Jack’s Café

Jack's Café is a San Blas institution among travellers, a casual place for a big breakfast, a hearty lunch or a coffee and cake at almost any hour. It sits on Calle Choquechaca at number 509, on the corner of Atocsaycuchi, a short walk from the Museo de Arte Precolombino and the boutiques of San Blas. It is Irish-owned and has been described as a sister café to Paddy's, an Irish pub in Cusco.

Breakfast is what most people come for. Huevos rancheros are the favourite, and the menu has also included pancakes, including mango pancakes, French toast and almond and apricot muesli. Later in the day there are soups, among them a chicken soup billed as mum's, burgers, a tofu stir fry and big toasted sandwiches such as a BLT, a tuna melt and smoked salmon. Desserts are popular, especially the brownie, and there is a mango lassi as well as good coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Portions are generous, and meals have long been described as wholesome and good value.

The café is busy all day and particularly at lunchtime, when there is often a queue outside. It does not take reservations, and staff take orders once your whole party is seated, so arrive at a quieter moment or be prepared to wait. Opening hours have been reported as daily from 07:30 to 23:30, which makes it useful for an early meal before a tour or for a late snack, but check before you go.

Jack's suits backpackers, families, expats and anyone who wants familiar comfort food after days of trekking or early starts. It is a relaxed, friendly place where solo travellers will feel at ease, and it is a good spot to plan the next day's sightseeing over a second coffee.

San Blas is Cusco's artisans' quarter, with artists' studios, workshops and many pedestrian lanes, and the café makes a natural stop on a walk past the Twelve-Angled Stone on Hatun Rumiyoc and up to the San Blas church with its carved cedar pulpit. The Plaza de Armas is a short downhill walk away, so it is easy to fit in.