Many people arrive at Machu Picchu thinking only of the citadel, but few imagine that Aguas Calientes also holds a world of flavors waiting to be discovered. Among the bustling streets, restaurants surprise visitors with recipes that don’t always appear in standard guidebooks.

What typical dishes can you try here? What unexpected combinations does this small town hold before the great adventure to the Wonder of the World? In this blog, you’ll discover the restaurants that stand out not only for their food, but for the experience they offer every curious traveler.

5 best restaurants in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes)

Restaurante Indio Feliz

This tourist restaurant offers a unique experience combining Peruvian cuisine with French cuisine, creating fusion dishes full of flavor and creativity. Its striking decor, featuring sculptures and murals, provides a special atmosphere that makes it a memorable stop during your visit to Machu Picchu. Its presentations and flavors stand out among the culinary options on your trip.

• Location: Calle Lloque Yupanqui 103, Machu Picchu Town

Restaurante El Mapi by Inka Terra

Part of the renowned Inkaterra company, El Mapi offers a buffet lunch with a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, meats, pastas, rice dishes, and desserts. It also has a cocktail area and bar on the ground floor, ideal for enjoying post-meal drinks. Its focus on quality and variety makes it an excellent choice for visitors to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

• Location: Avenida Pachacutec 109, Machu Picchu Pueblo

Restaurante Toto´s House

Located near the train tracks, this restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Vilcanota River. Its menu combines the best of Peruvian cuisine with a buffet service that includes pizzas, grilled fish, trout, coffee, ice cream, juices, and craft beer. The variety and quality of its dishes make it a popular choice among visitors to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

• Location: Calle Lloque Yupanqui 103, Machu Picchu Pueblo

Restaurante Julian

With excellent reviews on forums like TripAdvisor, this restaurant stands out for the quality and presentation of its dishes, as well as its customer service. In addition to Peruvian cuisine, it offers pizzas, cocktails, and craft beers, all accompanied by panoramic views of the Vilcanota River, making every meal a pleasant experience.

• Location: Avenida Pachacutec 601, Machu Picchu Pueblo

Restaurante Tinkuy

Located at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel next to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, Tinkuy offers a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian and international dishes. Its menu includes breads, salads, soups, meats, pastas, rice dishes, desserts, and hot drinks, providing a complete gastronomic experience while enjoying the proximity to the archaeological site.

• Location: Hiram Bingham Highway, Km 7.5, next to Machu Picchu

Economical option

On the second floor of the town’s food market, there are more than twenty stalls offering affordable food. All offer affordable menus, ideal for breakfast or lunch. The place is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing visitors to eat before or after their excursions.

• Location: Chinchaysuyo Street, corner of the Main Plaza, Machu Picchu Town

Comida rápida en Machu Picchu

• Pizza: This is a very popular dish in Aguas Calientes restaurants, and almost all of them include several options on their menus. Visitors can try different combinations and flavors according to their preferences. Among the places that excel at pizza are Inti House, Cala Tratoria, and Julián Restaurant.
• Mexican Tacos: In Machu Picchu Town, there are a large number of Mexican restaurants that offer tacos and other typical dishes such as burritos, tequeños, quesadillas, and nachos with guacamole. Recommended places to enjoy this cuisine include Inka Grill House and Kintu Restaurant.
• Hamburgers: In Machu Picchu Town, you can find beef, chicken, alpaca, and even quinoa burgers, as well as vegetarian options. Many tourists enjoy these burgers paired with craft beer. Some of the best places to try them are El Mapi by Inkaterra, Mapacho Craft Beer, and Fabrizzio’s Restaurant.
• Burritos: These are a favorite fast food dish for tourists in Aguas Calientes. They can be found in both Mexican restaurants and pizzerias. Among the places where they are popular are Inka Grill House and Restaurante Centenario.

Mediterranean food and grills in Machu Picchu

• Grilled alpaca: This domestic camelid is very common in Cusco’s cuisine and is considered a healthy option due to its low fat content. Grilled alpaca is a favorite among visitors. Among the places where you can enjoy this dish are Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant and Cala Tratoria.
• ​​Grilled lamb: This is a classic dish found in most restaurants in Aguas Calientes. It is usually accompanied by sauces that include Andean products, such as huacatay. One place where you can enjoy this dish is El Indio Feliz Restaurant.
• Loin carpaccio: This is a traditional grilled dish that can also be prepared with Andean ingredients, such as alpaca or trout. Among the places where you can enjoy this dish are Ylla Fusion and Mapacho Craft Beer.
• Lasagna and spaghetti: There aren’t many Italian restaurants in Machu Picchu Town, but lasagna and spaghetti are favorites. These dishes can be enjoyed paired with a good wine. Among the places where they are popular are Inti House and Full House Craft Beer.
• Quinoa risotto: Most restaurants in Machu Picchu Town offer traditional risotto made with quinoa. This dish, in addition to being delicious, is an important source of nutrients and can be combined with ingredients like mushrooms. Among the places where you can enjoy it are Cala Tratoria and Toto’s House.
• Meat or chicken ragu: In Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy a delicious meat or chicken ragu at Mediterranean restaurants. The sauce and accompaniments may vary depending on the restaurant. A popular place to try this dish is Cala Tratoria.

Peruvian food in Machu Picchu

• Ceviche: Peru’s signature dish, made with fish marinated in lemon and usually accompanied with lettuce, sweet potato, or corn. In Cusco restaurants, including Machu Picchu Village, it is often made with trout. Among the places where you can enjoy it are Indio Feliz Restaurant and Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant.
• Lomo Saltado: This is one of Peru’s most popular dishes. It is prepared with beef, French fries, rice, onion, and tomato. In Cusco, it is also common to find it prepared with alpaca meat. Among the places where you can enjoy it are Julián Restaurant and Inti House.
• Causa rellena: This is a typical Peruvian appetizer, whose main ingredient is yellow potatoes. It also includes mayonnaise, lemon, yellow chili pepper, shredded chicken or tuna, and carrots. Among the places where you can enjoy it are Mapacho Craft Beer and El Mapi by Inkaterra.
• Timpu: This is a soup with an intense and delicious flavor, prepared with boiled beef brisket, lamb head, bacon, as well as cabbage, potatoes, moraya (dehydrated white potato), chickpeas, rice, sweet potato, peaches, pears, and cassava. It is traditionally served separating the broth from the other ingredients. A popular place to try it is at Julián Restaurant.
• Chuño Cola: This dish dates back to the time of the Incas. It is a delicious stew made from boiled beef or lamb, rice, chickpeas, potatoes, wheat, and chuño flour. The latter ingredient is obtained from potatoes that have been soaked, exposed to cold temperatures, and then dried in the sun. A place where you can enjoy this dish is at Indio Feliz Restaurant.
• Queso Kapchi: This is a traditional dish especially enjoyed during the months of November and December. It is prepared with green beans, potatoes, milk, eggs, cheese, and chili pepper, and is served with cooked rice. One place where you can try this dish is The Tree House Restaurant.
• Pepian de Cuy: This is a delicious stew made with chunks of guinea pig fried in abundant oil. It is accompanied by a dressing of onion, red chili pepper, and peanuts, and is also served with rice and boiled potatoes. One place where you can enjoy this dish is Chef House Peruvian Food.
• Chicharron con mole: This is a typical dish of the Andean communities. It is prepared with cooked pork, fried in its own fat, and served with shelled corn, potatoes, and an onion salad with mint leaves. Among the places where you can enjoy it are Julián Restaurant and Chef House Peruvian Food.
• Humita: This is a tamale made with corn flour, which can be sweet or savory. It is generally served without any sauce. Among the places where you can try it are Ylla Fusion and Cabaña de Gabriel Restaurant.
• Saralawa: This is a delicious soup made with fresh corn, fava beans, dried yellow chili pepper, and huacatay, a native herb. One place where you can enjoy this dish is Chef House Peruvian Food.
• Adobo: This is a typical dish of the Peruvian Andes, prepared with pork seasoned with chicha de jora and spices. It is cooked in a clay pot with onions and rocoto pepper. One place where you can enjoy this dish is El Mapi by Inkaterra.

Vegetarian and vegan food in Machu Picchu

• Potato tortilla: This is a very popular dish in vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Since Peru has the greatest variety of potatoes in the world, this dish can offer a unique culinary experience. One place to enjoy it is Indio Feliz Restaurant.
• Dumplings: This is a dessert made with dough and fruit. In Aguas Calientes, you can find them in vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Among the best places to try them are Julián Restaurant and Inti House.
• Vegetarian burgers: These are very popular in restaurants in Machu Picchu Town, and one of their main ingredients is quinoa. Among the places where you can enjoy them are The Tree House Restaurant and Mapacho Craft Beer.
• Vegetable soup: This is a very popular dish among families in Cusco. It can be prepared with various vegetables such as carrots, squash, broccoli, potatoes, and other ingredients. Among the places where you can enjoy them are Indio Feliz Restaurant and Govinda Restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

What time do restaurants in Machu Picchu Town typically open?
Most open at 6:00 a.m., allowing travelers on a trip to Machu Picchu to have an early breakfast before climbing the citadel. However, some cafes even offer options as early as 5:30 a.m. during peak season.

Are reservations required for dining in Machu Picchu Town?
During the off-season, there’s usually plenty of space, but during peak season (June to August), it’s advisable to make a reservation. This avoids long waits, especially at centrally located restaurants with river views.

Do restaurants accept card payments or is it better to carry cash?
Many restaurants accept cards, although they sometimes charge an additional fee or have connection issues. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry cash in soles for greater convenience.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options in Machu Picchu Town?
Yes, several restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan menus with dishes prepared with quinoa, vegetables, and local produce. This ensures that travelers with these diets will find varied and safe options.

Do restaurants offer menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Most restaurants are open all day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Additionally, some offer full tourist menus that include a starter, main course, and a drink, which is ideal after completing the inca trail

Can you find affordable food in Machu Picchu Town?
Yes, there are food stalls in the market and small restaurants that offer affordable menus. This option is ideal for those looking to save money while still enjoying the local cuisine.

How early can I have breakfast before climbing Machu Picchu?
Travelers can find breakfast starting at 5:30 a.m., ideal for those who want to catch the first buses. Some hotels also offer quick breakfasts or box lunches, something very usefull for those coming from the Salkantay Trek

Do restaurants offer takeout or box lunches?
Yes, several establishments prepare box lunches with fruit, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. These are convenient for those who plan to spend the whole day exploring Machu Picchu and don’t want to return to town for lunch.

Are craft beer and cocktails common in Machu Picchu Town?
Yes, many bars and restaurants include craft beer on their menus, along with typical cocktails like the pisco sour. This makes the town a good place to relax after activities such as the inca jungle

Do restaurants stay open late into the night?
Restaurants generally close between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m., but some bars, cafes, and music venues stay open later. They’re a good option for those looking to enjoy the nightlife.