Cusco Flavor Routes: Local Cuisine and Pisco Sour

Overall, this is a tour of low physical demand. It’s an easy walk through the Historic Center of Cusco, the Main Square, San Pedro Market, and the Santa Ana neighborhood, with frequent stops to eat, listen to explanations, and take photos.

Depending on the route of the day, there may be some gentle uphills, steps, and cobblestone streets, so basic mobility is recommended, as well as wearing comfortable walking shoes.

If you’re new to urban walks at this altitude, moving at a relaxed pace is usually enough, and you can always let your guide know if you need an extra break.

Cusco sits at around 3,400 m / 11,155 ft above sea level, so some travelers may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms, such as fatigue or slight shortness of breath.

In general, it’s recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 1 day in advance if you’re coming from sea level, get good rest, stay hydrated, and avoid very heavy meals before the tour. During the walk, the pace is usually relaxed with constant stops, but if you’re new to high-altitude destinations, it’s a good idea to tell your guide how you’re feeling so they can adjust the pace if needed.

That depends on how your body reacts to altitude. In general, many travelers can handle this type of light walk even on their first or second day in Cusco, since the pace is easy and the route is relatively short (about 3 hours).
However, if you’re new to high altitude destinations or have a history of altitude sickness, it’s recommended to:

• Arrive in Cusco 1 or 2 days in advance.
• Avoid intense physical activity before the tour.
• Stay well hydrated and eat light meals during the day.

Depending on how you feel, you can always let your guide know if you need to walk more slowly or take additional breaks.

The tour takes place in the late afternoon and evening, when temperatures in Cusco are usually cool to cold, especially during the dry months from May to September. You can generally expect mild afternoons and cold nights, with a stronger feeling of cold due to the altitude.

It depends on the season:

• In the dry season (roughly May to October) the sky is usually clearer, but nights can be cold, sometimes close to 0 °C.
• In the rainy season (roughly November to March) afternoons are more humid, with occasional drizzle or passing showers.

Based on these conditions, we recommend bringing a light jacket or windbreaker, a sweater or scarf, comfortable pants, and, if you visit during the rainy season, a rain jacket or poncho.

Street food in Cusco is an important part of local culture, and for this type of tour we usually work with stands and small eateries well known among locals, where the turnover of products is high and food is prepared to order.

Even so, as in any Andean city, it’s a good idea to follow some basic precautions:

• Choose well cooked or fried foods such as tamales, empanadas, picarones, and anticuchos.
• Avoid raw products if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Use hand sanitizer before eating and stay well hydrated.

If you’re new to Latin American street food or tend to have a delicate stomach, it’s best to start with small portions and tell your guide about any allergies or dietary restrictions so they can better advise you.

In general, many of the dishes included in the tour are traditional and based on animal products (such as anticuchos or rachi). However, there are options that can work better for vegetarians, such as certain types of tamales, pan chuta, some empanadas, and desserts.

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, the best approach is to:

• Inform us of your dietary restrictions in advance so we can prioritize suitable options.
• Tell the guide at the beginning of the tour which foods you cannot eat.

Depending on the day’s availability, some tastings can be adjusted, but it’s important to keep in mind that this tour is focused on typical food as locals eat it, so the variety of special options may be limited.

In Peru, the legal drinking age is 18, so minors are not allowed to drink Pisco Sour or other alcoholic cocktails.

The walking route and food tastings can be suitable for families with older children who are used to walking in a city and trying new flavors.

If you’re traveling with minors, it’s usually possible for them to be offered a soft drink or non alcoholic beverage during the Pisco Sour class. The best option is to let us know at the time of booking that you are traveling with children, so we can adjust expectations and group dynamics.

• ID card or passport.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (afternoon sun can still be strong).
• Light jacket, a sweater or scarf, and comfortable pants.
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Small daypack for your personal items.
• Some extra cash for local purchases or additional drinks.

In general, we recommend avoiding large backpacks or unnecessary items, since you’ll be moving through markets, street stands, and busy streets.

The tour is designed with daily departures from 5:00 p.m. and a total duration of about 3 hours. A minimum of 2 people is required to confirm a departure.

Groups are usually small to medium sized, which makes it easier to hear the guide’s explanations and move comfortably through the market and downtown streets. There are also recommended private groups of 2 to 10 people, ideal for those who prefer a more personalized experience with friends, a partner, or family.

Cusco has a marked rainy season, especially between November and March, when afternoon showers are common. In general, this type of city tour still operates in light rain, adjusting the pace and making the most of indoor areas at the market, restaurants, and bars.
If the rain is heavier, depending on the day’s conditions, the guide may reorder some stops to prioritize covered spots and keep the experience as comfortable as possible. That’s why it’s always recommended to bring a rain poncho or waterproof jacket and shoes with good traction for walking on wet streets.