Cusco: Private Food Tour with 10 Tastings & San Pedro Market

Private Cusco food walk with locals through markets and city sights

You’ll wander Cusco’s streets tasting everything from flaky pastries near Santa Clara to zingy ceviche beside Qorikancha—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Sip chicha morada in San Pedro Market, try pork sandwiches by ancient stones, and finish with coffee in a shop full of old laughter. This isn’t just about food—it’s how Cusco lets you in for an afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes 10 different local food and drink tastings (with vegetarian options), plenty of stories from your private local guide as you walk between city highlights like Qorikancha and San Pedro Market, plus time for coffee and pastries—all wrapped into one relaxed stroll through Cusco’s flavors and history.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco food tastings and city highlights

• Admire National College and Santa Clara convent
• Visit San Pedro Market for juice and corn
• Taste local potato dish near Arco de Santa Clara
• Eat snack near Tambomachay
• Try ceviche and pisco sour by Qorikancha
• Sample fried pork sandwich near Qorikancha
• View La Merced church architecture
• Enjoy coffee and pastry near Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
• Learn about Coricancha temple
• See local school in Cusco

The Experience

The first thing that hit me was the smell—warm bread and something sweet drifting out from a tiny bakery near the Santa Clara convent. Our guide, Diego, waved us over before I’d even finished gawking at the old stone arches. He handed me a pastry (I didn’t catch the name—my Spanish is still terrible) and grinned, “Try this—locals eat it for breakfast.” It was flaky, just a little salty inside. I remember thinking, okay, if this is stop one on this private food tour of Cusco, I’m not skipping lunch again.

We ducked into San Pedro Market next. It’s loud in there—fruit sellers calling out prices, someone squeezing oranges behind a counter stacked with papayas taller than my backpack. Diego ordered us chicha morada (purple corn juice), and we sat on plastic stools while he explained how his grandmother used to make it at home. The corn here is huge—like, cartoonishly big—and they serve it with cheese that squeaks between your teeth. I tried to say thank you to the lady selling it; she smiled but I probably butchered it.

Somewhere by Qorikancha, we stopped for ceviche. The fish was so fresh it almost snapped when you bit down, all lime and chili and that cold rush you get when you’re not sure if it’s too spicy or just perfect. There was pisco sour too—I’m not usually a cocktail person but this one went straight to my head after all that walking. We wandered past La Merced church after that; Diego pointed out some baroque details but honestly my mind was still on the taste of mint from the last snack (pork on baguette—messy but worth it).

By the end of this day trip in Cusco I’d lost count of the things I’d tasted—coffee in a shop older than anyone in my family, potatoes cooked three ways (I had no idea there were thousands), pastries dusted with sugar outside Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. It wasn’t just about eating though; people kept stopping to chat with Diego or wave as we passed. There’s something about sharing food here that makes you feel like you belong for a second—even if you’re just passing through.

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Cusco food tour?

The private food tour includes 10 different tastings of local food and drinks.

Is vegetarian food available on the tour?

Yes, vegetarian alternatives are offered for all tastings during the tour.

Does the tour include stops at San Pedro Market?

Yes, San Pedro Market is one of the main stops where you'll sample local foods and drinks.

Are drinks included on the private food tour?

Yes, drinks like chicha morada and pisco sour are included among the 10 tastings.

How long does this day trip in Cusco last?

The duration isn't specified exactly but expect several hours walking between sites and tastings.

Is pickup included for this Cusco food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start at a central meeting point in Cusco.

Will we visit famous landmarks during the tour?

Yes, you'll see places like Qorikancha, Tambomachay area, La Merced church, and more between tastings.

Can people with dietary restrictions join?

Yes, alternatives are available for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.