If you love coffee as much as we do, we must tell you Peru won’t disappoint. You can find specialty coffee spots in Peru’s big cities, like Lima, Arequipa, Trujillo, and Cusco. About this one, Cusco probably has the best coffee in the country thanks to its high quality.
Although the Cusco department is located in the Andes mountains, it also has an area next to the rainforest, which creates a unique flavor thanks to the area’s climate and temperature. Cusco’s coffee is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
So, we’ll introduce you to some coffee shops in Cusco where you’ll find the authentic flavor of the Andes. Some of these coffee houses are business ventures created by local farmers or young people. On your trip to Cusco, try at least one of these coffee places, let’s see!
L’atelier
This cafe-boutique is located in the middle of Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood, San Blas. Its name is thanks to a French designer visiting Cusco and later creating L’atelier. The first floor is a small cloth shop where you’ll find vintage clothing, or handmade jewelry, all of them created by independent artists,
The second floor is the cafe. On the menu, you can have fresh fruit juices, and homemade cakes, like the carrot cake, a favorite among customers. The chocolate is also pretty good, thanks to its strong flavor and aroma.
However, the organic coffee deserves special mention. The cappuccino, expresso, macchiato and more are a must. If you feel tempted to try a Cusco craft beer or a good French wine, L’atelier is also your best bet. They also have vegan options, like hazelnut dairy-free or homemade almond milk.
Address: Atoqsayk’uchi 695A, San Blas, Cusco
Cafe D’ Wasi
This coffee was founded by the son of a local coffee farmer, its name comes from the Quechua word “Wasi” which means home. This place aims to promote Peruvian coffee, especially the Cusco coffee. Although D’Wasi started almost ten years ago, it has received a good response from locals and foreign visitors.
Now, D’Wasi has two more cafes in Cusco, but some people including us prefer the original place. You can see how the staff roast the coffee beans, and if you ask you can have more info about the kinds of beans you’ll see.
The moka, expresso, and flat white are the favorites of the person writing this blog. The chocolate cake and the sandwiches are also great, hearty, and generous. The traditional Peruvian dish, the Lomo saltado sandwich or the triple one are amazing. Thanks to D’Wasi, you can have a taste of Cusco.
Address: Santa Catalina Angosta St, 175, Cusco
Florencia y Fortunata
This coffee place is a social business looking to empower women in the competitive Peruvian coffee industry, being the only cafe in Cusco with only female staff. For buying the coffee, the staff has direct contact or trusted intermediates, all of them women.
The menus feature juices from organic fruits, housemade cakes, pastries, etc. The chocolate and a selection of teas make this place fascinating.
We cannot leave the coffee, obviously, thanks to the different coffee preparation methods. If you want some coffee to make at home, coffee bags are available to purchase.
Florencia and Fortunata’s minimalist design and inviting atmosphere make it the right place to chill out reading a book or working on your laptop. For all of that, we can say it’s one of the best cafés in Cusco
Address: Suecia St,332, Cusco
Three Monkeys
The one who’s writing these lines remembers that before the pandemic used to visit this coffee place at least twice a week. Well, the thing is that this coffee spot started as a little coffee car in a cobblestone and narrow street in Cusco. Now, is an aesthetic, minimalistic, and fancy spot to have a good cup of specialty coffee.
Although it got bigger, Three Monkeys never changed its essence: The cappuccinos, expressos, flat white, and Moka are supreme. You can see how they use the espresso bars to make your order.
The pastries are really good too, the croissants, cakes and the bread is freshly made. The new place is located in a quiet street, but the shops stand out in the middle. During your coffee pilgrimage route in Cusco, Three Monkeys should be on your list.
Address: Pampa de la Alianza St, 474, Cusco
Xapiri Ground
This one too is located near San Blas, just a few meters from the Plaza de Armas. What makes this coffee place special, is the exhibition you can see: You can find exhibition rooms, where Peruvian indigenous artists show their work, and you can also find handmade crafts or books in the small library.
The menu includes hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and cakes. Many recommend the Amazonian brownie or the copoazu pie, a Peruvian Amazon fruit. The atmosphere is relaxing and quiet, so sit and enjoy a good coffee while you see some good pieces of art. If you’re a coffee lover willing to try new and exotic flavors then Xapiri Ground is the best place for you.
Address: Plazoleta de San Blas, 630, Cusco.
Honorable Mentions
La Bo’m
Another coffee place in San Blas, La Bo’m specializes in creps. The first floor is a hostel, and the second is a restaurant. The mix of French and Peruvian elements makes this place unique. Along with the nice vistas, La Bo’m is a must in your Cusco Visit.
Cappuccino Cusco
Located in the heart of the main square, it has three tables on the terrace, perhaps one of the most popular coffee places in Cusco. Their coffee is really good, as it comes from the Sacred Valley
Matcha Verde
Matcha Verde is the exception as it’s the only coffee place that doesn’t offer an authentic Peruvian coffee experience. However, if you want to visit a tiny corner of Japan in Cusco, Matcha Verde is your place. The macchiatos, cappuccinos, cafes, and pastries are all good.
We hope you can take a look at our list when you come to visit us, we can assure you you’ll love the ancient inca capital and all it has to offer, like the coffee. For more experiences in Cusco and Peru keep reading our blog!
Also, if you need some help setting up your trip, Viagens Machu Picchu can help you out. We are experts in Peru and its best destinations. Contact us, so you can take the first step into your adventure. Peru and Cusco are waiting for you!
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