Only have one day in Cusco and want to eat well? This is the route I would recommend to a friend visiting the city: from breakfast at the market to dinner, all within walking distance of the Historic Center, with the local flavors you should not miss. I have worked with meat in Cusco for more than 25 years, so you will also find my tips on what to order and when.
Before you start: altitude and pace
Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters. If you just arrived, take it easy: drink plenty of water, have a coca tea and keep the heaviest meals for when you feel acclimatized. Walk slowly between stops; the city rewards it.
Breakfast: San Pedro Market
Start the day at the San Pedro Market, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and in business for about a century. Order a fresh fruit juice at the juice stalls, try the local bread and cheese, and look around at the Andean potatoes, corn and fruit. It is the best introduction to what Cusco eats.
Mid-morning: walk and a light snack
Walk to the Plaza de Armas and on to the Qorikancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. If you get peckish, look for choclo con queso, Andean corn with big kernels and a slice of fresh cheese: light, local and perfect for walking.
Lunch: the main meal, at Águeda Matará
In Peru lunch is the main meal of the day, usually between 1 and 3 pm. Our Matará location is in the Historic Center, a few minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro Market. This is what I would order:
- Alpaca Loin (240 g, S/.47). For me, alpaca is the best meat you can eat in Cusco: Andean, lean and tender if cooked rare or medium.
- Grilled Trout (250 g, S/.38). Andean trout, light and tasty, served at Matará and Ttio.
- Quinoa Soup (S/.24) as a starter, comforting at altitude.
- To share: the Grill for Two (S/.89), with Peruvian beef from Puno, Anta, Sicuani and Arequipa.
Main courses include our complimentary salad bar when dining in. To drink, a house chicha morada or a Cusqueña beer.
Afternoon: San Blas and a rest
After lunch, climb to San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood with steep streets and views over the city. Take it slowly, stop for a coca tea and give your body a break: altitude and a big lunch call for a quiet afternoon.
Dinner: something classic
For dinner, go for a Peruvian classic like the Classic Lomo Saltado (S/.47), tenderloin stir-fried in a wok with onion, tomato and fries; I tell its story in the history of lomo saltado. Traveling as a group? Share a grill: see which grill to order for your group.
We are open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 21:30. On Sunday we close at 17:00, so make Sunday your big lunch day.
Your day at a glance
| Time | Where | What to eat |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | San Pedro Market | Fresh juice, bread and cheese |
| Mid-morning | Plaza de Armas · Qorikancha | Choclo con queso |
| Lunch | Águeda Matará | Alpaca, trout or a grill to share |
| Afternoon | San Blas | Coca tea and a rest |
| Dinner | Águeda | Lomo saltado or a grill |
Want more ideas on Cusco flavors, from cuy to chiriuchu? Read what to eat in Cusco’s Historic Center and our guide to alpaca meat. For groups and weekends, book a table. Enjoy Cusco!
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat in Cusco if I only have one day?
A fresh juice at the San Pedro Market for breakfast, choclo con queso as a snack, alpaca or Andean trout for lunch and a classic lomo saltado for dinner.
Where can I try alpaca in the Historic Center of Cusco?
At Águeda Matará, a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de Armas. The Alpaca Loin (240 g) costs S/.47.
What time is lunch in Peru?
Lunch is the main meal of the day, usually between 1 and 3 pm.
Should I eat light on my first day in Cusco?
Yes. At about 3,400 meters, it helps to eat light, drink plenty of water and have a coca tea until you acclimatize.
Is Águeda open on Sundays?
Yes, from 12:00 to 17:00. Monday to Saturday we are open from 12:00 to 21:30.
