One of my favorite aspects of living in Cusco is the unique balance it has achieved between tourism and tradition. While many popular vacation destinations in Latin America feel dominated by the tourism industry, Cusco is a mid-sized city with a local vitality separate to the high volume of travelers Machu Picchu brings in.
This is not to say that Cusqueñean businesses don’t cater to international tourists. There are boutique hotels, fancy restaurants and lots of walking tours. Resting on the brink of an ancient wonder is definitely a claim to fame! However, every café and tienda has not been built for the American or European eye.
Rather, many locals are very proud of their Inca heritage and the natural beauty that surrounds them. There is something magical about living in a city so full of history—tucked away high in the Andes. And for this reason, much of my time in Cusco has been spent hiking. Exploring what lies just beyond the city.
However, wherever I’m living, I like to keep a finger on the pulse of the coffee community. Because Cusco has so many draws, its proximity to abundant coffee growing regions in the Amazon highlands often goes overlooked. But you can’t go to Peru without sampling a smooth blend of local beans!
La Valeriana
Many Latin American countries possess the rich soil and tropical climate perfect for growing coffee. Currently, Peru is one of the top ten producers worldwide. This means that though Cusco may not be teeming with trendy coffee shops, any americano you order is bound to be high quality.
While I prefer to visit smaller family-owned businesses, La Valeriana is a convenient place to begin our coffee crawl as one of its locations rests right next door to the Maximo Nivel institute. And though there are many cheaper bakeries in town, you can’t deny its quality and convenience.
It’s easy to get hooked on their cappuccinos so beware! They also have a wide selection of fresh-made pastries. If it’s been a long day or simply a Monday, I love to stop in for a mushroom empanada or vegetable quiche. You also can’t beat the direct view of Qorikancha: the Temple of the Sun.
Three Monkeys Coffee Company
If you’re not in a rush though, only a few blocks from Maximo a little coffee cart is serving up the best coffee in Cusco. Hands down. I was introduced to Three Monkeys Coffee by the family I was living with when I first moved to Cusco. And this specialty coffee company doesn’t mess around!
Three Monkeys is not a café, so don’t go there if you’re starving or looking for a complicated Starbucks-style drink. Their menu is simple, but their baristas know what they’re doing. This is the perfect place to order an espresso and grapple with a Márquez novel while you enjoy the garden.
Café Dwasi
Not far from the main square, Plaza de Armas, Café Dwasi is another hidden treasure made-to-order for any coffee aficionado. Though Dwasi also has a modest food menu of omelets, waffles and sandwiches, their heart is in distributing high quality Peruvian coffee.
French press? Pour over? Something from the espresso bar? Café Dwasi is one of the few places in Cusco where you can choose how your coffee is brewed. Their baristas know their beans and are happy to make recommendations. But if you’re a creature of habit like me, their americano has a rich, bold taste.
Crepería La Bo’m
If you’re after a meal but don’t want to sacrifice quality coffee, La Bo’m is another unique place to check out. Situated on the picturesque hillside of San Blas, La Bo’m is a crepería atop a backpackers’ hostel. And there’s no need to stay here to dine here! The crepe shop is a funky fusion of France and Peru filled with eclectic decor inside and out.
Their friendly, international staff cooks up a wide variety of fillings both savory and sweet. From espresso drinks to a robust wine list, every patron can find their perfect pairing. Their daring creations include combinations like blue cheese, pear and bacon! Enjoy the atmosphere while you sip a smooth latte.
L’atelier Café Concept
And finally, you haven’t really seen San Blas until you take a seat at the window of L’atelier Café. The coffee shop is connected to a boutique downstairs, which sells local, handmade goods. The view from upstairs quintessentially captures the cobblestone alleyways of San Blas, making it my favorite perch for writing or leafing through a good book.
Red geraniums from the window box dapple the view of the street below. L’atelier is all about aesthetics from their artisan jewelry and candid photography to their drink presentation. Your coffee drink will be plated with a complementary shortbread cookie, usually heart shaped.
But whether you’re after a classy café or simply in search of good coffee on the go, around every corner, Cusco reveals something new to explore. Coffee shop hopping is an excellent way to experience a new city, especially if you’re on your own. So, give yourself some time to sip and think. You may even meet fellow travelers or friendly locals who can show you around!