Lia Mongrut

Local is a charming restaurant and café in the heart of San Blas, the coolest area in Cusco. Although this place is relaxed and casual, their menu has many loyal fanatics. They serve Peruvian classics with modern twists, delicious breakfast options, cocktails and desserts. This welcoming place is a favorite for those who love long lunches or a feast for brunch. 

This place has everything you need and more. Casa Ichu is a modern and very sleek house that hosts a restaurant, optimal for brunch, a natural wine bar, well-suited for date night or a relaxing afternoon in the bonfire conversation pit, plenty of co-working spaces and a couple of rooms if you want to stay in the very centre of the city. They do it all and we couldn't recommend this place more, whether it is for wine tasting or a business meeting that popped up unexpectedly. 

In Cusco, you will probably triplicate your daily steps, explore many ruins and sites, hike and be excessively active, which is why, breakfast is essential. As lovers of a morning pastry and crunchy sourdough toast, we suggest you visit Migas del Valle for exactly that. Whether it's for the espresso that will get your heart pumping or the almond croissant that will get your tummy ready to climb Machu Picchu, we think this place is just right for an early pick-me-up. 

Kampu is a friendly and laid-back outdoor restaurant that serves exquisite and unconventional dishes. Beloved owner and chef Eduardo has mastered the culinary fusion of Peruvian and Thai cuisine. If you are feeling like Pad Thai, this is where you should be and if your taste buds are feeling like a sensorial overload, you should go for his iconic curries, especially the one remixed with Lomo Saltado, a crowd fave. Visit Kampu with your group of friends and spend the afternoon trying artisanal beers and the best Oriental meals of Urubamba. 

Cusco’s nights are chilly and that is why we think a warm comforting dinner (with artisanal beer on the side) is the way to go. La Bodega 138 has a homey feel and even better wood-fired pizzas. Visit this popular spot to start your night out on the town. Commence from slice to slice and end up hopping from bar to bar. 

One thing we believe visitors must do in Cusco is try some of the many artisanal beers. Cerveceria Del Valle Sagrado is one of the best places to do so. Spend an evening or an afternoon with friends tasting different brews in this casual spot. 

If you are looking for luxury and major comfort, head to Palacio del Inka. Not only has this hotel mastered its amenities (like their Andes Spirit Spa and the Rumi Bar) but it is also considered a historical landmark, as it is a five-century-old mansion in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the halls and archways, the colonial art, Andean designs, details and antiques that will put you in the mood to discover more about Peruvian culture.  

Cusco’s cathedral (la Catedral Basilica de la Virgen de la Asunción) is a spectacular building and one of the main pillars that give life to Plaza de Armas. The cathedral, built around the 15th century, showcases the merging of Indigenous and Spanish colonial architecture through its Gothic-Renaissance and Baroque style. This beautiful emblem of the city is adorned with gold, silver, insane wood carvings and sacred masterpieces from Cusco’s Art School from back in the day. Whether it is because of its religious or historical significance, you must walk in. We could spend hours just figuring out its intricate details. 

Cusco is home to many Baroque churches, but nothing beats The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Located in the vibrant Plaza de Armas, is this stunning 16-century relic and landmark. Admire the facade from the outside but make sure to approach the beautiful gold-leaf altar as well as the insane blend of European and Andean styles, reflective of its time.

We’ve got your back. We know how important it is to have an Irish pub pinned on our map wherever we go. In Cusco, Paddy’s is more than a staple, it is a beloved icon of the city. This small, cosy but incredibly popular Irish pub is always ready for “una chelita” (slang for beer- but Peruvians love diminutives so the translation would be something like a baby beer, a small beer). Visit if you need to quench your thirst with a Cusqueña… or if you miss home, a Heineken, an Estrella Galicia or a Stella Artois (depends on where is home).

Once you’ve lived in this place, you can brag and say you’ve visited The Highest 100% Irish Pub on the Planet (11156 ft.)