Machu Picchu offers more than just archaeology and tourist attractions; it also boasts a world of food and drinks, including coffee, yes, good coffee. Finding a good cup of coffee in Machu Picchu could be difficult, as there are few and perhaps overlooked places where you can enjoy an elegant espresso, an aromatic americano, or a frothy cappuccino.
Below, we’ll discuss the famous and popular coffee, its rich culture, the people who produce it, and the importance of enjoying it.
From Bean to Cup: The Fascinating Journey of Peruvian Coffee
Peruvian coffee, a tradition passed down through generations nationwide, has reached its peak in the Andean Valleys of Peru. The high-quality production originates in the small farms of high-altitude farmers, where the beans are carefully cultivated and selected, guided by ancestral traditions. After a delicate process, toasting the beans is essential to develop a great aroma, transforming them into a unique experience. Each sip of coffee reveals the effort, dedication, and care that Peruvian farmers put into this product. A small cup of coffee is the first thing you’ll receive when visiting a producer’s home.
Among Mountains and Mist: How the Best Coffee in Peru Is Born
The history of coffee in Peru began between the 1740s and 1760s. Its adaptation and local consumption were fast and widespread, leading to massive national production in places like Chanchamayo. Peruvian coffee is characterized by its authentic texture and flavor; its high-quality production is identified by the region where it thrives best. The Andean cloudforest, also known as the high jungle, is the perfect environment for the development of Peruvian coffee. Currently, in addition to Chanchamayo, regions of Peru such as Cusco, Ayacucho, Amazonas, Huánuco, Cajamarca, San Martín, and Junín produce high-quality coffee for export.
Tasting Coffee in Machu Picchu: A Pleasure with a Sacred View
Tasting coffee in Machu Picchu becomes a unique experience, awakening your senses and opening your soul and palate. A cup of coffee amidst the mountains of Machu Picchu reveals the proximity where the beans are carefully cultivated. We are relatively close to the coffee plantations, and the aroma, plus the surrounding atmosphere, becomes a part of us. Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo offers perfect spots to enjoy a good cup of coffee; the scenery and tranquility are ideal for a truly memorable tasting.
Don’t miss the opportunity to find a good spot, the seats with views of the mountains and the Urubamba River at Full House Restaurant are the best, or perhaps, that one overlooking the daily bustle of Aguas Calientes, where every local smiles at you, waving their hand and saying, “Hola, ¿Cómo estás?”
A Guide to the Best Cafés in Cusco and the Andes of Machu Picchu
Through this article, we will mention some places where you can find the wonderful aroma of Peruvian coffee in the cities of Cusco and Machu Picchu. These are little-known or even undiscovered spots, but they absolutely deserve a visit.
Our list starts with La Valeriana, a spacious and welcoming café located in the heart of Cusco; the next is Orgánika, known for its artisanal coffee toasting; then there’s Jack’s Café, where the old and the new blend seamlessly; and finally, on our list, there is Yacumama Café, a quiet and enigmatic spot.
On the other hand, within the heart of Machu Picchu, one of the best places to enjoy a good Cusco coffee is Full House Machu Picchu. This spacious restaurant offers beautiful views, excellent service, and a diverse selection of desserts and snacks to perfectly complement your cup.
Well, we hope your reading time was accompanied by a good cup of coffee. Coffee is culture, it is tradition, and even more, it’s a great companion.
