The Picanterías Route offers an immersive culinary experience in Cusco, Peru. Led by bilingual experts, this 6-hour tour provides the opportunity to discover the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene. Visitors can explore the renowned San Pedro Market, sample traditional dishes and drinks, and learn about the rich cultural heritage that shapes Cusco’s culinary identity. With free cancellation available, this captivating journey is an enticing option for those seeking to delve deeper into the flavors that define the region.

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Key Points

The Picanterías Route is a 6-hour culinary experience in Cusco, Peru, priced from $40 per person.
The tour highlights popular and historic gastronomic locations, including the iconic San Pedro Market.
Participants can taste traditional Cusco drinks, such as chicha, and experience the preparation of cuy (guinea pig).
The tour is guided by English and Spanish-speaking experts, offering cultural insights into Cusco’s rich culinary traditions.
The tour offers a "Reserve now, pay later" option, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Picanterías Route

The Picanterías Route offers a captivating culinary experience for those eager to explore Cusco through the lens of local cuisine.

This 6-hour tour, priced from $40 per person, provides an immersive journey into authentic Cusqueñan flavors. Guests can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Led by English and Spanish-speaking guides, the tour highlights popular and historic culinary locations, including the iconic San Pedro Market and renowned spicy restaurants.

With tastings of traditional drinks and dishes, this experience promises to satisfy both the palate and cultural curiosity.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Tour Highlights

Immersive culinary traditions await on the Picanterías Route, which immerses guests in Cusco’s authentic flavors.

Explore popular and historic gastronomic locations, discovering the city’s vibrant culture. The tour highlights colorful corners significant to Cusco’s heritage.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide will lead the way, providing insights into the local culinary practices.

Whether it’s tasting traditional chicha or observing cuys (guinea pigs) at Mamá Trini, the Picanterías Route offers a one-of-a-kind experience to savor Cusco’s renowned spicy dishes and connect with its gastronomic legacy.

Itinerary Details

The Picanterías Route starts with a pick-up service at the agreed meeting point.

The first stop is the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s oldest and most popular market, known for its sensory experiences and artisan products.

Cusco’s San Pedro Market, the oldest and most popular, is renowned for its sensory experiences and artisan products.

Next, the tour visits La Chomba, an old spicy restaurant famous for dishes like fried ribs and pork rinds. Visitors can try the recommended frutillada with black beer.

The tour then continues to the San Blas neighborhood, concluding at Mamá Trini, a well-known spicy restaurant recognized by the Ministry of Culture, offering traditional dishes and chicha.

Culinary Experiences

What culinary experiences can visitors expect on the Picanterías Route?

Participants will get to taste the traditional Cusco drink, chicha.

They’ll also enjoy a full dish at Mamá Trini, a renowned spicy restaurant recognized by the Ministry of Culture.

Plus, visitors will have the opportunity to observe cuys (guinea pigs) at Mamá Trini.

These authentic culinary experiences immerse travelers in the rich gastronomic traditions of Cusco.

From sampling regional beverages to trying classic local dishes, the Picanterías Route offers an immersive and flavorful way to connect with Cusco’s vibrant food culture.

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Meeting Point and Availability

According to the article, the meeting point for the Picanterías Route is available on Google Maps.

To check availability, the article states that participants can:

Review the starting times offered for the tour.
Select the desired number of participants.
Confirm the meeting point location through Google Maps.

The article emphasizes the flexibility of the tour, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

The tour offers travelers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Picanterías Route provides a convenient and hassle-free culinary experience in Cusco.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Taking in Cusco’s Authentic Culinary Traditions

Travelers on the Picanterías Route enjoy Cusco’s authentic culinary traditions, uncovering the city’s vibrant food culture through a guided exploration of its historic and beloved eateries. At the first stop, the San Pedro Market, visitors experience the lively sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling hub. The tour then takes guests to two renowned spicy restaurants, La Chomba and Mamá Trini, where they savor traditional dishes and Cusco’s iconic chicha drink while witnessing the preparation of the iconic cuy (guinea pig).

| Experience | Location |

| — | — |

| Taste traditional chicha | Throughout the tour |

| Observe cuy preparation | Mamá Trini |

| Enjoy a signature dish | Mamá Trini |

| Explore a historic market | San Pedro Market |

Exploring Cusco’s Historic Culinary Locations

As visitors embark on the Picanterías Route, they explore Cusco’s historic culinary locations, uncovering the city’s rich food heritage.

The tour explores:

The iconic San Pedro Market, Cusco’s oldest and most popular market, offering a sensory experience with artisan products.
La Chomba, an old spicy restaurant renowned for dishes like fried ribs and pork rinds, where travelers can savor the recommended frutillada with black beer.
Mamá Trini, a well-known spicy restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, recognized by the Ministry of Culture for serving traditional dishes and chicha.

The Significance of Chicha and Guinea Pigs

Chicha, a traditional fermented maize drink, holds deep cultural significance in Cusco, while cuy (guinea pig) is a delicacy that has been part of Andean cuisine for centuries. Chicha is ubiquitous in Cusco, served at festivals, homes, and markets. It’s believed to have spiritual properties and is often used in rituals. Cuy, on the other hand, is a symbol of status and reverence, traditionally reserved for special occasions. The tour’s culinary experiences allow visitors to enjoy these iconic Cusco traditions.

| Chicha | Cuy |

| — | — |

| Traditional fermented maize drink | Andean delicacy |

| Used in rituals and festivals | Symbol of status and reverence |

| Believed to have spiritual properties | Traditionally reserved for special occasions |

| Ubiquitous in Cusco | Part of Andean cuisine for centuries |

| Served at homes, markets, and events | Prepared in various ways (roasted, fried, stewed) |

Since You Asked

Can I Modify the Tour’s Itinerary or Visit Additional Locations?

The tour typically follows a set itinerary, but customers can discuss modifications or additional locations with the provider. Flexibility may be possible depending on the request and availability, though additional fees may apply.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Accommodated?

Yes, the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can make appropriate arrangements for any dietary needs or food allergies. The operator strives to provide a safe and enjoyable culinary experience for all participants.

What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?

When taking this tour, it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes and light, weather-appropriate clothing. This will allow you to fully enjoy the culinary and cultural experiences without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes tastings and a full meal, so bringing outside items is discouraged. However, guests with dietary restrictions should notify the tour operator in advance.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the vibrant markets, historic locations, and culinary experiences. However, visitors should be mindful and respectful when taking photos, especially of people.

The Sum Up

The Picanterías Route offers a captivating culinary journey through Cusco’s rich gastronomic heritage. Guided by experts, participants explore iconic markets, renowned eateries, and savor traditional dishes and drinks, seeing the city’s vibrant food culture. With free cancellation and a reasonable price, this tour provides an authentic and accessible way to discover Cusco’s culinary identity.