Cusco Night Street Food Tour

Cusco Nighttime Street Food Itinerary

1. Anticuchos and Brochetas – Maruri Street:

• Location: Corner of Loreto and Maruri Streets (3 minutes from the Plaza de Armas)
• What to try: The classic anticuchos made with grilled beef heart, marinated with panca chili, cumin, and garlic, served with boiled Andean potatoes. Chicken or meat skewers with vegetables are also available.
• Local recommendation: Don’t forget to try the salsas: huacatay chili or rocoto for a spicy touch.
• Fun fact: Anticucho is one of the oldest dishes in Peruvian cuisine, with pre-Columbian roots and a strong Afro-Peruvian heritage.

2. Corn with Cheese – Avenida El Sol:

• Location: Street stalls near the Banco de la Nación and the Post Office bus stop (a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas).
• What to try: Giant Cusco corn, steamed, served with fresh artisan cheese and rocoto sauce or huacatay cream, according to your taste.
• Local recommendation: Ideal as a snack to share while walking. You can order a half portion if you plan to eat more later.
• Fun fact: Giant Cusco corn has a designation of origin and is considered one of the most nutritious in the world.

3. Pollo a la Brasa – San Andrés Street

• Location: Local chicken restaurants on San Andrés Street, near the intersection with El Sol Avenue
• What to try: A portion of crispy grilled chicken, marinated with Andean spices, served with golden fries, fresh salad, and Andean bread if desired.
• Local recommendation: Order the homemade ají pollero (a spicy chili pepper). You can also share a quarter of a chicken if you go with a partner or group.
• Fun fact: Grilled chicken was declared a Cultural Heritage of Peru and is the most popular dish eaten on weekends by Peruvians.

4. Street Desserts – Pera Avenue

• Location: Intersection of Belén Street and Pera Street (a 10-minute walk from San Andrés to the San Pedro Market)
• What to try: Freshly fried picarones made with sweet potato and squash dough, smothered with hot chancaca honey. You can also try rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon or mazamorra morada (purple corn porridge).
• Local tip: Order your picarones freshly prepared so they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And don’t skimp on the honey!
• Fun fact: Picarones originate from the colonial era, when Spanish ingredients were replaced with native products.

5. Hot Drinks – Calle Matara

• Location: Calle Matara, 7 minutes from Avenida El Sol.
• What to try: Hot emollient, prepared with Andean herbs such as flaxseed, barley, horsetail, anise, and boldo. There are also fruity ones with pineapple and digestive herbs.
• Local tip: Order your personalized emollient with muña or eucalyptus leaves if you have an upset stomach or a cold.
• Fun fact: Emollient is considered a popular “medicinal infusion,” especially in cold cities like Cusco.

What’s included in the Cusco Nighttime Street Food Tour?

Local, specialized food guide.

• Guide throughout the tour.
• Cultural and historical explanation of each dish, ingredient, and area visited.

Tastings included at each stop.

• Anticucho or skewer with boiled potatoes and homemade chili.
• Corn with fresh cheese served with Andean sauce.
• ¼ grilled chicken with potatoes and salad or vegetarian option (optional).
• Portion of freshly prepared picarones with chancaca honey.
• Traditional hot beverage: emollient or fruity with digestive herbs.

Interaction with local vendors.

• Recommendations on regional products and Cusco culinary habits.

What is not included in the Cusco Nightlife Street Food Tour

Transportation to the tour starting point

• Transportation from your hotel to the meeting point (Plaza de Armas) or vice versa.

Alcoholic beverages or extras not specified

• The tour includes a traditional non-alcoholic drink, but does not cover beers, cocktails, or additional drinks outside the established menu.

Additional dishes or portions not included in the tour

• If you wish to repeat a dish or try other options outside the itinerary, the cost will be the participant’s responsibility.

Personal expenses not mentioned

• Shopping, souvenirs, additional snacks, or taxis outside the tour plan are not included in the service.

Recommendations – Cusco Nighttime Street Food Tour

Acclimatize before the tour

• If you’ve just arrived in Cusco, we suggest taking at least a day to acclimatize before starting any nighttime tour. The walk may be light, but the weather and altitude can affect your digestion and energy.

Dress in warm, comfortable clothing.

• Cusco is cold at night, especially between May and August. Wear a windbreaker, scarf, and comfortable shoes to walk several blocks.

Bring cash in soles.

• Although tastings are included, some stalls don’t accept cards if you want to make your own purchases. Bring coins or small bills (S/5, S/10).

Inform your guide if you have any dietary restrictions.

• Let us know in advance if you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-intolerant, or have food allergies so we can accommodate your tastings.

Avoid eating before the tour

• We recommend not eating beforehand to fully enjoy each gastronomic stop without feeling stuffed.

Bring only what you need.

• It’s not necessary to bring large backpacks. A fanny pack or small bag with your personal belongings (water, coat, ID) is sufficient.

Follow your guide’s instructions.

• The guide knows the best stalls and the ideal times to eat. They will also guide you so you can safely try even the hottest flavors.

Stay hydrated and avoid excessive heat.

• Some sauces can be too strong for those unaccustomed to them. Ask for “just a little chili” if you can’t tolerate spicy food.

Enjoy and respect the local environment.

• Be courteous to vendors, don’t take photos without asking permission, and be sure to use trash cans to keep the streets clean.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cusco Night Street Food Tour

1. What time and where does the tour start?

The tour generally starts between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The usual meeting point is Plaza de Armas or Plaza Regocijo, depending on the route and operator, and it is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early.

2. How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, including food stops, short walks through the streets, and cultural explanations.

3. Is transportation included?

Transportation from the hotel to the starting point is not included. Some operators offer optional hotel drop-off at the end of the tour (please inquire before booking).

4. Is it suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?

Yes. Vegetarian or non-spicy alternatives can be offered if you inform us in advance. In some cases, dishes can also be adapted for people with allergies or intolerances (gluten, lactose, etc.).

5. What type of food is included?

It includes a varied tasting of traditional Cusco dishes such as anticuchos, corn with cheese, grilled chicken, picarones, and hot drinks such as emoliente or fruity. Portions are small, but sufficient for a complete dinner.

6. Can I purchase additional food outside the tour?

Yes. Although everything listed is included, you can purchase extras or repeat a dish on your own if you wish. Please bring cash in soles.

7. How much walking is involved during the tour?

The walking is light and takes place at a leisurely pace. The total distance is approximately 1.5 to 2 km, along flat, central streets.

8. Is the tour canceled due to bad weather?

The tour operates even on cold nights or during light drizzle. In case of extreme conditions, it can be rescheduled or canceled with advance notice.

9. Can children or seniors participate?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, as long as they can walk comfortably and are properly dressed. Children under 6 can go free, but tasting is not included.

10. Is advance reservation required?

Yes. It is recommended to book in advance, as the groups are small (between 6 and 12 people) to ensure a more intimate and organized experience.