Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner

When you’re exploring Cusco, after visiting the grand Sacsayhuamán or wandering through the lively Main Square, there’s a good chance you’ll want to cap off your visit with a memorable night of food and folk entertainment. The Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show offers just that: a cozy, locally owned spot in the heart of Cusco that combines Novo-Andean cuisine with traditional music and dance, all wrapped into a three-hour experience for around $49 per person.

What we love about this experience is how it balances authentic cultural entertainment with a delicious three-course meal. The views from the restaurant’s balcony are a highlight, giving you a stunning vantage point to look out over Cusco’s main square, especially as the evening lights come on. The live folk music and ancestral dance performances are lively and engaging, making this more than just dinner — it’s a genuine taste of Peruvian culture.

A possible consideration is the menu—it’s preselected with five gourmet options, which might be limited if you’re a picky eater or craving specific dishes. Also, some travelers have noted transportation issues, so if you’re relying on organized pickup, double-check your arrangements. That said, this tour is best suited for those who want a culinary and cultural introduction to Cusco in a relaxed setting — ideal for first-timers wanting an authentic night out.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Enjoy live folk music and ancestral dance performances in a cozy setting.
• Stunning Views: The restaurant’s balcony offers great vistas of Cusco’s main square and Cathedral.
• Quality Food: A three-course gourmet menu with five options allows for a satisfying, flavorful dinner.
• Local Ownership: The restaurant is 100% owned by Cusco entrepreneurs, supporting local businesses.
• Family-Friendly: Most travelers can participate, making it a versatile choice for groups.
• Consider Transportation: Confirm pickup details to avoid surprises, as some reviews mention issues.

An In-Depth Look at the Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner

The Venue: Restaurante Tunupa in the Heart of Cusco

Located directly on Cusco’s main square, the Tunupa Restaurant Bar Grill has been serving locals and visitors for over ten years. Its prime location means you can enjoy excellent views of Cusco’s iconic Cathedral and the bustling Haukaypata from its balcony. The setting is lively but cozy, offering a genuine sense of local life.

The restaurant’s ownership by Cusco entrepreneurs adds an extra layer of authenticity and support for small local businesses. Sitting on the balcony, you’ll feel connected to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, especially as the lights glow and the square becomes more magical at night.

The Dining Experience: A Three-Course Gourmet Meal

The dinner is designed to be both flavorful and representative of Novo-Andean cuisine, with five gourmet options to choose from. Travelers commonly mention a good variety of dishes, including hearty soups, alpaca meat, and salads. For example, one reviewer raved about the alpaca and the delicious salad, making the meal more than just fuel — it’s an important part of the experience.

While the menu is preselected, the ability to mix and match certain items adds a bit of flexibility. The included dessert rounds off the meal nicely, and though soda and alcoholic beverages are not included, you can always purchase drinks separately. The quality of food received praise from many, with some calling it “exceptional” and “very good,” especially considering the value at the price.

The Show: Traditional Music and Dance

The highlight is definitely the live folk show running from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Expect ancestral dances, traditional costumes, and lively performances that celebrate Peruvian culture. Reviewers describe the performers as “incredible” and note that the audience is sometimes invited to join the dance, creating a fun, interactive atmosphere.

The musicians, often leading with flute and other traditional instruments, keep the energy high, and the dancers bring vibrant, colorful costumes that add visual flair. Several reviews mention that the music was outstanding and that the performers made the experience memorable.

Practical Details: Timing, Transportation, and Group Size

The tour starts promptly at 7:00 pm with the show beginning around 7:30 pm. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to enjoy your meal, the show, and the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Transportation has been a mixed point — some travelers faced missed pickups or confusion about the meeting point. While most participants probably won’t encounter issues, it’s wise to confirm your pickup or consider arranging your own transport if possible, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate city center.

Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

The overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 18 reviews shows this is a popular choice, with many travelers praising the entertainment, food quality, and friendly service. For example, Harold S. called it an “exceptional night,” enjoying the performance and delicious meal. Yvette S. appreciated the good customer service in hotel pickup and drop-off. However, some reviews mention limited menu choices and transportation mishaps, reminding future visitors to double-check these details.

A few travelers expressed disappointment over the preselected menu, wishing for more flexibility, but overall, the authenticity of the music and dance seemed to make up for it. One reviewer humorously advised to “book with a different company” due to logistical issues, but mostly, the experience received high praise.

How It Compares to Other Experiences

If you’re looking for a cultural night out that combines great food with local entertainment, this tour fits the bill well. It offers a more intimate and authentic feel compared to larger, more commercial shows. For travelers wanting a relaxing evening in the city center, with the bonus of supporting local businesses, this is a solid choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Cusco’s culture in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal for families and couples seeking a memorable night that combines good food with lively entertainment. If you’re a foodie interested in trying local dishes, you’ll appreciate the gourmet menu and the chance to see traditional dance and music.

However, if you’re picky about menu choices or worried about transportation, it’s worth confirming those details beforehand. Also, if you prefer a more personalized or extensive culinary experience, you might want to explore other options, but for those seeking value, ambiance, and cultural authenticity, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner offers a genuine taste of Peruvian culture at a reasonable price. You’ll enjoy a delicious, well-presented meal while being entertained by skilled performers in a prime location with fantastic views of the city. The interactive nature of the show and the support for local entrepreneurs add to its appeal, making it more than just dinner — it’s a small cultural celebration.

This tour is best suited for those seeking an immersive, authentic experience that combines great food with traditional music and dance. Be prepared for a relaxed pace and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Some reviews mention issues with pickup, so it’s best to confirm your transportation arrangements beforehand. The tour offers hotel pickup, but details can vary.

Can I choose my meal options?
You can select from five gourmet options for your three-course dinner, but the menu is preselected, which might be limiting if you have specific dietary preferences.

What time does the show start?
The folkloric show begins at 7:30 pm, and lasts until 9:30 pm.

How long is the entire experience?
Expect about 3 hours from the start time, including dinner and the performance.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers, including families, can participate, making it a family-friendly activity.

Is the menu suitable for vegetarians?
The menu features a variety of options; you might want to inquire about vegetarian choices in advance, as the standard options are not specifically noted.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, the venue’s location and nature suggest it should be accessible, but contacting the provider beforehand is advisable.

What do reviews say about the quality of music and dance?
Multiple reviewers describe the music and performances as “outstanding” and “incredible,” highlighting the talented performers and engaging routines.

Is this experience suitable for a romantic evening?
Yes, the ambiance, views, and lively entertainment make it a lovely option for couples seeking a memorable night.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At $49, this includes a three-course meal, live show, and a prime location. Considering the quality of entertainment and food, many find it to be a good value for an authentic cultural experience.

Whether you’re after a taste of traditional Cusco or simply a fun night out with good food and music, the Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show offers an experience worth considering. Just double-check your transport arrangements and menu preferences, and you’ll be set for a memorable evening.