Restaurant
MIL Centro
Virgilio Martínez's restaurant and research centre beside the Moray terraces, serving a lunch tasting menu of Andean ingredients at around 3,600 metres.
Pachapapa
A San Blas restaurant facing the San Blas church, serving traditional Cusco and Andean dishes in a colonial patio, open daily from noon.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Cusco cuisine
- Area
- San Blas, Cusco, Peru
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 12:00–22:00
- Official site
- cuscorestaurants.com
Good to know
- Colonial patio
- Regional dishes
- Open daily
Why we recommend it
Pachapapa is the most Cusco-focused restaurant in the local group that also runs LIMO and MAP Café, and it describes its food as cocina cusqueña y más, Cusco cooking and more. It sits on the Plazoleta San Blas at number 120, facing the San Blas church, and its tables are set around a colonial patio where regional cooking takes centre stage. It was one of the nominees for best restaurant in Cusco in El Comercio's Premios Somos 2025.
The restaurant says each dish celebrates the best of Andean tradition, and the menu leans on regional classics. Dishes that guides have highlighted over the years include ají de gallina, the creamy chilli chicken stew, lomo saltado, trout, seco de cordero, lamb slow-cooked with beer and herbs, and adobo de chancho, a pork stew. Pachapapa is also one of the better-known places to try cuy, roast guinea pig; it has traditionally needed to be ordered about 24 hours ahead, so ask when you book. The current menu is published online.
The setting is what many people remember. The open-air patio of the old house is pleasant on a sunny day, and some guides have described a clay oven and live Andean harp music, though these are worth confirming on the day.
Pachapapa is open every day from 12:00 to 22:00, which makes it easy to fit around sightseeing. Travel guides have described the place as rustic but elegant, with a warm lounge as well as the patio. It suits families and groups who want to try a range of traditional dishes in a relaxed setting, and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to Andean flavours before seeking out a local picantería.
The restaurant is right in the heart of San Blas, Cusco's artisans' quarter, so it combines naturally with the climb up Hatun Rumiyoc past the Twelve-Angled Stone and a look inside the San Blas church opposite, said to be the oldest parish church in Cusco, with its famous carved cedar pulpit. Afterwards you can wander the pedestrian lanes of the neighbourhood, browse the workshops or head downhill to the Plaza de Armas, a short but steep walk away.
Pachapapa FAQs
Where is Pachapapa?
At Plazoleta San Blas 120, facing the San Blas church.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.
What kind of food does it serve?
Traditional Cusco and Andean cooking, described by the restaurant as cocina cusqueña y más.
Can you eat cuy at Pachapapa?
Cuy has been a speciality, traditionally ordered around 24 hours in advance, so ask when you book.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, tables are set in a colonial patio.
What dishes are typical?
Ají de gallina, lomo saltado, trout, seco de cordero and adobo de chancho.
Who runs Pachapapa?
It is part of the Cusco Restaurants group, alongside LIMO, MAP Café, Kion and Inka Grill.
What is nearby?
The San Blas church, the Twelve-Angled Stone and the workshops of the San Blas quarter.