Best Restaurants in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes): Where to Eat

Enjoy a unique culinary experience at the foot of the Inca citadel.

If you’re planning your trip to Machu Picchu, you’re probably thinking about two things: where to stay and where to eat well in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town). After a long day exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, food becomes more than a meal — it becomes part of the memory.

The town may be small, but it is full of excellent restaurants offering traditional Peruvian dishes, fusion cuisine, vegetarian options and hearty comfort meals that will recharge you after a hike, a train journey or your visit to the citadel. This guide brings together the best restaurants in Machu Picchu Town, organized for every taste and budget, plus the local dishes you should not miss.

If you still don’t have your visit to Machu Picchu booked, these tours are operated by our agency:

• Machu Picchu Full Day Tour – the easiest and most comfortable option.
• Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu (2 Days / 1 Night) – includes a night in Aguas Calientes, so you can try these restaurants for dinner before visiting the citadel.

Best restaurants in Machu Picchu at a glance

Restaurant	Best for	Try
Indio Feliz Bistro	A memorable dinner (Peruvian–French fusion)	Andean curry chicken, trout with passion fruit sauce
The Tree House	Creative Andean cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options	Coffee-rubbed lamb, quinoa risotto
Chullos Craft Beer	Casual meals on a budget	Homemade burgers, pizza, Peruvian craft beer
Mapacho	River views and craft beer	Alpaca steak, grilled trout, lomo saltado
Café Inkaterra	Fine dining and special occasions	Native Andean ingredients, wine and desserts
Julian	Local, generous home cooking	Quinoa soup, lomo saltado, chicken stew
Full House	Groups and families	Peruvian and international dishes on a river terrace

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1. Indio Feliz Bistro

Indio Feliz is one of the most iconic restaurants in Aguas Calientes, and it has earned its reputation. It specializes in a fusion of Peruvian flavors with French-style preparation, standing out for both creativity and generous portions. Dishes are colorful, well plated and packed with Andean ingredients.

We recommend the Andean curry chicken — aromatic, creamy and deeply satisfying — and the trout with passion fruit sauce, with the perfect balance of acidity and freshness. The cozy, artistic and rustic decor makes it feel intimate and warm: a great choice for a flavorful dinner after a day at Machu Picchu. Official website.

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2. The Tree House Restaurant

Located in a quiet area above the town, The Tree House is known for its peaceful atmosphere and refined flavors. It offers creative Andean cuisine that highlights the diversity of the region through textures and flavors, with a focus on quality ingredients.

Signature dishes include coffee-rubbed lamb and quinoa risotto, beautifully balanced and elegantly plated. The Tree House also has a strong vegetarian and vegan offering, which makes it popular among hikers and health-conscious travelers looking for wholesome meals after long treks.

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3. Chullos Craft Beer & Home Made Food

If you’re craving something casual and fun, Chullos is the perfect place to relax. It is known for comforting favorites such as homemade burgers, pizza, soups and warm dishes that feel like home after traveling all day.

The real highlight is their wide selection of Peruvian craft beers — ideal for unwinding after hiking the Inca Trail, exploring Machu Picchu or visiting the Sacred Valley. A favorite among backpackers and younger travelers looking for good food at a reasonable price in a social, friendly environment.

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4. Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine

Mapacho sits along the Vilcanota River and offers one of the best views in town; the sound of the rushing water makes every meal feel special. The menu highlights classic Peruvian dishes such as alpaca steak, grilled trout, lomo saltado, alpaca burgers and hearty stews — and, as the name suggests, an excellent selection of craft beers.

The ambiance blends rustic wood with modern touches, creating a cozy setting for romantic dinners, quiet meals or a relaxed evening after your visit to the citadel.

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5. Café Inkaterra

Café Inkaterra belongs to one of Peru’s best-known eco-luxury hotel brands. It offers a high-end dining experience surrounded by lush greenery, with dishes prepared from native Andean ingredients such as giant corn, local herbs, trout and alpaca.

It is the perfect place for travelers seeking quiet elegance and a refined atmosphere. The wine selection and desserts are excellent, making it ideal for celebrating a special moment during your trip. Official website.

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6. Julian Restaurant

If you’re looking for something simple, generous and delicious, Julian is where locals love to eat. Known for its hearty portions and homemade flavors, it serves everyday Peruvian classics such as quinoa soup, lomo saltado and chicken stew. The warm, friendly service adds to the charm.

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7. Full House Peruvian Cuisine

Full House is perfect for groups and families. The menu is varied, with traditional food and international comfort dishes like pasta, rice dishes and grilled meat. Its terrace overlooks the Vilcanota River, the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch.

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What to eat in Machu Picchu Town

The food in Aguas Calientes blends ancestral ingredients with contemporary techniques. Native potatoes, maize, quinoa, purple corn, oca and local meats like cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca are the cornerstones of its most authentic recipes.

Traditional Peruvian dishes

• Grilled trout: fresh river fish seasoned with Andean herbs.
• Ají de gallina: a creamy, mildly spicy classic of Peru’s Creole cuisine.
• Stuffed rocoto pepper: a spicy but balanced Andean specialty filled with ground meat and cheese.
• Mushroom quinotto: inspired by Italian risotto, made with quinoa and local mushrooms.
• Lomo saltado: stir-fried beef with onions and tomatoes, one of Peru’s most popular dishes.

Fusion and international flavors

• Trout sushi: a Japanese classic made with fresh river trout and Andean touches.
• Wood-fired pizzas with Peruvian ingredients.
• Red quinoa and goldenberry salads: light dishes built on the region’s superfoods.
• Pisco cocktails infused with muña, coca or passion fruit.

Tips for eating in Aguas Calientes

• Make reservations in high season (especially June to August), above all for dinner.
• Have breakfast in town before taking the bus up to the citadel: food is not allowed inside the archaeological site.
• Try local ingredients like quinoa, alpaca and trout.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid juices made with tap water.
• Carry some cash in soles: smaller places may not accept cards.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you eat when visiting Machu Picchu?

Almost all restaurants are in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), at the foot of the mountain, about 25 minutes by bus from the citadel. Plan your meals there before or after your visit.

What is the best restaurant in Aguas Calientes?

It depends on what you’re looking for: Indio Feliz for a memorable dinner, Café Inkaterra for fine dining, Mapacho for river views, Chullos for a casual budget meal, and Julian for local home cooking.

Are there vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Machu Picchu Town?

Yes. The Tree House has a strong vegetarian and vegan menu, and most restaurants offer quinoa dishes and salads.

Exploring the best restaurants in Machu Picchu Town is another way to connect with the culture of the Andes. Ready to plan your trip? Let us help you with comfortable, safe and well-organized tours.

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