Planning a trip to the Andes and wondering what it costs to eat well? You need a reliable Cuzco Peru Menu with Prices guide before you arrive, so you can budget for pisco sours and alpaca steaks without any stress. This guide breaks down typical costs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the former Inca capital.
Eating out in Cusco is generally affordable, but prices vary wildly depending on where you sit. A menu at a local spot is not the same as a tourist-focused restaurant near the Plaza de Armas. We will give you the real numbers for 2024 so you can plan your food budget with confidence.
Cuzco Peru Menu With Prices
Most restaurants in the historic center offer a fixed-price “Menu del Dia” for lunch. This is the best way to eat cheaply and taste home-style cooking. You will usually get a soup, a main dish, a drink, and sometimes a small dessert.
Local Lunch Menu Costs
- Local “Menu” (set lunch): 15 to 25 soles ($4 to $6.50 USD).
- Tourist “Menu” (with more options): 30 to 45 soles ($8 to $12 USD).
- Alpaca or trout main dish: Usually adds 5 to 10 soles to the base price.
These set lunches are served between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. They are the most economical way to eat a full meal. Look for chalkboards outside or ask for the “menú ejecutivo”.
Breakfast Price Ranges
Breakfast is rarely included in your hotel rate unless you book a fancy place. Expect to pay for a decent morning meal if you head out to a cafe.
- Continental breakfast (coffee, juice, bread, eggs): 15 to 25 soles.
- Full Andean breakfast (pancakes, fruit, avocado toast): 30 to 50 soles.
- Local market breakfast (caldo de gallina): 10 to 15 soles.
For the cheapest option, skip the cafes and go to the San Pedro Market. You can get a massive bowl of soup or a tamale for under 10 soles. It is a great cultural experience too.
Dinner And A La Carte Prices
Dinner is where the price goes up, especially if you want a nice view or live music. A la carte dishes are priced per item, not as a set menu.
- Main courses (trout, lomo saltado, pasta): 40 to 70 soles ($10 to $18 USD).
- Pizza or burgers: 35 to 55 soles.
- High-end tasting menus: 150 to 250 soles per person.
Remember that many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. This is not mandatory, but it is expected if you had good service. Check your bill carefully before paying.
Drinks And Extras
Beverages can sneak up on your budget. A bottle of water is cheap, but cocktails are not.
- Cusqueña beer (local): 12 to 18 soles.
- Pisco Sour: 25 to 40 soles in tourist areas.
- Fresh fruit juice: 10 to 15 soles.
- Coca tea: 5 to 8 soles.
If you are on a strict budget, stick to the set lunch menus and drink tap water (filtered) or juice. If you want fine dining, budget around 100 soles per person for dinner with a drink.
Tips For Saving Money
- Eat your big meal at lunchtime, not dinner.
- Walk two blocks away from the main square for better prices.
- Ask if the “menú” includes a drink. Sometimes it does not.
- Check if the cover charge (cubierto) is included in the price.
- Look for restaurants that post their Cuzco Peru Menu with Prices on the door. If they don’t, ask before you sit down.
Finaly, always carry small bills. Many local places cannot break a 100 sol note. Also, be aware that prices in Cusco have risen slightly due to tourism demand, but you can still eat very well for under $10 a day if you are smart. The key is to avoid the main plaza and eat where the locals eat. That way, you get authentic food and a fair price. Enjoy your culinary adventure in the Andes!