Lunch in Chinchero delivers authentic Andean cuisine at its finest. This Sacred Valley district, just 30 minutes from Cusco, serves up hearty buffet-style meals featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes. I especially recommend the guided lunch tours – they combine great food with fascinating demonstrations of ancient Inca farming methods and local textile weaving.
My favorite tours include stops at family-run restaurants where you can sample quinoa soup, roasted corn, and traditional potato dishes while chatting with local cooks. Despite occasional language barriers with some guides, these tours consistently earn high marks for their cultural authenticity and educational value.
Check out these top-rated Chinchero lunch experiences that showcase the best of Andean food and culture.
Key Points
- Chinchero is known for its traditional Andean cuisine, including homemade tamales, potatoes, and local cheeses served in a scenic mountain setting.
- The Chinchero Market offers a lively atmosphere and opportunity to sample local dishes, such as cuy (roasted guinea pig) and chicha (fermented corn drink).
- Several tour providers offer Andean buffet lunches in Chinchero, featuring a variety of regional specialties and vegetarian options.
- Visitors can enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style meal, where food is cooked underground using hot stones, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Local restaurants in Chinchero offer outdoor seating with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for lunch.
Cusco | Sacred Valley – Urubamba Without Lunch |
The Sacred Valley tour takes visitors on a journey through the picturesque landscapes and ancient Inca sites of Cusco and Urubamba. Priced from $18 per person, the one-day excursion includes hotel pickup near or within the Historic Center of Cusco between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and drops guests off at Plaza Kusipata around 6:30 p.m.
Highlights include guided tours of the Pisac Archaeological Center, Ollantaytambo Sanctuary, and Centro Arqueológico de Chinchero, as well as opportunities to admire the Andean scenery and learn about the Incas’ agricultural practices.
However, lunch in Urubamba isn’t included, and travelers must purchase a Tourist Ticket (70 soles or $20) to access the sites.
While the tour provides a rundown of the region’s cultural riches, some guests have reported mixed language during the tour, unclear communication from the guide, unnecessary stops, and poor quality of the lunch option.
Read our full review: Cusco | Sacred Valley – Urubamba Without Lunch | Review
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Cusco | Sacred Valley + Andean Buffet Lunch |
Offering a more comprehensive Sacred Valley experience, this tour includes an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba. Priced from $29 per person, the tour takes visitors to key archaeological sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, providing insights into Inca culture and Andean textiles.
The day-long excursion includes hotel pickup between 7-8 AM and drop-off near Plaza Kusipata around 6:30 PM.
Situated 35 kilometers from Cusco, the Sacred Valley was the main food supplier for the Inca Empire and home to important archaeological centers built along the banks of the Urubamba River.
The tour includes a partial tourist ticket, professional bilingual guide, and first aid kit. Travelers should bring their passport and cash in soles for the ticket.
While the tour operates in sunny or cloudy weather, it’s not suitable for the visually impaired or wheelchair users. Delays may occur due to traffic, so patience is advised.
Read our full review: Cusco | Sacred Valley + Andean Buffet Lunch | Review
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From Cusco: Super Sacred Valley Without Lunch
This comprehensive Sacred Valley tour takes visitors on a captivating journey without the included lunch. Priced from $36 per person, it covers the key highlights of the region over the course of a day.
Guests will be picked up from their Cusco hotel at 6:30 AM, visiting the archaeological site and colonial temple of Chinchero, the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray, and the historic Maras salt mines.
After a break in Urubamba, the tour continues to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins and concludes at the Pisac archaeological center. Return to Cusco is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
The tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.
However, it excludes travel insurance and isn’t suitable for those over 70, recent surgery patients, or pregnant women. Passengers must bring a passport or ID card, and the use of alcohol, drugs, and pets is prohibited.
Based on two 5-star reviews, this Sacred Valley experience is a popular choice for travelers seeking an enriching day trip from Cusco.
Read our full review: From Cusco: Super Sacred Valley Without Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for Lunch in Chinchero District?
There’s no strict dress code for lunch in Chinchero District. Locals and visitors alike typically wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for the warm climate. The focus is on enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality, not adhering to a formal dress code.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
Yes, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available in the Chinchero District. Many local restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, offering a variety of plant-based and gluten-free dishes to accommodate diverse culinary preferences.
What Is the Best Time to Arrive for Lunch in Chinchero?
The best time to arrive for lunch in Chinchero is around noon. This ensures you’ll have ample seating options and won’t miss out on the day’s freshest dishes. Many local restaurants offer vegetarian and gluten-free choices for those with dietary restrictions.
Do the Restaurants Offer Any Traditional Andean Music or Entertainment?
The restaurants in Chinchero often offer traditional Andean music and entertainment to enhance the dining experience. Visitors can expect to hear live performances of local instruments and dances that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Accommodations for Children?
Most restaurants in the area don’t have strict age restrictions, and they’re generally accommodating of children. Some offer kid-friendly menus or activities to keep younger diners entertained during meals.
Recap
Chinchero district offers a variety of lunch experiences for visitors. While some tours exclude lunch, others provide an Andean buffet experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on the traveler’s preferences and budget. Whether looking for a simple meal or a more immersive cultural experience, Chinchero has options to suit different needs.