Machu Picchu Restaurants and Dining

(Machu Picchu, Peru)

There is little in the way of dining opportunities around the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, and despite its constant influx of tourists, there are no actual restaurants or eateries close by. However, the exception to this is the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, which stands at the very base of the ruins and comes complete with two restaurants (the Tampu and the Tinkuy), serving much more than just 'cuy' (guinea pig) and alpaca steaks.

The restaurants are open to both hotel guests and visitors alike, and offer buffet-style dining between 11:30 and 15:00, with awesome mountain views. Otherwise, if you are intending to eat out after a day of sightseeing at Machu Picchu, then your best choice of nearby restaurants and similar dining establishments will be at the town of Aguas Calientes, or a little further away at the city of Cusco. Kebabs and burgers from street vendors at Aguas Calientes are always very popular with backpackers.

Where to Eat

As you approach the site of Machu Picchu, you will also encounter a very over priced concession stand, which always get extremely busy at lunchtime. If you have bought picnic supplies from Aguas Calientes, you will likely be asked to leave your bag at a luggage storage area next to the actual entrance of Machu Picchu. Food and drink is not permitted around the ruins, to avoid the possibility of littering, although people who are planning to stay onsite all day usually do sneak a few refreshments in.

If you are walking along the Inca Trail, then don't expect to stop at restaurants along the way! Dining opportunities come in the form of three meals served each day by your tour guides (suiting your dietary requirements), so you may well like to stock up with some snack food or chocolate.