My favourite hideaways in Cusco

The best cappuccinos in town. Delicious breakfast (or snack) bowls, hearty crêpes and exquisite desserts. All tucked away in the side streets and narrow alleys of Cusco. I spent a great part of my free time there sitting in cafés, sipping my coffee, having a bite to eat and writing. 

Back in Switzerland now, with all the restaurants and coffee shops closed*, our home coffee maker provides me with my daily cup and my room has turned into my private café. I like to think back to those coffee shop afternoons now and then. Then I wonder how many of my favourite places still exist. Even before a certain pandemic forced shopkeepers to shut down, shops and restaurants disappeared out of the blue here and there. Anyway, I’ll tell you about my favourite spots and if you ever travel to Cusco, have a look to see if you can find them :).

C O F F E E

El cafetalito

I was definitely a regular at this place. It’s small, cute and located right in the touristy, but nice San Blas area. My favourite barista in Cusco, Bil Clinton (yes, that is actually his real name – and yes, it’s spelled only with one L) will be happy to show you his Latte Art skills – my personal number one was the rabbit. They also roast their own coffee and sell fresh «pan de masa madre» (sourdough bread). Order one of their beautiful arranged bowls to go with the beverage of your choice. Vegan options available too ;).

La Bo’M

The best crêpes ever! A cosy, boho-style French-Peruvian Crêperie & Backpacker hostel. You’ll feel at home at once. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious (when you’ve had enough crêpes – if that is even possible – try out their porridge or one of their salad bowls) and from their terrace you have an incredible view over the roofs of Cusco. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a hummingbird whir by.

Monkey Coffee Cusco

Mmm, that jugo de fresa (strawberry juice)… I was upset to find that this cosy café had disappeared suddenly – and happy to find it again a couple of weeks later in a new, bigger location. The new spot has lots of tables to gather around at and a cool upstairs room with a window front overlooking the patio – perfect for writing afternoons. They offer a variety of different coffees, fruit juices and desserts, a heavenly chocolate soufflé for example. If you’re looking for something savoury, I would recommend trying their falafel. Prices are rather on the expensive side, but once in a while it’s okay to treat yourself ;).

L’atelier

Another one of my writing spots. It’s actually called L’atelier Café-Concept and combines a coffee shop with a display of artisan jewellery, chic clothes, postcards and notebooks. The tastefully decorated interior gives away a hint of French charm (the owner is originally from Bordeaux). Let yourself be inspired by the poetry on the walls while you enjoy some coffee and cake (they explicitly offer vegan options). Make sure to grab a window seat to be able to enjoy the view of one of San Blas’ picturesque alleyways. The photo at the top of this article was taken from one of my those seats – Cusco in a postcard.

On a side note, I just stumbled over the boutique’s website and an article called «Le voyage» (in French), in which the owner Ingrid Thieblement explains: «Travelling is a vital act, almost like breathing.» She also says one doesn’t come across a certain picture or article by chance. They are like time machines, whisking us back in time and guiding us into our future. By writing this blog, I am reconnecting with my memories from my trip – and of course, ideas for future trips are already taking form inside my head…

The Little Bake Shop

Be sure not to miss the entrance to this one as you walk down Carmen Bajo and mind your head as you enter. You’ll be rewarded by the sight of yummy vegan pastries spread out before you. They do take away or you can choose between a lovely window seat and a comfy bench & table in the separate room. Recommendations: to die for chocolate truffle, their croissants and the carrot cake. To drink: kombucha or infusión de kión-limón (ginger-lemon tea).

Laggart Café

Acting both as a café and a gallery, this artsy place is good for hanging out and chatting with friends. You will get a rather small cappuccino for a rather high price – the coffee is good though, just make sure to order the large portion.

Qosqo Maki

The coffee isn’t worth mentioning, but their pains aux chocolat are delicious! I stopped there more than once on my way home to indulge in one (or two). They will also let you take them with in your own reusable fabric bag if asked.

F O O D

Green Point

Vegetarians and vegans and all plant eater friends behold! Due to its reputation as a main tourist attraction, Cusco offers a range of vegetarian and even vegan restaurants. Green point is one of them, and a good one at that. Relax under the canopy of the tree on their extensive terrace while you enjoy a colour- and flavourful dish. The restaurant fills up quickly, so be sure to show up early! At lunchtime, they also propose a «menú del día», which entitles you to a starter and a «fondo» for 20 soles. If you are interested in learning some of their delicious plant-based recipes, you can sign up for a cooking class.

El encuentro

The local version of a vegetarian restaurant. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself to be the only tourist amidst the locals taking their lunch break. You will get a «menú» for 10 soles, which includes a salad, a soup, a main dish, bread on the side and tea. They serve big portions, so you might want to take a take-away container with just in case.

Rúcula

The Churro Bar

I must admit, I actually never tried their churros, but I did enjoy their yummy savoury bowls a couple of times. And, they sell tofu in bulk! So grab your own container and head on over.

Indigo

A popular spot to go out in the evening. Lounge on their swing bench (!), play card games or Jenga and splurge on their cocktails and refills of complimentary popcorn. My absolute favourite drink: an upgrade of the famous Pisco Sour – Maracuyá Sour! If you are hungry and/or sick of popcorn (though really, how is that possible?), check out their Thai cuisine.

S H O P S

Garage 89

Vintage clothes and accessories, upcycled and embellished with love. Definitely worth stopping by. I bought my beloved colourful jean jacket there and I did not regret that impromptu purchase!

Green Stop

Y O G A

Healing House

Evergreen

P. S. You will find all the places I’ve mentioned on GoogleMaps, Facebook, etc. (or then they might have disappeared already). I also advise you to just stroll around Cusco; chances are you’ll stumble across another new, cool place – if you do, let me know :).