Best Cusco walking tour: dinner street food tasting

If you’re looking to get a real taste of Cusco—the heartbeat of Peru’s Inca civilization—this 3-hour walking tour offers an engaging mix of history, local life, and delicious street food. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore iconic sites like the San Pedro Market, Qorikancha, and the Plaza de Armas, all while sampling some of the city’s most beloved snacks. The price tag of $74 per person includes entrance fees and street food, making it a pretty good deal for a compact, authentic experience, especially since it’s booked on average 55 days in advance.

What we love about this tour is how it combines cultural insights with tasty bites—a perfect way to start your Cusco adventure. The guide’s detailed explanations bring the city’s history to life, and the moments spent tasting local street foods like anticucho and picarones add a fun, flavorful dimension. Another highlight is the chance to see Cusco’s vibrant daily life firsthand in the bustling San Pedro Market and the scenic San Blas neighborhood, often called the city’s balcony, thanks to its sweeping views.

However, a potential consideration is the tour’s timing. Starting at 2:00pm means you’ll be exploring during the afternoon, which might coincide with busier market hours or the midday heat. If you’re an early riser, check if a morning option might suit your plans better. Also, this tour does not include transportation, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on foot or via public transit.

This tour suits travelers eager for an authentic, small-group experience with a focus on local cuisine and Cusco’s top sights. It’s especially great if you want to combine sightseeing with a culinary adventure and learn about the city’s rich past in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines cultural sights with street food tastings for a well-rounded introduction.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide detailed insights into Cusco’s history and daily life.
• Vibrant Markets: San Pedro Market offers lively scenes of local produce and handicrafts.
• Iconic Sites: Visits to Qorikancha and the Plaza de Armas reveal Cusco’s Inca and colonial past.
• Scenic Views: San Blas neighborhood offers some of the best city vistas.
• Private Tour: Ensures personalized attention and flexible pacing.

In-Depth Review: What to Expect from This Cusco Walking Tour

Starting at Mercado Central de San Pedro

The tour kicks off in San Pedro Market, a lively hub of activity where locals shop for everything from fresh fruits to handcrafted textiles. We love how this first stop plunges you right into everyday Cusco life. You’ll wander through sections dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts, observing the sheer variety of ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so vibrant. Vendors call out, and the aroma of tropical fruits fills the air—this is where you start to understand what fuels the city’s daily rhythm.

The market visit lasts about 30 minutes, and entry is included. It’s a fantastic way to see local produce and crafts up close—much more genuine than a touristy souvenir shop. Plus, it’s a chance to ask your guide about traditional ingredients and maybe even pick up some souvenirs.

Exploring Qorikancha and Street Food Tasting

Next, you’ll stroll past Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was once the most important temple of the Inca Empire. The ruins and remaining walls blend Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, a striking reminder of Cusco’s layered past. Here, your guide explains the religious significance of the site, enhancing your appreciation of Inca spirituality.

While at Qorikancha, you get to try street foods like anticucho (grilled meat skewers), picarones (sweet potato doughnuts), and choclo (large-kernel corn). These snacks offer a real taste of local flavor—something you might not find in standard tourist eateries. The fact that the entrance fee to Qorikancha is included means you won’t have to worry about additional costs.

Discovering Cusco’s Plaza de Armas

The historical heart of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas, is next. Surrounded by impressive colonial buildings like the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, this square is a hub of activity. Your guide will walk you through the stories behind the impressive facades and artworks inside the cathedral, including gold and silver artifacts and religious paintings.

Here, you’ll sample more street foods like tamales, ponches (sweet beverages), and emoliente (a traditional herbal drink). The lively atmosphere and the chance to sit on a plaza bench while nibbling local snacks make this stop both relaxing and enriching.

Climbing to San Blas

In the final part of the tour, you visit San Blas, a neighborhood perched on a hillside with narrow, colorful streets. Known as Cusco’s balcony, it offers some of the best panoramic views over the city. The winding streets are dotted with artisanal shops, cafes, and local businesses. We loved following old Inca trails here—today’s pathways are echoes of history, and many hidden lookout points allow for unforgettable vistas of Cusco’s terracotta rooftops and distant mountains.

The San Blas walk takes about an hour, and as reviews mention, it’s a charming way to see a less touristy side of Cusco.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

This tour runs starting at 2:00 pm from Plazoleta San Pedro, offering a relaxed afternoon exploration. It’s designed for small groups—up to 10 people—so you’ll get personalized attention from your guide, which makes a difference when it comes to asking questions and soaking up information.

The price of $74 covers all entrance fees, street food, and a knowledgeable guide. Not included is transportation, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on your own, nearby public transportation options make this straightforward.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it manageable even on a busy schedule. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a light jacket—Cusco’s high altitude can mean sudden weather changes.

Authenticity and Value

The reviews highlight the value of this experience: travelers appreciated guides like Alvin who took the time to explain Cusco’s history and culture, making the visit more meaningful. One reviewer mentioned how they left with a greater appreciation for the city’s vibrant culture, thanks to detailed explanations and local interactions.

Street food included in the tour is a delightful way to taste local flavors without the hassle of searching for authentic spots on your own. For just under $80, you get a well-rounded introduction to Cusco—covering history, culture, and cuisine—with all entry fees included, which is quite a good deal compared to separate costs.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to see the essential sights while also sampling Cusco’s delicious street food. It’s ideal if you prefer small group settings and appreciate local insights. History buffs will enjoy the stories behind each site, while food lovers will relish trying regional snacks in authentic settings.

People who are interested in off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods will find the walk through San Blas particularly rewarding. It’s also suitable for those with basic mobility, as the walk is mostly on flat, accessible streets.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your goal is to get a comprehensive, authentic introduction to Cusco—its sites, flavors, and local life—this walking tour hits all the right notes. The combination of expert guidance, delicious street food, and accessible sites makes it a standout choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a cultural appetizer before venturing further into Peru.

The tour’s intimate setting allows you to ask questions and learn more about Cusco’s layered history and vibrant present. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why this city continues to captivate travelers from around the world.

While it doesn’t include transportation or extend into the evening, that’s not a big drawback for most travelers, especially considering the rich, immersive experience you gain in just three hours. Just plan to arrive on time and wear comfortable shoes.

This tour offers great value, fun flavors, and insider insights, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cusco itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to make your way to the starting point at Plazoleta San Pedro, which is accessible by public transit.

What’s the best time to start the tour?
The tour starts at 2:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore other parts of Cusco earlier in the day or afterward. The afternoon timing is ideal for experiencing local markets and avoiding early morning crowds.

Are there any age restrictions or physical requirements?
Most travelers can participate, but since the tour involves walking through markets and streets, comfortable footwear and moderate mobility are recommended.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers all site entrance fees (including Qorikancha), street food tastings, and a professional English-speaking guide. Transport is not included.

How many people will be on the tour?
The tour is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and the opportunity to ask questions freely.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a guided group tour with a fixed itinerary, but small groups often allow some flexibility—feel free to ask your guide about specific interests or additional stops.

In sum, this walking tour of Cusco offers a fantastic mix of history, local life, and street food—a practical, fun way to start exploring this vibrant city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply curious about Cusco’s layered past, it’s well worth considering as part of your Peruvian adventure.