours in Cusco?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
