The Best Restaurants in Aguas Calientes

Key Takeaways

• Aguas Calientes offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual spots for quick meals to higher-end venues with full-course Peruvian and international dishes.
• Most restaurants in Aguas Calientes serve classic Peruvian staples, such as alpaca, trout, lomo saltado, ceviche, and quinoa dishes, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
• Prices in Aguas Calientes are higher than in other Peruvian cities, so travelers should expect to pay more for meals, especially in places close to the main square and train station.
• Reservation is recommended for dinner in popular restaurants, especially in high season (May to September), because many places are small and fill up fast.
• Many restaurants in Aguas Calientes offer early breakfast and late dinners to match train times and Machu Picchu entry slots, which helps travelers eat before or after their visit.

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town, is the village where all travelers arrive before exploring the famous Machu Picchu.

However, as Aguas Calientes is quite small there aren’t many things to do. That’s why finding a good restaurant is even more important as you will most likely want to eat somewhere when arriving in Aguas Calientes or after you have done your Machu Picchu tour.

You will be especially hungry after you have done one of the additional hikes, such as the Sun Gate or a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.

In order to simplify your decision of where to go, we created a list of the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes so that you can find some great places to eat.

Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine

      

Interesting facts: Great view of the Urubamba River.

Average Price: $7-14

Kitchen: Peruvian, vegetarian, vegan

Best time to eat: Brunch, lunch & dinner (or just for drinks)

Reservation: Not required

Try this: Alpaca Steak, Aji de Gallina, Lomo Saltado

Atmosphere: Casual

 

Apu Inti Restaurante

Interesting facts: They use organic products from the Peruvian coast, mountains & jungle.

Average Price: $6-13

Kitchen: Peruvian, vegetarian, vegan

Best time to eat: Breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner

Reservation: Not required

Try this: Alpaca Steak, Ceviche Trout, Salad Quinoa Fantasy

Atmosphere: Casual

 

El Mapi Restaurant

Interesting facts: Daily buffet lunch.

Average Price: $15

Kitchen: Peruvian

Best time to eat: Lunch

Reservation: Highly recommendable

Try this: Different soups, meats, salads, desserts

Atmosphere: Casual

La Boulangerie de Paris

Interesting facts: Everything is baked on site.

Average Price: $2-9

Kitchen: French, international, healthy

Best time to eat: Breakfast, snacks

Reservation: Not required

Try this: Almond croissant, chefs pizza with zucchini, red pepper, onions, olives and smoked ham, Croque Monsieur – french grilled sandwich with cheese, ham, bechamel sauce, Scones.

Atmosphere: Casual

 

The Tree House Restaurant

Interesting facts: Interior is made out of wood.

Average Price: $9-22

Kitchen: Peruvian, International, South American

Best time to eat: brunch, lunch, dinner

Reservation: Recommendable

Try this: Alpaca with blue cheese sauce, trucha crocante (crispy trout in quinoa flakes) served with blue cheese risotto.

Atmosphere: Casual

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

Are there good restaurants in Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu?

Yes, Aguas Calientes has many restaurants for different budgets and tastes. You find simple local eateries, tourist-oriented menus, and more refined dining rooms with better ambiance. Many places are within a short walk from the train station and main square, which makes it easy to eat before or after visiting Machu Picchu.

What kind of food do restaurants in Aguas Calientes serve?

Most restaurants in Aguas Calientes focus on Peruvian food with some international options. Common dishes include lomo saltado, grilled alpaca, fresh trout, soups, quinoa-based plates, and wood-fired pizzas. Many menus also include pasta, burgers, and salads, so travelers who prefer familiar food still have several choices.

How expensive are restaurants in Aguas Calientes?

Food in Aguas Calientes usually costs more than in Cusco or other Peruvian cities. This town is remote and depends on supplies that arrive by train, so menu prices reflect higher costs. Budget travelers can still find set menus and basic local dishes, while mid-range and upscale restaurants charge more but offer better quality, presentation, and atmosphere.

Do I need a reservation for restaurants in Aguas Calientes?

A reservation is highly recommended for dinner, especially in the dry season from May to September and on weekends. Many popular restaurants have limited seating and fill up in the early evening when visitors return from Machu Picchu. Travelers can often book through their hotel, a tour operator, or by visiting the restaurant earlier in the day.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, several restaurants in Aguas Calientes offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Menus often include vegetable soups, grilled vegetables, quinoa salads, pasta without meat, and dishes based on native Andean produce. Guests with dietary needs should still ask staff about ingredients and preparation, especially if they have allergies or need gluten-free options.