Free Cusco Food Tour

Free Cusco Food Tour – Markets, Culture & Local Flavors

Discover the authentic flavors, culture, and history of Cusco with Jose Martinez (Cusco Guide), an independent local guide who has been leading walking tours since 2016 and has completed more than 400 guided journeys to Machu Picchu.

Before large booking platforms became popular, Jose was already sharing Cusco’s Inca heritage, hidden streets, local traditions, scenic viewpoints, and authentic flavors through one of the city’s original Free Walking Tour experiences.

Walk along ancient Inca streets, admire remarkable stonework, explore traditional neighborhoods and local markets, and learn about the history, culture, and daily life of the former Inca capital. Depending on the departure time, enjoy food tastings, local traditions, and panoramic views in a relaxed small-group atmosphere.

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Daily Departures:

3:00 PM

Tour Style: Cultural, Food & Walking Tour

Highlights: Plaza de Armas, Inca streets, Inca Roca Palace, the Twelve-Angled Stone, llamas and alpacas, San Blas Market, seasonal fruit tastings, a ceviche demonstration or roasted guinea pig tasting. Pisco tasting and San Cristóbal Viewpoint with panoramic views of Cusco.

Tour Highlights & Itinerary

Plaza de Armas

Begin your journey in the heart of the former Inca capital. Learn about Inca history, colonial Cusco, local traditions, and the importance of food in Andean culture.

Intikijllu (Sun Street), Llamas & Alpacas

Walk along one of Cusco’s ancient Inca streets and meet llamas and alpacas, two of the most iconic animals of the Andes.

Inca Roca Palace

Discover the remarkable engineering of the Incas and admire giant stone blocks weighing up to 8 tons, perfectly fitted without mortar.

The Twelve-Angled Stone

Visit one of Cusco’s most famous Inca masterpieces and learn why this perfectly carved stone continues to impress architects and engineers worldwide.

San Blas Neighborhood

Explore Cusco’s artistic district, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, colonial architecture, and panoramic viewpoints.

San Blas Market & Seasonal Fruit Tastings

Visit a traditional neighborhood market and sample seasonal fruits while learning about native Andean ingredients.

Native Potato Tasting

Taste traditional fried native potatoes while discovering why Peru is considered the birthplace of the potato, with more than 4,000 native varieties.

Guinea Pig Tasting Experience

Learn about the cultural importance of guinea pig in the Andes and sample one of Peru’s most traditional dishes.

Tandapata & Siete Corderos (Seven Lambs) Street (3:00 PM tour only)

Walk through two of Cusco’s most authentic historic streets and discover local life beyond the main tourist routes.

Pisco Experience

Learn about Peru’s national spirit and enjoy an introduction to products.

San Cristóbal Viewpoint

End the tour with one of the best panoramic views of Cusco, overlooking the city’s red rooftops, colonial churches, and the surrounding Andes.

Reviews from Travelers

Travelers appreciate the authentic local perspective, market visits, cultural explanations, storytelling, and the opportunity to experience the real side of Cusco beyond traditional tourist routes.

Reserve Your "Free Cusco Food Tour"

Find Your Guide in Plaza de Armas

The meeting point is in front of the Inca Statue, located in the center of Plaza de Armas (Main Square) in Cusco.

Look for Jose Martinez (Cusco Guide) wearing a red “Free Walking Tour Cusco” or “Cusco Guide” T-shirt.

Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The tour begins promptly 5 minutes after the scheduled start time, and late arrivals may not be able to join the group.

Important Information

The experience works on a tips-based system
No pressure to purchase food during the market visit
Some tastings may vary depending on availability
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Small groups recommended for better interaction
Tour available in English

More Than a Food Tour

This experience is designed for travelers who want to understand how food, culture, history, and daily life connect in the Andes.

You will explore local markets, Inca streets, traditional ingredients, native potatoes, giant corn, local drinks, and cooking traditions while learning from local guides born and raised in Cusco.

The experience focuses on authentic culture, local storytelling, and real daily life instead of tourist restaurants.