Machu Picchu Restaurants: A Culinary Journey At The Ancient Citadel

1.- INTRODUCTION TO MACHU PICCHU

We know that you love food and for this reason you will enjoy each of the options available for Machu Picchu restaurants, however the first thing you should know are important facts starting with its location. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is located high in the Peruvian Andes and is currently known as one of the most visited and impressive tourist destinations in the world. Quite popular for the enclosures that contain in its interior in addition to the large collection of terraces used strategically in addition to agricultural, it is estimated that its construction was carried out since the fifteenth century by order of the Inca Pachacutec however according to records this citadel is much older than the Incas however it was this culture who molded it aesthetically. Popularly it is unknown what its purpose was and although some have assured that it was a religious city and destined to the spiritual, the reality is that it tends to be seen as a multifunctional city because there are spaces of diverse uses such as urban, religious, storage, administrative and even military zone.

It is clear that visiting the city of Inca is not only limited to enjoy its historical part, landscapes or tradition but also to taste the Andean delicacies that are a vital aspect for the cultural immersion of all travelers in the world. Very close to the citadel you can find a large number of Machu Picchu restaurants where the local cuisine becomes a delight, from the famous Peruvian flag dish known as ceviche to unique delicacies such as lomo saltado and aji de gallina, without a doubt Peruvian food stands out for its great variety of flavors and use of techniques.

Among the options of Machu Picchu restaurants you can find some that are cozy for families to others that are much more exclusive and elegant oriented to haute cuisine options, of course the basis of the food served in the Machu Picchu restaurants are fresh and local inputs which provides an authentic and realistic experience, on the other hand this activity has been a great economic development for the region so many of the Machu Picchu restaurants have implemented the use of sustainable products which strengthens the ties that exist between the activity of tourism and the local community.

2.- DINING OPTIONS IN MACHU PICCHU

Restaurants within Machu Picchu Citadel

As we have previously indicated in the Inca citadel is located on top of a mountain so due to its remote location could easily say that there is nothing nearby however it is not reality, at the access gate where the control is performed is possible to find a couple of Machu Picchu restaurants from which you can choose:

2.1.- Tampu  Restaurant

The first alternative among the Machu Picchu restaurants near the Inca citadel is a center where the style of haute cuisine is practiced located in the same building that contains the exclusive and luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel. The Thampu restaurant is an option that allows you to enjoy a gastronomic delight while you can appreciate the city of the Inca, although the price can be a little high having the base of $40.00 dollars per person the taste and attention really worth it of course you should always have a reservation in advance because being so popular spaces are easily exhausted.

2.2.- Machu Picchu Snack Bar

Clearly not the same as the other Machu Picchu restaurants, this small bar is located on the left side of the main entrance gate to the Inca city, but don’t be put off by the size as it offers a selection of snacks and drinks of very high quality and stands out for having outdoor seating and spaces where people can enjoy a light snack before or after the visit in the city of the Inca, From small options such as sandwiches, cakes and cookies to more elaborate options such as burgers, pizzas or empanadas that can be perfectly combined with drinks such as herbal teas, coffee, iced tea, beer or the renowned Pisco Sour cocktail, being a place of passage is not necessary to make a reservation as in other Machu Picchu restaurants, however if there are many people you will have to wait a moment to be served.

3.- Restaurants in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Very close to the Inca citadel at the base of the same mountain is located the town of Aguas Calientes, a cosmopolitan city where many people from different countries of the world have found their home, this is the reason why traditions and customs have been mixed to the point that it is a unique experience for visitors, this also extends to the gastronomy since here you can find some of the best Machu Picchu restaurants, some of these are:

3.1.- Indio Feliz

This is considered one of the most appreciated and esteemed Machu Picchu restaurants in the whole town of Aguas Calientes, it has a Peruvian decoration that attracts the attention of tourists and its service is first class. It offers a great variety of Peruvian, South American and also latin dishes among which the trout ceviche, the brochette of tenderloin in pepper sauce, pineapple chicken with Caribbean mustard and other gastronomic delights stand out without a doubt. Of course, it also offers more comfortable options for both children and entire families, as well as a space for those who like to try alcoholic cocktails mixed with Andean flavors.

3.2.- Cala Trattoria

One of the best options of the Machu Picchu restaurants because it offers an environment that is sure to delight the palate of all its customers. Here you can taste the best collection of pizzas and grills throughout the town of Aguas Calientes, however it is more than just that a restaurant as it also provides options for many cocktails so that during the nights it becomes the perfect bar and pub where you can go if you want to have fun, it offers ideal options for families with children, groups of friends or even just for you.

3.3.- Qunuq Restaurant – Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel’s Restaurant

Among the most popular and outstanding Machu Picchu restaurants is Qunuq restaurant that gives you the option to delight the Andean fusion without leaving the prestigious hotel Sumaq. This experience allows you to know the great amount of time that is previously invested in learning about the gastronomic tradition that exists in local communities in addition to obtaining the freshest local ingredients and the result of this effort is the prestigious menu that gives you and you can enjoy, all this is prepared by master chefs who every day create new flavors.

3.4.- Full House restaurant

Located in the heart of the town of Aguas Calientes this is one of the best Machu Picchu restaurants as it has all the elements to make it an unforgettable experience, you can get the best views of both the small town and the natural environment and where you can enjoy delicious food prepared by the best local chefs, their philosophy is to make you feel at home. It has a wide variety of options for the whole family from iconic dishes such as lomo saltado and ceviche to other foods such as pizzas, hamburgers and a variety of unique desserts and you can complement it perfectly with traditional drinks such as lemonade or cocktails and the famous craft beers.

3.5.- Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine

This Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant offers the option to immerse its diners in a culinary journey thanks to the immense gastronomic tradition that exists in the town of Aguas Calientes for generations, Its spacious atmosphere is the perfect choice for groups or entire families because in addition to its delicious food prepared by incredible local chefs also frequently offers live music shows which enlivens the moment, of course it is not only distinguished by the food but also for its wide variety of craft beers that are the main point of visit for which many travelers come to visit them.

4.- A WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION

“In 1938 Unesco declared the Inca city of Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance and since then it has become an icon as well as a destination that everyone plans to visit.”

Click here to learn more

5.- CULINARY EXPERIENCES AND SPECIALTIES

When visiting a Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant you will discover a countless mixture of flavors that will close your palate and it is natural not to know between which of the options to choose for this reason we recommend some of the main dishes that you can taste:

5.1.- Ceviche

This is considered Peru’s signature dish and thanks to its elaboration with a mixture of local ingredients it creates an ecstasy in your palate, no matter which Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant you choose, this is a dish that is commonly served. It consists of a mixture of raw fish marinated in lime juice and accompanied with red onion, chili and cilantro. This dish is usually very fresh and full of flavor so it is always served with small portions of sweet potato and corn, on hot days it will be your best alternative.

5.2.- Lomo Saltado

Another one of the flagship dishes that you can find when you enter a Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant, this dish perfectly combines the seasoning of Peruvian food with a Chinese technique that is the sauté, combines pieces of beef with onion, tomato and yellow bell pepper, combined in a pan over high heat so they can acquire the smoky flavor that is sought in this dish, it will certainly be the ideal choice to recover energy after the incredible guided tour of the Inca city.

5.3.- Aji de Gallina

Due to its peculiar flavor and texture, this dish has become one of the most common menu items that you can find in a Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant. Pieces of shredded chicken are cooked in a sauce of yellow chili, onion, garlic and other spices that give it its delicious flavor. It is similar to a creamy stew that I have regularly served with white rice and olives giving an ideal balance between spicy and light.

5.4.- Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Undoubtedly one of the traditional foods of the Andean gastronomy is the guinea pig, there are thousands of ways to prepare it either fried or roasted but regularly I have always served it with potatoes and salads, we are not lying to tell you that its flavor is unlike anything you know because it is tender and with a smoky touch. Of course not all travelers want to try it because in some parts of the world it is considered a pet, however it is a great source of protein in the local diet so I have always regularly served it during celebrations and festivities, however when visiting a Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant you will find the option to taste it.

As your trip progresses discover that the most important thing is not only the destinations you visit but the experiences you live, within this the Peruvian cuisine has much to offer and even more you will find that the Machu Picchu restaurants are nothing like the rest of options you can find in other cities, choosing the ideal one for you is a big decision. Auri Peru wants you to live a great trip without any problems or setbacks for this reason we design experiences that can be ideal for you, contact us now to learn more about it.

“”Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”