Vegetarian and vegan food in Cusco
Cusco is a surprisingly easy place to eat vegetarian or vegan. Andean cuisine is built on a foundation of potatoes, grains, beans and vegetables, and the city's restaurant scene has embraced plant-based dining. Here's what to order, where to look, and how to eat well even on a multi-day trek.
Andean dishes that are naturally plant-based
Long before it was a trend, the Andean diet was largely plant-based. Many traditional staples are naturally vegetarian or vegan.
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Quinoa soup | Hearty Andean grain soup with vegetables |
| Choclo con queso | Giant Andean corn with cheese (skip cheese for vegan) |
| Papa a la huancaína | Potatoes in a mild pepper sauce (check for egg) |
| Causa | Layered potato cake — vegetable versions are common |
| Sopa de quinua / minestrón | Filling vegetable and grain soups |
Peru's plant-based super-ingredients
The region is a treasure trove for plant eaters: hundreds of varieties of potato, protein-rich quinoa and other ancient grains like kiwicha and cañihua, tarwi (Andean lupin beans), avocados, and an astonishing range of fruits. To drink, chicha morada (purple corn) is vegan, and coca tea — the local altitude remedy — is simply leaves and hot water.
Where to eat in Cusco
Cusco has dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants, especially around the San Blas neighbourhood and the centre, alongside many places offering clearly marked plant-based menus. The San Pedro Market is great for fresh juices, fruit and simple veg dishes. For a sit-down meal, look for the growing number of spots reinventing Andean ingredients — see our broader Cusco food guide.
Eating plant-based on a trek
Good news for trekkers: tour cooks in the region are very used to dietary requirements. Tell your operator in advance that you're vegetarian or vegan, and trek meals are typically built around quinoa, soups, vegetables, rice, pasta and fresh produce — often hearty and excellent. Bring a few of your own snacks and protein sources (nuts, bars) as backup for long days at altitude.
Practical tips for plant-based travellers
- Learn the phrases: 'soy vegetariano/a' and 'soy vegano/a', and 'sin carne' (no meat), 'sin queso' (no cheese).
- Check soups — some stocks use meat; ask for vegetable-based.
- Notify trek operators early so cooks can prepare.
- Eat enough at altitude — your body needs fuel; don't under-eat.
- Carry snacks for travel days and long hikes.
Got dietary needs?
Tell us when you book — our trek cooks cater to vegetarian, vegan and allergy diets.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Andean cuisine is built on potatoes, quinoa, beans and vegetables, and Cusco has many vegetarian and vegan restaurants, especially around San Blas, plus markets full of fresh produce.
Absolutely. Trek cooks are very used to dietary requirements — just tell your operator in advance. Meals are typically based on quinoa, soups, vegetables, rice and pasta. Bring a few snacks as backup.
Quinoa soup, choclo con queso (corn with cheese), causa (potato cake), papa a la huancaína and various vegetable and grain soups are commonly vegetarian. Check for egg or meat stock to be sure.
Vegetarian is 'vegetariano/a' and vegan is 'vegano/a'. Useful phrases include 'sin carne' (no meat) and 'sin queso' (no cheese).
