Coffee in Cusco: Your Ultimate Guide
Cusco has the highest quality coffee and variety of cafes per capita than any other city in Peru. Yet when people think of Cusco, coffee is not the first thing that comes to mind. In this city of cobblestone streets and Incan ruins, you are more likely to be focused on getting to and from Manchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley than seeking out the best cup of coffee.
I spent two weeks in Cusco and checked out as many cafes as possible. The cafes I visited were based on the following factors: word of mouth recommendations and a combination of Trip Advisor and Google reviews. Let’s take a look at the cafes that offer up the best cup of joe in Cusco.
Disclaimer: It is important to know that many Cusco cafes serve espresso drinks only: i.e.americano (espresso in hot water), cappuccino (shot of espresso and steamed milk), latte (shot of espresso, steamed milk, milk foam), macchiato (equal parts espresso and steamed milk) while others serve both espresso and pour over options (chemex, v60, aeropress, french press, etc). This article is assessing the overall taste of the drink, regardless of whether it is espresso or pour over. The offerings of each cafe will be noted below.
Cafes Serving The Best Coffee In Cusco (in descending order):
7) Laggart Club Cafe Cultural (pour over & espresso options)
A bohemian atmosphere and comfortable furniture is what this place does best, as you can easily spend hours here. For that reason, this place makes the list. Unfortunately, both the americano and latte were somewhat underwhelming.
Click here to read Laggart Club Cafe Cultural Trip Advisor reviews.
6) Uma Cafe (pour over & espresso options)
A bit off the beaten path, this hole in the wall cafe serves up tasty espresso. Additionally, they allow you to fill your bottle with Kangen water, which is an alkaline water that is said to help prevent chronic disease and help slow the aging process. Still not convinced? Their carrot cake is not to be missed.
Click here to read Uma Cafe Trip Advisor reviews.
5) Qura Bowl Bar (espresso options)
Although known for their breakfast bowls, you should come here for the coffee. The americano here is smoother than any other in Cusco.
Click here to read Qura Bowl Bar Trip Advisor reviews.
4) Café D’wasi (pour over & espresso options)
This place prides themselves on organic, locally grown Peruvian coffee as well as offering a variety of brewing methods. Here you can comfortably sit and have one of the best coffees in Cusco. Regardless of which drink you order, it will be prepared with care and you will not be disappointed.
Fabio T. on Foursquare.com
Click here to read Café D’Wasi Trip Advisor reviews.
3) Monkey Coffee (pour over & espresso options)
The staff here care about coffee and your interaction with it. The owner is a coffee aficionado and sources the best beans from local growers and brings that high quality to his customers. The americano here is amazingly flavorful and meant to be savored. I was so impressed with the flavor profile I purchased a bag of beans to take home. The space is small but do not let that deter you from having one of the best cups of coffee in Cusco.
Click here to read Monkey Coffee Trip Advisor reviews.
2) Eusebio & Manolo (espresso options)
The quality of the beans here is high and flavor of the drinks spectacular. The americano here was the cleanest I had in my two weeks in Cusco and the latte a perfect balance of flavorful espresso and milkiness. Do not let the fact that this a takeaway coffee bar keep you away. Additionally, the staff here is very friendly. If this is not enough, you will receive a small savory, croissant to go with your coffee.
Click here to read Eusebio & Manolo Trip Advisor reviews.
1) Museo del Cafe (pour over & espresso options)
A bit upscale but very cozy, this cafe serves the best cup of coffee in Cusco. The cost is a bit higher here (20 soles for chemex serving two cups) but you are paying for quality and knowledge; the baristas educate you on the coffee’s origins and preparation behind the magic. You can wander around and learn about the history of coffee as you sip. If your time in Cusco is limited and you are looking for the best cup of coffee possible, this place is not to be missed.
Museodelcafecusco.com
Click here to read Museo del Cafe Trip Advisor reviews.
As you’re doing your research on Manchu Picchu and the magnificent Incan history around you, do so in a Cusco cafe enjoying some of the best coffee Peru has to offer!
If you care to learn more about Colombian coffee, check out my post on the topic here.
