Cusco Travel Guide: The Best Cafes in Cusco, Peru

Last updated on August 4th, 2024 at 08:29 am

Cusco, Peru is known as the capital of the Inca Empire, the starting point for a journey to Machu Picchu, and a city filled with culinary delights. I think we should add to this list the plethora of cafes and coffee shops. The trendy San Blas neighborhood of Cusco is home to a number of cafes, each with a unique vibe. I took it upon myself during my recent visits to discover the best cafes in Cusco. 

While Peruvian coffee is known as some of the best coffee in the world, I actually don’t drink coffee. As in, I’m 37 years old and have never had a sip of coffee. I am, however, a chocolate lover and tea fanatic, and I love delicious pastries. So, instead, I tried out their tea selections, tried to find the best hot chocolate, and sampled their sweet treats. 

Overall, the greatest aspect of these cafes is that there is absolutely no rush. You can spend as much time at these cafes as you wish. If you’re a digital nomad, they make an excellent place to catch up on work, as many of the locations listed here have strong WiFi. These coffee shops also have a relaxed atmosphere if you’d like to read, journal about your trip, or simply relax. So, let’s get into the best coffee shops and cafes to add to your Cusco, Peru itinerary.

The Best Cafes in Cusco, Peru

Qura

I stumbled upon Qura Cafe after a much-needed yoga class nearby. A basket of bread hanging just outside of Qura’s door invited me into the warm glow. Qura is a tiny, relaxed cafe with a cozy atmosphere and deliciously satisfying Acai Bowl. I did not try the bread as I was getting my fill of carbohydrates from my daily papas fritas serving. However, when I visited, a group at a neighboring table ordered a wide variety of dishes, including salads, smoothies, and coffee, all of which looked scrumptious!

Cafe Loco

Cafe Loco is a tiny cafe located in Plaza San Blas. It certainly offers amazing views of the city and, despite its name, is a quiet place to spend a few hours working. As the only customer, I chose the window seat to enjoy an impressively large bowl of fruit and granola with a warming chai tea latte. There was no rush to leave from the staff, so I lingered to use some of the best WiFi in Cusco and take in the impressive view of the city below.

UPDATE: According to Google Maps, this cafe is now permanently closed 🙁

Laggart Cafe

One of the larger cafes I visited in Cusco, I liked Laggart so much I went back twice. There are no Cusco views here, but it has two large rooms with surprisingly comfortable sofas. It’s also an art gallery, so you’ll find interesting artwork covering the walls. Laggart is a really charming spot to spend a rainy afternoon.

They also have a wide range of sweet treats and empanadas. On my first visit, I chose a gluten-free brownie because it looked better than the regular brownie, a rarity in my opinion. I paired it with hot chocolate. Both were amazing! The brownie beckoned me back for a second visit, and I paired it with one of their loose-leaf teas. On each visit, I stayed about three hours using their strong WiFi to plan my upcoming two days in Lima, Peru, and no one bothered me – it was glorious!

Since my visit, its location has moved from the San Blas neighborhood to a quiet street a few blocks away from Plaza Regocijo, making it even more of a hidden gem.

La Cafeteria Cusco

I was caught in a rainstorm and lost in the streets of San Blas looking for a specific Google recommended cafe. I had to do a double take when I passed this adorable cafe as La Cafeteria Cusco doesn’t have a huge sign outside, just a simple chalkboard describing its tasty treats.

As I poked my head in to make sure it was actually a cafe, the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies immediately welcomed me. I ordered a warm cookie and a chai tea latte and set up my work at one of the three tables.

There is a window seat as well if you just want to sit and people watch – an equally enjoyable cafe pastime. I never did find that Google-recommended cafe. (It’s called Three Monkeys Coffee Cusco if you want to check it out!).

UPDATE: I don’t think this cafe exists anymore 😕. According to Google Maps, it now looks like a clothing boutique. I really need to go back to Cusco to check out more spots!

Siete Siete

Situated at the top of a San Blas hill on the corner of 7 Angelitos and 7 Diablitos is Siete Siete. It’s well worth the breathless climb up for sweeping views of Cusco. In addition to the views from its second-floor location, this open and airy cafe uses its decor to pay homage to the seven angels and seven devils of the Andean culture, which you can read more about on its menu.

Their menu has a variety of healthy and delicious options to help balance out all of the sweet treats! The service here is attentive, yet unrushed making it a perfect place to relax away from the noise of downtown Cusco.

La Atelier Café Concept

This little coffee shop located at the end of a picturesque San Blas street is one of the best places in Cusco for coffee. Not only do they have good food (get the carrot cake), but this tiny cafe also has a little shop that sells handmade goods and clothing. After perusing the shop on the ground level, make your way to the 2nd floor and try to get a seat at the window to enjoy the excellent views of the street below and the mountains in the distance. 

Thanks to social media, La Atelier has become incredibly popular. If it’s too busy when you visit to enjoy the space, don’t worry; there are plenty of other places with great coffee and food.

Cappuccino Cafe

My friend recommended I try Cappuccino Cafe, which has bright blue balconies overlooking Plaza de Armas. I visited at night and was able to snag a balcony seat, where I enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate while reading a book. It’s not exactly a quiet place, as it’s located right on the main plaza, so it does get busy, but they have friendly staff, good prices, and even better views!

One Cafe to Skip in Cusco

Jack’s Cafe

The line out of the door for an entire Sunday is what first drew my attention to this cafe occupying a bustling corner on the edge of San Blas, just one block up from the historic center. I’m not one to wait in lines, especially when there are a plethora of other good cafe options. So when I passed this corner a few days later and saw there wasn’t a line, I figured I’d give it a chance.

Upon entering, I noticed tourists occupied every table in this packed cafe. The second thing I noticed was the prices – much more expensive than the other cafes I visited. However, when my avocado toast breakfast arrived, the portion was USA-sized, slightly justifying the price.

Almost as soon as I swallowed my last bite, the bill arrived. It was obvious that lingering to plan my how to take Peru Hop from Cusco to Lima was not an option. I paid and left, spending a total of about 45 minutes here. The food was good, but I’d grown accustomed to enjoying the slow pace of Cusco’s cafes. With Jack’s being so crowded with tourists, a bit pricey, and rushed, I knew I wouldn’t return.

But it did feel a bit like home, so if you’re homesick for big portions of a USA-style breakfast, this is your spot!

It seemed every street I turned down in San Blas and around Plaza de Armas there were more cafes to explore. I spent the better part of my two weeks in Cusco attempting to try them all, but I realized I’d be rolling on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu if I tried every one of them. And my bank account would have been mad at me as well.

I really want to go back and try La Rabona, Organika Bakery, La Valeriana, and Xapiri Groud. Local cafes are some of my favorite places to visit when I travel because I think you get to see a bit of local culture, enjoy great food, and support a small business. Plus, they’re usually a solid source of WiFi to connect with people back home.

I hope you get a chance to try some of these awesome Cusco cafes!

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