Easter in Cusco: discover the best Cusco food you should try

Cusco, a historical territory that protects the legacy of the Incas for the world, is close to welcoming hundreds of tourists who choose it as a destination to enjoy the Holy Week 2022, a season that is used by the faithful to reflect and also to share time with family or friends, and there is no better way to do it than traveling through Peru .

Although it has one of the greatest attractions that our country has, Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, this is not the only magnet that catches the attention of visitors. Cusco cuisine is one of the most delicious and filling, so you should mark it in your travel itinerary.

Thanks to the versatility of the products we have in Peruvian lands, seasoning experts create delicious dishes that calm even the most intense hunger. Cusco, being one of the places that keeps tourism active throughout the year, travelers can find restaurants that offer the best of Cusco food and at an affordable price, especially if you have an appetite for an unforgettable experience with flavors.

One of the favorite combinations of backpackers and those who eat on the go is that of freshly parboiled corn and a good cut of cheese. This is a classic of corners and walking routes, as it gives you the energy you need to continue the walks. Destinations such as Urubamba have a corn with an unparalleled flavor, which with the salty of the complement create an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Get ready to travel! Easter in Peru: check the price of air and bus tickets for this holiday

If your appetite has aroused, in the following lines we will share information about typical Cusco dishes that you can enjoy until you suck your fingers if you are close to living Holy Week in Cusco, one of the places that still preserve religious beliefs and the Andean worldview.

El Chairo is a delicious Andean soup. Its name has a Quechua and Aymara origin, and can be interpreted as “type of food”. This traditional Cusco preparation has a good consistency and was one of the favorite foods of peasants who walked long journeys to get to their jobs. It accommodated its travels very well, since it was not spoiled quickly due to the ingredients used, especially the chuño, which serves as the main base, in addition to lamb meat, dehydrated beef, sweet potato, peas, carrots, beans, peppermint, oregano, parsley, cumin and salt. It will keep you safe from the cold and manage to fill you up.

Chiri Uchu is considered the traditional dish of Cusco. If you ask for any recommendation to savor Cusco food, there is no doubt that they will indicate this one, considered one of the representatives of the culinary art. Its curious name in Quechua means cold or cold hot pepper and has its origin during the Tahuantinsuyo empire. Since its preparation, this food brings together the best of the country, mixing the flavors of the coast, mountains and jungle. What ingredients are the protagonists? Experts in this preparation use toasted white corn, cheese, guinea pig, chicken, jerky, charqui, cochayuyo, fish egg cup and rocoto.

Are you going to travel to Cusco? Easter in Machu Picchu: how much does it cost to visit the Wonder of the World

The Cusqueña fried trout, one of the classic and inevitable ones on the menu of the markets. Obviously, the basis of this dish is fish, which can be from the river or sea. It has to be fried at a suitable temperature to make it slightly crispy. It is accompanied by a generous portion of rice, a few slices of cassava and accompanied by creole sauce. There are currently some country restaurants that allow you to live the experience of watching the trout picking activity, which are used to prepare this dish with fresh input.

The Andean guinea pig. Although this species is bred as a pet in some countries of the world, in Peru, especially in much of the mountains, it is a rich input to prepare traditional dishes. There are a large number of hatcheries that are responsible for the raising of these small animals, which are distributed domestically and abroad. Those who take care of its cooking have an important task, since they must clean it very well inside before starting to season it. It can be fried, baked or included in stews. You can accompany it with rice or freshly parboiled potato.

Mushroom Kapchi. The so-called callampas were one of the foods most consumed in the Inca era, especially by the authorities who ran the empire. This dish is necessary when we want to replenish the body from the cold or when we are recovering from altitude sickness. It is a nutritious dish and considered a good option for vegetarians.

Wheat or quinoa soup. This is one of the delights you can find in Cusco. They are light for consumption, do not burden digestion, and have great nutritional power. In addition to the typical dishes mentioned are the classic Cusco chicharrón, baked piglet and paw bramble.

KEEP READING