For lunch in Aguas Calientes, the riverside Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant delivers solid Peruvian cuisine with modern touches. At $22 per person, the three-course lunch includes your choice of starter, main dish, and dessert, plus water and hot beverages. The dining room’s large windows frame the rushing Vilcanota River – a perfect backdrop while sampling local specialties. We especially love their quinoa dishes and fresh trout preparations, which showcase regional ingredients at their best. The restaurant emphasizes eco-friendly practices and sources ingredients locally. While drinks run expensive and wheelchair access is limited, the attentive service and authentic flavors make this spot worthwhile. Let’s explore more top dining picks in Aguas Calientes…
Key Points
- Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant in Aguas Calientes offers Andean-contemporary cuisine with stunning river views and excellent service, though some consider the drinks pricey.
- The Machu Picchu excursion packages include a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, providing a delicious and convenient dining option during the tour.
- Some exclusive private Machu Picchu adventures offer optional lunch inclusions, allowing for a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.
- While wheelchair accessibility varies, many Machu Picchu tour packages accommodate dietary requirements, ensuring a satisfying lunch for all travelers.
- Several Machu Picchu tour highlights emphasize the scenic beauty and culture of the Sacred Valley, which can be complemented by local dining experiences in Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes: Lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant
After visiting the iconic Machu Picchu, travelers often seek a rejuvenating lunch experience in Aguas Calientes.
Cafe Inkaterra offers just that – an Andean-contemporary cuisine with a focus on sustainability, served under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof. Priced from $22 per person, the 2-hour lunch includes a starter, main course, dessert, and non-bottled water and hot drinks.
Situated along the Vilcanota River, the intimate setting is ideal for relaxation after exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can expect excellent service and stunning views, though some reviews note the drinks are a bit pricey.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but the restaurant isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Aguas Calientes: Lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant Review
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Cusco: Machu Picchu Full Day + Lunch | Private|
This tour offers travelers a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience, including round-trip transportation, guided exploration, and a delectable lunch.
Guests will be picked up from their Cusco hotel between 4-5 AM and transported to the Ollantaytambo train station, then take the train to Aguas Calientes.
From there, they’ll board a bus to the iconic Machu Picchu site for a 2.5-hour guided tour.
Afterward, they’ll enjoy lunch at a reserved restaurant in Aguas Calientes before returning by train and bus to Cusco.
The tour includes all entrance fees, transportation, and a knowledgeable English/Spanish-speaking guide.
It’s an efficient way to maximize one’s time at this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read our full review: Cusco: Machu Picchu Full Day + Lunch | Private| Review
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Machuppichu Excursion 2d/1n + Buffet Lunch in Secred Valley
The Machuppichu Excursion 2d/1n + Buffet Lunch in Sacred Valley package offers travelers a comprehensive two-day journey to explore the iconic Machu Picchu site and the surrounding Sacred Valley.
Priced at $698.00 for a small group, this tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, train tickets, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
On the second day, travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley before returning to Cusco.
With a 4.8-star rating from 82 reviews, this package provides an immersive experience of Peru’s rich history and culture at a reasonable cost, making it an attractive option for those seeking a multi-day Machu Picchu excursion.
Read our full review: Machuppichu Excursion 2d/1n + Buffet Lunch in Secred Valley Review
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Excursion to Machu Picchu Full Day With Lunch
Travelers can enjoy a full-day excursion to the iconic Machu Picchu, including a guided tour and a delectable lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Priced at SEK 4,220 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 15 participants and features a 15-hour duration.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, round-trip train tickets, and entrance to Machu Picchu.
A professional guide will lead the 2.5-hour tour, and a lunch in Aguas Calientes is provided.
Travelers will have free time to explore the town after the guided tour.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund.
Read our full review: Excursion to Machu Picchu Full Day With Lunch Review
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From Cusco: Private Day Trip to Machu Picchu With Lunch
Set out on a private day trip to the iconic Machu Picchu from Cusco, with a guided tour and a delectable lunch included.
This comprehensive package provides round-trip transportation, train and bus transfers, and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu mountain.
Enjoy a 2.5-hour private guided tour to learn about Inca culture and history, then explore Aguas Calientes at your leisure.
With a start time between 3 AM and 5 AM, you’ll witness the stunning Sacred Valley landscape.
This experience is available in multiple languages and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Prepare your passport, comfortable shoes, and cash for a seamless, guided journey to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Read our full review: From Cusco: Private Day Trip to Machu Picchu With Lunch Review
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Full Day From Cusco: Private Machu Picchu With Lunch Include
Departing from Cusco, this private day trip offers a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience. Priced from $420 per person, it includes hotel pickup, train and bus transportation, entrance tickets, a private guided tour, and lunch at the site.
The tour starts early, between 3 AM and 7:30 AM, with a 2-hour journey to the Ollantaytambo train station. After a 2-hour train ride, you’ll take a 25-minute bus to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour.
You’ll then have free time in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco. This experience highlights the scenic beauty of the Sacred Valley and culture in Inca heritage.
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with medical conditions.
Read our full review: Full Day From Cusco: Private Machu Picchu With Lunch Include Review
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Machu Picchu Private: Exclusive Adventure From Cusco + Lunch
Why not experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu in an exclusive, private adventure from Cusco?
The “Machu Picchu Private: Exclusive Adventure From Cusco + Lunch” package offers a 12-hour journey, with pickup service available. At just Kč 8,439 per person, this small group tour provides an in-depth guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel.
Enjoy a panoramic train ride and have the option to include lunch. With a 4.7-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, this experience delivers an exceptional and personalized way to discover Machu Picchu.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seeking a more intimate encounter, this exclusive adventure is worth considering.
Read our full review: Machu Picchu Private: Exclusive Adventure From Cusco + Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Lunch Spots Near the Machu Picchu Ruins?
The best lunch spots near the Machu Picchu ruins offer delicious Peruvian cuisine, stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and convenient proximity to the famous archaeological site. Visitors can enjoy a satisfying meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Can I Book a Private Tour With a Personalized Lunch Menu?
Yes, you can book a private tour with a personalized lunch menu. Many tour companies offer this option, allowing you to customize your dining experience while exploring Machu Picchu. This can provide a more exclusive and tailored experience.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options Available?
Yes, there are vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options available in Aguas Calientes. Many restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, offering a variety of plant-based and gluten-free dishes. Guests can inquire about customized menus when booking a private tour.
How Early Should I Book My Machu Picchu Lunch Experience?
To ensure a spot at Machu Picchu’s restaurants, it’s best to book your lunch experience well in advance. Many eateries fill up quickly, so reserving a table a few weeks prior is recommended for a stress-free dining experience.
Can I Combine a Machu Picchu Visit With a Lunch in the Sacred Valley?
You can’t directly combine a Machu Picchu visit with a lunch in the Sacred Valley. They’re in separate locations, so you’d need to plan for transportation and logistics to visit both. However, it’s possible to visit Machu Picchu and have a Sacred Valley lunch on the same day trip.
The Sum Up
Aguas Calientes offers a range of lunch options to fuel visitors’ adventures at Machu Picchu. From the Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant to private day trips with included meals, travelers can find convenient and satisfying lunch experiences to complement their Machu Picchu excursions. Whether seeking a casual cafe or a more formal dining experience, Aguas Calientes provides ample opportunities to enjoy a delicious lunch during a Machu Picchu visit.